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Why Isn’t Marijuana Legal?
Let me get this straight, America:
- It’s perfectly fine to sell alcohol to adults
- It’s perfectly fine to sell tobacco to adults
- It’s perfectly fine to market “pharmaceutical” drugs to anybody
- It’s perfectly fine for us to consume mass amounts of caffeine
- It’s perfectly fine to put trans fats in products
- It’s perfectly fine for us to get our kids addicted to sugar
…but marijuana still isn’t legal?
Give me a freakin’ break man. Are we still living in the early 1900s here?! If the evening news was full of videos like the following, I’d certainly be tuning in a helluva lot more (and maybe, just maybe, light up my first MarcCanter doobie in the process):
What are ISO and RAR Files?
http://live.pirillo.com/ - RAR, ZIP, ARC, ISO: they’re all different types of compressed files floating around the internet. LesterMorrow asks "what are ISO and RAR files and how do I use them?"
ISO and RAR files are archives. The most common type of archive files people run into are ZIP files, but there are other formats, including tar.gz, hqx, and 7z.
Most archived files compress the information they contain and make it easier to store and transfer over a network.
ISO files are disk images, in most cases CD or DVD, which contain an uncompressed image that you can burn with a burning program, such a Roxio Easy Media Creator.
Save 10% at Roxio when you use the coupon code: Lockergnome07
You can use several programs to decompress archived files.
WinRAR is the defacto standard for decompressing archived files:
WinRAR is a powerful archive manager. It can backup your data and reduce size of email attachments, decompress RAR, ZIP and other files downloaded from Internet and create new archives in RAR and ZIP file format. You may try WinRAR before buy, its trial version is available in downloads.
IZArc is a great alternative to WinRAR with a good user interface and supports an insane number of archive formats:
IZArc is the ultimate freeware archive utility supporting many archive formats like: 7-ZIP, A, ACE, ARC, ARJ, B64, BH, BIN, BZ2, BZA, C2D, CAB, CDI, CPIO, DEB, ENC, GCA, GZ, GZA, HA, IMG, ISO, JAR, LHA, LIB, LZH, MDF, MBF, MIM, NRG, PAK, PDI, PK3, RAR, RPM, TAR, TAZ, TBZ, TGZ, TZ, UUE, WAR, XXE, YZ1, Z, ZIP, ZOO.
With a modern easy-to-use interface, IZArc provides support for most compressed and encoded files, as well as access to many powerful features and tools.
7-Zip is the standard in the open source community:
7-Zip is open source software. Most of the source code is under the GNU LGPL license. The AES code is under a BSD LICENSE. The unRAR code is under a mixed license: GNU LGPL + unRAR restrictions.
You can use 7-Zip on any computer, including a computer in a commercial organization. You don’t need to register or pay for 7-Zip.
What program do you use to view your archived files?
Want to embed the ISO & RAR: they’re ZIPtastic! video on your blog or website? Use this code:
What is a KVM Switch?
http://live.pirillo.com/ - Controlling multiple computers from one workstation can be difficult and often requires some special tools. KVM - Keyboard Video Mouse - hardware and software allows you to have one set of peripherals control multiple machines.
Should you got with hardware or software? Ultimately your hardware setup is going to decide what solution you use.
Hardware switches allow you to switch between machines with a press of a button on your keyboard. Often times you simply press "scroll lock" twice and your KVM will switch between machines.
VNC allows you to control another machine on your current machine. It’s almost as if you were running a Virtual Machine on your computer in that you have a program open on your computer which controls a remote computer.
Synergy is a little more seamless than VNC because it allows you to use one keyboard and one mouse to control multiple machines, all of which are connected to their own monitors. It allows you to control those machines as if you had a multiple monitor setup.
Synergy lets you easily share a single mouse and keyboard between multiple computers with different operating systems, each with its own display, without special hardware. It’s intended for users with multiple computers on their desk since each system uses its own monitor(s).
Redirecting the mouse and keyboard is as simple as moving the mouse off the edge of your screen. Synergy also merges the clipboards of all the systems into one, allowing cut-and-paste between systems. Furthermore, it synchronizes screen savers so they all start and stop together and, if screen locking is enabled, only one screen requires a password to unlock them all.
Multiplicity allows you to do something similar to Synergy:
Multiplicity is a new program that lets you control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse.
If you’ve ever used a multiple monitor equipped PC, then you can imagine how Multiplicity works. Each monitor is connected to its own PC. When the user moves the mouse over to a given monitor, the user is then controlling that PC.
What do you use to control multiple machines?
Want to embed the Keyboard Video Mouse Switches video on your blog or website? Use this code:
Mighty Mouse vs Microsoft Laser Mouse 8000
http://live.pirillo.com - A wireless mouse is a beautiful thing, but what mouse is perfect for you? JC asks why Chris got a mighty mouse and if Chris could "point" him in the right direction. How lame.
Chris has been happily using the Mighty Mouse, but also enjoys his Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 8000.
Apple has the design and elegance going for it, as well as the "tech coolness" factor in only having one button yet being able to right click. The scroll wheel is also much more comfortable than on his PC mouse. It’s for all of those reasons that Chris likes the Mighty Mouse over most of his other peripherals.
Webboy posted a video response claiming that you cannot right click with the Mighty Mouse, but Chris disagrees: you can right click with the Mighty Mouse, even though it only has one button. All you need to do is configure it correctly.
Chris prefers to use the Laser Mouse 8000 on his PC mainly because it’s made for the PC.
What mouse do you use?
Want to embed the Of Men and Mice video on your blog or website? Use this code:
Invisible Folders
http://live.pirillo.com/ - Chris is a maniacal tweaker when it comes to Windows. From desktop wallpaper all thy way to totally replacing his shell, he loves to customize his system to fit his tastes. This time he may have gone a little too far when he created an invisible folder in Windows Vista.
To get an "invisible folder" you need to do two things:
- Rename the folder to an invisible character. You can do this by renamed the folder and using ALT+0160. You should now have a folder without a name.
- To get rid of the icon right click on the folder, select properties, go to customize, and change the icon to a blank icon.
- You now have an invisible folder!
In order to delete the folder you’ll need to rename it in the command prompt by typing:
ren " " foldername
That’s not a space in between the quotes. You need to press ALT+1060. You’ll then be able to delete the folder.
What tweaks do you use on Windows?
Want to embed the Invisible Folders video on your blog or website? Use this code:
Compact Fluorescent Lights
http://live.pirillo.com/ - Some people consider compact fluorescent light bulbs to be inefficient, while others see them as a long-life replacement from regular incandescent bulbs. Cheaper than LEDs and longer lasting than traditional bulbs, these lights often find themselves on the shopping list of people who need to replace worn out bulbs.
We have a wealth of resources here at Lockergnome covering the Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb:
- What is a Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb?
- The Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Lifespan
- How to Save Money with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Tips for Buying Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
In this video, Dan from Technobabble discusses how to properly dispose of these light bulbs, since they do contain mercury (a hazardous substance.)
How do you deal with your fluorescent light bulbs, or do you use them at all?
Want to embed the Compact Florescent Bulbs video on your blog or website? Use this code:
I Purchased an Optimus Maximus keyboard
The Optimus Maximus keyboard should be on its way in time for… Christmas 2027. Actually, I’ve been assured that it’ll ship out at some point in the next… decade. No matter, I’ve placed an order for what will likely be known as the most expensive keyboard in the history of the world.
“Why?!”
I keep asking myself the same question.
I’ve had to sell more than my fair share of extra gadgets around here (and believe you me, I have plenty more gizmos to go). So, it’s not like I’m spending that amount of money outright! They’re not sending it to me as a review unit, believe you me. Oh, and if anybody wants to buy any of my older tech crap (hardware, software, etc.), let me know. I’ll have to put together a “Keyboard Fund Shopping List” soon, eh?
Okay, even if you don’t wanna buy my stuff, there’s always Craigslist.
Yes, Ponzi knows what I’m doing. Yes, I’m crazy for doing it. Yes, I’m going to have the coolest keyboard on my block (if not city). Yes, I’ll show it off at every given opportunity. Yes, I’m hoping it’ll be nicer than my aluminum keyboard. Yes, I’m hoping that it’ll last forever (but I’m not holding my breath). Yes, I’ll be keeping everybody posted with progress reports and updates from Artlebedev.com. Yes, I’ll take photos. Yes, I’ll use it on my live video stream. Yes, I really need to sell old software and hardware (legitimately purchased) to help cover the costs for this keyboard.
Yes, I can’t wait.
illuminated keyboardStar Wars 3D Animated Cartoon
I’d consider myself a Star Wars fan, insofar as I want the prequels stricken from canon with due speed. Petty differences aside, there’s a new animated Star Wars series on the galaxy’s horizon. Actually, there are two Star Wars cartoons on their way - and I’m wagering that the fan-based tales will be far better than the ones written by Lucasfilm.
First, let’s take a look at what the fans are working on (and, mind you, the Lucaslawyers are likely going to take this first video down within a matter of weeks, if not days). I’m merely embedding the video, not having uploaded it to my own account:
Now, let’s embed the official Star Wars cartoon… oh wait - you can’t. Rebel scum, indeed.
star wars cartoonStudent Loans from the Military
I’m gonna keep this particular email anonymous for the time being, if only because the writer agrees that Student Loan industry (INDUSTRY!?) is broken. His message gave me pause, as my father also joined the military (Marines) to help pay for his own college education. My dad’s a Vietnam vet - and while he’s proud to have served his country in such a fashion, it’s always been a touchy subject.
Here’s that email:
My story is a little different, in that I had a pretty low loan balance.
But not by choice…
I started my university journey at 28, via a veterans rehab program. This covered my tuition and books, plus gave me a $330/month stipend. At that age I had already purchased a house. The stipend barely covered the house payment. I had been working steadily before college, and had a good part time job as a computer tech lined up.
A student loan would have been great to cover the ‘just in case’ expenses, but…
I couldn’t qualify, I made too much money. Plus, at my age, the whole ‘parental contribution’ aspect was ludicrous (actually, it always was). In my junior year, I quit the good paying job to focus on my studies (Electrical Engineering junior year is brutal). After one year of not making it financially (and almost having the house repossessed), I qualified for a $3000 loan….
I completely agree that the system is broken.
So, what if the Internet started serving as a University? No books, no exorbitant tuition, local meetups for affinity groups, teleconferencing, etc. Sounds crazy, but at least that idea is more realistic than setting yourself up for a financial catastrophe.
student loansDual Monitor Display Increases Productivity
I’m tellin’ ya - if you haven’t gone dual, you’re not ready to rule.
Someone who goes by the handle “imafrayedknot” left a comment for my Dual Monitor vs Single Screen video:
Productivity is about more than just the brute number of pixels. Using multiple monitors allows me to efficiently organize my desktop resources by using each screen as a partition. I use this triple monitor display.
With 2 monitors you would have a black bezel right in the middle of your line of sight between the two monitors. Three monitors eliminates this problem. Furthermore I’ve found that my personal workflow is natively three pronged - I put my central focus task up in the middle 21.3″ screen and support it with resources on the two rotated wing displays. I run photoshop or dreamweaver in the middle, with firefox on the left and internet explorer on the right, or outlook on one side, a spreadsheet on the other and word in the middle. It just helps me synthesize information efficiently. I love it and would never consider going back…It would be like working with one eye closed or something.
Once singletons see any two screens (or more) in action on the same machine, they’re always jealous. It’s not the size of the monitor that matters, it’s what you… nevermind.
Loose Change Treasure Map
Heh. Sydney Patrick from Porter Novelli has been doing his homework, Seeing that I’ve been writing a lot lately about financial matters, he sent me a note earlier today about a product I’ve already had the pleasure of using:
I saw your internet broadcast that you and Ponzi did on Money Management and loved hearing Ponzi’s story about you throwing your pennies away! I thought you two might be interested in checking out this Treasure Map that Coinstar put together that will lead you to all the hidden wealth in your house. I would love to hear how much change you and Ponzi end up finding! If you are interested I would happy to send you the actual treasure map to check out for your treasure hunt, just let me know which address you would like for me to send it to.
Yeah, I’ve used Coinstar before - and would recommend it, with a caveat (don’t exchange your change for cash directly, but for one of the selected gift certificates, instead - that way, you don’t get charged a convenience fee).
Discovering hidden wealth is a fantasy most have only day-dreamed about. And, with tales similar to Treasure Island - packed with adventure, buried treasure and maps with dotted lines and big red X’s - our curiosity continuously spins into overdrive. Now, that day-dream can become a reality with the treasure map I’ve attached for you. Unbeknownst to most, there’s more than $10 billion in loose change hiding in approximately 80 percent of households across the U.S. waiting to be discovered. So take your map and join in the quest to find the hidden wealth in your house today.
I believe it. I won’t be chucking any more pennies, man. Lesson learned. Now, if only I had $10 billion in change lying around here!
If you’re lucky, beyond finding the roughly $90 of loose change estimated to accumulate in the average U.S. household, you might even locate other hidden treasures like the TV remote, keys, earrings you thought were lost, or you might literally find a huge jar of change like one Coinstar user from Virginia did when he lifted up a floorboard in his basement. Once you’ve filled your jar, discover how rich you are by cashing in your loot at your local Coinstar® Center. For free coin counting, opt for gift cards or e-certificates from retailers…
Just did Coinstar last week at a local grocery store, and… had almost $300 in change. Wow. Thank goodness there aren’t any Pirates of the Pacific Northwest, or I may have been looted on my way back to the ship car.
Roxio Coupons / Sonic Coupons / Video Editing Software Coupons
After talking about the “best” video editing software, I asked my friend with a connection to Roxio and Sonic to see if he could score everyone a coupon (or any kind of discount) for their software.
How about a 10% off site-wide coupon - for anything that Sonic / Roxio offers? Yeah, just use either one of these coupon codes: Lockergnome07 or lockergnome07 (exclusive to my friends). Here are some more Roxio Coupons to check out:
For most of my (basic) needs, I stick with Windows Movie Maker - but when it comes time to do more hardcore editing, Roxio is quickly supplanting my old favorite (Nero).
Is Debt Consolidation Dumb?
You know, I wonder if there’s a financial echo chamber (much like there’s a tech echo chamber)? I’ve never really written that much about finances in the past, but I’d imagine that credit and debt are much more important subjects to master than hardware and software. Hey, this is a personal blog - so just about anything goes. I can’t think of anything more personal than this right now, if only because Ponzi and I have dealt with debt most of our lives (and are facing a mortgage payment with our new house).
I wish I had made better decisions when I was younger, and I guess that’s why I’ve been spending so much time writing about credit and debt recently. Young men come in and out of our chat room and ask me questions like “what’s your favorite mouse” and “which is better, NVIDIA or ATI?” So, maybe a little bit of financial advise would do ‘em good? If only so they may be able to afford a new video card every once in a while. ;)
From earlier threads, Roger Wong added the following clarification:
“Debt is dumb” if you are using it to buy things you can’t afford. Using debt to make more money than the debt is owed is smart. =) If you have a 3.9% loan and put that money into an ING Orange Account (4.9% interest), you would make more than you have to pay in interest monthly. My thoughts.
Charles Williams:
To quote Dave Ramsey, “Debt is Dumb”. I attacked all of my debt mercilessly. I even took on a second job (delivering pizzas in a nice neighborhood) to get an extra $500 or so a month to put directly to debt. It takes a bit of pride swallowing, but debt will destroy your future. The average Japanese adult saves 18% of his post tax income. The average American saves -6%. Think about that.
Peter Wyro:
Practical approach. First of all, debt is debt. The lower the interest rate, the better the debt. The way that I treated my student loans was just like any other debt: auto loans, mortgages, credit cards - I divided the total amount available to pay on debts every month, according to the interests rates being charged to me (obviously including the minimums on all debts). If my student loan was 6% and my credit card was 10% and I had $1,000 a month to pay on debts - the student loan got the minimum and the credit card got the most.
Okay, so to put a tech spin on it (for those who feel that I’m less human just because I’m a geek): I don’t like buying new hardware to replace old hardware unless I can find a way to offset the costs of the new hardware. Meaning, I try to sell my old stuff before acquiring new stuff. Not only does it keep my closet clean - but it also makes my pocketbook happier.
Debt ConsolidationTivo vs MythTV vs Windows Media Center
http://live.pirillo.com/ - DVRs and PVRs, which are basically the same thing, allow you to watch Television whenever you want to, instead of when they’re broadcast: you simply record the program and play it back when you want to.
Corey in the chat room wanted to know what the best DVR is: Tivo, Windows Media Center, or MythTV?
Chris uses the Comcast branded DVR but that’s because it makes it easier for him to record his cable shows for playback. What’s best for you, however, depends on what you want to do with it.
If you’re a fan of open source, you’ll probably be happy with MythTV:
MythTV is a homebrew PVR project that I’ve been working on in my spare time. It’s been under heavy development for almost four years, and is now quite useable and featureful.
If you want to synchronize your video files with a portable device, you’ll be happier with Tivo, which allows you to port the Tvio-to-go files:
Your TiVo box, powered by the amazing TiVo service, automatically finds and digitally records all of your favorite shows, every time they’re on. Every episode of your favorite series. Every Coppola movie. Every home improvement program. Even Dora cartoons! Whatever you choose. All while you’re out living life. Plus, only TiVo lets you watch your favorite shows any time, anywhere.
Microsoft also offers Windows Media Center, which offers a familiar interface:
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 powers the all-in-one PC and entertainment center for your entire home. Get all the advanced computing power of Windows XP and enjoy your favorite entertainment on your PC - watch DVDs, record TV, listen to music, share your digital photos, and more.
Snapstream makes BeyondTV, which gives you the full capabilities of a DVR system while running under Windows:
Record and watch TV with your PC. Gain control over your entertainment experience. With Beyond TV, you determine what you want to watch and when you want to watch it. With incredible features and extensive setting options, TV is under your control.
What DVR/PVR do you use?
If you want to embed the Best DVR? video on your blog, simply use this code:
How to Disable UAC
http://live.pirillo.com/ - UAC, User Account Control, can be pretty annoying for a power user, especially when you’re asked "deny or allow" every five minutes. On top of that it has a very annoying "donk" sound that could annoy the dead.
Thakfully, there’s a simple way to disable UAC:
- Go to Control Panel
- Open User Accounts
- Remove the checkmark from the "turn user account control on/off" section
- UAC is now disabled!
Remember: UAC is there for your own safety, as it can help protect you, so it is recommended that you keep it on. Do not disable UAC unless you know what you are doing.
Oh, and don’t run as administrator all the time, like Chris does. It can open you up to a plethora of nasty problems.
If you want to embed the Using Vista’s UAC vide on your blog, use this code:
