I noticed around the web that we have three community members celebrating birthdays today! Traci Toguchi, Frank Eliason and Drew Olanoff will all be blowing out candles today. Now, normally I’d say a simple “Happy Birthday!” and be done with it. However, realizing today is Drew’s birthday gave me pause, and made me think…

Six months ago, Drew completely sure what his future held. He was diagnosed with cancer back in May, and the fight began. He finished up his last Chemo treatment a week ago, and the doctors have given him the awesome news that his tumors are gone. He is free of that stupid disease, hopefully forever. He continues his fight against Cancer, with the support of many thousands of people… including Drew Carey. In order to help raise money for the Livestrong foundation, all you have to do is click that little “Follow” button on Drew Carey’s Twitter page. For every follower – up to one million – that Drew gets prior to midnight on New Year’s Eve, he will donate one more dollar. How cool is that?

Thinking about all of this, and Drew O’s birthday, kind of puts life into perspective a little, eh? It makes one remember to stop and be thankful for what we have… right here, right now. It makes us want to push ourselves a little harder to do the things we promised ourselves we would do. It makes us want to reach out and tell those we care about that we do, in fact, love them.

Cancer touches everyone. EVERYONE. In some way or another, your life will be affected by Cancer at some point. Even though Drew’s personal fight may have come to an end, the war has only begun. Keep doing your part in kicking Cancer’s ass, everyone. We won’t rest until we eradicate it for good.

Birthdays aren’t the only thing going on in our community today, as you know. All of you are busy posting and writing, sharing your thoughts and dreams. What have you read that was interesting or thought-provoking? If I missed something, please leave a follow-up comment and share it with the rest of us!

• Is there a new nVidia CPU forthcoming – or not?
• Do you know how to build your own Linux system?
• Murdoch tells Google that he’s taking his bat and going home.
• Can selling virtual products on the Internet become the next big success story?
• MSN Messenger is the largest occupier of online time – really?!
• What are the ins and outs of Cryogenics?
• Security is a wonderful thing!
• Finally, the iPhone is heading to Verizon.

Today in our downloads center, we have several excellent apps for Windows. Be sure to check them out!

• Chemotherapy Of Gynecologic Cancers Society Of Gynecologic Oncologists Handbook
• Handbook Of Cancer Chemotherapy
• Lippincott’s Cancer Chemotherapy Handbook
• Handbook of Breast Cancer Risk-Assessment (PDA/Win CE Software for download only)
• AJCC Cancer Staging Handbook & Calculator (Software for download)
• Handbook of Breast Cancer Risk-Assessment
• AJCC Cancer Staging Handbook: From the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual
• The Country Doctor Handbook: Old-fashioned Cures That Prevent Pain, Obsesity, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes and More
• Symptom Management Algorithms: A Handbook for Palliative Care

• The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth
• Windows 7 – Thumbs Up or Down?
• What Do You Read?
• Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick
• Are YOU a Social Media Geek?
• I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends
• Geeks can Dance!
• What’s Your Favorite Commercial?
• Do you Network Socially Too Much?
• These are a Few of My Favorite Things

There’s an old saying in the Bible or some book that I don’t even remember for sure. It says “And the Geeks shall inherit the Earth”. A friend of mine argued with me the other night, claiming that it’s supposed to be the meek shall inherit the Earth. I beg to differ. I know what it says, thank you very much. We all know it’s pure fact that Geeks are taking over the World, and that we will one day rule inherit the World. Why haven’t you given in and joined us yet? You know you’re going to have to!

Seriously, being a Geek is an amazing thing. Geeks are not just computer guru’s, you know. A Geek is anyone who is passionate about something, whether it’s computers, motorcycles, or even gardening. Using this definition, it’s easier to imagine Geeks one day making a huge difference in this World of ours. What am I saying? We already have. Look at some of the strides in medicine, technology and science in just the past few years. There are an astounding number of new inventions, cures and gadgets on a daily basis.

If you could change the World somehow, make an impact so to speak, what would it be? Just imagine for a few moments that you have the brains/money/power to change any one thing. What would you do?

While you’re contemplating, make sure you take the time to check out what others are up to in our community!

• Namco is bringing big money to iPhone games.
• Would a search deal hurt the competition?
• Backing up and restoring your date in Windows 7 is a simple matter.
• Teach them to gamble… yeah, that’s the ticket.
• Save money when traveling with the AAA Discount App from iTunes.
• The Microsoft-Yahoo deal leaves developers unaffected.
• What was the top Smartphone in Q2? Surprise… it wasn’t the iPhone.
• Are you a good technology teacher?
• Where’s your favorite place to buy Geeky clothing?

• I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends
• Are You a Victim of Wanderlust?
• What 100 Things Will Your Child Probably Never Know?
• These are a Few of My Favorite Things
• Stretch Yourself
• How Has Social Media Changed Your Life?
• Is There More to Life than Gnomedex?
• What Brightens up Your Day?
• Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick
• Are YOU a Social Media Geek?

Two companies are turning “Black Friday” Pink. CompUSA and TigerDirect are doing an event this Friday, Nov. 28 to brand the day as “Pink Friday” for the second year in a row. They expect to raise more than $250,000 from a portion of total sales and from customer donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. They are partnering with Ustream to deliver a live stream of the event. They will have the live stream on all the TVs in their stores, as well as on CompUSA and TigerDirect’s website, as well as on Ustream.

CompUSA and TigerDirect wanted to see if I would be interested in recording a quick video clip to say hi, put in a few words about the cause, and acknowledge the efforts to raise money for breast
cancer / Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I might even participate live on Friday, too.

The good news? CompUSA and TigerDirect are willing to make contributions to Susan G. Komen in our names for $5,000 since I’m participating (our names = those of you who subscribe to my RSS feed, podcast, YouTube channel, Twitter posts, etc.). So, thanks guys… for helping make this happen (as opposed to the way I said it in the video, as “help making this happen”).

• When is Your Birthday?
• The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth
• Gamers Raising Money for Charity through Gaming Marathons
• Derek Miller’s Cancer Story
• Spam is Cancer: Cancer Spam?

I received a very interesting email recently from Cody, who goes by the name of Ninboycl in our chat room. He wanted to let me know about a very cool charity. I like the idea behind it so much, I had to pass it on for all of you to check out.

I am a follower of this group called TheSpeedGamers. They play video game marathons for charities that are in their area, and are in need of money. They have done a few of these marathons, but there are a few problems. They’re having a hard time getting publicity for the marathons, seemingly because they are promoting it for charities that aren’t well-known. They tried many times to gain publicity on well-known sites with high traffic. I was just wondering maybe you could mention them in one of your videos or blogs to possibly get more viewers for their upcoming 72 hour Metroid Marathon for St. Judes cancer fund starting on Friday, August 15 at 6pm CST. It would be great for publicity for upcoming marathons… and to boost their donations. I thought I would ask you as I know almost 80% of your audience (including me) are gamers, and it would be great if they could see this.

Cody, I am more than happy to pass along information about this wonderful group of gamers. Now THIS is what community is all about. TheSpeedGamers do gaming marathons to raise money for various charities. In their first marathon they raised $1090 for St. Jude. The second marathon they raised $1355 for Giggles Therapy, one of their local Autism organizations.

Keep up the great work, everyone. And to all of you reading this post… why not do what you can to help raise money for St. Jude’s? It’s an amazing organization, helping thousands of children every year.

• Windows 7 – Better for Gamers?
• An Insider’s Look at the New Game Aion
• Is This the Ultimate Game Controller?
• How to Play Games and Get Free Stuff
• Brain Toniq
• What is the Gamer’s Bill of Rights?
• Xbox 360 Secrets
• MMORPG Etiquette
• Tips for Girl Gamers
• Are You a First Person Shooter N00b?

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

http://live.pirillo.com/ – Derek is your typical Gnomedex geek, and last year wrote the Gnomedex theme song. Unfortunately, he could not join us in person this year. Instead, he comes to us from his bed… where he likes being a floating head on a screen.

Derek Miller is not only a Geek and a funny guy… he is a man of great strength and courage. Earlier this year, at the age of only 38, he was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Most men are never even tested for this disease until they reach age 50 or so. After a small surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and then a large surgery… the cancer has metastasized into small tumors in his lungs. Unfortunately, Derek has lost around 50 pounds, and cannot go through chemo again until he gains some weight. Since his health isn’t what it should be… and he wears out so easily… we were able to set up a live feed for him to talk to us from his home. Yes, he really was in his bed!

I don’t know that I could be as strong and positive as what Derek is. I am a very “out there” person, always putting myself in public, so to speak. However, I’m not sure I could talk about what was happening to my life and my body as Derek has. He has blogged all the way through his illness. A point Derek makes during the interview is that “the Internet does not isolate you or make you a hermit. It does the exact opposite. Because of the Internet… and my blog, specifically… I have gotten support, sympathy and advice from people I would have never gotten to come into contact with otherwise”. By blogging all the details, not only has he gained that network of support, he has also been able to spread awareness of what Colon Cancer is (and the importance of listening to your body when something isn’t quite right), and also to keep his family and friends up-to-date on his progress.

Thankfully, Derek hasn’t let the cancer become him, nor has he become “The Cancer Patient”. Instead, he does what he can to keep living his life. He watches a tv show, goes out when he is strong enough, and writes in his blog. He also produces free podsafe instrumentals. It’s crucial when you are facing an illness such as this that you don’t let your entire life be consumed by the disease, the treatments, the doctors.

I know I speak for all of the Gnomedex attendees… and probably every person who reads one of my sites or watches this video… when I say our hearts, thoughts, prayers and wishes are with you and your family, Derek.

Want to embed this video in your blog? Use this code:

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• When is Your Birthday?
• The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth
• Pink Friday
• Gamers Raising Money for Charity through Gaming Marathons
• Spam is Cancer: Cancer Spam?

Not sure why I’m suddenly starting to get junk email about metastatic colorectal cancer, but… is there an epidemic I don’t know about?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) you might want to take some time to learn as much as you can about this condition and how to stay actively involved through the course of treatment. Facing MCRC is a program that provides you with access to reliable information about colorectal cancer and its treatment options. Facing MCRC can also help you talk with your doctor and care team about your condition and ways to manage your treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Normally, I wouldn’t see this kind of junk mail – but I’ve been relying on Outlook’s lackluster spam filter (instead of my trusty SpamBayes). Dunno. I understand getting spam about lifestyle pills and whatnot, but isn’t spam about cancer taking it a bit too far?

• Todd Friesen – Confessions of a Reformed Spammer
• When is Your Birthday?
• Windows Security Software
• Spam Musubi Recipe
• The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth
• Have You Ever Tasted McSpam?
• Spam Increases Along with Security Issues
• Top-Rated Firewall Back by Request
• Stop Spam from Reaching Your Computer
• Pink Friday