This is a very interesting way of finding the speed of light. Finding the Speed of Light with Marshmallows
Archive for April, 2004
IMAP and LDAP
Apr 30
Baen .torrents
Apr 30
The Baen book CDs are available for download as Bit Torrent files. So far Baen is definitely the standard to which other ebook publishers have to measure up. (via Boing Boing)
Sliding Doors of CSS
Apr 27
Sliding Doors of CSS: A List Apart looks like an interesting design for website navigation.
N O G G I N
Apr 21
Here’s a site for preschoolers that might appeal to my kids, if ever I can convince them that a mouse is not a yo-yo or a tug-of-war rope. Mostly their computer sits about waiting for me to repair it until I feel bad enough about it to put it all back together, then two days later they’ve trashed it again.
Book Title Game
Apr 20
Change one letter in a book title and you get a whole new story. I’ll have to think about this one a bit before coming up with any of my own.
Deciding what to watch
Apr 19
We don’t have an extensive DVD collection to watch, but maybe this system would help us decide what to rent. Mind you, I don’t think the clerks would appreciate us leaving a pile of videos that we’ve pulled off the shelf and rejected.
I found AML’s comment about Scoble’s post on persuasion worth refelcting on. I fear that I am an unsophisticated consumer for pretty much everything. Good enough is good enough for me. The exception is when I get burned on a fairly major purchase. Then I’ll do a lot more research before buying such a thing (and I won’t buy the same brand again).
Why I am a Mediocre Parent
Apr 14
The section on Why I am a Mediocre Parent rings true to me. I’m always off in my own world, particularly when I’m not interested in what’s going on around me. That’s one of the reasons I like to read, so that my brain is always full of things to think about.
Free Boardgames
Apr 12
I don’t remember playing any of these games, but they look like games that I played back when. I’m going to take a look at them to see if there’s some that might appeal. Download The Classic Heritage Dwarfstar Boardgames For Free
Easter Prayer
Apr 12
Now here’s an Easter prayer that’s far too appropriate for me.
The Story About the Baby
Apr 10
If you want to know what being a parent is really like, read The Story About the Baby. I’ve been reading this since before Alec was born, and it’s very accurate. Very funny, but very true. This should be required reading for all non-perfect parents. I’d really like to see what Vogel would have to say about two kids. Mind you, then he probably wouldn’t have time to write. If you don’t want to do a lot of reading, read The Three Main Reasons Being A Parent Sucks, especially if you don’t have kids yet.
The Two Things
Apr 9
I found this via Geekpress. The Two Things is an interesting way of focusing on what’s important in a subject. I’m going to have to think about what the two things about Agriculture would be. I’d say the two things about programming are:
1. The computer does exactly what you tell it to do
2. Saying exactly what you mean is hard.
Smoke
Apr 8
I’ll have to remember this one for Justin. He’s often remarked on the oddity of the fact that the authorities burn the marihuana they confiscate.
Sailor Jim ’s a.c. Posts
Apr 7
Something reminded me of Sailor Jim’s stories, so I did a search to see which of them I could find. I’ve always wanted to read alt.callahans, but I’ve never been motivated enough to track down a newsreader I liked. Anyhow here are links to some funny and fascinating stories, as well as a link to his book that I’ve just ordered. He is truly a fine storyteller.
Sailor Jim ’s a.c. Posts
A story about a psychiatrist and his unusual patient.
Naked Through the Snow a very funny story.
Sailor Jim’s Livejournal
Ming the Mechanic pointed to this list of laws. There’s some interesting reading here. Good place to start thinking about a variety of subjects, particularly science and what it is exactly.
Saskatoon By Night
Apr 7
Jaimie is generally interested in vampires, so I bought her the core book for Vampire: The Masquerade for her birthday. Saskatoon By Night seems to have some good tips on playing the various clans. I still haven’t read through the rulebook, but maybe at some point I’ll set up a game for her. Mind you, with the whole Gehena thing, by the time we get to playing a new edition will doubtless be out. I really doubt we’d do live action – we’d probably stick to tabletop. Maybe I can find her an online game.
Callie has problems falling and staying asleep. This might be worth checking out. Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems
Nubile Cuddle Pumpkin
Apr 6
Jaimie loves it when I come up with original pet names for her, and now thanks to
Davezilla I’ll never run out.
Adventuring Advice
Apr 5
In light of this weekend’s activities, here are some tips for adventuring. I particularly liked post 21 in the Enworld discussion.
Veteran Advice
Enworld:Rules of dungeon crawling