Daniel Miessler wrote a short, easy to read, one page article on his blog yesterday that impressed me. He gives a very quick and extremely basic introduction to the Middle East and Islam that I think is valuable. Rather than quote it, I’ll simply suggest you click the link and take two or three minutes to read it.
In addition, I’ll quickly add a few facts about Morocco, which, while not in the Middle East, may still be of interest for some (or at least for me as I currently live in the Kingdom). Morocco is is about 60% Berber and about 40% Arab, and is Sunni Muslim (Maliki school, for those who know what that means) with some Sufism as well.
March 31st, 2008
I admit it. I have given a metric ton of different reasons for why I choose to use Linux. I have made lists. I’ve discussed tons of features. I’ve mentioned freedom.
Earlier this week I found a blog post in which the writer claims the real reason we use Linux is because it is fun. You know what? He’s right, at least as far as probing the real reason I use Linux.
This operating system has brought me back to my childhood, sitting in front of a computer with a flashing cursor just daring me to make it do something. There is very little that can compare or compete with the thrill of figuring out how to make this pile of electronics do something I want it to do, whether it is something practical or silly.
Yeah, it’s stable. It’s secure. It’s free as in freedom. I love all those things. The bottom line for me, though, is simple. It’s fun. I enjoy using it.
Thanks, Linus, for letting us all play along with your little educational toy that grew beyond anyone’s expectations. 
March 18th, 2008
I’m posting this here to remind me to share it with my non-Linux friends. This is a short, easy to read and understand article which gives enough detail to describe Linux accurately without being overwhelming. Maybe some who see my blog will think so too.
What’s this “Linux” thing and why should I try it?
March 13th, 2008
I haven’t been controversial enough recently, so I thought I would post a couple of musician jokes. I know there are other guitar/bass players in Ubuntuland. You should enjoy these. Feel free to post follow-ups, including guitar player slams in the comments (which have always been turned on for my blog). Yes, I know some of these are older than dirt. If any of them offend you, you are being too sensitive. Q: What’s the difference between a banjo and an onion? A: Nobody cries when you cut up a banjo.
Q: What’s the last thing a drummer says to his band members? A: “Hey guys I wrote a song!”
Q: What’s the difference between a trampoline and an accordion? A: You take your shoes off before you jump on a trampoline.
Q: How can you tell when there’s a lead singer knocking at your door? A: He doesn’t know when to come in.
Q: How many divas does it take to change a light bulb? A: One…she holds the bulb and the world revolves around her.
Q: How many bluegrass musicians does it take to change a light bulb? A: Four…one to do it and three to complain because it’s electric.
Q: How many sound men does it take to change a light bulb? A: Two…two…two
Q: Who plays with musicians? A: Drummers.
Q: How can you tell when the stage is level? A: The drummer drools out of both sides of his mouth at once.
Q: What is the definition of an optimist? A: A trombone player with a beeper.
Q: The quote you will never hear. A: There goes the trombone player in his new Porsche.
Q: A trombone player and a frog pass each other on the street. What is the difference between the two? A: The frog is probably on his way to a gig.
A musician dies and goes to Hell. He gets down there and, to his amazement, there is a wailing band just a-cookin’. He listens a while and then is asked to get up and jam. He does so and is having a blast. He is having the BEST time. After about three hours he begins to get a little tired and turns to the cat next to him and whispers, When do we take a break?
Another musician dies and goes to Heaven. St. Peter says, So…you’re a musician. Well we’ve got a pretty good band up here ourselves. Let me show you. The musician is ushered to a place where a wailing band is playing. He is flabbergasted. On guitar is Jimi Hendrix, on bass, Jaco Pastorius, drums, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie is blowing on the trumpet, Charlie Parker on sax, and Duke Ellington on piano. The musician says, Wow…this is great! St. Peter says, There’s just one problem…God’s got a girlfriend he thinks can sing.
Q: How can you tell if a roadie is dead? A: The doughnut falls out of his hand.
Q: What does New Age music sound like backwards? A: New Age music.
Alright, in all fairness… Q: How do you get a guitar player to turn down? A: Put a chart in front of him.
March 4th, 2008
I read an interesting article today at PCMag.org on their opinions on the best free software, meaning free as in cost. I was especially pleased to find that most of what they listed in their “Hall of Fame” section is also free as in liberty, and that the list includes Ubuntu.
March 4th, 2008
I found an enjoyable and amusing website today and thought I would share it with everyone. http://obsoleteskills.com/
I especially enjoyed the list of obsolete skills, complete with descriptions. Who knew I possessed so many, now rendered useless, bits of information and technical abilities. Here is a very short list of just a few of the items in the site that I am capable of doing and have done:
- Autoexec.bat editing
- Burnishing a cartridge connector with a pencil eraser to ensure a solid connection
- Changing vacuum tubes
- Cleaning head of a VCR
- Cleaning the balls inside a computer mouse for better traction
- Configuring Trumpet Winsock
- Config.sys editing
- Entering “freeware” programs from a magazine
- Finding channels on UHF
- Gopher
- Jumpers on a Motherboard
- Swapping floppy disks
- Switching to high beams by stomping on a button in the floor
- Using carbon paper to make copies
- Using a card catalogue
- Using correction fluid
- Using a filmstrip projector
- Word Perfect 5.x
I suddenly feel quite old, but wise.
March 2nd, 2008
