Here's a NY Times review of Richard Wrangham's book, Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human. Wrangham puts forth the idea that the harnessing of fire and eating cooked food played major roles in humans evolving to what we are today.
I haven't quite seen this idea expressed before, and I'm quite interested in obtaining this book.
For an except, see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/books/excerpt-catching-fire.html?_r=1&ref=books. Here's a tidbit:
Our ancestors therefore responded to the advent of cooking by biologically adapting to cooked food. Cooking re-shaped our anatomy, physiology, ecology, life-history, psychology and society. Signals in our bodies indicate that this dependence arose not just some tens of thousands of years ago, or even a few hundred thousand, but right back at the beginning of our time on earth; at the start of human evolution, by the habiline that became Homo erectus. ...
Claudia Dreifus spoke with Wrangham: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/science/21conv.html?ref=books.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Blind Woman and a Camera
I work in a photo lab, where I also sell digital cameras.
Yesterday, I had one of my more interesting experiences. A blind woman, accompanied by a helper and a seeing-eye dog, came in to purchase a camera for herself.
Yes, I sold a camera to a blind woman.
No kidding.
It would never have occurred to me that something like this would happen on this job.
She was fairly knowledgeable about computers, memory cards, etc. I sold her a memory card reader and a memory card and a camera bag. She bought a FujiFilm camera. She asked for recommendations, and I didn't really know what to recommend, so I told her that my first digital camera, purchased back in 2001, was a FujiFilm camera, and that it had held up so well that I purchased another one last year. She was an oriental woman and had heard of Fuji and knew that they made good cameras. I put one in her hands that was a particularly well-built camera, the FujiFilm Z30. It's sort of the latest in the same line as my original camera, with a sliding front cover that you can close when you aren't using the camera, to protect the lens. These are sturdy cameras that can survive being dropped -- I know that from experience!
I sold her the orange one.
I have no idea how she's going to manage to take good photos -- how does a blind person focus on the subject? But, she left quite happy.
Yesterday, I had one of my more interesting experiences. A blind woman, accompanied by a helper and a seeing-eye dog, came in to purchase a camera for herself.
Yes, I sold a camera to a blind woman.
No kidding.
It would never have occurred to me that something like this would happen on this job.
She was fairly knowledgeable about computers, memory cards, etc. I sold her a memory card reader and a memory card and a camera bag. She bought a FujiFilm camera. She asked for recommendations, and I didn't really know what to recommend, so I told her that my first digital camera, purchased back in 2001, was a FujiFilm camera, and that it had held up so well that I purchased another one last year. She was an oriental woman and had heard of Fuji and knew that they made good cameras. I put one in her hands that was a particularly well-built camera, the FujiFilm Z30. It's sort of the latest in the same line as my original camera, with a sliding front cover that you can close when you aren't using the camera, to protect the lens. These are sturdy cameras that can survive being dropped -- I know that from experience!
I sold her the orange one.
I have no idea how she's going to manage to take good photos -- how does a blind person focus on the subject? But, she left quite happy.
My "ComputerLog"
When it comes to working with computers, I'm the type that needs to write everything down. At work, I keep a journal of everything that I do on the computers, and I find myself referring to these notes over and over again.
At home, I started doing the same thing several years ago. I had a notebook where I tried to write down anything important that I was doing on my computers. I ended up copying everything into a Word document. Later, I started using OpenOffice for my word processing, and these journals evolved into a series of "ComputerLog" documents; I start a new one each year.
These documents are tremendously important to me, especially ever since I started using Linux, and I refer back to them all the time. I typically use OpenOffice's Find & Replace function to search out topics that I need to read about, or to see what steps I've taken in the past to accomplish something.
Thus, my current document is called ComputerLog2009.odt.
I don't know how other folks keep everything straight, but I highly recommend this or a some similar approach to anyone who uses a computer. Writing everything down and keeping good notes makes life with computers much easier.
At home, I started doing the same thing several years ago. I had a notebook where I tried to write down anything important that I was doing on my computers. I ended up copying everything into a Word document. Later, I started using OpenOffice for my word processing, and these journals evolved into a series of "ComputerLog" documents; I start a new one each year.
These documents are tremendously important to me, especially ever since I started using Linux, and I refer back to them all the time. I typically use OpenOffice's Find & Replace function to search out topics that I need to read about, or to see what steps I've taken in the past to accomplish something.
Thus, my current document is called ComputerLog2009.odt.
I don't know how other folks keep everything straight, but I highly recommend this or a some similar approach to anyone who uses a computer. Writing everything down and keeping good notes makes life with computers much easier.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Latest and Greatest
I run a multi-boot, all-Linux set-up, with Debian, Mepis, Mint, and Ubuntu, but with the exception of Mepis (currently using Mepis 8), I haven't kept up with the latest versions of each distro.
With Debian, I'm sticking with the "Stable" version, currently Debian Lenny. Debian Testing sounds fine -- my buddy ComputerBob has been using it, with few problems. But Lenny will remain as the "Stable" version for a few years, and I don't plan to change anything until then.
Mint and Ubuntu put out LTS (Long-Term Service) versions. The last of these were Mint Elyssa and Ubuntu Hardy; these will be supported for a few more years yet. Since then, Mint has released Felicia, and this week, Gloria. Ubuntu has come out with Intrepid and Jaunty, and will release Karmic Koala later this year.
Mepis has no long-term version, and it isn't a "rolling release," so I go with each new release with that distro. I'll keep doing so for as long as it remains a solid distro on my machines.
I'm happy to see things continuing to move forward, but have no desire to try to keep up. Next year, I plan to install Mepis 9 when it comes out, but barring something unforeseen, perhaps hard drive failures or any new computers falling into my lap, I should be sticking with Debian Stable and the LTS versions of Mint and Ubuntu for a few years. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Seems like a good approach to me.
With Debian, I'm sticking with the "Stable" version, currently Debian Lenny. Debian Testing sounds fine -- my buddy ComputerBob has been using it, with few problems. But Lenny will remain as the "Stable" version for a few years, and I don't plan to change anything until then.
Mint and Ubuntu put out LTS (Long-Term Service) versions. The last of these were Mint Elyssa and Ubuntu Hardy; these will be supported for a few more years yet. Since then, Mint has released Felicia, and this week, Gloria. Ubuntu has come out with Intrepid and Jaunty, and will release Karmic Koala later this year.
Mepis has no long-term version, and it isn't a "rolling release," so I go with each new release with that distro. I'll keep doing so for as long as it remains a solid distro on my machines.
I'm happy to see things continuing to move forward, but have no desire to try to keep up. Next year, I plan to install Mepis 9 when it comes out, but barring something unforeseen, perhaps hard drive failures or any new computers falling into my lap, I should be sticking with Debian Stable and the LTS versions of Mint and Ubuntu for a few years. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Seems like a good approach to me.
Lakers
Some things that stand out about the Lakers' 103-94 win over Denver in game 5 of the Western Conference Finals:
- The Lakers shot .487 from the field and dished out 25 assists, compared to .386 and 17 for the Nuggets. Kobe Bryant took only 13 shots, finishing with 22 points. The Lakers were clearly moving the ball around. That kind of teamwork, that kind of ball-movement is the way the game is supposed to be played, and it's why the Lakers look like the favorite to win it all this year.
- Lamar Odom stepped up with 19 points and 14 rebounds. I've felt all along that Odom, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum are the keys for this team; they have to play for well for the Lakers to win. Or, at least, one or two of them needs to play well. Gasol chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Bynum didn't show up on the glass, getting only 2 rebounds, but picked up 9 points in about 18 minutes. Between the three of them, they got the job done.
- The Lakers clearly put forth the effort on defensive, with 5 blocked shots by Gasol and 4 by Odom. The problem here is that some of those blocks would have been fouls if the game had been played in Denver. No matter. It was in L.A., as would be game 7, if the series goes that far.
- Meanwhile, the Nuggets went 7-24 (.292) from three-point range. J.R. Smith's shooting was miserable: 3-13 from the field, 1-10 on 3-pointers, finished with 7 points. Nene Hilario could only come up with 4 points before fouling out.
- Carmelo Anthony was an erratic 9-23 from the field. He did connect on 12 of 13 free throws and finished with 31 points. But he collected only four rebounds and turned the ball over 5 times. He's got to play smarter.
- Chauncy Billups picked up 12 points on 4-7 shooting. He dished out 5 assists, and had 3 turnovers, which is a lot for him. "Mr. Big Shot" went 3 for 6 from beyond the arc, but only got to the line once, making his lone free throw. The Lakers can live with that kind of performance.
Denver is certainly capable of turning things around and winning game 6. But it seems that the Lakers are too smart and too focused to let this series get away. Kobe has quietly taken his game to another level; he's suppressed his formerly wild game and it's bringing out the best in his teammates. But everyone knows that he can turn it on at any time. The Nuggets need to put it together and come with a great performance to even have a chance at winning the series. I don't know if they have it in 'em.
- The Lakers shot .487 from the field and dished out 25 assists, compared to .386 and 17 for the Nuggets. Kobe Bryant took only 13 shots, finishing with 22 points. The Lakers were clearly moving the ball around. That kind of teamwork, that kind of ball-movement is the way the game is supposed to be played, and it's why the Lakers look like the favorite to win it all this year.
- Lamar Odom stepped up with 19 points and 14 rebounds. I've felt all along that Odom, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum are the keys for this team; they have to play for well for the Lakers to win. Or, at least, one or two of them needs to play well. Gasol chipped in with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Bynum didn't show up on the glass, getting only 2 rebounds, but picked up 9 points in about 18 minutes. Between the three of them, they got the job done.
- The Lakers clearly put forth the effort on defensive, with 5 blocked shots by Gasol and 4 by Odom. The problem here is that some of those blocks would have been fouls if the game had been played in Denver. No matter. It was in L.A., as would be game 7, if the series goes that far.
- Meanwhile, the Nuggets went 7-24 (.292) from three-point range. J.R. Smith's shooting was miserable: 3-13 from the field, 1-10 on 3-pointers, finished with 7 points. Nene Hilario could only come up with 4 points before fouling out.
- Carmelo Anthony was an erratic 9-23 from the field. He did connect on 12 of 13 free throws and finished with 31 points. But he collected only four rebounds and turned the ball over 5 times. He's got to play smarter.
- Chauncy Billups picked up 12 points on 4-7 shooting. He dished out 5 assists, and had 3 turnovers, which is a lot for him. "Mr. Big Shot" went 3 for 6 from beyond the arc, but only got to the line once, making his lone free throw. The Lakers can live with that kind of performance.
Denver is certainly capable of turning things around and winning game 6. But it seems that the Lakers are too smart and too focused to let this series get away. Kobe has quietly taken his game to another level; he's suppressed his formerly wild game and it's bringing out the best in his teammates. But everyone knows that he can turn it on at any time. The Nuggets need to put it together and come with a great performance to even have a chance at winning the series. I don't know if they have it in 'em.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Chauncy Billups
Whatever ultimately happens in the Lakers-Nuggets series, this much can be said:
Chauncy Billups has been a point guard on teams in Conference Finals for seven straight years -- six straight with the Pistons, and now this season with the Nuggets.
Last night, the Nuggets tied the series at 2-2, defeating the Lakers, 120-101.
Billups' line:
24 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 0 turnovers, 1 steal. Only 7-16 from the field, but 9-9 from the free-throw line.
Not spectacular. Billups only shot 1-6 from 3-point range. But "Mr. Big Shot" still came up big. His one three-pointer came on a pull-up jumper following a J.R. Smith steal with 10 minutes left, giving the Nuggets an 83-70 lead. Dagger.
Before Billups came to Denver, the Nuggets were lucky to make playoffs. After Billups left Detroit, the Pistons were ousted in the first round this season.
"Mr. Big Shot." Chauncy Billups. Future Hall-of-Famer.
Chauncy Billups has been a point guard on teams in Conference Finals for seven straight years -- six straight with the Pistons, and now this season with the Nuggets.
Last night, the Nuggets tied the series at 2-2, defeating the Lakers, 120-101.
Billups' line:
24 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 0 turnovers, 1 steal. Only 7-16 from the field, but 9-9 from the free-throw line.
Not spectacular. Billups only shot 1-6 from 3-point range. But "Mr. Big Shot" still came up big. His one three-pointer came on a pull-up jumper following a J.R. Smith steal with 10 minutes left, giving the Nuggets an 83-70 lead. Dagger.
Before Billups came to Denver, the Nuggets were lucky to make playoffs. After Billups left Detroit, the Pistons were ousted in the first round this season.
"Mr. Big Shot." Chauncy Billups. Future Hall-of-Famer.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Clone Him?
LeBron James, after the Cavs lost to Orlando in game 3, despite James' 41 points: "There’s only one of me ... If I could clone myself, we’d be all right."
Yeah, but cloning humans is still far into the future... And, that comment certainly shows James' lack of confidence in his teammates. They should feel insulted.
In the present, the Cavs are only one King James stroke from being down 3-0 -- LeBron hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to steal game 2. Game 4 is tomorrow in Orlando, and Cleveland looks to be on the ropes. Nobody except James has stepped up in the series for the Cavs. In game 3, Orlando trailed by only a point at the half, despite having Dwight Howard on the bench for most of the half, in foul trouble.
The Cavs need help, in a bad way.
Yeah, but cloning humans is still far into the future... And, that comment certainly shows James' lack of confidence in his teammates. They should feel insulted.
In the present, the Cavs are only one King James stroke from being down 3-0 -- LeBron hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to steal game 2. Game 4 is tomorrow in Orlando, and Cleveland looks to be on the ropes. Nobody except James has stepped up in the series for the Cavs. In game 3, Orlando trailed by only a point at the half, despite having Dwight Howard on the bench for most of the half, in foul trouble.
The Cavs need help, in a bad way.
Linux Preinstalled
Having to learn to install Linux, to partition hard drives and to set everything up, keeps a lot of people from ever giving Linux an honest shot. My first real experience with Linux came with a computer I bought that came with Linux preinstalled. I still use the computer, but I didn't stay with the the distro that it came with (Linspire).
A Linux Preinstalled computer makes it a lot easier to step right in and use Linux right away. It's the best way to really compare things to a Windows computer, which typically come with the operating system installed.
Here are some web pages that'll help you find computers that come with Linux preinstalled:
http://www.berkeleylug.com/?p=168
http://www.linux.org/vendor/system/index.html
http://lxer.com/module/db/index.php?dbn=14
A few Google searches can help you out, as well.
A Linux Preinstalled computer makes it a lot easier to step right in and use Linux right away. It's the best way to really compare things to a Windows computer, which typically come with the operating system installed.
Here are some web pages that'll help you find computers that come with Linux preinstalled:
http://www.berkeleylug.com/?p=168
http://www.linux.org/vendor/system/index.html
http://lxer.com/module/db/index.php?dbn=14
A few Google searches can help you out, as well.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Buggy Whip
Linux Today's Carla Schroder writes of the anti-malware industry that their "existence depends on Microsoft Windows and the entire leaky MS application stack never ever getting fixed." She mentions the buggy whip analogy -- that "when automobiles became popular, they put the buggy whip makers out of business."
That's the situation with Microsoft and the anti-malware industry. There's money to be made as long as people keep using Windows, and as long as Windows continues to attract malware.
Here's a link to Schroder's article:
http://www.linuxtoday.com/it_management/2009052202735OPBZCY
That's the situation with Microsoft and the anti-malware industry. There's money to be made as long as people keep using Windows, and as long as Windows continues to attract malware.
Here's a link to Schroder's article:
http://www.linuxtoday.com/it_management/2009052202735OPBZCY
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why Can't YOU???
Article posted at LinuxPlanet: 75-year old Ubuntu User Learns From Books.
Yeah, "Linux is too hard." Right.
Yeah, "Linux is too hard." Right.
MicroSD USB Card Reader
Got a laptop/notebook? Got a microSD card in your cell phone? Check out this nifty card reader from EagleTec:
Awesome little space-saver!
Check it out at http://usb.brando.com.hk/eagletec-usb-nanosac-micro-sd-card-reader_p00905c031d15.html
Awesome little space-saver!
Check it out at http://usb.brando.com.hk/eagletec-usb-nanosac-micro-sd-card-reader_p00905c031d15.html
Transferers or Quitters?
Former Michigan quarterback Steven Threet has transferred to Arizona State, where the thinks he will fit in better than with Michigan's run-and-gun offense.
He previously transferred to Michigan from Georgia Tech.
I wondered, when a college QB transfers to another school, how often does it result in success?
I couldn't find any statistics on the subject, but it seems to me that guys who transfer don't usually amount to much.
If you're a college football coach, do you really want a quarterback who transferred from another program instead of fighting it out for a starting spot? At best, it seems that a transfer might give you a good back-up, some depth at the position, and a guy who'll challenge your starter.
At worst, it gives you a guy that'll quit on you when the going gets tough.
The bet here is that Threet will go down as a guy who couldn't cut it at three different schools.
He previously transferred to Michigan from Georgia Tech.
I wondered, when a college QB transfers to another school, how often does it result in success?
I couldn't find any statistics on the subject, but it seems to me that guys who transfer don't usually amount to much.
If you're a college football coach, do you really want a quarterback who transferred from another program instead of fighting it out for a starting spot? At best, it seems that a transfer might give you a good back-up, some depth at the position, and a guy who'll challenge your starter.
At worst, it gives you a guy that'll quit on you when the going gets tough.
The bet here is that Threet will go down as a guy who couldn't cut it at three different schools.
Not My Problem
I don't want to go so far "Helios" in The Thin Line Between Victim and Idiot, but there sure are lots of Windows users who do know about Linux but who continue to deal with Windows problems and refuse to use Linux. They have their reasons.
And when I refuse to give them free help with their virus-infected, fragmented machines, I have my reasons.
Think about it. Why do anti-virus companies like McAfee and Symantec exist? To protect users? Or is it to make money?
It's in their best interests if you keep using Windows and keep needing protection from malware.
Why do computer repair shops exist? To make money, right? Who are they making money off of?
Not Linux users. You can be sure of that.
You pay for your Windows computer, then you pay to keep it protected. And when things go wrong, you pay someone to fix it. And most people accept that as they way things are.
Cool. It's your money, it's your time, and it's your problem.
And when I refuse to give them free help with their virus-infected, fragmented machines, I have my reasons.
Think about it. Why do anti-virus companies like McAfee and Symantec exist? To protect users? Or is it to make money?
It's in their best interests if you keep using Windows and keep needing protection from malware.
Why do computer repair shops exist? To make money, right? Who are they making money off of?
Not Linux users. You can be sure of that.
You pay for your Windows computer, then you pay to keep it protected. And when things go wrong, you pay someone to fix it. And most people accept that as they way things are.
Cool. It's your money, it's your time, and it's your problem.
The 42 Club
ESPN's Bill Simmons list of NBA players who played at least 13 playoff games and averaged 42-plus points, rebounds and assists combined during one a playoff run (since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976):
Michael Jordan (6 times): 49.4 ('89); 50.7 ('90); 45.9 ('91); 46.5 ('92); 47.8 ('93); 43.8 ('97)
Shaquille O'Neal (4X): 43.6 ('98); 49.2 ('00); 49.0 ('01); 43.9 ('02)
Larry Bird (4X): 42.0 ('81); 44.4 ('84); 43.4 ('86); 44.2 ('87)
Moses Malone (2X): 43.0 ('81); 43.3 ('83)
Magic Johnson (2X): 43.8 ('86); 42.5 ('91)
Karl Malone (2X): 43.0 ('92); 42.9 ('94)
Hakeem Olajuwon (2X): 44.2 ('94); 47.8 ('95)
Tim Duncan (2X): 42.7 ('01); 45.4 ('03)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1X): 47.1 ('80)
Charles Barkley (1X): 44.5 ('93)
Kobe Bryant (1X): 42.8 ('01)
Allen Iverson (1X): 43.7 ('01)
Kevin Garnett (1X): 44.0 ('04)
LeBron James (1X): 44.7 ('06)
Quite a list.
Are there any players who are gonna crack The 42 Club this season? Take a look:
After nine games:
LeBron James - 34.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists. Total = 50.9!!!
After 12 games, Carmelo Anthony is at 39.5. With 14 games, Kobe Bryant is at 38.1.
Michael Jordan (6 times): 49.4 ('89); 50.7 ('90); 45.9 ('91); 46.5 ('92); 47.8 ('93); 43.8 ('97)
Shaquille O'Neal (4X): 43.6 ('98); 49.2 ('00); 49.0 ('01); 43.9 ('02)
Larry Bird (4X): 42.0 ('81); 44.4 ('84); 43.4 ('86); 44.2 ('87)
Moses Malone (2X): 43.0 ('81); 43.3 ('83)
Magic Johnson (2X): 43.8 ('86); 42.5 ('91)
Karl Malone (2X): 43.0 ('92); 42.9 ('94)
Hakeem Olajuwon (2X): 44.2 ('94); 47.8 ('95)
Tim Duncan (2X): 42.7 ('01); 45.4 ('03)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1X): 47.1 ('80)
Charles Barkley (1X): 44.5 ('93)
Kobe Bryant (1X): 42.8 ('01)
Allen Iverson (1X): 43.7 ('01)
Kevin Garnett (1X): 44.0 ('04)
LeBron James (1X): 44.7 ('06)
Quite a list.
Are there any players who are gonna crack The 42 Club this season? Take a look:
After nine games:
LeBron James - 34.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists. Total = 50.9!!!
After 12 games, Carmelo Anthony is at 39.5. With 14 games, Kobe Bryant is at 38.1.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Through A Kid's Eyes
Here's what can happen when you put a digital camera into the hands of a kid.
Photo by Ish, age 7.
Photo by Ish, age 7.
Forwarding Emails
To all the folks who like to forward cute, cool, or interesting emails to all of their online friends:
Thanks. I don't mind receiving them. Sometimes I really like them.
But, here's an idea. Quite often, I don't know most of the other recipients on your list. And they don't know me. Most of us probably don't want our email addresses appearing in the text of your forwarded email. How about deleting them out before forwarding the email on?
And, if you're sending an email to a bunch of people who don't know each other, how about sending "blind copies" ("bcc") instead of cc's, or instead of sticking everyone's address in the "To:" field?
Might cut down a bit on the spam that we all get.
Just a thought.
Thanks. I don't mind receiving them. Sometimes I really like them.
But, here's an idea. Quite often, I don't know most of the other recipients on your list. And they don't know me. Most of us probably don't want our email addresses appearing in the text of your forwarded email. How about deleting them out before forwarding the email on?
And, if you're sending an email to a bunch of people who don't know each other, how about sending "blind copies" ("bcc") instead of cc's, or instead of sticking everyone's address in the "To:" field?
Might cut down a bit on the spam that we all get.
Just a thought.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
All NBA
The All-NBA selections:
First Team:
F LeBron James (CLE)
F Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
C Dwight Howard (ORL)
G Kobe Bryant (LAL)
G Dwyane Wade (MIA)
Second Team:
F Tim Duncan (SA)
F Paul Pierce (BOS)
C Yao Ming (HOU)
G Brandon Roy (POR)
G Chris Paul (NO)
Third Team:
F Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
F Pau Gasol (LAL)
C Shaquille O'Neal (PHX)
G Chauncy Billups (DEN)
G Tony Parker (SA)
If you don't agree with these choices, remember, they were voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters. What do they know?
Among those who were left off:
- Kevin Durant (OKC), who had a better year statistically than Carmelo Anthony and perhaps Paul Pierce and Pau Gasol, was sixth in the league in scoring, but failed to lead his team to the playoffs;
- Deron Williams (UTA), who was second in the league in assists;
- Kevin Garnett (BOS)
First Team:
F LeBron James (CLE)
F Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
C Dwight Howard (ORL)
G Kobe Bryant (LAL)
G Dwyane Wade (MIA)
Second Team:
F Tim Duncan (SA)
F Paul Pierce (BOS)
C Yao Ming (HOU)
G Brandon Roy (POR)
G Chris Paul (NO)
Third Team:
F Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
F Pau Gasol (LAL)
C Shaquille O'Neal (PHX)
G Chauncy Billups (DEN)
G Tony Parker (SA)
If you don't agree with these choices, remember, they were voted on by sportswriters and broadcasters. What do they know?
Among those who were left off:
- Kevin Durant (OKC), who had a better year statistically than Carmelo Anthony and perhaps Paul Pierce and Pau Gasol, was sixth in the league in scoring, but failed to lead his team to the playoffs;
- Deron Williams (UTA), who was second in the league in assists;
- Kevin Garnett (BOS)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mepis Gets Reviewed
LinuxPlanet recently ran a very positive review of Mepis 8.0 -- Before Ubuntu Was SimplyMepis: A Long-Term Review.
Mepis is overshadowed by the more popular distros like Fedora, Ubuntu, and SUSE, but this Debian-based, KDE distro really takes a backseat to none. I've been using it for over three years as my primary Linux system.
The reviewer's comments about Mepis 8.0 ring true here; the only thing that I'd add is that Mepis 8 shipped with a problem for dial-up users, one that I had not seen in previous releases. It seems that when you're using kppp for your dial-up connection, Mepis 8 will freeze up when you disconnect from the internet. While the problem has not been fixed yet, I've been able to get around it by installing gnome-ppp and using that instead of kppp.
Mepis is generally much like Debian Stable in terms of being solid and dependable. It uses the Debian Stable repositories, along with Mepis repos. I also run Debian Lenny, and Mepis is like an easy-to-install version of Debian, with a few handy Mepis tools thrown in. I don't see much difference between the two distros, once installed and configured. And the MepisLovers forums have a reputation of being top-of-the-line in the Linux world, with a friendly, knowledgeable, no-nonsense membership.
Mepis is overshadowed by the more popular distros like Fedora, Ubuntu, and SUSE, but this Debian-based, KDE distro really takes a backseat to none. I've been using it for over three years as my primary Linux system.
The reviewer's comments about Mepis 8.0 ring true here; the only thing that I'd add is that Mepis 8 shipped with a problem for dial-up users, one that I had not seen in previous releases. It seems that when you're using kppp for your dial-up connection, Mepis 8 will freeze up when you disconnect from the internet. While the problem has not been fixed yet, I've been able to get around it by installing gnome-ppp and using that instead of kppp.
Mepis is generally much like Debian Stable in terms of being solid and dependable. It uses the Debian Stable repositories, along with Mepis repos. I also run Debian Lenny, and Mepis is like an easy-to-install version of Debian, with a few handy Mepis tools thrown in. I don't see much difference between the two distros, once installed and configured. And the MepisLovers forums have a reputation of being top-of-the-line in the Linux world, with a friendly, knowledgeable, no-nonsense membership.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Free Linux Ebooks
Check out 10 Free Linux Ebooks For Beginners.
Pavs writes, "This is the first part of the series, in the near future we will have a list for “Intermediate and Advanced Linux Users” and “Linux System Administrators”."
Something to take a look at now, and something to look forward to. Good stuff!
Pavs writes, "This is the first part of the series, in the near future we will have a list for “Intermediate and Advanced Linux Users” and “Linux System Administrators”."
Something to take a look at now, and something to look forward to. Good stuff!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
About Linux Distros and Choices
The techradar.com article "Best Linux distros for power users, gamers, newbies and more" presents the following opinions:
Best distro for newbies: Ubuntu 8.10/9.04.
Best for OS migrants: Linux Mint.
Best for families: Qimo.
Best for everyday use: Fedora 10.
Best for business: OpenSUSE 11.1.
Best lightweight distro: Puppy Linux 4.1.2.
Best for the sysadmin: Arch Linux.
Best for the coder: Mandriva 2009.
Best for servers: CentOS.
Best for music production: 64 Studio.
Best for gamers: Live.linux-gamers.
Best for multimedia: Mythbuntu.
OK. It's a multi-paged article, which is why I summarized things here, but it's worth reading. Still, the conclusions are a matter of opinion, of course. Something like Debian or Mepis or PCLinuxOS might fit your needs much better than the distros listed above. For me, there really is no "best Linux distro."
Another article I found at this site is "The pain-free guide to switching Linux distros: How to effortlessly swap between distros without losing files." It's an interesting and useful article; but for my purposes, multi-booting with a few different Linux distros, with one or more shared data partitions, is a better approach than trying to choose "the best distro" and sticking with only that one. But, that's me. The beauty of Linux is that you can choose from a number of approaches; whatever works best for you.
Best distro for newbies: Ubuntu 8.10/9.04.
Best for OS migrants: Linux Mint.
Best for families: Qimo.
Best for everyday use: Fedora 10.
Best for business: OpenSUSE 11.1.
Best lightweight distro: Puppy Linux 4.1.2.
Best for the sysadmin: Arch Linux.
Best for the coder: Mandriva 2009.
Best for servers: CentOS.
Best for music production: 64 Studio.
Best for gamers: Live.linux-gamers.
Best for multimedia: Mythbuntu.
OK. It's a multi-paged article, which is why I summarized things here, but it's worth reading. Still, the conclusions are a matter of opinion, of course. Something like Debian or Mepis or PCLinuxOS might fit your needs much better than the distros listed above. For me, there really is no "best Linux distro."
Another article I found at this site is "The pain-free guide to switching Linux distros: How to effortlessly swap between distros without losing files." It's an interesting and useful article; but for my purposes, multi-booting with a few different Linux distros, with one or more shared data partitions, is a better approach than trying to choose "the best distro" and sticking with only that one. But, that's me. The beauty of Linux is that you can choose from a number of approaches; whatever works best for you.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The LeBrons
Trenton, my nephew, told me earlier that he thinks the Lakers will win the NBA championship this year. A lot of other folks agree.
But, I watched today as the Cleveland LeBrons, I mean, the Cleveland Cavaliers, demolished Atlanta, 97-82, to take a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series.
LeBron James put up 47 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. He shot 15-25 from the field, including 5-10 from 3-point range, and hit 12 of 16 free throws.
The Cavs may not have any other superstars besides James, but they may not need 'em. They certainly put the clamps on the Hawks, holding them to less than 20 points in three of four quarters. Every time Atlanta made a run, the Cavs defense tightened up. The Hawks looked out-matched. They had no answer.
Cleveland has now won seven straight playoff games, each by double-digit margins. Roy S. Johnson blogs that The Cavs just may go for fo' fo' fo' this postseason, as Moses Malone predicted for the Sixers back in '83.
The Sixers went fo' five fo' en route to the title that year. The Cavs would actually have to play four playoff series, not three, but with the way they're looking right now, fo' fo' fo' fo' isn't out of the question.
Any arguments that the MVP award should have gone to Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade or Dwight Howard seem ridiculous now. There's never been anybody like LeBron. Powerful, great hops, nice passer, great in the open court. It's scary to imagine him playing on a team with other great players... What if he was playing for Boston this year? For the Lakers? Instant title.
The only question now is what happens when the Cavs run into a team that can actually play defense? The Hawks are clearly not that team. The Celtics might be, but Boston might not survive their series with Orlando. Will the Magic be up to the task? Will the Lakers? Or will Cleveland's role players be able to step up? Or... will they have to? Right now, the first order of business seems to be "Stop LeBron." I don't know if anyone can, but that's why they play the games.
Although the Lakers seem to be a lock to make the Western Conference Finals now that Houston's Yao Ming is out with a broken foot, they're not a sure thing for the NBA Finals. Denver leads Dallas 3-0 in their series, and the Lakers might have their hands full with the Nuggets. Chauncy Billups and Carmelo Anthony are playing better than ever, and the Lakers look vulnerable, especially with their weak bench. Denver has guys that can bang. Nene Hilario and Kenyon Martin might be enough to offset the Lakers' front line, and Denver should be able to score on them. It'll be an interesting series if these two teams meet, and that looks like it's a sure thing. I think the Lakers had better bring their "A" game.
If the Lakers and the Cavs meet in the Finals, the Cavs have the home-court advantage. That might be more important for Cleveland than for the Lakers. The Lakers have the edge when it comes to experience. But they may not have the edge when it comes to the hunger factor. And Andrew Bynum doesn't look like he's really back.
Could be Cleveland's year. Trent, watch out.
But, I watched today as the Cleveland LeBrons, I mean, the Cleveland Cavaliers, demolished Atlanta, 97-82, to take a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series.
LeBron James put up 47 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. He shot 15-25 from the field, including 5-10 from 3-point range, and hit 12 of 16 free throws.
The Cavs may not have any other superstars besides James, but they may not need 'em. They certainly put the clamps on the Hawks, holding them to less than 20 points in three of four quarters. Every time Atlanta made a run, the Cavs defense tightened up. The Hawks looked out-matched. They had no answer.
Cleveland has now won seven straight playoff games, each by double-digit margins. Roy S. Johnson blogs that The Cavs just may go for fo' fo' fo' this postseason, as Moses Malone predicted for the Sixers back in '83.
The Sixers went fo' five fo' en route to the title that year. The Cavs would actually have to play four playoff series, not three, but with the way they're looking right now, fo' fo' fo' fo' isn't out of the question.
Any arguments that the MVP award should have gone to Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade or Dwight Howard seem ridiculous now. There's never been anybody like LeBron. Powerful, great hops, nice passer, great in the open court. It's scary to imagine him playing on a team with other great players... What if he was playing for Boston this year? For the Lakers? Instant title.
The only question now is what happens when the Cavs run into a team that can actually play defense? The Hawks are clearly not that team. The Celtics might be, but Boston might not survive their series with Orlando. Will the Magic be up to the task? Will the Lakers? Or will Cleveland's role players be able to step up? Or... will they have to? Right now, the first order of business seems to be "Stop LeBron." I don't know if anyone can, but that's why they play the games.
Although the Lakers seem to be a lock to make the Western Conference Finals now that Houston's Yao Ming is out with a broken foot, they're not a sure thing for the NBA Finals. Denver leads Dallas 3-0 in their series, and the Lakers might have their hands full with the Nuggets. Chauncy Billups and Carmelo Anthony are playing better than ever, and the Lakers look vulnerable, especially with their weak bench. Denver has guys that can bang. Nene Hilario and Kenyon Martin might be enough to offset the Lakers' front line, and Denver should be able to score on them. It'll be an interesting series if these two teams meet, and that looks like it's a sure thing. I think the Lakers had better bring their "A" game.
If the Lakers and the Cavs meet in the Finals, the Cavs have the home-court advantage. That might be more important for Cleveland than for the Lakers. The Lakers have the edge when it comes to experience. But they may not have the edge when it comes to the hunger factor. And Andrew Bynum doesn't look like he's really back.
Could be Cleveland's year. Trent, watch out.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Oprah and the KFC Promotion
Can't help but chuckle about Oprah Winfrey promoting an offer for a free meal at KFC...
Oprah's KFC Catastrophe
I wonder if she was the first in line.
Oprah's KFC Catastrophe
I wonder if she was the first in line.
Looking At Partitions
Linux gives you several ways of looking at your partition set-up -- some using GUIs, some using the command line. Here are some approaches, using Mepis 8.
(As always, you can click on any of these images, or in Firefox, right-click and open in a new tab, for a larger view.)
GParted provides a graphical display as well as a table, among many other tools.
KDiskFree shows mountable partitions, and lets you mount them.
KwikDisk provides a snapshot of what KDiskFree gives you.
.
If you prefer the command line, you can use fdisk -l (run as root).
df -h will show all mounted partitions.
The application parted also gives some nice output. parted wasn't available by default in Mepis 8, so I downloaded it from Synaptic. You'll want to check out man parted for proper usage. Run parted as root, then type print at the prompt. Type quit to get out of parted.
(As always, you can click on any of these images, or in Firefox, right-click and open in a new tab, for a larger view.)
GParted provides a graphical display as well as a table, among many other tools.
KDiskFree shows mountable partitions, and lets you mount them.
KwikDisk provides a snapshot of what KDiskFree gives you.
.If you prefer the command line, you can use fdisk -l (run as root).
df -h will show all mounted partitions.
The application parted also gives some nice output. parted wasn't available by default in Mepis 8, so I downloaded it from Synaptic. You'll want to check out man parted for proper usage. Run parted as root, then type print at the prompt. Type quit to get out of parted.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Choosing A Distro
Choosing a Linux distro... where to start?
You could check out the Tux Radar article, "How to choose the best Linux distro for you." This article provides a good overview of some popular distros, and some tips on how to find which one might suit you best. Be sure to look at the readers' comments following the article for additional points of view from folks who are using some of these, and other, distros.
Of course, another good place to go is DistroWatch. The DistroWatch Page Hit Rankings aren't necessarily a measure of the popularity of the listed distros, but it can give you a good idea of what's out there. And clicking on any of the names in that list takes you to a nice information page describing that distro. You'll find a listing of packages that are included in the distro, and links to reviews and to each distro's home page and user forums. Very useful stuff.
In addition, here are a couple of polishlinux.org pages that you might find helpful:
http://polishlinux.org/choose/quiz/
http://polishlinux.org/choose/comparison/
The Wikipedia article "Comparison of Linux distributions" is also worth taking a look at.
And, as always, it never hurts to do a few Google searches.
You could check out the Tux Radar article, "How to choose the best Linux distro for you." This article provides a good overview of some popular distros, and some tips on how to find which one might suit you best. Be sure to look at the readers' comments following the article for additional points of view from folks who are using some of these, and other, distros.
Of course, another good place to go is DistroWatch. The DistroWatch Page Hit Rankings aren't necessarily a measure of the popularity of the listed distros, but it can give you a good idea of what's out there. And clicking on any of the names in that list takes you to a nice information page describing that distro. You'll find a listing of packages that are included in the distro, and links to reviews and to each distro's home page and user forums. Very useful stuff.
In addition, here are a couple of polishlinux.org pages that you might find helpful:
http://polishlinux.org/choose/quiz/
http://polishlinux.org/choose/comparison/
The Wikipedia article "Comparison of Linux distributions" is also worth taking a look at.
And, as always, it never hurts to do a few Google searches.
Insert Images in Gmail
When I've wanted to include an image in a Gmail message, I've always added it as an attachment. I didn't realize that under Settings, on the "Labs" tab, you can enable the "Inserting Images" feature, and use it to insert images directly into the body of your email messages.
I wonder why this feature isn't enable by default -- it's a standard feature at this blog-hosting site, for example.
In any case, I finally found it, so I'm happy.
I wonder why this feature isn't enable by default -- it's a standard feature at this blog-hosting site, for example.
In any case, I finally found it, so I'm happy.
Web Apps
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of web-based applications, especially for use with sensitive data. But for a lot of situations, a web-based app can be a very convenient tool.
cnet's Webware section is devoted to discussing web applications. Take a look; you might find something that you can use. I found this interesting article: 15 online photo editors compared.
Also, a Webware article that talks about GMail's experimental built-in web search tool, available under Settings on the "Labs" tab. At first, I thought this feature was quite unnecessary, since I usually just open up a new tab in Firefox when I want to do a search. But GMail's web search is actually a convenient tool; it gives you a small search window to work with while you're composing your email message, and allows you to quickly paste a URL from your search results into your current email message.
Like others, I feel uncomfortable using any web-based application for certain things; and if there's anything that I'm worried about losing, I'm going to back it up to my hard drive, rather than trust things to the "cloud." Still, web-based apps are getting better and better, and there are many cases where using a web-based app makes more sense than using software that you have to install on your computer.
cnet's Webware section is devoted to discussing web applications. Take a look; you might find something that you can use. I found this interesting article: 15 online photo editors compared.
Also, a Webware article that talks about GMail's experimental built-in web search tool, available under Settings on the "Labs" tab. At first, I thought this feature was quite unnecessary, since I usually just open up a new tab in Firefox when I want to do a search. But GMail's web search is actually a convenient tool; it gives you a small search window to work with while you're composing your email message, and allows you to quickly paste a URL from your search results into your current email message.
Like others, I feel uncomfortable using any web-based application for certain things; and if there's anything that I'm worried about losing, I'm going to back it up to my hard drive, rather than trust things to the "cloud." Still, web-based apps are getting better and better, and there are many cases where using a web-based app makes more sense than using software that you have to install on your computer.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Office Suites/Applications
Most computer users are familiar with the Microsoft Office Suite of applications -- programs such as Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. If you work in an office or attend a school in the U.S., you almost have to use Microsoft Office.
At home, I found several years ago that I could get by without it. I started using the OpenOffice.org office suite back when I was using Windows XP, and I still use it under Linux.
OpenOffice's key attraction is that it's distributed as free software. It means that I don't have to pay out all that money to Microsoft for word processing or spreadsheet applications.
The OpenOffice apps might not be as good as the Microsoft apps. But, for most of my needs, they don't have to be. As long as I can do the things I need to do, I'm happy, and OpenOffice handles everything that I need to do.
OpenOffice isn't the only alternative out there to Microsoft Office. There are several proprietary suites that you can purchase; and, for Linux users, there are free suites available like GNOME Office and KOffice. Any of these might be good enough for most of the things you'd want to do at home.
In Linux, I find myself using apps from a combination of suites. I use OpenOffice Calc for spreadsheets, but I also use Gnumeric, the GNOME Office spreadsheet app, and sometimes KSpread, the KOffice application. I use OpenOffice Writer for text documents, but frequently use other apps like KWord and AbiWord, and text editors like kwrite, gedit, and kate.
Also, there are free, web-based office suites available, like Google Docs, Zoho, ThinkFree, and Ajax13. One that's not-so-free: gOffice.
Microsoft may also be offering a free, web-based office suite. See this CNET article.
In any case, before you plunk down hundreds of dollars on Microsoft Office, you might want to check into some of these alternative suites and see if any of them will work for you.
At home, I found several years ago that I could get by without it. I started using the OpenOffice.org office suite back when I was using Windows XP, and I still use it under Linux.
OpenOffice's key attraction is that it's distributed as free software. It means that I don't have to pay out all that money to Microsoft for word processing or spreadsheet applications.
The OpenOffice apps might not be as good as the Microsoft apps. But, for most of my needs, they don't have to be. As long as I can do the things I need to do, I'm happy, and OpenOffice handles everything that I need to do.
OpenOffice isn't the only alternative out there to Microsoft Office. There are several proprietary suites that you can purchase; and, for Linux users, there are free suites available like GNOME Office and KOffice. Any of these might be good enough for most of the things you'd want to do at home.
In Linux, I find myself using apps from a combination of suites. I use OpenOffice Calc for spreadsheets, but I also use Gnumeric, the GNOME Office spreadsheet app, and sometimes KSpread, the KOffice application. I use OpenOffice Writer for text documents, but frequently use other apps like KWord and AbiWord, and text editors like kwrite, gedit, and kate.
Also, there are free, web-based office suites available, like Google Docs, Zoho, ThinkFree, and Ajax13. One that's not-so-free: gOffice.
Microsoft may also be offering a free, web-based office suite. See this CNET article.
In any case, before you plunk down hundreds of dollars on Microsoft Office, you might want to check into some of these alternative suites and see if any of them will work for you.
Too Many
Wow. What a long list of religions/mythologies/spiritual traditions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions
And this list can't even be complete. How many other religions have there been that have been completely forgotten? How many are there right now that didn't make this list?
How many people do you know of any one particular faith who believe exactly the same things, worship in exactly the same ways?
From Austin Cline's article, "Too Many Gods, Too Many Religions: All Can't Be True, But All Can Be False":
It's not logically impossible that one interpretation of one tradition from one religion might really be true after all, but the great diversity of beliefs means that anyone who claims this will have to demonstrate that their chosen religion is unequivocally more likely to be true and is more credible than all the others. That won't be easy to do.
Hm. Yet, everyone believes that their own religion is the one true religion, and that their God (or, gods) is (are) the real God (or gods).
How can anyone consider such a long list of religions/mythologies/spiritual traditions and not wonder what the truth really is? Is yours the real one just because you believe that it is? Because that's what people believe in whatever place and time you were born?
Logically, either one religion is the correct one, or none of them are. Either way, a lot of people are wrong.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions
And this list can't even be complete. How many other religions have there been that have been completely forgotten? How many are there right now that didn't make this list?
How many people do you know of any one particular faith who believe exactly the same things, worship in exactly the same ways?
From Austin Cline's article, "Too Many Gods, Too Many Religions: All Can't Be True, But All Can Be False":
It's not logically impossible that one interpretation of one tradition from one religion might really be true after all, but the great diversity of beliefs means that anyone who claims this will have to demonstrate that their chosen religion is unequivocally more likely to be true and is more credible than all the others. That won't be easy to do.
Hm. Yet, everyone believes that their own religion is the one true religion, and that their God (or, gods) is (are) the real God (or gods).
How can anyone consider such a long list of religions/mythologies/spiritual traditions and not wonder what the truth really is? Is yours the real one just because you believe that it is? Because that's what people believe in whatever place and time you were born?
Logically, either one religion is the correct one, or none of them are. Either way, a lot of people are wrong.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
