10/23/05

Weekly Web Wonder: Where's my dollar?

Last month I came across a dollar with wheresgeorge.com stamped on it. I went to the site and entered the dollar's serial number and location info. Now the dollar can be tracked (depending on people's willingness to visit the site and enter the necessary info). So watch my dollar and see where its been.

10/2/05

Weekly Web Wonder: Get on the list!

Still being hassled by telemarketers? Then check out the National Do Not Call Registry and register your phone number.

9/24/05

Weekly Web Wonder: What happened Oregon?

Want to know how the US states rank in livibility? Then check out the 2005 Most Livable State Award page. Unfortunately, Oregon dropped seven rungs to #34. What the-? And what is New Hampshire (#1) doing right?

9/21/05

Moving into the 21st Century

Well, I finally got a cellphone. What? I didn't have a cell phone until NOW?? Yes, it's true. For a techie type, I can be astonishly resistant to adopting new tech. That can largely be attributed to evaluating the cost/benefit ratio ("Is this *really* worth getting?") plus perhaps a bit of skeptism, as early adopters always get stung (Either by adopting the "wrong" technology or paying absurd prices to keep up with the Jones. I stopped playing that game a long time ago.). It's time to upgrade when you start feeling more Amish than Generation X.

But I digress. Cell phones have become so ubiquitous and the service prices have finally come down to a reasonable level range that I could no longer say that a cell phone wasn't a cost effective item anymore. My safety concerns also gave me pause, but I decided that I would still keep my land line and just use the cell phone as a secondary phone, and not as my primary phone. So I shopped around and compared the various providers, their phones, and coverage quality. I finally decided on a T-Mobile pre-paid phone plan and basic flip-phone (I don't need a camera or 'net access). 'Tis good to be part of the 21st century.

9/11/05

Weekly Web Wonder: Four years ago today...

The September 11 Digital Archive

8/28/05

Dial-up No More!

After all this time and oh, so many busy signals for those trying to call me, I finally made the jump to broadband! Yeeehawww! Comcast finally made me an offer I would be stupid to refuse, so I made the jump to cable broadband. No more downloads measured in hours!

8/15/05

Weekly Web Wonder: How popular is/was your name?

A co-worker is expecting, and I passed this interesting Popular Baby Names site to her.

8/6/05

Weekly Web Wonder: Know Your Fear

Feel an irrational fear of something? Believe it or not, there's a whole slew of named fears and phobias out there. Check out Phobia List to find the name associated with your fear. Or do you suffer from hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia? [fear of big words]

7/29/05

Weekly Web Wonder: What the??

Ever wondered what "420" means? Or what a "tool" is? (no, it's not something found in Home Depot). Then check out UrbanDictionary.com to find out. If you have tweens or teens under your roof, this site will make decoding their neologisms a snap.

7/20/05

Weekly Web Wonder: Politics & Religion

With our esteemed Prez's final term, it's time to consider his replacement in 2008. Yeah, I know it's early to start thinking about Decision 2008, but some people already are thinking about it. I submit, for your consideration in November '08, Christopher Walken. It certainly wouldn't be the first time an actor sat at the desk in the Oval Office.

With the recent noise about the Evolution vs. Intelligent Design "debate," I think the pro-ID people's argument could use some assistance. To them, I submit a new possible Great Creator for them to revere. After all, if one can swallow one dubious argument for the origin of humanity, why not another?

7/18/05

Weekly Web Wonder: Online comics

I've always enjoyed reading the comics in the paper, however over the years I've come to realize that most of the big name comic strips are, at best lame, and at worst tiresomely repetitive (e.g. Garfield). Of the big name strips, I find For Better or for Worse to be the best. As in real life, the cast of characters grow and change with time. A lesser known strip that I've recently discovered is Frank Cho's Liberty Meadows. While the humor falls flat sometimes, the art is top notch (unlike many modern comic strips) and most of the characters are genuinely interesting.

While not a comic strip per se, an immensely funny and obscure comic site is Last Kiss. Taking old romance comics and adding humorous dialogue is pure genius. There are numerous sample comic panels in the site's archives section. Check out some archive greats from week 16, 18, 35, & 80. Oh, and don't forget to check out the site's sample comic and reader contributions.

7/13/05

Weekly Web Wonder: What's in your backyard?

Ever wondered who the top toxic waste polluters in your area are? Or how your area's air quality ranks? Then check out Scorecard.org to find out. You may be surprised (or not).

7/4/05

New Regular Feature: Weekly Web Wonder

In an effort to keep this site from becoming too stale, I'm adding a new weekly feature to this page, highlighting any interesting or unusual (?) sites that I've stumbled across on the Web.

Every wondered WTH some TLA means? Well, go to acronymfinder.com ASAP and find out! Given how acronyms are so prevelant in today's written and spoken communication, this site is a useful tool when one comes across an unfamiliar acronym that isn't explained.

3/4/05

Kickin!

Graduated to Red Belt Decided on Feb. 25. As part of the graduation, I had to demonstrate a jump front kick (see above) and back elbow strike on a brown board. As I have learned, board breaking really is about 1/3 technique and 2/3 mental. If you truly believe you will break the board, it will happen.