Christmas 2012

It's all about the Cross.

Adobe Releases New OpenSource Font for Coders:

Read the article here:
http://blogs.adobe.com/typblography/2012/09/source-code-pro.html
=J

Floppy Music

Now this is just cool...

Gmail needs better keyboard shortcuts support.

Google needs to work on their Gmail keyboard shortcuts. Yes, they've created the 'Custom Shortcuts' Lab, but it's still too simplified. I'll give two examples:

[1] How do I set the "Trash a message" key to the [DELETE] key? The default keyboard shortcut, [#] (i.e. [Shift]+[3]) is retarded. At least I can change this with a Lab to the [T] key to Trash an item. But why can't I have the option to use the [DELETE] key? Seems so intuitive...

[2] Why is there no keyboard shortcut for "Indent more" and "Indent less"? These don't exist, as far as I can tell, and are not customizable, even in the extended Lab.
(UPDATE 20170620: Use [Ctrl]+[[] and [Ctrl]+[]] -- nice!)

Google - please work on this!

The Belkin Conserve Socket

The Belkin Conserve Socket F7C009q Energy-Saving Outlet is a neat little switch that allows a device (or group of devices) to be manually activated, and then auto-time-out after an interval of 30min, 3hrs, or 6hrs (as set by the switch on the side). This is handy for desk lights, work spaces, etc. Being able to handle 1800 watts, it's also good for space heaters or other high-demand equipment. Or, if for example, you worry about forgetting to turn off the coffee pot (or any other appliance), this is the solution. For under ten bucks, it's a convenient upgrade to any device that you don't want or need to be left on. And upgrade that is movable and not tied to that single device. So it very well may outlive your original appliance.

Also great for reducing phantom loads of transformers or other leaching power sources. The switch consumes only a tiny 0.18watts while activated, and ZERO (no phantom load) when not activated (including ZERO power consumption for all down-stream devices).

Check it out, here:

P.S. this can plug into the top outlet, and not block the bottom one!

The Best BioLock I've Used

Another recommendation - this time for a bio-lock: The Keyless Biometric Fingerprint Door Lock Trinity 788. I own three of these, and have had several people ask me about them recently. Actually, the first one I owned was branded by Barska, but they're all exactly the same unit/model. I was delighted when I found this one by Adel. These work great, and can store up to 98 fingerprints - 3 of which are Admin fingerprints. These are for indoor installations only (or at least under cover / well out of outside weather). Some of the "key" features I liked about this unit are all the levels of back-up/redundancy it has:
#1 It has a non-volatile memory, that does not need to stay powered to remember settings and fingerprints (it doesn't store your actual fingerprint, rather a cryptographic hash of it).
#2 Should you not have your fingerprint handy (say, you're talking to someone over the phone, that you want to have access, and you're not on-site) there is a 6-digit passcode function too (stored as fingerprint #99).
#3 Should the batteries go dead, you can hold a 9-volt battery up to the bottom of the unit, to power it via built-in 'hidden' contacts.
#4 Should the electronics go bad - EMP? ;-) - you can remove the handle (with included allen-wrench) to expose a 100% mechanical keyed lock (2 keys also included).

Click on the image below see them on Amazon.com:

UPDATE:

Or this one:

Chrome Soon to be #1

Google Chrome is about to take FIRST PLACE in the browser wars later this year (see chart). A feat that has not been accomplished by anyone browser the Netscape vs Microsoft war of the mid 1990's. Chrome already surpassed Firefox in market share late last year (2011), to become the second-most popular browser after MSIE.

( Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_web_browsers , 20120417 )

Cobra 900 Jumper Pack

I highly recommend that everyone have one of these in every vehicle they own.

Get it at the link above for less that $100 !

This has:

• 12v 900amp Start/Jump cables/clamps
• 400watt AC inverter
• LED lights
• USB 5v DC power port.
• 12v DC power port
• Built-in 260 PSI tire Air Compressor

And has saved my bacon on many occasions!

One call to Triple-A (AAA) could cost more than this. And it's super handy to have mobile power (12v DC and 110v AC) available.

Quote

"If more than one person is responsible, then no one is accountable." - Jay Harrison (Thu 20120202 10:24A)


Update (Tue 20150317 10:58p) - I discovered a use of this "quote" that predates my (independent) own formulation of it. That is in the book Let Go to Grow: Why Some Businesses Thrive and Others Fail by Doug and Polly White (source) ©2011.