On my Eee PC using my Treo as the internet connection
I'm writing this from our travel trailer at the shore. I know, not very gracious... but we're humble people :0). Normally, I can't get online from here since there's no internet connection, no Wifi, etc. However, before Sarah and I left for the shore, I researched how to get my Treo 755p to connect to a laptop and for use as a (nearly) broadband speed internet connection.
Success! I'm writing this from a remote location in a trailer park in the middle of the woods. Earlier today, I was on the beach, now I'm relaxing and eating dinner with Sarah. I used this guide to get up and running. Technology is great!
I got a new car (pics inside)
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I've been looking at getting a smaller, more economical car for a few months. The Toyota Yaris came into mind. When I saw it, I thought, wow, that's perfect for me. I drive about 62 miles one way to work. I definitely need a little better mileage than the Monte Carlo, which is giving me 22 to 25 mpg on average. The Yaris gets about 29 to 35 mpg according to the EPA estimates. I've read online in some forums that they consistently get about 38 to 42mpg. I'll be curious to see the real world mileage. Obviously, I'm hoping for the latter.
Here are some new pics of the car: click here.
My journey to use the computer productively…
Lately I've realized how I waste alot of time at the computer doing very pointless activities: checking email 3234 times per day, checking the deal sites 234223 times per day, checking work email 1 per day during my off-time, checking out the newest trends in hacking about a few times per week. I spend by far the most amount of time researching things, reading, and looking for better employment opportunities. A few weeks ago, I vowed to myself that I'd start using my computer for more productive things. After all, I am a computer scientist and I have a super computer. 
Anyway:
- I started looking into other coding opportunities that would allow me to work from home. I found one, did some research and started working with a company. This equates to a few hours per month in work... not bad for sitting on the computer in my free time and it's much better than just reading.
- I installed Ubuntu (a flavor of Linux) and have been working with it exclusively. However, I still use Windows for work and misc tasks that I can't complete quickly and easily in Linux. Using Ubuntu has kept me very busy... trying to find alternative softwares to Windows based ones. One upside: it's great not to have to bootleg software any longer.
- I've been researching for the past month or so contributing to free software initiatives. Since Linux is free and I've been using it, I've also been using a plethora of free software for my daily software needs. Today, I've grabbed some code to a popular torrent downloading software called Deluge. I'm starting to integrate a plugin from a prior version to the latest, officially unreleased version. I haven't made much progress as of yet, but I'm adhering to the goal of using the computer for productive purposes.
- I've been researching the Presidential candidates... this will likely prove to be a waste of time since there's no real answer to the question "Who's best for our country?"
Hosting Update
Finally found a new web host company. I hope I will have more luck with this one over GoDaddy. Its through a company called HostPC and they offered alot of features over my other hosting firms that I've dealt with. Plus I got a deal for half off. You know me! I had to take it. Let me know if the speeds are better or worse on the new server.
Purchased a new 720p digital camcorder
A few days ago I ordered an HD (hi-def) camcorder that will fit in your pocket, well my pocket. Anyway, I was inspired to get a nice camcorder after borrowing my Mom’s hand held camcorder that records to an SD card. Her’s has a max output of 640x480. The one that I’m getting (Sanyo Xacti HD700 7MP) is capable of 720p resolution (1280x720) and is a 7mp digital still camera. This camera retails for something like 600.00 and I got it on a deal for 299.88 including free shipping and not including taxes (all hail the numerous benefits of purchasing online). Kyle told me today that I have a serious problem and I need an intervention. My problem: I’m obsessed and addicted to saving money. He’s right.
