Thought this was an interesting interview with Ron Paul about things to come.

Labels: government, politics

posted by Frankie @ 8:26 AM   0 Comments

Been busy lately. The plants in the earthbox are doing well.

Also, a friend recommended a pretty neat game for Neo and I called Portal. Here is the trailer for it:



It's basically a puzzle game but with a neat FPS twist. We've been having a blast playing it.

Labels: games, garden

posted by Frankie @ 6:48 PM   0 Comments

Worked on trying to get a couple of my windows machines go to sleep when not being used and have the file server automatically wake them up when doing backups or virus scans. Hopefully this will save considerable power. Figured out how to get automount to work for the samba shares (mainly just setting up /etc/auto.misc). My only problem now is that my rsnapshot backup utility lets me run a script before running the entire backup, but not before each host. Changed my preexec script this morning to not only wake up the machines, but to also cd into the directories so that rsnapshot would see them as existing. Hopefully this will work better tonight.

I'm also having problems with my Dell Dimension 9150 staying asleep. I guess I'll just have to keep fiddling with settings.

Also, made my way into the garage for a bit to try and set up the old software for P.E.A.R.T. from long ago. Let's just say we weren't exactly creating a commecial software product!! After I get the software working, I still need to get a drum set, and a bunch of mic stands.

Labels: house, linux, peart

posted by Frankie @ 6:44 AM   0 Comments

Got to see Christian's old Geo Prism parked down the street with the people we sold it to a while back. Talked with the owner who said it is still running great and has been a "lifeline" for him.

That felt good.

Labels: community, happy, neighbors

posted by Frankie @ 9:14 PM   0 Comments

Helped a neighbor clear a clogged septic line, and later, helped them install a new toilet flange and a toilet.

I'm not thrilled about the flange installation... it was a bit hokey, but we were running out of options and they were desperate to get their toilet working again. So, we got it on, and its working. I hope it stays that way for a while.

Helping your neighbor feels good. If we can't help those close to us, what are we here for?

Labels: community, happy, neighbors

posted by Frankie @ 8:48 AM   0 Comments

With the economic stimulus checks due to arrive soon, I thought I would just share some of my thoughts on how people might use the money.

I know many people believe that this money is there money to begin with and can do anything they want with it. I just share these points because I believe they highlight areas where people can use the money and achieve some of the things that the money is meant to provide.

I call this Frankie's Pledge. It is basically just a pledge to spend your economic stimulus money in one or more of the following ways:

• Education/Self-employment (investing in yourself)

  This is never a bad investment, no matter whose money it is.



• Paying down debt

  As Americans, we have learned to live well beyond our means. As I heard one blues singer put it, we are "Victims of Comfort". Paying down debt helps everyone.



• Energy efficiency upgrades (home, car, office)

  We obviously can do more to help our economy (and our national security at the same time) by lessening our dependence on oil and non-renewable resources. Consider some of the many upgrades to your home to lower energy usage and utility bills.



• Services or construction that utilizes local labor

  Utilizing local labor and resources, instead of buying a piece of electronics or a toy made in China, is obviously a much better way to invest in America and your community. Also, new additions such as new insulated windows, or more insulation in your attic, is a great way to use local resources, and lower energy use at the same time.



• American charities

  Obviously another great use of the resources, especially if it contributes in some way to allowing more people to work, or more small businesses to function.

Labels: government, house, ideas, politics

posted by Frankie @ 11:07 AM   0 Comments

ok... it looks like slurp is obeying the robots.txt file now... but it looks like it took about 7 hours to take effect.

Labels: website

posted by Frankie @ 9:19 PM   0 Comments