04.15.2006
(off-site links open in new windows)
Don says:
<4-11-06> Here's an interesting hosted link I found on the web today:
The Linux adventure continues. I found a Linux distribution that has the potential to be an excellent replacement for Windows 95, 98, 98SE or ME. It's still a little rough around the edges but I think it will mature into an excellent operating system. It's called "STX", here's the website:
http://stibs.cc/stx/index.html
I've installed STX on my IBM, Aptiva (266 MHz, AMD K6, currently with 64 MB of RAM) and it performs very nicely. Some applications don't seem to work on the first, or even the second click but they do eventually work. I did some mouse swapping to determine that this problem isn't simply a hardware deficiency but I wasn't able to narrow it down any further than that. *shrug* For all of that, I'm going to keep a close eye on STX. I think it'll be a very nice OS when it grows up.Today, after reading some favorable comments in an email group, I downloaded the ISO file for Kanotix, burned a CD and tried it on my computer. Kanotix runs as a live CD on, according to the website, just about any computer. To test that contention, I tried it on my Aptiva (the one mentioned above) and Kanotix was actually able to load the desktop wallpaper but the KDE desktop just wouldn't quite fit into 64 megs of RAM. It tried very hard, but no cigar. I found a bargain on used 64 MB RAM cards (often called "sticks") on ebay the other day and those should be here soon. The Aptiva only has two RAM slots but two 64 MB cards will give me 128MB. The KDE desktop will still be a little crowded but it might just work, we'll see.... </4-11-06>
I saw in Bob Rankin's Internet Tourbus where he's registered with MySpace. I don't get it really, why would anyone bother with that but maybe it's just another manifestation of the way the web is changing our lives, or more specifically in this case, our social lives. Anyway, I figured "what the heck" if Bob Rankin can do it, so can I, so, here 'tis.
http://www.myspace.com/donguitar
I already got one invitation to join a group at myspace. According to the email they need an extra fellow for one of their ladies and they had all looked over my profile and decided I'd be a good choice. I wondered how they managed to read my profile without seeing the part where it says that I'm married and crazy about my wife but I didn't give them a hard time about it. *shrug* I just politely declined and moved on.
Lisa says:
Spring is definitely here in Central Texas. The weather is getting very warm and the mesquite trees have finally put out their leaves. That's the definitive sign of spring in these parts; mesquite never commits unless everything's in its favor. According to local wisdom, there's never a freeze after mesquite sets its leaves. Here's what the 'Handbook of Texas Online' says about it. "The spread of mesquite within Texas can be attributed to such causes as the cessation of prairie fires, overgrazing, wagontrains traversing the state, trail drives, and drought." The biggest problem is; a few trees are OK, but a large stand of them use water extravagantly, depleting local resources. Read more here. But mesquite is absolutely, positively the very best wood for grilling, just make sure it is well-seasoned to avoid a distinctive resinous flavor.Another sure sign of spring; our neighbors down the street have horses and this little guy showed up just begging to have his picture taken. At first he thought he'd just stand behind mom for awhile but some patience and whistling brought him out for a peek.
Spring Colt
Our friend Stevie Scott is a wonderful guitar player. Since I met him and saw him play I've been fascinated by his hands. They're large, very dextrous and have a wide reach, the hands a concert pianist would envy. Finally, when we visited him, I had the opportunity to take some photos.
Stevie Scott
Lately I've gotten more jobs doing housecleaning and am very happy about it. Several years ago I was trying to think of a part-time job that I would really enjoy. At that moment I was cleaning the base of a toilet with a toothbrush and it occurred to me I was really happy; problem solved. Many people regard this as a sign of illness but think of it this way; I create order from chaos, my customers are happy and grateful and I never have to watch my weight. There may be a spoonful of peanut butter in the pantry. Do we have any candy left?
