The Internet's Own Boy

Fantastic film, 5/5 stars.  I was crying.  Don't miss it.

Microsoft bricked our computer so I switched to Linux

When we installed our home theater in 2010, the only device attached to the 1080p projector and the surround sound system was a 2009 Dell Zino.  At the time the Zino had enough graphics to play high-end Windows video games, enough processor / memory for high-end apps, a blueray optical device, ethernet for fast Internet stuff (streaming) and a tiny form factor to fit unobtrusively in our home theater.  We added a wireless keyboard and mouse and life was fantastic.  It is still the only device attached to our projector and sound system.  The 15 foot screen and huge subwoofer are still very impressive.

Microsoft's latest "cumulative patch" for windows-10 bricked the Zino last week.  The Zino was completely unrecoverable, locked up tighter than a drum at the "which keyboard?" prompt.

The Zino now runs Ubuntu with the Mint desktop, VLC for media and streaming, and life is better.  Linux has come a long way since 2009.  It is a viable consumer OS.

It may be time to short Microsoft's stock.  They are pushing us consumers away from their products and services in a concerted effort of self-destruction.

Rogue Lawyer

I really enjoyed this one.  Great plot, characters, action.  It is a little "preachy" but not terrible.  4/5 stars.  Fun ride.

The economic singularity

Dense conspectus of other current books and monographs with an original conclusion with the author's speculations.  It's pretty good.  The author argues that this third "run at" AI is different and will have remarkable results. 3/5 stars.

--
mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

Kondo: life changing magic of tidying up

Meh. 2/5 stars.

--
mfw@wyle.org | 1.425.249.3936

Neverwhere

I just don't like Neil Gaiman's books. I cannot suspend disbelief in so many areas of his inconsistent magic systems.  The characters, writing, plot, humor are wonderful but the setting is just too off-putting.  If you like Neil Gaiman, you have read this one already.  If, like me, his magic system does not work for you, skip it.  2/5 stars, meh.
​

Five Dysfunctions of a Team

I re-read this one and it is still fantastic.  5/5 stars.  More people should read apply the lessons and prescriptive methods in the book.
​

Rubber plug for lightning jack on iPhone/iPad

https://goo.gl/WzbEh2

pocket lint

It appears I am the only person in the world whose head phone jack or power jack in his phone can get cotton pocket lint in it, causing issues.

Anyway, I just bought 100 of these rubber head phone jack plugs at eBay for $0.99:

https://goo.gl/ystkhB

So, if you need one, let me know.  I have 99 extras.  Sometimes eBay really comes through for me.

Nemesis Games

The thrilling series continues with great character back-stories and a new, unexpected twist.  5/5 stars.  Fantastic.