Dienstag, 31. März 2009
Big 4-Oh
I managed to put the big 4-Oh behind me last Sunday without any major casualties. I didn't completely get around celebrating a little, for the kids' sake. Kati even baked a cake. Now that that's taken care of, we can get back to business as usual.
Montag, 30. März 2009
MarsEdit 2
I finally figured out that MarsEdit 2 (genius software for updating to blogs via clean interface and with flickr integration) runs on Mac OS X Tiger and that I can run my registered version on multiple machines. Since I learned yesterday how easy it is to publish a blogger powered blog to your own domain I had to install MarsEdit on my Mac Mini. I suppose this shall do wonders to my publishing frequency (if only it could improve publishing quality as well).
Summary: If you haven't tried it yet, get the 30-day free trial of MarsEdit here: http://www.red-sweater.com/marsedit/
Summary: If you haven't tried it yet, get the 30-day free trial of MarsEdit here: http://www.red-sweater.com/marsedit/
Sonntag, 29. März 2009
Sunday in Germany
It is Sunday in Germany. That means stores are closed. No shopping allowed. Church people here have bumper stickers that, roughly translated, say: "Without Sundays every day is a workday". Only: Every day *is* a workday! Maybe not for everybody all the time. But many people still work on Sundays so that the rest of us get to enjoy a few basic pleasures in life (like eating out, enjoying breakfast in a hotel etc.). But: no shopping in Germany on Sundays.
I did manage to get some work done today despite mortar and bricks stores being closed: I purchased and registered a new domain and pushed first content to it via ftp. That all went very smoothly despite nobody physically being around to process my request on his/her holy Sunday.
By the way: the new domain is in support of my book I'm writing in German. I decided to up the ante and increase pressure on myself by publishing the title in advance of publishing the book, to keep me on track with actually writing it. The site is actually a blog (in German, of course) and carries the book's title "Bockbier und Barock". It can appropriately be found at http://www.bockbier-barock.de/. Don't expect too much from the site yet, as I have only posted one article to it. You can sign up for email notification of upcoming events, however.
I did manage to get some work done today despite mortar and bricks stores being closed: I purchased and registered a new domain and pushed first content to it via ftp. That all went very smoothly despite nobody physically being around to process my request on his/her holy Sunday.
By the way: the new domain is in support of my book I'm writing in German. I decided to up the ante and increase pressure on myself by publishing the title in advance of publishing the book, to keep me on track with actually writing it. The site is actually a blog (in German, of course) and carries the book's title "Bockbier und Barock". It can appropriately be found at http://www.bockbier-barock.de/. Don't expect too much from the site yet, as I have only posted one article to it. You can sign up for email notification of upcoming events, however.
Freitag, 27. März 2009
three mac minis
I bought my third mac mini and it's currently pulling all its updates from the internets. Why do I need 3 mac minis? Good question. I'm not sure I know the answer.
One of the mac minis is actually my work horse at the home office despite its meager setup of a 1.5 core solo processor (albeit 2 GB of RAM) running Mac OS X Tiger. I am very pleased with its performance, despite the old processor but I could use Mac OS X Leopard for some of the applications I regularly use....
The second mini has a fast processor but only 1 GB of RAM. The perfect machine for my mother who doesn't even use it to even a % of its capabilities.
The "new" used Mac mini has a 2 GHz Core Duo processor and 4 (!) GB of RAM. And it's running MAC OS X Leopard.
So I have a feeling that the new acquisition will quickly become the work horse. Which begs the question: what to do with the core solo mini? Multimedia machine. As easy as that. Which means: I'm in the market for a good satellite receuver for mac like elgato eye tv 310...
Okay, enough geeking out. But I think I own enough Mac minis now (wouldn't mind one of those new ones, though...).
One of the mac minis is actually my work horse at the home office despite its meager setup of a 1.5 core solo processor (albeit 2 GB of RAM) running Mac OS X Tiger. I am very pleased with its performance, despite the old processor but I could use Mac OS X Leopard for some of the applications I regularly use....
The second mini has a fast processor but only 1 GB of RAM. The perfect machine for my mother who doesn't even use it to even a % of its capabilities.
The "new" used Mac mini has a 2 GHz Core Duo processor and 4 (!) GB of RAM. And it's running MAC OS X Leopard.
So I have a feeling that the new acquisition will quickly become the work horse. Which begs the question: what to do with the core solo mini? Multimedia machine. As easy as that. Which means: I'm in the market for a good satellite receuver for mac like elgato eye tv 310...
Okay, enough geeking out. But I think I own enough Mac minis now (wouldn't mind one of those new ones, though...).
Donnerstag, 26. März 2009
Writeroom - last day
I have one (yes, just one) day left on my writeroom trial period. And I actually like this simplistic piece of software. Sometimes (almost always) less is actually more.
There is something very sexy about a word processor that shows you only the text you are working on on your screen. No menus, nothing.
So: do I shell out the twenty bucks or so to keep using this piece of software that should be a function in every word processor? I suppose so. You have to acknowledge and respect the implementation of simple but good ideas.
At the same time: can't you (open office et al) not implement a function like this? Like a panic button... try it. please.
There is something very sexy about a word processor that shows you only the text you are working on on your screen. No menus, nothing.
So: do I shell out the twenty bucks or so to keep using this piece of software that should be a function in every word processor? I suppose so. You have to acknowledge and respect the implementation of simple but good ideas.
At the same time: can't you (open office et al) not implement a function like this? Like a panic button... try it. please.
Montag, 23. März 2009
Donnerstag, 19. März 2009
Flight of the Bee and Bumblebee
With the first flowers in bloom, the bees are back out in the castle garden. Busy little beings, hovering from flower to flower, crossing flight paths seemingly without ever competing with another.
It makes me think about the concept of cooperation vs. competition in nature. Darwin is well-known for the "struggle of existence" - a phrase he preferred over the more widely known "survival of the fittest". He also furthered the notion of cooperation (even altruism) in nature, but fell on dead ears for a long time in this regard. The notion of mutual aid in nature was also furthered by the russian nobleman and geographer Peter Kropotkin. His book with that title (Mutual Aid) was published in 1902 when Kropotkin was 60.
Kropotkin's work as well as the story about the man himself are a fascinating read. I'll have to dedicate some time to it, again. Amazing what watching the flight patterns of bumblebees can uncover from one's past research and from one's subconscious.
It makes me think about the concept of cooperation vs. competition in nature. Darwin is well-known for the "struggle of existence" - a phrase he preferred over the more widely known "survival of the fittest". He also furthered the notion of cooperation (even altruism) in nature, but fell on dead ears for a long time in this regard. The notion of mutual aid in nature was also furthered by the russian nobleman and geographer Peter Kropotkin. His book with that title (Mutual Aid) was published in 1902 when Kropotkin was 60.
Kropotkin's work as well as the story about the man himself are a fascinating read. I'll have to dedicate some time to it, again. Amazing what watching the flight patterns of bumblebees can uncover from one's past research and from one's subconscious.
Mittwoch, 18. März 2009
Juggling - good for focus or mind shift?
I read in of those smart management books that juggling is a good exercise if you want to get yourself to think "outside of the box". That's fine if you can juggle.
It just so happens that American psychologist Francine Shapiro figured out during experiments with trauma patients that rolling the eyes helps process memories. This method has since been dubbed EMDR. And juggling is supposed to be a fun way to practice the rhythmic eye-rolling thing.
I taught myself how to juggle with three balls about twenty years ago and put that game aside after the fun of learning it had subsided. And I suppose the greatest thing about juggling is that moment when your mind goes "click" and from that moment on it just works. It's one of those "aha moments" when you figure out that it just takes a complete shift in perspective and/or thinking, a letting-go in order to do it and that it isn't difficult - just different. It's one of those moments that makes you wonder: this is so easy, why haven't I been able to do this before? (note: this approach and way of thinking can and should be applied to all kinds of situations in life. Reassessment.)
I'm not sure that the act of jugglin actually gets me to think outside the box or relive paradigm shifts in the mind. It sure is relaxing, though (in a painful for the forearms kind of way, after a while). I sure could use another one of those eye-opening "I can actually do this" moments, though. So I guess I'll have to start practicing to juggle with 4 balls.
Credit:
I read about this in Werner Winkler's book published in German in 2004 called "Probleme schnell und einfach lösen" (oddly amazon lists the book at a used price of EUR 126,68 which has to be a mistake - I hope).
Do it yourself:
Here is a video on how to juggle with 3 balls by Jason Garfield
It just so happens that American psychologist Francine Shapiro figured out during experiments with trauma patients that rolling the eyes helps process memories. This method has since been dubbed EMDR. And juggling is supposed to be a fun way to practice the rhythmic eye-rolling thing.
I taught myself how to juggle with three balls about twenty years ago and put that game aside after the fun of learning it had subsided. And I suppose the greatest thing about juggling is that moment when your mind goes "click" and from that moment on it just works. It's one of those "aha moments" when you figure out that it just takes a complete shift in perspective and/or thinking, a letting-go in order to do it and that it isn't difficult - just different. It's one of those moments that makes you wonder: this is so easy, why haven't I been able to do this before? (note: this approach and way of thinking can and should be applied to all kinds of situations in life. Reassessment.)
I'm not sure that the act of jugglin actually gets me to think outside the box or relive paradigm shifts in the mind. It sure is relaxing, though (in a painful for the forearms kind of way, after a while). I sure could use another one of those eye-opening "I can actually do this" moments, though. So I guess I'll have to start practicing to juggle with 4 balls.
Credit:
I read about this in Werner Winkler's book published in German in 2004 called "Probleme schnell und einfach lösen" (oddly amazon lists the book at a used price of EUR 126,68 which has to be a mistake - I hope).
Do it yourself:
Here is a video on how to juggle with 3 balls by Jason Garfield
Dienstag, 17. März 2009
Keeping a sharp eye open
The season lies ahead at the castle. It got off to a great start on Saturday with a murder mystery night that was very well received by our guests.
I am off to a good start, too, setting up systems and getting things done. Instituting change and / or reexamining oneself and one's opinions and habits isn't easy but it sure helps to put oneself through that process every once in a while. I am telling myself not to expect as much or as quick adoption of this method from others around me - which is tough when you are in a go-getting state of mind. I must keep a sharp eye open and be aware and self critical as well as critical of worn-in and worn-out processes. That's a current focus and goal.
Photo: Kurt's new rooster. Not as spectacular as the old boy, but he is kind of a looker when you get close enough.
I am off to a good start, too, setting up systems and getting things done. Instituting change and / or reexamining oneself and one's opinions and habits isn't easy but it sure helps to put oneself through that process every once in a while. I am telling myself not to expect as much or as quick adoption of this method from others around me - which is tough when you are in a go-getting state of mind. I must keep a sharp eye open and be aware and self critical as well as critical of worn-in and worn-out processes. That's a current focus and goal.
Photo: Kurt's new rooster. Not as spectacular as the old boy, but he is kind of a looker when you get close enough.
Sonntag, 15. März 2009
Recycling
Yesterday I collected old newspaper for recycling with 8 other dads of kindergarten kids from Katharina's kindergarten in Stammheim. The kindergarten makes quite a bit of money this way and puts it to good use.
The tractor in the picture is tiny, but quite capable. It is used in the vineyards and has to be narrow enough to fit through the rows of vines.
The tractor in the picture is tiny, but quite capable. It is used in the vineyards and has to be narrow enough to fit through the rows of vines.
Sonntag, 8. März 2009
Suckling Pig
A good friend of mine celebrated his 40th birthday last night and invited a bunch of us from way back to his party. Dinner was extremely yummy and very German: roasted suckling pig with fresh salads. Exquisite. Picture of the poor pig, what's left of him, here:
Freitag, 6. März 2009
No Hair - Fresh Start
I decided on a whim last night that getting my hair cut completely off, or very very short, would be a great idea. Certainly not in aesthetic terms, granted. But there's nothing like making a bold move like that to get you going in the right direction, to get things back on track. It sets a sign, to oneself: Look! Change is possible! And it does not have to be painful. Just do it. Jump in. Jump forward. And get things done, work on your vision and focus on what's at hand.
Since sleeping over it didn't change my perspective at all I went ahead and did. The hair on the top om my head is now the exact same length as my trim beard: 6mm. And I like it! So does Kati, my wife. My daughter Isa didn't object, either. And I have a feeling our 3-year-old daughter Katharina will think it's "cool". Only my mother didn't seem to be too pleased. I had figured she wouldn't be. So much for setting a sign that change is possible and doesn't hurt. Hey, it works for me!
Since sleeping over it didn't change my perspective at all I went ahead and did. The hair on the top om my head is now the exact same length as my trim beard: 6mm. And I like it! So does Kati, my wife. My daughter Isa didn't object, either. And I have a feeling our 3-year-old daughter Katharina will think it's "cool". Only my mother didn't seem to be too pleased. I had figured she wouldn't be. So much for setting a sign that change is possible and doesn't hurt. Hey, it works for me!
Donnerstag, 5. März 2009
Early-Adoption Day
The past few days were more tech 1.0 with installing a webcam for skype, a new digital camera and picasa on my dad's pc laptop.
But today I got to geek out a little on my own, as well. My private beta invite for prezi.com arrived today. It takes a while to get used to its navigation but when you get the hang of it it holds a lot of promise for revolutionary presentations. Just go to the site to check out what I mean.
And I got DEVONthink through macheist only to find out that it's mac os x 10.5 + so I can't use it on the trusted mini running Tiger - or on the PCs at work, for that matter. I'll be checking DEVONthink out on a leopard machine anyway, just to be able to compare, but I suppose I'll be sticking to evernote for real work.
But today I got to geek out a little on my own, as well. My private beta invite for prezi.com arrived today. It takes a while to get used to its navigation but when you get the hang of it it holds a lot of promise for revolutionary presentations. Just go to the site to check out what I mean.
And I got DEVONthink through macheist only to find out that it's mac os x 10.5 + so I can't use it on the trusted mini running Tiger - or on the PCs at work, for that matter. I'll be checking DEVONthink out on a leopard machine anyway, just to be able to compare, but I suppose I'll be sticking to evernote for real work.
Dienstag, 3. März 2009
Distraction-free Writing
I've been testing WriteRoom lately and have another two weeks left on my free trial. It'll cost me about 20 Euros if I want to register my trial version and I think I just might.
It must be the most bare-bones piece of software I use on my mac because all this word processor does is provide you a completely black screen with a blinking cursor (adjustments to color can be made). But that is the beauty of it: no on-screen distractions while writing. All I have to do now is turn off growl notifications while writing stuff on WriteRoom and it's the perfect setup for diving into text without being reminded by status bars and dock that there is new email, you could be calling someone on skye etc.
If you try it, please let me know what you think. I am still thinking about that registration...
It must be the most bare-bones piece of software I use on my mac because all this word processor does is provide you a completely black screen with a blinking cursor (adjustments to color can be made). But that is the beauty of it: no on-screen distractions while writing. All I have to do now is turn off growl notifications while writing stuff on WriteRoom and it's the perfect setup for diving into text without being reminded by status bars and dock that there is new email, you could be calling someone on skye etc.
If you try it, please let me know what you think. I am still thinking about that registration...
Sonntag, 1. März 2009
Dropbox - synchronize stuff across computers and web
I've been hearing about how people synchronize their things libraries using Dropbox but didn't get around to actually installing it myself until last night. It's one of those things you do and ask yourself: now why didn't I do this sooner? So if you haven't made the leap I recommend you do so now and sign up for a free account.
With a free account you get 2 GB of storage. If you need more disk space you can sign up for one of the paid plans. For me I think the free account should last me a while, for what I plan to use it for (synchronizing files I need to access both from work and home across mac and PC platforms, stuff like pdf files I send customers or mindmaps using Mindjets's MindManager).
And if you use this link powered by the Dropbox referral plan, you and I each get 250 MB worth of extra free storage when you sign up. That's how I finally came on board: I signed up using Fokke Koistra's invitation link in his Feb. 28th blog posting "Dropbox - part of my GTD system" on his Netherlands based Productivity 101 blog.
So do us both a favor and sign up using the invitation above!
With a free account you get 2 GB of storage. If you need more disk space you can sign up for one of the paid plans. For me I think the free account should last me a while, for what I plan to use it for (synchronizing files I need to access both from work and home across mac and PC platforms, stuff like pdf files I send customers or mindmaps using Mindjets's MindManager).
And if you use this link powered by the Dropbox referral plan, you and I each get 250 MB worth of extra free storage when you sign up. That's how I finally came on board: I signed up using Fokke Koistra's invitation link in his Feb. 28th blog posting "Dropbox - part of my GTD system" on his Netherlands based Productivity 101 blog.
So do us both a favor and sign up using the invitation above!
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