Jan 30th, 2006
Things that are really, really cool
- Ruby, and more specifically, Ruby on Rails. More on this when I get around to writing it.
- The NHL shootout. I was certain I would hate it, and think it was a bastardization of the game (which it is). But the fact that it eliminated all ties more than makes up for it. And it’s damned fun to watch. It doesn’t hurt that the Stars are the best team in the NHL when it gets to the shootout.
- The $189 PC I picked up at Fry’s. No, it’s not cutting edge. No, it’s not terribly fast, but heck, it was $189. (and I am ashamed to admit, even at $189… it’s faster than my 2 year old Powerbook when running benchmarks in Ruby)
- MythTV. I’ve written about this before, but now I have my own personal PVR that can play back video anyplace in my house, as well as simultaneously rendering versions for my iPod. Which brings me to the next entry…
- Video iPod. I didn’t want one, I didn’t see the point in looking at a 2รข?? (and that’s being generous) TV. Until I saw one. The picture is surprisingly good. The convenience of being able to take whatever I want to watch while I work out is truly amazing.
- Bruce Feiler’s book on Abraham: A Journey into the Heart of Three Faiths. A great treatment of one of my pet subjects.