Jan 05
2007
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Site-Based Management |
Fine.
Because of the blazing speed in which these pages have been loading lately, I’m allowing full text in my syndicated feeds. I don’t really have time to check Statcounter anymore, so it’s just as well. So if you’re using Bloglines or some other feed aggregate, you should get the whole text. Hopefully this will fix my del.icio.us blog import issues as well, but I doubt it. If you’re not using a feeds aggregate, you should be.
Sep 05
2006
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Music and Movies |
IGN: Guitar Hero 2 Rocks and Rolls Out New Tracks
O.
M.
G.
I am so psyched, I have no idea what to say… is it November yet?
This time, I mean it. Regular posting resumes SOON. I need to write a lot about school, grad school, the giant elephant in the room (our new house), the new stress of homeownership (it’s a different layer!) Until then, drool at the thought of Sweet Child o’ Mine and Crazy on You
Later! (I hope.)
Jul 02
2006
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Random |
This post is really for Kenny, but hey, y’all can read it too, if ya want.
Just got back from DMB @ Alpine, more on this soon. For those of you that read Woot, you might have seen this (only good til midnight tonight), but it’s funny for two reasons:
A) It mentions So Taguchi, who Kenny cheers for everytime we mention the Cardinals, and
B) It talks about Kenny. Not our Kenny, but eerily similar.
Kenny, are you working for Woot?
(I posted the entire column here, because the woot info disappears when the next day’s Woot comes up)
So, Taguchi: you wanna take your laptop and hook up a printer, a keyboard, a mouse, an Ethernet cable, and so on. Sure thing, chief, no problem. As long as you don’t mind connecting and re-connecting all that stuff every single time you take your laptop anywhere. Must be nice to have that kind of free time, not to mention that kind of patience. On with the dance of a thousand hookups!
Or you could get a docking station and reduce it to one simple connection. Oh, but make sure you get the docking station that’s made specifically for your model of laptop. If you can afford it, that is. If you can find one. If it even exists. Happy hunting!
Like the infomercial pitchman says, “There’s got to be a better way!”
And that better way goes by the name of Kensington Portable Universal Docking Station 33055. You can call it Kenny on accounta you got an honest face. Just plug Kenny into your laptop’s USB port, hook up your doodads and whatzits to Kenny’s many ports, and enjoy a lifetime of one-hookup laptop networking. Not a human’s lifetime, mind you; more like a typical kangaroo’s lifetime.
Kenny boasts two USB 2.0 ports, two PS/2 ports, and one port apiece of the parallel, serial, and Ethernet RJ-45 varieties. He’s clean, discreet, doesn’t eat much, and gets along with any laptop with USB capabilities. And when you and your laptop gotta fly, Kenny waits patiently at home for your return. Warn your spouse now: with this kind of service, you might just wind up wanting to marry Kenny instead.
Warranty: One year
Features:
- High-Speed USB 2.0 is up to 40 times faster than standard USB 1.1
- Instantly converts your notebook into a desktop workstation – enjoy the comfort of an external keyboard and mouse or high-speed Ethernet access
- Plug-and-play functionality: One simple USB interface connects you instantly to your keyboard, mouse, printer, network, and many other USB device
- Slim, compact design
- Dimensions: 7.0”L X 1.0”H X 2.375”W
Ports:
- two USB 2.0
- one Ethernet RJ-45
- one parallel
- one serial
- two PS/2
Includes:
- Universal Docking Station
- Manual
- CD
Windows Requirements:
- Windows XP with Service Pack 1
- Pentium processor or equivalent
- Hi-speed USB 2.0 port (Docking Station will function on USB 1.x port but only at USB 1.x speeds)
Apr 20
2006
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Entertainment Tonight |
IGN: Guitar Hero II Interview
I think I just wet myself.
Read the article, because I don’t think I can relate how excited I am about this.
Going to change my pants now.
Is it November yet?
Jan 11
2006
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Exploring |
Beam weapons almost ready for battle - Space.com - MSNBC.com
How awesome is that? Yes, war is bad, death is bad, but these have some potential to significantly reduce casualties. I especially enjoyed the idea of the “voice from the heavens”, and the Active Denial Technology… Like a forcefield! And nonlethal! Schweet.
Dec 17
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Site-Based Management |
Well, then, average 12.2 readers, have I got a new blog for you. Frank the Tank, is a smart, talented writer who shared a bed….room with me for two years, and an apartment for another year. He’s very smart, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll have to read the post twice to even understand what he’s talking about. But it’s good. Real. Good.
Welcome to the blogosphere, buddy. Enjoy your fade to anonymity and white noise like the rest of us. 
Winter Break is here, so I will be catching up on my posts. Until I do, go read Frank. He’s got plenty to say for both of us.
Nov 16
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze, Techie, not Geekie, Site-Based Management |
Morning/Afternoon/Evening folks,
In my grad class tonight, I have to give a quick presentation on new technology that’s being used. It doesn’t necessarily even have to be school-based, so guess what? I’m going to give a short diatribe on the wonders of blogs/blogging. Things I’ll mention include:
1) How Easy Blogging (Ebjournalling) Is…
2) Designing your own vs. using someone else’s stuff vs. hosting your own and using someone else’s stuff.
3) Types of Blogs (Forum/Politics/Photo/Web Clippings) –I thought I would point out a few sites that I visit, depending on time.
4) Why Blogs are Important ( or are they?!)
What I need from you, loyal 12.4 readers, is suggestions. Anything you think I should use to introduce to the class. They (Hello, ladies!) know what blogs are, but haven’t had the opportunity to see what/why it’s out there, and why they’re such a big deal. (or over-hyped, as the case may be on this site 
) In other words, what’s important to know about blogs/blogging?
Suggest away… and thanks!
Aug 20
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Site-Based Management |
Between my new toy (the Panasonic digital camera; 5 nMP, 6x Optical zoom) and my new knowledge (Fireworks, and Dreamweaver), I’m working on developing a few pictures to show y’all. Please remember that I’m new at this. Be kind.
Also, I’m looking for suggestions for a hosting gallery. Flickr? What else is out there that’s good?
Anyhoo, here are some pics from my class. Click on the picture to enlarge ( I hope)
More from the classroom:
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Here’s a bulletin board starter–students will fill in the blank spots:
And finally, something I’ll use in the future.. maybe it could be my logo…
Jul 20
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie |
Okay, I’m going to do it… I’ll be updating to WP 1.5, mostly because I made it through another class (nothing like 5 hours of homework last night to leave you twiddling your thumbs tonight), so wish me luck. I’ll see you on the other side
Jul 14
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Entertainment Tonight |
General Reasoning behind getting DirecTV:
1) Channels are supposed to be of a better quality.
2) Basic packages include a little more.
3) “NFL Sunday Tiiicket…”
4) It was cheaper than Comcast.
But oh, trixie Comcast. They know me too well, and know that I have been less than pleased with DirecTV and it’s inability to change channels because of the TiVo. TiVo has also missed a few recordings because it changed to the wrong channel (i.e. 26 instead of 206). We also realized that I’m never actually around for “NFL Sunday Tiiicket…”. So wily Comcast has been sending me flyers, taunting me with service, trying to make me come to the dark side, the return to exorbitant cable prices.
This last one is too good for greedy me to refuse:
Digital Cable Package (Silver, I believe)
HBO
60-Hour DVR (why do I need two? WHY NOT?!)
Monthly cost for the first year: $39.99. Even with taxes and made-up fees, it should be about the same price for my two-room DirecTV. So I called. And switched. And they were happy to have my business.
Now I get to watch Deadwood, Sopranos, and Six Feet Under. I’m a little tingly. (I *think* it includes HBO On-Demand, but I’m not sure yet)
My TiVo will be so happy, I get picture-in-picture back, and cable in the spare bedroom. I will also have two DVRs, so I will never have to choose between Lost or Smallville again. Not that it was hard. Lost rocks!
So not only is next Thursday my sister Ory’s Sweet 16th birthday, it’s also Back-To-Cable Day.
It had better not suck.
Jul 11
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie |
You may or may not have noticed… I’ve added some categories over there—> A quick description:
Bookworm: It’s summer, so I’m getting caught up on my fun reading, pending the start of summer school classes that actually require texts.
Cinephile: Movies I’ve recently seen that warrant mentioning.
In the Queue: Books on deck for me to read soon.
Now Playing: CD’s in the heavy rotation.
Enjoy a further peek into my boring life.
Apr 11
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Unfortunately Serious |
Two semi-quick things…
First, Saturday was the one year anniversary of our friend Greg’s death. We miss you, Greg. You touched lives in ways that you did not know, and your repercussions are still being felt. I wish you were here today to see how things have worked out… there aren’t words. So we’ll leave it at we miss you.
Second, 04.03.05 marked the one year anniversary of my entry to online blogging world. Have I made a difference? Who knows. Have I upgraded at least once? Yes, yes I have. I hope this year brings even more changes, upgrades, and of course, more ebjournaling.
Mar 31
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie |
G4techTV.ca
Interesting article I came across. I’ll try it out and see if it works!
Update: Home page loads quickly… still seeing if there’s a difference…
Mar 21
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze, Techie, not Geekie |
As a follow-up to my article about blogging in the classroom, I foundKidzLog is one of the types of blog software out there for students to use in the classroom. I don’t know how much I’m going to get this off the ground this year, but I would definitely like to get it rolling for next year. The interface seems prettys straightforward, and it’s getting good reviews. Educational site license for $9.00 for one computer. I think I can swing that.
Mar 09
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze, Techie, not Geekie, Music and Movies |
Another round of mailbag responses…
Dear Tony,
What’s news on the school front? Do you like your job? How are the kids? Please give us all the nitty-gritties.
Hot for Teacher.
Dear Hot,
Thanks for the interest! Now that conferences, progress reports, and tutoring for the ISAT are over, I’ve been able to focus on what they’re paying me for; TEACHING. Everyday, I am impressed by the students and their ability to learn. We are working on word choice, and the students are picking up on adjectives and adverbs. The most impressive display of talent takes place in math. It is amazing to me that when students are presented with a consistent math program that focuses on flexible thinking rather than crystallized facts and rote procedures. These students know way more about math than I ever I did at the age of seven, and I thought I was fairly intelligent. It’s fun to teach these kids because they work hard, even if they don’t get it the first, second, or twentieth time. Yes, day to day frustrations build, but in the end, the kids are making progress and learning. I think some of them might even like it in the classroom! Tomorrow, we’re going on a field trip to the local city Museum. Good times ahead; hope I get to keep this job. (More on *that* after April 5th)
~Mr. K
Dear Tony,
You have a category for music and movies, yet you don’t ever post about it. Why is that?
Attentive to Detail
Dear Attentive,
In theory, communism would work. Also in theory, I would like to take some time to review music and movies and tell the world (read: 10 people) about the talkies and the LP’s. So here’s a short summary of what I’ve been listening to and watching recently:
TV: All the usuals, except we’ve added Medium to the Monday night TiVo queue, and took away CSI:Miami. Also swapped out: Las Vegas for 24. After watching three season of the show in about two weeks, it’s been hard to wait week after week. Also, please start watching Lost It’s a very interesting show that fills the void left by Angel and BTVS. It also makes it easy to abandon Smallville Finally, we’ve started watching Deadwood on DVD. Dark westerns are great. So, we’re addicted to it.
Movies: The lovely and engaging Mrs. K and I watched Napoleon Dynamite last weekend. I’m not sure how strong the plot was, but it was very, very funny, full of memorable one-liners. Hitch was funny, too. Also, we’ve purchased the Blockbuster Movie Pass. Sorry, Kenny, Netflix doesn’t make much sense when we walk to Blockbuster.
Music: Beyond the Green Day and Cake albums which I purchased about a month ago, I’ve uploaded about forty albums to my laptop. (Thanks Rich) Among the gems: Talking Heads, C.C.R., and the Beastie Boys. Good times.
~Thumbs Up Tony
Dear Tony,
When are you going to contribute to WIT?
Your Admin
Dearest Admin,
Hopefully soon. I think it’s a great idea, and I would like to pursue it. SOON.
~Tony
That’s all for now… next up, Illini basketball, and the discussion of prospects in the term coined in 1939 as “March Madness.”
Mar 05
2005
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie |
Random comments from a second grade teacher is back, after a hellish hiatus known as February. Lowlights for February included:
Progress Reports (aka “Report Card Narrative Purgatory”)
Applying to grad school (got in, btw)
Applying to financial aid for said grad school (no word, yet)
Parent-Teacher Conferences (I LOVE the 14 1/2 work days, don’t you?)
But, with my thoughts turning to spring, spring training, and spring break, there were highlights in February:
Valentine’s Day weekend (Le Titi de Paris c’est manifique!, and Lewis Black was amusing)
Decorating the apt. more (new throw pillows, [just for you, Eric,] and some hangings for the bedroom)
AND THE BEST PART OF ALL…
The NEW laptop.
Yes, folks, I’ve leapt forward from 1997 to a modern marvel of technology. For those of you taking notes at home, I’ve got a Dell with a Pentium M 715,(1.5 GHZ) 60 GB/7200 rpm, 512 MB RAM, 24x CD-burning MACHINE. And yes, it’s the 15.4 widescreen.
Thanks to Mom and J generous b-day gift (Best Buy card) I bought a wireless router so that everything would be ready to go once the notebook arrived. It came yesterday. My eyes hurt from so much staring in joy.
{By the way, thank you SO SO MUCH to the lovely and engaging Mrs. K for this gift. It was a wonderful surprise. And thanks to Rich for helping her find the right laptop for me}
Now if only I weren’t a monkey trying to type Shakespeare, I would take this puppy for a ride. After reading Kenny’s post aboutwhat to install on a new machine I got the wireless up and running, and started downloading things, in this order:
1)AIM (so I could ask others what to download)
2)Firefox, 2a)Windows Updates
3)Spybot
4)Ad-aware
5)iTunes (transferred my music over from the old machine, too)
Now, faithful readers, since I’ve joined you in the 22nd century, what else do I need to download?
I’m fired up, it’s March, and I’m uber-connected.
Go Illini.
Jan 31
2005
Tony| Category: General, School Daze, Techie, not Geekie |
Good morning. You may be seated. In my never-ending effort to increase the amount of technology exposure to the minds of Future America, namely my second-grade students, I am kicking around this idea; why not set up a blog/bjournal/ebjournal for the students to use to keep a record of what we’re doing in the classroom? I’m picturing having two or three students per day/every other day/weekly working on posting the important things that we did in class, according to them. Why do this? To show them that they too can not only surf the Internet, but become part of the Internet. What say you, faithful readers? Should the children have their voice?
***sidenote: I’m already in contact with our network admin… we’ve got PHP and MySqL running on our server… so we should be good to go***
Jan 30
2005
Tony| Category: Techie, not Geekie |
This was a fun day. I still have a lot to work on, but WP seems to be friendlier than b2. Thank you very much to Eric for being a super administrator. Please notice the fun choices of styles. Please keep reading this. Please comment. Tomorrow is a new day… will I get more done? Hard to say.
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