RoBBlog

So, a couple of months ago I purchased a netbook. A netbook is a small, lightweight computer that is only suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, word processing, etc. The benefit is both the small form factor and long battery life. It is easier to carry around than a standard notebook. My notebook, which acts as desktop replacement when needed, is large and heavy - partially because of the extended battery - making it a hassle to carry everywhere. Because of my job, it is necessary to have a computer present 24/7.

Life since this purchase has been fantastic.

I throw this netbook in my car anytime I leave the house. It fits neatly and discreetly in the locked glove box. Should an urgent client issue arise while I'm out and about, all I have to do is find a hot spot or tether to my phone for an internet connection. The netbook is also a more suitable solution for catching up on news while sitting at Starbucks or favorite lunch spot. And because of the long battery life - mine gets approximately 6hrs - I can leave the a/c adapter at home without concern.

One last thing...the operating system. Most netbooks come with a stripped down version of Windows XP. This is necessary because Vista requires more power and resources than a netbook can provide. I used the Windows XP OS for about a month without any real issues. But in an effort to speed up the system and get even longer battery life, I installed Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a Linux based OS that works much like Windows or OSX. It is fantastically efficient and stable. And the best part - it's free! Ubuntu is an open source distribution that falls under GNU licensing. Which means, basically, it is owned by the public. Well, running this OS has made my little netbook shine - booting faster, running smoother and lasting longer. I love it.

So if you need basic web browsing and email capabilities or a more convenient mobile solution, try a netbook. With a starting price of just $199, it is hard to go wrong.

This is the inaugural post in what will be an ongoing series of updates devoted to new music. I have found that while the rest of the U.S. is trending towards new, fresh sounds, my home town is still very much concentrated on waning genres and artists. Hopefully, these updates will provide hours of enjoyable listening!

In an ironic tribute to the movie High Fidelity (a movie that featured almost exclusively old music), the list will contain only my top five recommendations.

Gomez
A New Tide

Phoenix
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Sunset Rubdown
Dragonslayer

Silversun Pickups
Swoon

Grizzly Bear
Veckatimest

Seems like many of my friends are struggling through difficult times right now. There is no need to enumerate the circumstances - the specifics don't matter. All that matters really, is their pain. It is hard to see and hear of their suffering. I want to take away their pain. I want to make it all better. But of course, I can't. So to all my friends in trying times - should you need an ear, call. Should you need a distraction - call. Should you need a hug - call. I will do my best to be available. Lastly, I am praying for you. God is the greatest healer of all. Lean into Him.

So, a few weeks ago I posted a commentary targeting Facebook. In said post, I claimed that Facebook is the spawn of Satan. That opinion remains unchanged. Only the devil could think that distracting millions of people from work and family is a good thing. What has changed is my primary reason for participating in this hugely successful social network. My interest has clearly moved from professional to personal. This is not to say that I quit mining Facebook for marketing purposes - I still do. But, the enjoyment of connecting with friends, new and old, on a daily basis outweighs any marketing insight gained.

So, I offer this partial retraction. I love Facebook!

In France, it is legal to marry a dead person!

Guess which of the pair smells better.