Archive for October, 2005

Experimenting with Linux

Saturday, October 29th, 2005

Well, I just installed Ubuntu 5.04 on my old box a week ago, and just recently killed the GUI by trying to update the nVidia drivers. Looks like it is time to give Gentoo a try. I think I killed it when I couldn’t get the installer to run… Anyways, I didn’t really like Ubuntu that much. A bit too clunky for me. I still liked Slackware better.

Well, wish me good luck on getting Gentoo to work.

MINIUSA UAOM

Sunday, October 23rd, 2005

I just recieved my UAOM(Unauthorized Owner’s Manual) from MINIUSA. It is pretty awesome, with some unconventional uses for a MINI, and ways to be different.

You can download your own printable copy here (1.3MB, PDF).

Oh, and the printed copy comes with these stickers that you can stick above the toggle switches, which unlocks the mysterious powers of a MINI, like invisibility and reverse thrusters. There is even oil slick, tacks, and even smoke, making the new BMW MINI the ultimate Bond car. You can order yours from MINIUSA by emailing them using the contact form at MINIUSA.com. (WARNING: Flash site)

Google Personalized Home

Monday, October 10th, 2005

Here it is: http://www.google.com/ig

Something I just discovered. Seems awfully like what I did try out with Yahoo a long time ago (5 years+, so some of these might not apply anymore).

I didn’t like what Yahoo! had. It was not easy to customize. I had to go through many page loads to make some changes, and took me at least half an hour to make it what I wanted it to be like.

Now, with Google’s personalized home, you can change things by clicking the “Add Content” button on the top left corner, add new content, and organize them by dragging them around. You can change the options in the same page by clicking edit, make your changes, then go out of edit mode. No/minimal loading, and very easy and fast. And, I think it looks cleaner than Yahoo’s page.

Well, I think it is worth a try, and I’ll be using it for a while.

ACT v. SAT impressions

Sunday, October 9th, 2005

Well, I just took the ACT with Writing in September, and the SAT Reasoning test yesterday, Oct. 8.

The ACT was definitely easier overall. All the four multiple choice sections, which are English, Reading, Math, and Science, were all a piece of cake compared to the SAT stuff. But, the writing was very similar to what the SAT has. They give you a prompt, then you take a stand and talk about it. I don’t know how hard/easy they grade on that, but I hope I do good on that, since I usually score low on essays.

And now, the SAT. This is my second time taking the new SAT Reasoning test; the first time was in March, 2005. For some reason, it felt easier this time. I didn’t really stress about it that much this time. No intense study sessions day/night before the test. I just read some tips online, and some documentaries (for something to write on for the essay). Oh, and I gave my MINI a nice wash. Yeah, that must’ve been it.

Well, hope I did better this time.

Oh, and anyone interested in going to a performance driving school in December? If you or anyone you know is or might be, then post a comment, and I’ll give you more details on it.

Cheers.