Jim Roepcke's weblog have browser, will travel (est. 1999)

Makes a Lotto sense

50/50 to support the two NHL clubs in Alberta Makes a Lotto sense, according to Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun.

For the record, I was FOR the government's plan to bail out the NHL teams which was unfortunately cancelled last year due to taxpayer backlash. NHL teams mean a lot to the local economies of the cities they're in, and as a result the surrounding communities and country as a whole. And that doesn't even factor in the national pride factor of having competitive teams in the NHL.

Look at how the American teams are subsidized, having their buildings paid for by public dollars and essentially handed over to them for free. Last year, the Montreal Canadiens paid more tax than all of the (22) American teams combined!

Kids and Open Source Software

When I was young (I'm thinking about 11 years old here), I didn't have access to much software, even though I had a computer. Frankly, there wasn't much software to have access TO, but that's not the point. Even if it was there, I couldn't have afforded it.

One of the first things I did when I got my first computer (a C=64) was learn how to program it (in BASIC). I wanted to do more but the documentation that came with the computer didn't go deep enough. I had only one issue of one computer magazine (RUN), which I read over and over for years, and I'll never forget the which ad claimed its software could write programs FOR ME based on simple descriptions. I wanted it so bad, but couldn't afford it and couldn't talk my parents into buying it for me. I didn't even know what a compiler was. All I knew is I wanted to make my own games.

Look at what kids can get their hands on now, for free (Linux, open source software in general). What access they have, even without an internet connection. Oh, to be 11 years old and have my first computer again. Much more intimidating, but with so many more possibilities.

Thank you to everyone that's contributed to this. And my 3 year old daughter thanks you too, even though she doesn't know it yet.

Apple’s Retail home page

5 down. 95 to go.

Cute.