Simply Writing

The family is watching Psych.  I'm trying out an online writing program by the name of Writer.  Catchy isn't it?  Yeah, I agree, it's a boring name, but the program is another story altogether.  "Why?", you ask.  I'll tell you why.  This is a great program precisely because it does exactly one thing - provides a non-distractive environment conducive to writing.

It has a retro look to it - green on black, like the old DOS prompts on those archaic monitors from days gone by.  That is somewhat frightening when I think about it.  But, the idea is appealing in that there are fewer distractions, although having Psych playing to my right is quite distracting.

Having a notepad at your beck and call that is larger than a notepad is a good thing.  Not having a gazillion options is a good thing.  This thing is good for writing, period, and that's a good thing.

I also investigated an app by the name of Write Space.  Write Space is program in that it has a black background, but has light tan letters which I find to be pleasant as well.  Write Space is also a minimalist app, with very few options except typing/writing.  I believe Write Space will get the job done nicely.

A third program that I acquired is known as Ommwriter.  Think Zen Buddhist - omm.  This program is an actual program, in that it can be downloaded from it's own website, www.ommwriter.com, and installed on either a Mac, Windows machine, or as an app for ipad.

Unlike the other two apps above, Ommwriter has a few options more, though it is still rather simple when comparing it to a normal wordprocessor like Microsoft Word.  The most obvious feature of oomwriter is it's music.  "Music?", you ask.  Yes, music, sort of.  It makes you feel like you are approaching Nervana's outskirts.  Bells toll, synths play soothingly, and a stray piano or two get their ivory tickled.  Do I like it?  Maybe.  It's hard to say.  I did feel silly working away in that environment, but I have yet to try to produce a project via Ommwriter.  I suspect that if I'm left alone for a few hours, it may prove to be helpful.  Try it out for yourself. Ommwriter, like the other apps, is free.

Panchito

On Barter

For quite some time I've wanted to be involved in the barter economy. One of the barriers that I've noticed is that I'm unable to find one. Yep it's a fact, here in my town there does not seem to exist a barter economy. I am going to investigate the possibilities shortly. Looks like the dollar ain't doing so well, and its time to take many matters into our own hands... 

Quite a number of communities in the USA have their own "Bucks", currencies that represent a set number of hours of work done, or other ways of assigning value to the bills.  Does your area have something like that in place?  Mine doesn't, yet...


 What are your thoughts?

Ciao,

Panchito

In Defense of Parental Authority

Last night a man by the name of Tommy Jordan executed his daughter's laptop as punishment, or perhaps the beginning of punishment for his daughter's ill-advised Facebook post.  After listening to Mr. Jordan's rather thorough explanation of his daughter's antics, his own warnings to her for her misbehavior, and how he had just upgraded her programs and laptop the day before as a favor for the 15-year-old, I found myself firmly entrenched on his side of the situation.  Then, Mr. Jordan read a Facebook post that the young lady had written to himself and his wife, blasting them for her "slavery" at their hands...  Okay, enough of me telling the story, watch the video and make up your own mind.



Kudos to Dad!  Teach the girl about the results of her actions and words.

Ciao,

Panchito