Sunday, June 19, 2011

No more ChromeOS on my Cr-48: Ubuntu Natty installed

Since Google is now actually selling Chromebooks, I think they'll forgive me for finally breaking down and installing Linux on my Cr-48. Several months ago, I used Hexxeh's Luigi firmware installer so that I could boot any distro of my choice from a USB key. But ever since then, bash was missing, even after several clean re-installs of ChromeOS, and trying the dev switch in both positions. My only command line option was crosh, which, of course, was not enough -- and made it impossible to follow a lot of system recovery recipes I've seen out there. That also meant that I couldn't automatically get upgrades; I had to download and flash them manually.

But I can't say that was really the reason that I finally wiped it clean and installed Ubuntu, though it certainly didn't help. Mostly, it was just that I missed having a for-real Linux desktop. After receiving my Cr-48, I sold my netbook; I do have Puppy Linux on my OLPC XO-1, but it's not my first choice for an everyday machine (although lots of fun!).

So, last night when I finally had some time to tinker, I first installed Kubuntu 10.4 (Lucid) from a USB DVD drive, then created a bootable Ubuntu 11.4 (Natty) USB key, because keys I'd prepared in OS X were failing to boot. So far, Natty seems to run pretty nicely on the Cr-48.

I'm feeling very happy to have a Linux notebook again!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

A holiday message from Mr. F1ster

This is an actual message I received last night. I've disguised the username ever so slightly, but if you'd like to send a love letter to this guy, I'd be happy to let you know where you can find him. Please tell me this guy is a troll, and not for real...
Subject: Eternity 
I see that you have sex with multiple partners.
I'm trying, pal. Really, I am. But you're right: it does seem like it's been an eternity.
The purpose of sex is to give birth.
Spoken like someone who will never have to give birth.
Over and over again this is demonstrated in the biblical context. Sex did not originate to be a release for a stress filled day, afterwards a cup of coffee or a smoke. Casual sex is not the intention of the Bible's narrative that advocates procreation. Most would agree, we read about sexual sin in the Scriptures. Sexual sin as mentioned in the Bible leads to different results. If you believe to every action their is a reaction, or if you prescribe to the biblical notion you reap what you sow, then casual sex will lead to something. It may lead to an unwanted child, sexually transmitted diseases
Apparently, Mr. F1ster is too stupid to use condoms and contraceptives.
or something that was delightful getting stuck and later needing surgical removal.
Wow. That is a weird way to make your point. I suspect that in further messages, I'd get to hear more and more about this. But alas, I had to block him, so I'll never find out what he had surgically removed from his bum.
My point is that it leads to something. The act of sex never leads to nothing, even hurt feelings.
The biblical notion of sex has a stated purpose and requires discipline. 
Discipline! I'll bet he's obsessed with that, too.
This lifestyle has you walking down the wrong path. It's not too late to turn around and repent.
Ohhhh, man. This guy has no idea up which tree he is barking.

This is all really rich coming from someone with a screen name like "Mr. F1ster."

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Achtung Writers! I need a secular Solstice theater piece

I've been asked to perform something theatrical for a Solstice program in Portland on December 21, 2010. The program is sponsored by an educational secular foundation, and is intended to present and establish a body of new secular holiday works with a Humanist theme. The only problem is that I have nothing to perform. Are you interested in writing something for me (and/or performing with me)?

The piece could involve storytelling, a monologue (ugh), dialogue with additional actors, a smattering of music, performance art (so long as it's not too artsy -- blecch!), or what have you. Given my past few projects, I could definitely go for some comedy, but I'm open to other ideas.

I will need 10-15 minutes of material, and December is coming right up, so please speak up soon if you'd like to be involved!

Friday, June 18, 2010