Here are a few pics that I just scanned in. I’m still getting used to the scanner. Does anyone have any good tips for scanning? Or web sites with good tips?

The first pic is one of me when I didn’t want my picture taken. The second is of my old doggie. I miss her, she was lots of fun.

I saw this site called Dictary mentioned over on another blog and had to make mention of it because it looks pretty cool. What is a Dictary?

Probably the best and simplest answer is, a dictary is a search engine whose corpus is composed of literary texts instead of webpages. I don’t know why this description never occurred to me while I was developing this thing.

Another good answer is: a dictary is like a good dictionary, but without the definitions, and with access to a great many quotations which can be selected based on various criteria…

Another pretty decent answer is: a dictary is like a concordance, but encompassing many texts and authors instead of just one. The ideal dictary contains everything that has ever been written – this one isn’t quite there yet! [What’s a Dictary?]

Let’s see if I can explain it some. It searches texts for words you input. But you can say things like, show me where I can find these words within 4 lines of each other. Heck, even better, go there and check it out. It makes a bit more sense when you look at it and try it out.

I’ve been pretty bummed about the whole job situation lately so have been trying to find ways to distract me from stressing about it. One thing that a few people have recommended is finding ways to give volunteer help. Today while watching TechTV I saw a segment on a web site called VolunteerMatch. From their web site:

VolunteerMatch is the nonprofit, online service that helps interested volunteers get involved with community service organizations throughout the United States. Volunteers enter their ZIP code on the VolunteerMatch web site (www.volunteermatch.org) to quickly find local volunteer opportunities matching individual interests and schedules. This simple, effective service has already generated hundreds of thousands of volunteer referrals nationwide.

One cool thing they do is have a bunch of volunteer things you can do remotely (via computer/phone). Which would be a cool way for me to get started. I’d really like to find some school that I could help out at or something. I thought the web site looked pretty cool and that I’d share it.

One big peeve of mine is when movie soundtracks don’t include songs from a movie that I really liked. I was just watching Pretty in Pink and had completely forgotten that The Rave-Ups are in it. What sucks is that the soundtrack doesn’t include Positive Lost Me, a song I used to play way too much back when I was DJing at WESU in the summers (I kind of miss those days). The good news is I found the CD listed on Amazon, the bad news is that it isn’t in stock. I wish listed it at least.

Oh yeah, and last night Ethan brought Final Scratch over to TTB and it was so damn cool. I’m planning on playing with it a bit more next week. Or maybe before than if I can :). I also tried playing with the CD deck last night for the first time. It’s cool, but I don’t like the disconnected feel I get. For me playing records is kind of tactile. When I slow the record down I can feel how much I’m pressing against the side of it as it spins, I know how much I’m slowing it. I’m planning on learning to use it more anyways, because I think it is a good skill, but I don’t get the same enjoyment out of it currently.

Sometimes I think these things are too on target.

Scorpio, 10/23 – 11/21
Want to get the most out of your upcoming adventures, Scorpio? Then adopt an outlook that combines the objectivity of a scientist and the “beginner’s mind” of Zen Buddhism. To pull this off, you’ll have to suspend your theories about the way the world works. Realize that what you’ve learned in the past won’t be a reliable guide to understanding current events. Be skeptical of your biases, even the benevolent ones. Try to see the naked truth, stripped of the interpretations that your emotions might be inclined to impose. [ via Free Will Astrology]

Is that it makes it hard to motivate to do things. One because my apartment is already getting ungodly hot (ugs, I can’t afford to put in my a/c right now). Two, because it is just so nice out that I want to go out and play.

On the other hand I did get another resume out today for a job. I’m at the point where I’m applying for anything I have the slightest skills in that I can physically do. Ugs, I need to find something ASAP. Starting to panic lots (and trying very hard to not just start venting about it here).

Robert Morley: “Anyone who works is a fool. I don’t work – I merely inflict myself upon the public.” [Quotes of the Day]

Stretching out and reading, feeling the sun on the backs of your legs, falling asleep and waking up a bit later to feel a nice cool breeze. Ahh. Spring.

Aristotle:”It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” [Quotes of the Day]