BrainFuel

Happy New Year everyone!

This year has been a wild ride for me. I think the last half of the year was better than the first (who’s counting?). So much has changed in the last year – it’s incredible. I wonder what 2005 holds…

Here’s some goals, some wishes, and some thoughts for 2005 (in no particular order):

1. I sure hope that the new version of WordPress ends comment spam forever. Even after implementing some tricks to prevent spammers I still get a good two dozen every day.

2. I hope someone ends e-mail spam for good.

3. I hope to implement processes that enable us to schedule projects better. Something or someone always gets in the middle and throws everything off.

4. I want to laugh a lot more next year. I can’t wait to get my hands on the new Brian Regan DVD.

5. I want to launch several side projects in 2005 that will introduce additional revenue sources.

6. I want to spend less time at the office.

7. Revamp the design of BrainFuel, ArizonaReviews.com, Windstorm.biz, and turn them into a network of sites (in my spare time of course).

8. Play more ping pong.

9. Take another 10,000 photos with my camera.

10. I hope Google introduces the next version of Picasa photo manager so I can more easily manage my existing digital photos.

11. I want to get a Page Rank 7 on our Tornado site (right now it’s a 6). I’d take a PR8 but that’s asking for a lot.

I have several other personal goals I’ll keep to myself. They’re big and lofty and some people by now probably think I’m crazy. Oh well, comes with the territory, I suppose. I’m thankful more than ever for my friends and family.

I saw this on the AZ Flash Users Group and had to post it. It’s a neat little racecar game with VW Bugs. Use the arrow keys to drive.

I just wanted to post a note about VLC Media Player. It’s a really nice, open source, free video player for any OS. It plays DVDs and just about any other media format. If you are trying to play a movie (especially a DVD), give it a try.

Christmas has come and gone, there was a lot of rush right up until Christmas and suddenly it’s all very slow. Last week, just about everyone who lives in Arizona was on the roads coming and going (probably all that last minute shopping). It really clogged up the roads.

This week between Christmas and New Years Day is really one of my favorites. Everyone is sort of on a mental vacation – not really working. Or, working but it feels like a vacation.

So did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?

Some recurring themes I keep seeing this year: Fun t-shirts, Starbucks gift cards, Return of the King DVD, and cool gadgets.

Well, it’s back to work -

Now this is interesting! Shacknews figured out how to use CSS to “skin” their web pages with just a single image file.

This web page has the low-down on how to do it yourself.

Lee has a new web site (which is undoubtably only for this winter season). I really liked the graphic style.

Don’t miss the Emu Lander game (which is just a remake of a space ship lander game engine I’m sure).

Honda’s ASIMO robot really is impressive, for a walking robot that doesn’t do much. Some of the earlier versions (see a picture) look like an Oven or BBQ on legs!

Do you give gifts to your clients (specifically for Christmas/Holidays)? What about coworkers? Do you give everyone the same thing? Or are you just sick of giving out gifts?