ubuntu UI goodies

Okay, to get a really cool UI in Ubuntu, first run "compiz --replace" - this will replace your window manager (for this session) with a 3d-accelerated one. This is cool enough itself, but then install awn. This installs a Mac-like taskbar on the bottom of the screen. But even just using compiz is cool enough on it's own.

Call Me via GrandCentral

GrandCentral

You know, VOIP is pretty cool. We're already on AT&T CallVantage, and I love paying just over $25 including fees per month (compared to my mom paying > $50/month and not getting much long distance with that), but GrandCentral is even cooler. I can do custom routing per group, and have multiple groups. So I can route friends one way, coworkers another, and everyone else a third way. I can have it ring my home, cell, or even Gizmo (a VOIP/IM/SIP client). Wish it supported forwarding to Skype without using money (as it has to route through the PSTN network), whereas with Gizmo it's all VOIP/SIP so there's no charge (at least right now). I can even listen in while you leave a voice mail and pick up at any time, like the old style answering machines. And, the real cool thing, I can get international numbers. I could have an Israeli number, an Irish number, or a Russian one, among others. Very very cool, IMHO. It doesn't do outbound calling, but just having a local-for-your-friends inbound number is cool, and the advanced routing and other features are great as well. Of course, right now it's only set to forward to my Gizmo login (so as not to use cell minutes), it is of limited use right now. But definitely something to play with, and see if I would be willing to pay a nominal amount for.

HP parody

Here's a parody of book 7 of Harry Potter - do not read until you've read the book. I found it rather funny, personally (the parody, that is).