http://www.michaelgilmore.com just me chekin' things out Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:59:29 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en OK, not completely, but pretty darn useful at least: here's a list of shortcuts for getting through the gauntlet of pre-recorded steps, instructions, hoops, red tape, etc. that get thrown your way when you're trying to get phone support. It works,at least the two times I've used it so far: ... http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=279 From the Huffington Post: "...It's all a part of Joe the Plumber's "Maybe I'm A Foreign Policy Expert, But Anyway, You Should Go Out And Get Your Own Opinions On Things Instead Of Listening To Mine, Even Though I'm Going To Keep Opining If You Give Me Half A Chance, ... http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=268 Speaking of lolcats and the like, here's some light reading culled from various sources around the inernets. We start with an appetizer of "pwned" pics, then following a brief lolcats segue, dine on the main course of funny motivators. Note: these are basically SFW, but I'm sure some folks will be offended. http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=254 I've been thinking about it for a couple years now, and finally decided to make the move; starting today, I'm officially a college student again. I enrolled in the User-Centered Design certificate program at the UW and applied for graduate nonmatriculated status. My plan is to flip over to full-on grad school ... http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=237 Happiness is running barefoot along the edge of the surf with a good friend. http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=209 My incredibly lame former webhosting service (BGFweb) is evidently on autopilot. The system suspended my account without warning, ignoring the fact that I'm paid through November (with receipts to prove it).  Numerous emails and phone calls went unanswered for days. I don’t think there’s anyone running the ship;  I should’ve suspected when I saw ... http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=191 Perk of the year: When Microsoft rolled out the Connector express bus service last fall to whisk employees to and from the mothership, it was an instant hit. And what's not to love?: 1) saves gas, 2) cuts down on traffic, 3) on-board WiFi, and 4) they actually look pretty damn cool. So a ... http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=117 Great prank - the jokesters at Improv Everywhere corraled a horde of identical twins for some fun during the rush hour commute. The pictures and video say it all - enjoy. http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=112 George Carlin R.I.P: I was thirteen the first time I heard the infamous "Seven words you can't say on TV", and have been warped since. The ultimate anti-establishment comic genius didn't go stale with age; in some ways he actually got better. Check out Class Clown  or You Are all Diseased for some quintessential Carlin. http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=109 Bummer - I missed seeing an encore of Speed Racer  before its run ended at the IMAX theater. Yes, encore. I haven't been this dazzled by cornea-melting goodness since my first viewing of Tron  back in the day. That's saying a lot considering how jaded we've become about digital effects.  Forgive the ultra-thin plot; it's more a motion ... http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=108 Here's some instant inspiration for your viewing pleasure: You're sure to find a favorite (or two) among this ever-evolving collection of bizcard designs from all over. http://www.michaelgilmore.com/?p=100