links for 2006-03-23 March 22, 2006
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Combined view of the three services listed in the description. I’m liking this a lot right now as a quick overview of what’s going on on the web.
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Interesting read. Follow the link on the first page to the duct-tape gallery.
The “Family” Category
I got an email asking me why I was posting the sort of stuff I was, under “Family”, as well as some of the other categories - i.e. shouldn’t “Family” actually be about my family?
Well, that’s one way, sure, and I can see why folks would think that. I’m using it a little differently though - stuff I tag “family” is stuff that I think my family might like to read. That’s all, plain and simple. So, it’s unlikely any of my Blackberry or ITIL stuff will end up under that tag, but random observations about life, or my travels, etc., probably will do.
Packing List
Showing that yes, I really do reach for MindManager as my primary thinking and layout tool, below is an image of the map I threw together today as a packing list. I’m not taking everything on it, but I wanted something that would act as a basis for future trips as well.
I used MindManager because I wanted to do two things - be able to quickly filter down to a list of things that, if I am taking them, need to be charged the night before, and also determine whether I want to pack them in my carry-on, for use either in-flight or as soon as I land, or in my checked luggage (I try not to check, but sometimes, it just can’t be helped. And if stuff is going in the hold anyway, then I want to be carrying as little as possible!).
One of the benefits of using a MindMap to do this, rather than a simple linear paper list, is that it’s self-selecting for some items - if I’m not taking the iPod, for instance, then I don’t need any of the other items that are mapped out from that item; on the other hand, if I’m taking the iPod, then yes, I probably need to take the sync cable, and the power-brick that goes with it, but do I need the international power adapter?
I did another version of the MindMap that includes model and serial numbers for all the equipment that I might possibly take, as well. I’ve never needed a list like that, and I hope that I never do, but it’s nice to have it “just in case”.
If you want the map file itself, you can download it here.
I’m off to England tomorrow, where I gather the weather for the next two weeks is going to be about forty degrees colder than where I am right now…