Funny how things keep turning up…

I had a few emails from my parents last week warning me about the latest and greatest computer viruses, and not to open “that” file. Turns out they were the latest and greatest…of 2006. Thank goodness for Snopes.

It’s funny how things keep turning up. Like the “Inconvenient Truth” math video, which just reappeared in a blog post on Saturday. Can we add this to Snopes?

Some things we can laugh at. Others we wish would just go away.

The New Toy (Read: Computer)

We got a new family computer.  It was time for our old Dell Dimension 4400 to retire after 7 years of reliable service.  It just couldn’t hack it anymore, but it’s still a good computer.

The new machine is also a Dell (I’m still a PC guy, even though I use a Mac at work).  We got a new Inspiron 530.  Here’s the stats if you’re interested:

• Pentium Dual Core E5200 (2.50 GHz, 800MHz FSB, 2MB cache)
• 4GB RAM
• 320 GB hard drive
• Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit (I debated this, but it’s really worth it)
• DVD +/- RW drive

I declined the pre-installed productivity software and anti-virus tools, opting instead to install OpenOffice and AVG Free.   The only 64-bit hiccup we’ve encountered is that the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer that came installed on the coputer is not compatible with FlashPlayer.  No problem: we just installed Firefox (32-bit) and all is well.

Everything has worked great, and I actually enjoy using Vista (maybe because it reminds me of my Mac at work).

How does he do that…

So…I can do most two-digit by two-digit multiplication in my head. It’s a binomial expansion, pretty easy. Most people could use a process they learned at some point, FOIL (or some derivative thereof).

But this guy¹ takes it to a new level. If you haven’t seen this, watch it. It’s depressing, but it also gets at the relevance thing big time.  (Thanks to my aunt and uncle for sending this along.)