If you get an emerge: there are no ebuilds to satisfy "=dev-libs/libxslt-1.1.20" error or similar, try running the updater with the --ignore-versions switch.

This is way better than a turbo minivan. I think I finally know what I want for Christmas, in addition to an Emacs Reference Mug.

Christmas is coming.

I wonder if I can convince family members to read my blog.
No one’s going to get this hint.

Update: I forced my wife to read my blog. She points out that it is both sad and telling that all I want for Christmas is an Emacs mug.

I’m going to bar her IP.

KVM switches are like the high-tech equivalent of a garden hose splitter; and I never thought I would have to put so much energy into finding one. The IOGear GCS632U I picked up at my local Best Buy lasted a whole three days before one of the USB adapters stopped working. Reviews on Amazon reveal that his is a somewhat common problem.

So, after some obsessive googling, coupled with intense scrutiny of just about every Amazon KVM switch review… I’ve gone out on a $50 limb with the tiny StarTech SV211KUSB Micro USB KVM Switch. And a week later I can still double Scroll Lock over to my Mac Mini. Whew!

Now if only I could get the Mac Mini to recognize my weird-ass wooden Japanese keyboard and let me double Scroll Lock back to Vista. Good thing the switch has a physical toggle.

I’d seen this occasionally back in Boston and had been concerned that a bad memory chip was at fault. Nope. It’s the heat.

Here in Tokyo its almost as hot as India and I’ve got the same problem, unless I plug in this neat little portable notebook cooler I picked up. (Its really just a cheesy Chinese knockoff of the Jetart Xcool brand, but its compact and gets the job done. Let’s hope its not painted with lead…)

I don’t think I’ve worn a watch since 2001 when the keitai become my never-leave-home-without-it portable gizmo of choice. But there’s something about this watch. The “Cranky”. Like me… Meaning simple and stylish. And cranky.

Actually, Yodobashi Camera has a whole collection of these “art watches“. I’m going to have to check this out when I’m in Tokyo next month.

I’ve got to say, this is a terrific little gadget. My previous adapter, which was basically an plastic-coated, spring-loaded wire pick — very ominous-looking — used to spark threateningly whenever I jammed into a socket.

This little adapter is a nicely self-contained collection of prongs that fit perfectly into whatever outlet is available. No more fear of electrical fires. This cost me about 25 pounds I believe.

Highly recommended, though difficult to find online. I see you can pick one up from UK Amazon and a variety of smaller online shops.