Monday, October 06, 2008 by John
I installed Microsoft Office 2003 when it was first released, but uninstalled it shortly after. The same thing happened with Microsoft Office 2007. I had fun for awhile playing with the new 'Ribbon' interface that it offered, and even made a few pretty looking tables. I uninstalled it after a couple days of use and went back to Office 2000.
Why am I running this out of date piece of software? There are many reasons that I could get in to, with memory usage being one, but in the end for me it all comes down to what is actually required... What do I actually use? So I've compiled a list of some of the things I use a word processor for after I'm done (or in the middle of) typing in no particular order.
- Bold
- Italics
- Underline
- Re size Text
- Align text
- Print Preview
- Print
- Save
- Open the document at a later time
- Spell Check
- Word Count
- Indent (am I getting to complicated here?)
- Copy / Paste
Catch my drift? Does this sound like you?
Actually, I'm not sure why I am not using Office 97, because it has all of the same functionality!
To me, it seems Microsoft is repacking the same crap over and over, and adding more of what I call 'Shiny Things'. Now don't get me wrong, I freaking love shiny things!! But when it comes to software, I really don't seen the need... nor do a lot of people. This is why Vista failed in my mind.... the Microsoft Shiny department went freaking crazy and over bloated the entire OS.
Office 2000
Office 2007
So much Shinier! Whoop dee doo dah freaking day! How many new features are really in Office 2007? I don't honestly know, but I'll bet anything that I won't ever utilize half of them.
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by John
I have an iPod touch, making the very rare times that I've actually got to touch an iPhone a very familiar experience. However with all the hype around Google's new Android OS for phones I have been curious to see how it looks and feels. If your like me and don't want to wait for someone to have it, or go out and buy it yourself. Here is a link to an online emulator which obviously has reduced functionality, but will give you an idea of what it can do, and how to navigate through it. (http://tmobile.modeaondemand.com/htc/g1/)
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Monday, September 08, 2008 by John
I know my last post was about email, but I’m such a big fan of email… I feel like I could write 20 blog posts on the subject alone… can’t resist. As with many people I struggle with keeping my inbox neat and tidy. Sometimes I will read email, and have the best intentions of replying, but don’t do so right away and sometimes forget. I’ve read the ever so popular 43folders site, and taken a look a few Zen Habits articles. After reading all of these and learning a few different management techniques, things certainly did improve for me. After watching Gary Vaynerchuk’s video entitled “How to Cut Through the Noise” (http://garyvaynerchuk.com/2008/04/30/how-to-cut-through-the-noise/) I thought: Wow… 500-1000 emails a day eh? How the hell does this guy do it? So I wrote him an email: ————————————————- Hey Gary,
I know you get a shit load of emails, so I will attempt to keep things brief.
In your most recent video ‘How to cut through the noise’ you mentioned that you reply to 500 / 1000 emails a day. I have a bit of a problem with inbox management… like a lot of people. I’ve read articles on inbox management from 43folders, zenhabits, and a few other sites from around the net and I would really love to hear your take since you seem to have an amazing system… How does Gary Vaynerchuk organize / tackle his inbox?Thanks man!!
Keep up the good work
———————————————— Took a week, but the reply came: ———————————————— Thnx JY easy system I answer everything and then just delete it  seriously I have a few folders but everything stays in the inbox and then I reply to it as soon as I can, quick answers get answered asap, important ones stay in there and I tackle them :)!————————————————- So that’s it… the guy replies to 500-1000 emails a day and that’s his system. Everything just stay’s in the inbox… none of this ‘Reply’ folder stuff, or 'Staring' all the emails he has to reply. These tips are both common in some of the articles that I’ve read. There is no tricks, there is no short cuts… the guy just sits down and does it. That’s the big realization I came to after reading this. People are spending way to much time on 43folders and Zen Habits and other productivity sites reading about how they can be more productive… for the 10 minutes it takes you to read an article on how to create the ‘Perfect To Do List’ you could have already accomplished two of the tasks on it more then likely.
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Saturday, September 06, 2008 by John
Back when I lived in Goderich, and prior to Gmail, I had an email account through a shitty ISP named Hurontel. I hadn’t checked the account in about a year and thought it would be funny to see how much Viagara offers I had. Found this email while digging, pay attention to the dates.
———————————————————
From: Becky (Last Name Removed)
Sent: Monday, June 08, 2007 11:39 AM
To: John Young
Subject: employment
HI John,
I was recently reviewing some resumes and came across yours that was sent to us back in April 2006. We currently have a Network Support Technician vacancy and was inquiring if you would like to learn more about it.
Regards,
Becky
Human Resources Manager
Removed Inc.
Phone: Removed Fax:Removed
———————————————————
I could not believe it, and it had been a year since she had sent it. I remembered this job when I had originally sent out 10 resumes (one of which landed me my current job). Rather then deleting/dismissing it, I replied with this:
——————————————————— From: John Young [mailto:jvyoung@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 11:18 AM
To: Becky
Subject: Re: employment
Hi Becky,
I haven’t checked this email account in about a year, and sure enough you sent that email about a year ago… I can’t help but laugh and feel a little embarrassed… but I always make a point to reply.
I’m happily employed working in London right now and have been for the past two years. I sincerely appreciate the follow up. Hopefully you found the perfect candidate.
Again please forgive the lateness of my reply. This will know doubt be the most awkward email you receive all day.
John
———————————————————
It didn’t take long for her to reply… 6 minutes actually, and here’s what I got back:
———————————————————
From: Becky
Date: Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Subject: RE: employment
To: John Young
Hi John,
Thanks for the reply and the good email etiquette. I appreciate the response and the update on your status, late and all!
Please note that if you ever choose to relocate to Kincardine, keep [Company Name] Inc. in mind and send us your resume.
Your reply has put a smile on my face.
Regards,
Becky[Last name removed]HR Manager
[Company Name Removed] Inc.
———————————————————
Her reply put a smile on my face to.
Always reply to every email you receive, even if it’s a year old like it was with my case. With MSN mesenger, twitter, and TXT messages the world is moving so fast. Don’t ever forget, or underestimate the importance of good email etiquette.
Email me sometime: jvyoung@gmail.com.
I promise I will reply!!
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Friday, August 29, 2008 by John
About John and FlaRf.net
General Questions:
Q: Who is John?
A: One of the most amazing people you'll ever meet!!
Q: Where does John live?
A: I currently live in London, Ontario. The odd weekend I will head to
my hometown of Goderich, which is where I grew up. Sometimes I stay with your mom.
Q: Did John go to school? What did he take? What does he do now?
A: I graduated from Fanshawe College in 2005 with a 3 year diploma. The course I took was 'Computer Systems Technology' which focused on everything but programming a computer. Specifically: Networking, Server Administration, Security, etc etc. I currently work in London, Ontario at a Medium Sized HVACR wholesaler as their IT Manager.
Q: So your a nerd?
A: No… I'm awesome!!! I'm sick of the stereotypes. You think that just because I go to school for computers and love watching Star Trek (The next generation & Voyager) that I'm a nerd?
Q: Oh my god, what a loser, you actually watch Star Trek?
A: Yep, am I supposed to hide it or something? I'm sick of people who hide things that they actually enjoy doing because they are scared they are going to get made fun of. I'm 24, and if your reading this, your probably 18+ so in short, we aren't 8 anymore, so stop acting like it.
Q: Can I party with John? Will John make an appearance at _______?
A: I always try to make time for my fans… I mean… friends!! So sent me an email and I'm sure something can be arranged: jvyoung@gmail.com
Q: Would John consider himself a spiritual person at all? What is his philosophy of life?
A: Have fun with it, you only live once!!
Questions From Women:
Q: Wow… John isn't just hot, but amazingly awesome yet mysterious. Is he single?
A: At the moment yes
Q: Can I date John?
A: John is very busy these days, the best way to arrange something like this is through email: jvyoung@gmail.com
Q: I don't understand why I'm so attracted to John. He must remind me of someone, but I can't think of who.
A: Well, I've been told I look like Tom Cruise and Charlie Sheen. One of the 3 pictures below is me... can you tell?
I know it's difficult... give up? It's the middle one.
Computer Related Questions:
Q: What kind of computer does John have?
A: MacBook Pro 2.4GHz, 2 Gigs of RAM, with a 200GB Hard Drive
Q: Is John an Apple Fanboy?
A: No
Q: How large is John's iTunes collection?
A: At the time of writing this I am just about 200 songs shy of 16,000 songs.
Q: How can anyone possibly listen to that much music?
A: I haven't listened to it all, but I will. Some I will like, and some I will dislike. I have my entire life to listen to what I collect now.
Q: Will John fix my computer?
A: If you ask nicely.
Band / Drum Related Questions
Q: When did John start playing the drums?
A: I didn't start until Grade 12. It's never to late to start something!! I'm at a disadvantage to everyone that started playing when they were 7 / was born with an instrument.
Q: What drummers had a significant influence on John?
A: Ron Welty from the Offspring, Lars Ulrich from Metallica, and Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater!
Q: What's John's up to right now?
A: I'm playing with an extremely talented group of guys in London, we are calling ourselves The Take Off.
Q: When are you guys playing?
A: When we are ready, information will be posted on the blog section of my website if you want to make it out for a show. Hopefully you do!!
Q: How many drum kits does John have?
A: 3
Q: What does John play?
A:
Set #1 (my good kit): Tama Starclassic Birch drums with a wood finish.
Set #2 (the winter car of my drums): A Red Dixon set
Set #3 (for my apartment) Roland TD-6 Electronic Drums.
Q: What happened with the last JHC Reunion? Why was John so pissed off?
A: We all knew the show date and set list two months in advance. Rudi showed up asking how to play the chords to Strutter (Kiss)… give me a break. Knowing about a show for two months in advance and showing up to a practice two days before asking how to play a 3 chord song is a classic example of what you DON"T DO! Think of it like your auditioning for a play and get cast as the lead role and are sent home for a month memorize your lines. Do you really think it's a good idea to show up asking what your lines are, or how a scene goes?
Suffice to say the show didn't go so well as a result of laziness / lack of preparation. It would have been a lot more fun if people had actually learned the songs they were supposed to. I guess I'm an asshole for having work ethic.
Website Questions
Q: When did you start this?
A: I registered the domain flarf.net on June 14, 2005.
Q: Why did you start this?
A: 2005 was a dark mysterious time. Myspace was run by creepy goth/emo kids (and still is) and Facebook hadn't launched yet. I had just
purchased a digital camera and wanted a spot to tell my friends to go to look at the pictures I took.
Q: Why are you continuing to update this site if everyone uses Facebook?
A: Why not? This is something I've created. I can change it and lay it out however I want. I enjoy web design / writing… so it's a more of a hobby. Hopefully it will give people a better insight to me.
Q: Can I email you stuff to put on your site?
A: Absolutely!! --> jvyoung@gmail.com
Q: How does John feel about posting party dates / other events on his site?
A: I don't like it. Wasn't there a site that existed a few years back that did that? What happened? Hrmm… didn't cops start showing up? I'll let Facebook handle all that crap.
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A little something about you, the author. Nothing lengthy, just an overview.
Also a link to profile may show up here.
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