Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Speeding Up Windows

I just managed to speed up my parents' computer a huge amount by disabling indexing in Windows, as shown here. Seriously, it's like having a whole new computer; for people who don't use the Windows search feature often, this thing should definitely be off. And Google Desktop is better for searching anyway. I went pretty nuts for a paper deadline before break, and now I'm relaxing; my usual pattern, which hopefully I'll be able to break and actually do work ahead of time. I know, unlikely, but one can dream.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

OKCupid

I must admit, this test was kind of fun. What I won't admit is the results of the test :). The last thing I need is another web site to waste time on, but maybe you need one.

Friday, March 11, 2005

It's a Retirement Community!

I was reading this article about an F.B.I. agent who infiltrated the New York mob, and this part caught my eye:
The agent infiltrated the crew of Gregory DePalma, who was charged yesterday as an acting capo, or captain, in the Gambino family. The agent discovered that the DePalma crew held planning meetings at the United Hebrew Geriatric Center in New Rochelle, N.Y., at the bedside of Mr. DePalma's son Craig, law enforcement officials said.

David N. Kelley, the United States attorney in Manhattan, said Craig DePalma had been comatose and in a "vegetative state" at the home since he tried to commit suicide in prison several years ago.

The elder Mr. DePalma and his crew had the "lack of grace" to plot strategy in a nursing home, Mr. Kelley said, "and we were right there with them."

Here the parents have the child in a nursing home, but it still sounds a lot like the first season of The Sopranos.

Also, check out the cover of "Creep" by these guys (via Alex Ross).