August 2007 Archives

A "killer app" is an application that becomes a must-have and literally changes the socio-technical landscape. Going very old school, writing, literacy and currency all were killer apps in their own time. More recently, e-mail is a killer app. Without it, you're way behind and only get further and further behind.

Facebook and/or MySpace are both quickly approaching killer apps for the social world. The business world hasn't had a real killer app since e-mail, or perhaps the online store.

Today, I found a site I can't believe I didn't know about soon—SlideShare.

SlideShare is "the YouTube for Powerpoint" allowing you to post your PowerPoint (or OpenOffice or Keynote) presentation files and allow others to view them.

Now, that is cool and all. I'd post about it if that was the only thing it did. You can also merge a MP3 online with your SlideShare presentation and create a complete audio-integrated presentation. The web app allows you to set transition points in the audio so the slide only advances with the audio requires it.

I have a few presentations I'll be giving during this next semester and I'm eager to try this out. If nothing else, the UCC Town Hall meeting would be a great time to try this out.

P.S. The presentation that includes the "Inbox Zero" slideshow was given at a Google Tech Talk. It is a great talk.

A Dutch bishop suggested that Christians start referring to God as Allah to improve relations with our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Theologically, I'm not sure if there are any big things in the way of this. God has given us many different names for him; Allah is one that we didn't receive in our tradition, but I don't know if that means anything.

Personally, I would rather not adopt the term used by another religion, even for the same God, until I had a better understanding of what the name of God means to them.

but then again, I had time to watch their video.

Today, I bought a new desk from IKEA.

I had been a big fan of IKEA. I've never gone crazy, but my twin bookshelves are from their Houston and Round Rock stores. If a new person to Austin needs furniture, among others, I suggest IKEA. Today's shopping experience left me disenchanted with IKEA. I'll save the details for another day but it was the longest evening I've experienced in quite some time.

After a few hours, I was able to assemble both the desk and the matching drawer unit and all in all, I'm glad I made the purchase. The old desk I was using was simply too small for my requirements. My laptop fit onto it and not too much more.

I was wanting to add some matching features to the desk, but alas, IKEA's idea of availability leaves my heart still wanting.

The new apartment is one step closer to being a home.