tim's journal

dotnet 3.0 (.NET Framework 3.0)

Time flies and here we are at .NET Framework 3.0. If history repeats itself, we will have a solid product at 3.1 (which will be incompatible with 3.0). Microsoft has decided that you may play without Vista... here's what you need:

• Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Redistribution Package
• Visual Studio 2005 extensions for .NET Framework 3.0 (Windows Workflow Foundation)
• The Visual Studio 2005 extensions for.NET Framework 3.0 (WCF & WPF), November 2006 CTP
• Microsoft Windows SDK for Windows Vista

Keep in mind that downloading the redistributable will take some time. After the intial hit, there is still 72 MB to download. Is it worth it?

More holiday discounts

Site	code	discount	dates
Banana Republic	QDBHCZD797C4	30% off	12/1-12/3
Crayola	HAPPYHOLIDAY	20% off entire order	expires 12/15
Gap	D1QTCW77L8KP	30% off "select merchandise"	11/30-12/3
LeapFrog	FF256	25% off full-price and sale items	12/1-12/3
Old Navy	D1ZLF9QBRSDX	20% off full-price and sale items	11/27-12/3
Ralpha Lauren	HOL2006	30% off full-price and sale items	11/21-12/4

Leap Frog Promo Code - 25% off!

It's beginning to look like Christmas. From Friday, December 1st, 2006, 7:00 AM (CST) through Sunday, December 3rd, 2006 (11:59 PM) take 25% off on all merchandise, including sale and promotinally priced items, on LeapFrog.com. Woo hooo! The promotional code is FF256 (all caps). Ribbit.

Journey to the West and India

Aside from the obvious Buddhist connection, the epic Journey to the West's Monkey King is reputed to also come from the Hindu Hanuman from Valmiki's Ramayana. So we have a story about Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism drawing characters from a Hindu text. Facinating. One of these days, I'll make a time line of these things.

2006 Cool Christmas Gifts

1. Journey to the West (4-Volume Boxed Set) by Cheng'en Wu and W.J.F. Jenner - Exceedingly entertaining must-read ancient Chinese classic. I'm halfway through volume IV and still chuckling. Thanks Sweetie! Tolkien and Lewis, kowtow to your grandpa.
2. A subscription to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for local organic produce, e.g., Eat with the Seasons and Two Small Farms. Your giftee will be healthier for it, and, if all goes well, you may even benefit! Visit the USDA or Local Harvest for more information.
3. For that special someone (ahem), consider the 15" Macbook Pro 2.33 GHz. A fan of Mr. Gates? No worries, (possibly biased) tests show that with Boot Camp, the Intel-based Macbook Pro runs Windows XP as fast or faster than the typical sources. Make sure to get the $200 educational discount if you qualify. (AMD, where are you?)
4. Prep, wash, scrub and dry hard wood floors in one pass. The iRobot 5800 Scooba achieves that which is otherwise not reasonable using conventional methods. Will it deal with macaroni and cheese?
5. Burt's Bees stuff. Even the most humble concoction is guaranteed to be appreciated. Assemble your order to total $75 or more through Vitamin Shoppe to get free shipping.
6. Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). There are a number of ways to put this together, here is one:
   • Xbox
   • DDR Ultramix 4 (Konami)
   • DDR dance pads
7. The humble toothpaste squeezer will be a blessing to the recipient at least twice a day (hopefully).
8. If you have any kids (or parents with kids) on your list, check out the StartWrite Handwriting software. It churns out traceable worksheets for kids to learn how to write from manuscript to cursive. We have been really pleased with our copy. The cursive is particularly popular (for some reason) with girls.
9. Find a (closing) Tower Records near you, and purchase CDs and DVD at 40-60% off. There's no better local source for World music - and, at least while supplies last, the pricing will most certainly beat online.
10. Donate money, food, time and energy to those in need. Here are some ideas to get you started...
    • Second Harvest
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • Shelter Network
    • Salvation Army
    • New Creation Home Ministries

What's your top 10?

Zojirushi NS-JCC18 rubber seal replacement

Dear Zojirushi,

We love your products! Recently, the rubber seal which attaches to the bottom of the mushroom-looking object with the ball inside fell apart while cleaning (fatigue probably due to repeated steaming while cooking rice). I need to get it replaced. I really just need the rubber seal replaced.

Respectfully,
Tim

Update. I got the following reply:

In regards to your inquiry.
We do offer the steam vent case that you need. The price is $4.20, plus
$2.20 for s/h. If you would like to order the part by credit card, please
contact me either by email or by phone at 1-800-733-6270, ext. 105 (or
contact Jesse at 108 if I am not available). Or, if you prefer, you can send
us a check or money order for payment, made out to Zojirushi America Corp.,
to:

Zojirushi
6259 Bandini Blvd.
Commerce, CA 90040
Attn: Customer Service

I look forward to hearing from you so we can process this order quickly.
Thank you.
Connie A
Customer Service
Zojirushi America Corp.

No freebies from Zojirushi!