NetBloke.com - Christmas Cheer
Publication Date: 19/12/2001
ISSN 1445-1360
Publication Date: 19/12/2001
ISSN 1445-1360
G'day!
I will keep this short and sweet. For all you Aussies a great last minute Web site for gift shopping that a fellow subscriber reminded me of. Then for the rest of you just some thoughtful words, Aussie slang to use when you open your presents and to sum up a joke with a Christmas theme.
Last time I gave you the radio show details the Web site address was not working properly so here you go again!
Station: KRNT 1350AM Des Moines
Time: Sunday Nights from 7 to 9 pm CST
Call in number: 515 244 1350
On the Web: http://www.gnomeradio.com
It has been a bit of fun writing this newsletter this year. I know that the content I put in it varies widely in quality and topic matter, however as a free publication I do not think it is too bad. I know from your emails that I have helped a large percentage of you all with little problems and maybe even saved a few of you a few bucks with my recommendations. I would just like to thank you all for staying tuned, and I look forward to writing more next year!
I hope each and every one you have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. Take some time out like I am and try and forget about work for a while (like that will happen!).
Happy Holidays mate!
Nathan Allan
Hooly-Dooly!
This is an expression of surprise that I have uttered more than a few times.
Also known to be used in reference to an attractive female walking by.
Ok so this isn't a computer tip. Just a general 'be nice to world' tip.
I suppose I am just getting sentimental. This is my first Christmas away from my family. But then again I realize I have a new family here in the states.
After my question to you all last week Leanne reminded me of a great site for last minute gifts. Here is what she had to say, "Found a last minute site for Aussies: http://www.lastminute.com.au. The prices are quite discounted, covering everything from hotels to gifts to flights and entertainment, and they are pretty unique. There is also a section for our NZ neighbors as well".
Leanne is right when she mentions they are fairly unique. There are quirky gifts and spectacular holiday and entertainment packages. And because most items are last minute specials to fill spaces you can get some incredible deals!
Check out the site at:
http://www.lastminute.com.au
An anonymous reader sent this in. I thought it was quite witty and appropriate for this time of year.
Have a Microsoft Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except father's mouse.
The computer was humming, the icons were hopping,
as father did last-minute Internet shopping.
The stockings were hung next the modem with care
In the hope that Santa would bring new software.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With visions of computer games filling their heads.
Dark Forces for Billy, Doom II for Dan,
Carmen Sandiego for Pamela Ann.
The letters to Santa had been sent out by mum,
To santa@toyshop.northpole.com
Which now had been re-routed to Washington State
Where Santa's workshop had been moved by Bill Gates.
All the elves and the reindeer had had to skedaddle
To flashy new quarters in suburban Seattle.
After living a life that was simple and spare,
Santa now finds he's a new billionaire,
With a shiny red Porsche in place of his sleigh,
And a house on Lake Washington just down the way
From where Bill has his mansion. The old fellow preens
In black Gucci boots and red Calvin Klein jeans.
The elves have stock options and desks with a view,
Where they write computer code for Johnny and Sue.
No more dolls or tin soldiers or little toy drums
Will be under the tree, only Compact Disk roms
With the Microsoft label. Spin up your HDD,
For from now on Christmas runs only on XP!
More rapid than eagles the competitors came,
And Bill whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.
"Now, ADOBE! now, CLARIS! now, INTUIT! too,
Now, APPLE! and NETSCAPE! you're all of you through,
It's Microsoft's SANTA that the kids can't resist,
It's the ultimate software with a traditional twist -
Recommended by no less than the jolly old elf,
And on the package, a picture of Santa himself!
Get 'em young, keep 'em long, is Microsoft's theme,
And a merger with Santa is a marketer's dream.
To the top of the NASDAQ! To the top of the Dow!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away - wow!"
And mum in her 'kerchief and me in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
The whirr and the hum of our satellite platter,
As it turned toward that new Christmas star in the sky,
The SANTALITE owned by the Microsoft guy.
As I sprang from my bed and was turning around,
My computer turned on with a Jingle-Bells sound.
And there on the screen was a smiling Bill Gates
Next to jolly old Santa, two arm-in-arm mates.
And I heard them exclaim in voices so bright,
"Have a Microsoft Christmas, and to all a good night!"
