August 9, 2006

Yak Shaving Razor #60


Yak Shaving -- [MIT AI Lab, after 2000: orig. probably from a Ren & Stimpy episode.] Any seemingly pointless activity which is actually necessary to solve a problem which solves a problem which, several levels of recursion later, solves the real problem you're working on.
#590 Firefox Extension -- Firefox extension Map+ adds an entry to the context menu that renders a quick, embedded Yahoo Map of your highlighted text. Map+ saves the trouble of having to open an online mapping service and copying/pasting the address you're searching for. (HT: LifeHacker)
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#591 Duct Tape Hack -- Feel a blister coming on? No moleskine on hand? Try an old runner's tip: tear off a piece of duct tape and apply it to the skin, laying it as smoothly as possible.

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#592 Word Keyboard Shortcut -- Ctrl+W -- Closes the active window, but does not Exit Word.

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#593 Know Your Fallacies -- Argumentum Ad Ignorantiam (argument from ignorance) - Arguments of this form assume that since something has not been proven false, it is therefore true. Conversely, such an argument may assume that since something has not been proven true, it is therefore false. (This is a special case of a false dilemma, since it assumes that all propositions must either be known to be true or known to be false.) (Example: Since scientists cannot prove that global warming will occur, it probably won't.)

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#594 Google School -- If you want Google to definitely include one specific term and one of two or more other terms, you group them with parentheses: dog (poodle OR "Labrador retriever")

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#595 HowTo -- Make iPod ebooks.

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#596 Google Map Hack -- WikiMapia blog explains how to add a Google Map to any web page in 30 seconds:

1) Go to WikiMapia.org site and find a part of the map that you need.
2) Click WikiMapia at the top right corner and choose "map on your page" link.
3) Move and resize frame you see to desired view, adjust view setting if needed and copy given html code to your page or blog.

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#597 SoYouWanna -- Serve high tea.

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#598 Download of the Week -- Blummy provides quick access to all your favorite bookmarklets--those little JavaScript-based web utilities such as GmailThis--without crowding your toolbar. Blummy creates an interactive window that floats over your web page. Use it to store and access bookmarklets as well as other web services. (HT: LifeHacker)

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#599 Writer's Tips -- Activate your verbs. Strong verbs create action, save words, and reveal the players. PoynterOnline
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See also: The Yak Shaving Razor Archives Have a useful recommendation for making life more pleasant? Send them to me at jpcarter[at]evangelicaloutpost.com.

comments
AndyS writes:

1

"#592 Word Keyboard Shortcut -- Ctrl+W -- Closes the active window, but does not Exit Word."

Actually, if I remember Windows OS correctly is a general shortcut that works in all programs, not just Word. For example if you have multiple tabs open in Firefox, Crlt-W will close the current one.

posted on 08.09.2006 11:45 AM
Brendt writes:

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#593 -- This is the Latin version of what Secretart Rumsfeld was accusing a reporter of.

posted on 08.10.2006 11:26 PM
Brendt writes:

3

#599 - Wonder Verbs, activate! Form of an English teacher! ;-)

posted on 08.10.2006 11:28 PM