alexpgp | Wiki as PIM...

In removing an accumulation of books from the closet in the spare bedroom, I rediscovered The Wiki Way, which didn't quite pique my curiosity the first time I went through the volume, as the feature set in TWiki pretty much leaves that of the "original" Wiki in the dust. On the other hand, given a decent installation of Perl, the software on the companion CD is - after consulting the appropriate errata - workable.

So workable in fact, that while chasing paper earlier today, I began to formulate the specifics of a plan that I had only entertained as a flight of fancy some time ago: install Perl and Apache on the Zaurus, and run Wiki there, too.

Initially, my intent was to run Wiki locally, so that I could use the Zaurus' own keyboard, etc. to maintain a free-form PIM, but it turns out that the Apache server on the Zaurus is a bit more capable than that. A few minutes ago, the Zaurus was serving three users with data, which gives me the idea that I could store a set of Wiki files on the Zaurus and use them from a normally sized computer, or in standalone mode if push comes to shove.

* * *The was, indeed, an envelope waiting for me at the store, and it did contain the CDs I'd ordered. Part of the Michel Thomas approach to teaching - at least the Spanish course - is to feature two painfully inept students who try to respond to Thomas' direction. In fact, the young man on the sound track takes a terrible beating, review-wise, at the Amazon site. Personally, though, I think the two "students" are there for the purpose of making the (actual) student feel "superior," whatever that means. I listened to the first three tracks of the first CD while cooking earlier in the day, and continue to be impressed with the technique being used to teach Spanish. I've noticed, however, that I tend to unconsciously "respond" in much the same manner as when I interpret simulatneously, which gives me a couple of extra seconds to repeat the phrase in question again.

* * *So, now that I've chased paper, listened to a language CD, and indulged in a craving to force computer hardware and software to my will, maybe I can turn to the translation due Monday and whittle it down somewhat for tomorrow's final thrust.

Cheers...