As noted previously, I'm trying out OpenOffice.org as a permanent replacement for MS Word and Excel. So far, so good. The transition has been easy and almost entirely problem-free. And I get the feeling that there is more functionality in OOo than in MSO, or at least, the options and features have been made easier to use. (and no clippy! I hate that infernal talking paperclip. “It looks like you are writing a suicide note...”)

The most recent trick I've managed with OOo: I've fooled my spellchecker into thinking I'm British. Fun stuff. I'd have to say, it's my favourite feature so far. (I like the idea so much I think I may continue to use it all the time. Take that, Webster! We don't need you when we have Dr. Johnson and the OED.)

(if anyone wanted to get me that 20 vol. set for Christmas, that would be just peachy.)

And since I've started with the links, we may as well see what else has accumulated since the last web trawl:

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Sunday[sic] Morning[sic] Web Trawl #10
(increasing inaccurate since 2004!)

It's the first of December, so: one more mention of the recently-completed NaNoWriMo, this time from the bloggers' perspective: A quick search on Technorati pulls up 26k or so entries from various commentators and participants. Not too shabby. (one take: Eric on Websnark with his defence of the exercise.)

Of note: Risk (the old Parker Bros. boardgame) implemented in-browser using Google Maps. (via BoingBoing)

"Mmmm... Honey, are you cooking french fries?" "No, dear, that's just the heater." Home heating oil from biological sources, as reported by Wired news

When I had occasion to look up the proper form of address for His Serene Highness, Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein (you think I'm joking) I eventually found the alt.talk.royalty FAQ. For those of you who follow that sort of thing.

Recycle. There's nothing wrong with old games, and in fact, I think the limitations inspired more creativity, and placed an emphasis on actual game play mechanics rather than on the latest flash and dazzle available from high-end hardware. In a recent quest for a fondly remembered favourite, I found the Home of the Underdogs You could spend days browsing the site, and years playing the games. The Underdogs are what the best of the internet is all about. Kudos, and thanks.

Speaking of classic games: Mario, high-school band style. I'll link to the BB article rather than direct to Google Video.

Want to get more done? Pay attention to less. BB article and original link

I pay $50 a month to Netflix, and 99% of what I'm renting & watching is Japanese Anime. Setting aside for a moment what might be wrong with me (it's a long list) maybe we should ask what's so cool about anime. Hm. Well, that can also be a long list, and is likely fodder for at least three more blog entries. At some point. (previously posted: on netflix and anime)

I'm also building an Anime DVD Library of my own. I like the folks at Right Stuf, and have had nothing but good experiences purchasing things there. I also like to use their catalogue to help me pick discs to rent on netflix, since they'll list all the various seasons and releases and spinoffs and sequels and crap that may be associated with a particular title. (the encyclopaedia over at Anime News Network is also a good source-- but harder to browse casually.)

(maybe, at some point, I'll try to pick a few of my favourite Anime series to recommend to everyone. My own picks will likely vary from these selections, but both lists are worth a look.)

Back to the first point: So what is Japan are the Japanese/American Anime & Manga Cos. doing right, and where is Hollywood going wrong? Well, for one, they listen to the fans, and oddly, the fans are responding with more and more money. Go figure. (from Fortune magazine, via Boing Boing.) (I do read other news sites, honest. I might not link them, but I am reading others)

And a final note: awww... cute, ain't they? And tasty too!