Work continues on www.my-list.com ··· should have the video portion complete within the next couple of weeks. This portion is written in perl cgi script. I have separated the HTML from the code using templates. This is just reading in the HTML into a string, replacing placeholders with data, them printing the string to the screen. It′s pretty efficient. Would be nice to have some users. Especially one′s who will provide feedback. Using the “New Video” screen, have loaded 158 DVD′s into the system. Seemed to work fine. However, it was really not a good test. After all I know how the system works and therefore used it within those limits. Some real users can prove invaluable insight on how it really works. Have looked for a graphic design person to provide some real graphics for the site. Need a first page that clearly defines my-list using graphics and a few words. It should be contemporary, professional looking and appealing.

Currently planning on coding the CD functionality using PHP. Have not decided what to use for the “Other” functionality. Maybe Python?

Received a serial cable purchase from eBay. However, still can′t connect the Newton and G4. The problem is with the USB converter. The converter only accepts a six-pin cable. Currently this converter, USBi by Wasp Bar Code MT606-3, is used to connect a bar code reader to a USB port. Never took the time to count the number of plug pins. Just noted the device cables looked alike. dumb!

Have downloaded and installed NewTen and NewtSync on the G4. Just need to acquire the appropriate serial adapter and Mac OS X dev driver. Then figure out how to actually connect, and move applications and data to the Newton.

Once data is synced the HP Jornada and Handspring go up for sale at eBay. Going total Message Pad 2100.

www.my-list.com is my pet project. The idea came as our number of accumulated DVD movies grew. When we only had a few DVD′s, its was no problem keeping them organized in our head … We could easily to pick one that fit our viewing mood. However, as this collection grew we lost mental track of its content. To compound this problem our family likes to ask if we have any good movies, and often borrows. Its like we run a family video store. Being a web developer the thought sprang out … Soooo … why not make a web tool which allows one to create an inventory of their DVD′s, share the list with family and friends, and includes a checkout system. Sounded so good why not do the same for CD′s, MP3′s, Books, Tools or anything someone might what to list and control. It could also provide of a list of items people want to sell, trade, or buy …

That was it; my mission was to make this idea a reality.

This week′s highlight was a day at the zoo with Jayson. Jayson is our almost 4-year-old grandson. He′s at that excitable stage with new experiences. Likes to see the animals. The giraffe and orangutan were his favorite this trip. We have made this visit on other occasions. Jayson takes great pride in telling his remembrances of our previous visits. In my view, it′s the children in one′s life that make it all worth while.

It arrived, the Newton 2100, purchased from eBay. Don?t have a clue how it works. Did manage to install the battery pack and turn it on. There was about half a charge left on the batteries. Since the Newton was shipped from Queensbury, NY on the 17th it appears that the battery will hold a charge. Found the original pen in place. However, was disappointed that the cover is missing. This fact was not mentioned in the eBay listing. Included was a nice leather case, modem and ethernet card, software CD, and a Radio Shack variable voltage power source. The Newton back label states it is rated at 7.5vdc the Radio Shack power source is set for 6vdc. There is no 7.5 v setting. The ethernet card is a 3Com EtherLink III Model 3C589D. When I plug the ethernet card in the Newton gives me a message that it doesn?t recognize the card. Looks like some homework is needed. Not comfortable using the power source or ethernet card at this time. Did purchase a dongle separately. So much to learn so little time.

Newts are lizardlike in shape with a long slender tail. They and usually bright-colored, semiaquatic and secrete irritating substances. In some respects this defines my intent for this blog. There was no real thought in selecting this name. It just sounded good having just purchased a Newton 2100 on eBay. In retrospect, the intent for this blog is to be bright, varied and sometimes irritating. Not sure where this is headed … However, initially will discuss the adventures with my retrograde PDA, the Newton. Along with the development and deployment of http://www.my-list.com