? Alan Porter (@rockhopper)

Raleigh, NC, USA

The below is an off-site archive of all tweets posted by @rockhopper ever

May 2010

Pandorans have a hair braid with neural tendrils, bonds two minds. Humans just share a pair of ipod ear buds. #avatar

via Twitter for iPhone

Oh, THAT’s the spot that didn’t get any sunscreen!

via Twitter for iPhone

A day to honor our soldiers… and to vow, as a nation, to deploy them responsibly.

via Twitter for iPhone

Swimming in the lake with good friends - http://twitpic.com/1sslu4

via Twitter for iPhone

Swimming in the lake with good friends. http://twitpic.com/1ssjo0

via Twitter for iPhone

Of all of God’s creatures, none of them says “good morning” quite like a tick!

via Twitter for iPhone

Midnight, and kids (not mine) are still shouting around the camp fire.

via Twitter for iPhone

Movies at the camp site - power abruptly cut off during the final action of “Avatar”. Now I’ll never know how it ends.

via Twitter for iPhone

ginatrapani best part of the 3-day weekend happening right about now, when you bask in the glory of knowing that you still have a WHOLE NOTHER DAY

via TweetDeck (retweeted on 11:29 PM, May 30th, 2010 via API)

We need to get this camping trip started… the longer we wait, the more junk we pack!

via Twitter for iPhone

In 1993, I predicted that some day, CD players would memorize every CD they played. That’s pretty much what my Mac Mini does.

via TweetDeck

Drat, got to the library just in time to hear the “closing for the holiday weekend” announcement.

via TweetDeck

Watching @WRAL radar - huge C shaped front of storm clouds is converging on Durham. Wonder what happens when they meet.

via Twitterrific

henet Hurricane Electric Free DNS. #Dualstack IPv4 and #IPv6. http://dns.he.net

via web (retweeted on 4:41 PM, May 28th, 2010 via web)

mtdotnet My friend Jonathan Trappe flew across the English Channel in his office chair. Way to go, Jonathan! http://is.gd/ctb4I #balloonman

via web (retweeted on 11:56 AM, May 28th, 2010 via web)

Going “camping” this weekend with a large group that plans to have 3 projector screens (in the woods): Wii, Karaoke, Movies.

via choqoK

How come when Facebook says “show 1 similar post”, it’s not similar at all?

via web

Using a dimming (PWM blinking) LED and a top to explain standing waves & interference to the kids. #science!

via TweetDeck

TheRealNimoy I dropped a pebble in a pond. The ripples never stop. LLAP

via web (retweeted on 5:15 PM, May 27th, 2010 via web)

Checked my free credit reports with Experian & Equifax. As always, TransUnion came up with a lame excuse to NOT provide it.

via web

Watching Atlantis land in Florida, via NASA TV. #STS132

via TweetDeck

@ExploreSpaceKSC Hey, I can see ME in that picture! I’m the one looking up, mouth wide open. - http://twitpic.com/1r2gie

via web in reply to ExploreSpaceKSC

They say “Google’s Pac-Man Logo Costs Society $120,483,800 in Productivity”. Nah, we all just stopped playing FarmVille for a day.

via choqoK

Just rearranged all of my iphone icons… expect me to be even more spaced-out than usual for about a week.

via web

From @TheRTP, “NC Triangle ranks #1 in quality of life” http://bit.ly/d4phkM - I wish they would not tell everyone, though.

via choqoK in reply to TheRTP

Listening to “Dave’s Lounge” (@permanent4) podcast featuring “Lal Meri”, took Dave’s advice, bought the CD, support the band.

via web

@coxn I have no complaints with KeePassX

via choqoK in reply to coxn

RobertFischer I need more time in my life. Anyone got some to spare?

via txt (retweeted on 2:01 PM, May 24th, 2010 via web)

New photos from New York, Camp Seafarer and Shuttle launch - #twitter">http://gallery.alanporte…

via web

Took the dog out for her late-night “business”, two rabbits stood in the yard, didn’t move an inch. Dog never noticed.

via web

Visited NCSU Library today… stunning makeover, used to be so drab in the 80’s & 90’s - http://blog.alanporter.c…

via web

Note: add “Tip @Techmeme” when you unfollow them, and Techmeme will know you’re tired of the mantra.

via web

So what… no train…
Char-Grill eases the pain.
http://twitpic.com/1qf06i

via TweetDeck

Would’ve been nice to know the Pullen Park carousel & train are closed (til summer 2011) BEFORE we drove here! - http://twitpic.com/1qesj3

via TweetDeck

The web page for my kids’ school says this at the bottom -> “Best viewed in anything but Internet Explorer.”

via web

Ooh, nice new word for me, “garrulous” via @doctorow (hope you enjoyed Raleigh NC)

via TweetDeck in reply to doctorow

The thunderstorm was considerate enough to wait until the pool party was over.

via web

Figured out why my incoming RSS feeds had Chinese “Big5” encoding. It’s rss2email’s fault. Changed its config.py to skip BIG5, use UTF-8.

via web

Missing the Mike Cross concert in Durham tonight because my kids have not finished their homework.

via web

Grammar lesson of the day: “He and I went to the store”, “The gift was for him and ME.” Hint: take out the “him and”, use what sounds right.

via choqoK

@chillcast Sometimes we lag behind a week or three, but we appreciate the musical ♥. Thanks for sharing! ♫

via choqoK in reply to chillcast

daveslounge Q*Bert would like to remind the good folks at Google that he’ll turn 30 in 2012.

via Echofon (retweeted on 1:32 PM, May 21st, 2010 via web)

frijole Buying an Android is the new Moving to Canada.

via web (retweeted on 3:52 PM, May 20th, 2010 via web)

HelenWheeels @nasatweetup THANK YOU for a most marvelous day! Spent so much time w/ my mouth open, my tongue is sunburnt! #NASAtweetup

via txt (retweeted on 10:11 AM, May 20th, 2010 via web)

Aw, crud… this 4-color pen looked OK in the store, but its RED is black! http://yfrog.com/15sifyj

via Twitter for iPhone

New blog post from me: “The Final Flight of Atlantis” - http://blog.alanporter.c… #sts132 #NASAtweetup

via web

danlondon Fake Pilot Flew Passenger Jets For 13 Years http://is.gd/cesPS

via API (retweeted on 10:51 AM, May 18th, 2010 via web)

@bobbyllew I have always felt that you Brits are on the fence w.r.t. the Metric system. We Yanks are backwards, but consistent!

via choqoK in reply to bobbyllew

Uh oh, Weather Underground says the high today will be 63°F. WRAL says 78°F.

via web

Big THANKS to @Redshift42 & @ageekmom for that last KSC ticket. Steve didn’t have to watch from the parking lot (but he would if he had to).

via web

bnjacobs Check out some of the photos posted by fellow space tweeps at the STS-132 #nasatweetup http://bit.ly/agB7Mh

via web (retweeted on 11:46 AM, May 17th, 2010 via web)

Apparently, at Cracker Barrel, “fried chicken tenderloin” is a euphemism for chicken nuggets.

via TweetDeck

That thing got a HEMI??

via TweetDeck

Fortune cookie says: “There are 356 days in a year, may all 365 of your dreams come true.” <- yes, I typed that right!

via TweetDeck

@chuck_kesler We got a decent video of the launch from KSC. You can see what the “cheap seats” are like.

via TweetDeck in reply to chuck_kesler

Back at Kennedy Space Center, today’s plan is to take the bus tour: Saturn V, launch pad, ISS bldg.

via TweetDeck

It’s a shame that on such a tweet-worthy day, I stayed offline due to clogged network, batteries & too many other items to juggle. STS-132

via TweetDeck

Arrived at KSC, met up with friends. Now time for a pre-launch lunch at the Orbit Cafe.

via TweetDeck

My 7yo daughter just woke up. ME: Good morning! HER: It’s pay day!

via web

Congratulations to the newly-elected @TriLUG steering committee. Welcome aboard, Jeff and Jym.

via web

JohnnyDeath There are days when you can actually feel your life changing. Today is one of those days. #nasatweetup

via web (retweeted on 3:05 PM, May 13th, 2010 via mobile web)

Question for #nasatweetup crew: how’s the AT&T coverage at KSC? Or can I dream… wifi?

via TweetDeck

Giving TweetDeck another try. It supports Twitter “lists”, and I am trying to follow the NASA STS-132 launch Tweetup list.

via TweetDeck

@Redshift42 & @ageekmom Thanks from this end, too!

via Twitterrific

I-95 through South Carolina = a Scooby Doo marathon in the mini-van. (STS-132 launch road trip)

via Twitterrific

@RODSMACK_10k Keep your PC. Try a Linux “Live CD”. You can test-drive Linux without installing anything. http://ubuntu.com

via web in reply to RODSMACK_10k

Dear battery companies, I don’t care about “ultra” or “mega”. How about real capacity labels, like “2000 mAh”? Thx

via Twitterrific

“Wishbone” has been found — he was hiding with “Bubblegum” on top of the piano, behind the music books.

via web

Our whole family would be a lot happier if we could find “Wishbone”, my 7yo’s Webkinz dog.

via web

Rigging up a portable DVD player for the long trip down to Florida to see the STS-132 launch. - http://yfrog.com/jm9nzgj

via Twitterrific

@Redshift42 Our party came up short 1 ticket to KSC. I hear you have one. Would like to contact you.

via web in reply to Redshift42

@BostonMerlin I have a friend who dropped his 3ft w/o a case. Dented the corner, but screen is OK, no damage!

via choqoK in reply to BostonMerlin

mikbre “Apple Building Facebook Into iPhone OS” http://bit.ly/dBcIoJ

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

via Twitter for iPhone (retweeted on 4:46 PM, May 12th, 2010 via web)

@JL_Davis & @ageekmom: u guys are awesome. Right now, 1 adult friend is giving his KSC ticket to the 10yo, will watch from Titusville park.

via web in reply to JL_Davis

@wrowan1965 I chose my name because I dig penguins and Linux. If I see Captain Rockhopper, I’ll tell him you said ‘hi’.

via web in reply to wrowan1965

It’s Nat’l Limerick Day / I must think of something to say / Since mine is a tweet / must be short & sweet. / Hey look, I did it, Hurray!

via Twitterrific

Hoping some #NASAtweetup folks might have 1 extra KSC ticket for my friend, whose 10yo son really wants to see #sts-132.

via web

I am now a professional pen-tester (that’s security-speak for “penetration tester” — I don’t test writing instruments).

via choqoK

NASAKennedy STS-132: At Kennedy’s launch pad, technicians will close Atlantis’ payload bay doors for flight. Official launch countdown begins at 4 pmET.

via web (retweeted on 9:35 AM, May 11th, 2010 via web)

NASA STS-132 weather forecast says there’s a 70 percent chance of “go” weather for Atlantis’ 2:20p EDT launch Friday. Just a chance of low clouds

via web (retweeted on 9:34 AM, May 11th, 2010 via web)

edog1203 Usually I think Jakob Nielsen is too much of a sourpuss, but his iPad writeup is full of great lessons. http://bit.ly/arE4MT

via Twitter for iPhone (retweeted on 5:54 PM, May 10th, 2010 via web)

Choose your tools wisely - what takes 20 seconds with ‘git’ becomes an afternoon ordeal with clearcase!

via choqoK

@bobbyllew “zzzwwee, zzzwwwee, sorted” - mental image of Kryten, smug look on face, blowing screwdriver finger like a pistol.

via choqoK in reply to bobbyllew

Would Twitter be a better place if the following/follower counts were ALWAYS zero?

via choqoK

@bobbyllew I bet 9 out of 10 Americans could not pick Gordon Brown out of a group photo.

via choqoK in reply to bobbyllew

tjstankus New programming jargon. Some of these are really funny and true. http://www.globalnerdy.c…

via Echofon (retweeted on 10:48 AM, May 10th, 2010 via web)

Oh, good Monday morning! Cube neighbor is on a loud and bitter conference call. I need coffee and headphones.

via web

What a supreme wimp I am. Wife showed me a packed box, asked what I thought it weighed. My answer: 50lb. Actual weight: 18lb.

via web

The Mayo Police - “Attention: Remove foil completely. Do not use knife to open.” - http://yfrog.com/4jh66j

via Twitterrific

I am so proud of my 8yo daughter - she just said “…but THAT would be jumping the shark!”

via Twitterrific

I know the rule - post a photo or it didn’t happen. This is the best I could do - http://yfrog.com/fvr5wzj

via Twitterrific

Weird… we just saw a crowd of men wearing dainty lingerie on Clarke Avenue at Cameron Village!

via Twitterrific

Getting the kids primed for this week’s STS-132 Space Shuttle launch - watching “Hubble 3D” IMAX movie.

via Twitterrific

Libraries are truly MAGICAL places!

via Twitterrific

After 6mo, I peeled off my iphone screen protector to reveal another layer! Wow, I was using the “protector protector”!

via Twitterrific

Design by committee - MyPyramid.gov - it’s not a pyramid, not a rainbow, no longer makes sense - http://yfrog.com/5zsvsj

via Twitterrific

doctorow #FCC gives #Hollywood dominion over your computer, home theater and future: http://tinyurl.com/2v5ke… #drm #soc

via web (retweeted on 7:57 AM, May 8th, 2010 via mobile web)

@frijole Daytona-to-KSC — is that with or without a hangover?

via web in reply to frijole

Ooh, the Beer Fairy came… and she filled the “garage fridge” with GOLD!

via web

@edog1203 “Hot zones” also apply to web pages (PC/Mac). It’s hard to activate a window or scroll if the whole screen is hot.

via web in reply to edog1203

@alanjporter The official term for those “type these two words” challenges is “captcha”.

via web in reply to alanjporter

ginatrapani Those no-envelope, OCR-enabled ATMs make me feel like I’m living in the future, till I remember I’m depositing freakin’ checks

via Twitter for Android (retweeted on 8:32 PM, May 7th, 2010 via web)

NASA Everything you wanted to know about space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-132 mission but were afraid to ask [PDF] http://go.usa.gov/iFj

via CoTweet (retweeted on 5:03 PM, May 7th, 2010 via web)

trilug May 13 Meeting: Puppetize It!: Join us and Mike Seda at Red Hat HQ, May 13th, 7pm
Mike Seda, CEO and IT Consultant… http://bit.ly/aOeZFl

via twitterfeed (retweeted on 1:18 PM, May 7th, 2010 via web)

Not sure why, but “untucked” is just not working for me today… switching to my usual “tucked”.

via choqoK

T minus one week - Just received my tickets to the Kennedy Space Center for the STS-132 Space Shuttle launch!

via web

@coxn Write to your bank and explain how their bad IT practices reduce customer confidence. I have (unfortunately, many times).

via choqoK in reply to coxn

copyblogger A person who calls himself a guru does so because he cannot spell charlatan.

via web (retweeted on 10:46 AM, May 6th, 2010 via web)

patricknorton FCC opens up a can of regulatory whoop ass on Broadband… hope Comcast enjoyed that court win: http://bit.ly/9DCnje

via TweetDeck (retweeted on 10:25 PM, May 5th, 2010 via mobile web)

NASA #FRR - NASA and contractor managers voted unanimously to set May 14 as shuttle Atlantis’ launch date for STS-132. Liftoff is at 2:20p EDT.

via web (retweeted on 3:58 PM, May 5th, 2010 via web)

Yuk, went out to lunch, followed a stinky trash truck all the way there, now I’m not hungry!

via Twitterrific

Wow, a reg’d sex offender moved into my n’hood. Ppl are up in arms, a real witch hunt, they want the HOA to “oust him”. Wut?

via choqoK

@justis Thanks for keeping us informed!

via choqoK in reply to justis

RT @NASA: ISS’s Urine Processor and Water Processing Asmbly are working & will support #STS132 crew. (You thought YOUR coffee tasted bad!)

via choqoK

@alanjporter I read this tweet at 8:01am… still in bed in my jammies. *yawn* I’m sure there’s a point here somewhere.

via Twitterrific in reply to alanjporter

@ThePaulDaniels: brilliant CarPool with @bobbyllew, thanks for sharing. (viewer in USA)

via Twitterrific

ThePaulDaniels Goodnight all. Sleep well.

via TweetDeck (retweeted on 9:55 PM, May 4th, 2010 via mobile web)

RT @mikbre: “These quotes make me sick.” http://bit.ly/9LwOsF /via @jurewitz

This sort of Republican is truly un-American!

via mobile web

Any #NASATweetup attendees have extra KSC tickets that they no longer need? My friend only got 2 tix for his family of 5.

via choqoK

“Tolls coming to the Triangle http://bit.ly/bzJUfP (hello backroads)” (via @danlondon) / me: tolls = deterrents, not revenue!

via choqoK

Tonight at 7pm - Triangle Amateur Robotics club meeting at [new] Tech Shop RDU - http://triangleamateurro…

via web

Primary elections (NC) tomorrow 5/4. Even if you cast a blank ballot, it’s important to be counted as a voter!

via choqoK

New blog post from me: our 3-day vacation in New York City - http://blog.alanporter.c…

via choqoK

doctorow Opting out of nude #TSA xray at BOS caused minor initial panic but soon resolved. Recommended for everyone!

via Seesmic (retweeted on 11:04 AM, May 3rd, 2010 via web)

BigLB A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright

via Twitter for iPhone (retweeted on 11:03 AM, May 3rd, 2010 via web)

Visa Concierge Experiment - “Money is no object,” I said, “but I am on a budget.” - http://ping.fm/ESpWb

via web

Yay! I found my sunglasses. OK, so they’re clip-on’s, but I like ‘em.

via web

Uh oh… “Incorrect password or not a TrueCrypt volume.”

via web

@chuck_kesler We’ll be way down in Melbourne. We got 4 KSC tix, but envy your #nasatweetup pass.

via web in reply to chuck_kesler

Air hockey with my 8yo daughter.

via Twitterrific

Just browsing tickets for “Wicked” in Durham. Wow, cost as much as $288 apiece! Who pays that much to see a play?

via web

Cool, one USB stick, four (or more) separate bootable LiveCD images. - http://www.panticz.de/Mu…

via web

This so wrong… the kids have to go to school today - snow make-up day - and the bus is 30 min late.

via Twitterrific