So I was complaining this morning that I couldnt’ find a suitable to-do list manager that was similar to Twitterific. The elements I required were:

1. Small desktop footprint (one line per task)
2. Customizable to my environment (colors, fonts, size, etc)
3. Cross-platform
4. Attached to a remote database for portability
5. Simple add/edit/remove tools
6. Task level highlighting (low/high priority)
7. No chrome (ties to desktop cleanly)

Well, I have to say I’ve solved nearly all those elements by spending an hour using Adobe AIR. The integrated runtime is cross-platform, allows me to use simple html/css/js to achieve my goals, and can be tied into a database connection (basically, XHR).

Here are some screenshots of my effort:

As you can see, I still have some more features to add (checking off completed items, drag/drop sorting, changing the list name), but I’m very happy that in just over an hour’s time, I’ve created a cross-platform list manager that helps me stay on task.

Update: Working on the mac now, I’ve updated the application to include minimize, resize, and close (as well as the handy ‘done’ link). Tasks marked as ‘done’ now have their color changed, but remain on the list.

Tomorrow, I’ll add the resorting and file saving features (not hard to implement with “air.FileStream()” or SQLLite).

Screenshots from the mac (now with transparency and rounded corner goodness):

At least they mention “not intended for households with children.”

That’s mighty responsible of them.

I’ve decided that it’s time to stop watching Jimmy Kimmel’s late night television show on ABC. While that means squat to the rest of the world, I feel my reason is valid:

You see, last night the majority of late night hosts went back on the air (my opinion of why follows). That list includes Kimmel, Leno, Letterman, Ferguson and O’Brien (Stewart and Colbert return January 7). While all but Ferguson and Letterman are without writers (Letterman’s company Worldwide Pants made a deal with the WGA to get writers back to work - with much support on-air from both hosts), Kimmel was the only host to damn-near bash the WGA.

Kimmel should be ashamed. I’m beginning to realize (from watching archived monologues) that his humor style is often “I don’t give a damn,” some issues shouldn’t be confused to viewers.If you’re interested in what’s really going on, please visit UnitedHollywood.com. There you will find all the daily updates to the strike, the real reasons guild members are still on the line, and why Mike Huckabee is a total douchebag.

On the other hand: The Late Show With David Letterman was incredible. Nearly every bit included some jab at AMPTP, or a toast to the WGA. Good job!

First, a disclaimer: Some of you may balk at my use of the word “youth,” as I’m only 31 years old. For the purpose of this post, I’m sure you’ll understand. To me, my youth involves a lot of travel, a lot of life lessons, and some interesting periods that many of my contemporaries just can’t compare.

I’ve been using the new Amazon.com MP3 service lately, purchasing albums for much less than Apple’s iTunes Music Store. For instance, I purchased Dillinger Escape Plan’s latest album, Ire Works, for about $9.00 (a couple bucks less than Apple). More importantly, and related to this posts title, is my purchase today of The Kingston Trio’s Capitol Collector Series for $7.00 and change.

You see, when I was living in Center Barnstead, New Hampshire, I found an old Motorola turntable (the kind with the cylinders and bulbs - a lift-top heavy beast). This turntable pushed out the deepest bass I’d heard in a console, had an amazing retro look to it, and was the love of my life in the A-frame house I occupied with my parents.

Inside the lift-top, I found an old 78 of the Kingston Trio. Now, I’ve always had diverse tastes when it came to music (notice I bought Dillinger Escape Plan as well). The Kingston Trio takes a special mood (not as special as listening to Dillinger, however), and sitting in the cold basement of the A-frame, drawing and listening to that 78 made my nights.

When I moved into Concord on my own, I took the turntable with me, mostly focusing on some hardcore Straight Edge 45’s (like Earth Crisis). The Kingston Trio was still around, but it started to get dusty as I focused on the hardcore more.

Fast forward to a year later, when I moved to Oregon. I left the turntable behind, leaving it with a good friend. There have been many times over the last ten years when I’ve wondered what happened to my favorite turntable and that old album. Tom Dooley, M.T.A., Greenback Dollar - all my favorite songs were on that album.

Today, I got to purchase the collection on Amazon. Now, while it’s not a vinyl record and the MP3’s don’t have the same rich sound, I’m still brought back to the cold, damp basement and all that was going on in my life at the time. From Jennifer, to U.N.H, to car accidents on the side of the snowy highway of 202/9, graffiti and more - these songs really bring me back.

Thanks, Amazon.

P.S.: No, I’m not getting any money from Amaon for mentioning this service - I honestly feel good about this music and am really glad I could find it for an affordable price.