Tradition

Tradition however is also used as an excuse to preserve privilege; which highlights the greatest flaw of tradition: it cannot justify itself. Tradition employed for it’s own sake is only to do so because it was always done so; ignorant of refinement, ignorant of progress, ignorant of learning and development. If anything, traditions should be challenged each time they are observed to ensure that they still bring meaning and benefit to our lives — however ephemeral or insubstantial that benefit may seem. David Dennis

This is one reason I sometimes cringe when I hear some people use the word tradition while doing something that excludes a person or a group of people. I see how the word "tradition" is used to justify religious, sexual and racial bigotry.

Replacing your computer with an iPad

iPad with Eye-Fi and Apple Keyboard

There are still some challenges that could keep you going back to your old computer from time to time just to get things done. If you are looking to put off a computer upgrade a little longer, or leave your personal computer days behind you all together, then the following tips to get over some of those hurdles may be useful to you. Geoffrey Goetz via GigaOm

Geoffrey summarizes many tips and tricks I've learned in the fours years since I replaced my MacBook with an iPad. Some thing's I do much easier now. For example, I no longer use the iPad Camera Connection Kit. The Eye-Fi Mobi card lets me shoot straight from my DSLR to the iPad. The Apple keyboard comes in handy for typing out long emails or blog posts. The "Open in.." feature of iOS 7 has allowed me to extend my iPad storage capacity while using Box and Dropbox to open, edit and save modified documents.

Becoming a Geek

You don’t have to be a geek about everything in your life—or anything, for that matter. But if geekdom is your goal, don’t let anyone tell you it’s unattainable. You don’t have to be there “from the beginning” (whatever that means). You don’t have to start when you’re a kid. You don’t need to be a member of a particular social class, race, sex, or gender.

Geekdom is not a club; it’s a destination, open to anyone who wants to put in the time and effort to travel there. And if someone lacks the opportunity to get there, we geeks should help in any way we can. Take a new friend to a meetup or convention. Donate your old games, movies, comics, and toys. Be welcoming. Sharing your enthusiasm is part of being a geek.

Anyone trying to purposely erect border fences or demanding to see ID upon entry to the land of Geekdom is missing the point. They have no power over you. Ignore them and dive headfirst into the things that interest you. Soak up every experience. Lose yourself in the pursuit of knowledge. When you finally come up for air, you’ll find that the long road to geekdom no longer stretches out before you. No one can deny you entry. You’re already home. John Siracusa