I admit it, for awhile the prospect of having Microsoft as a user group partner seemed well...kinna scary. It is a Mac User Group after all, why would Microsoft care about the Mac community? Then things changed, from the Intel transition and now Boot Camp, maybe the Mac is just the other side of the same coin.

But even after these remarkable changes, I still seemed unfazed to make Microsoft a user group partner until I discovered Office for Mac. For those Windows users or if you were hibernating for the last few months, it is not just a Windows port of Office but Office with lots of useful Mac-only features. Oh, there's the Microsoft MacLab "tour" that I took as well

Thank you Microsoft, we look forward to a great relationship with you. See the Microsoft User Group Community here.

MySpace, the social networking site, has exemplified more than any other site the real impact of Web 2.0 and has proven that technology can in fact work to create communities bring people together.

But what if someone could bring the once radical concept of social networking and apply it to a professional setting? Well that is what the O'Reilly Connection has done. While the service is in beta and invite only, it shows great potential. I understand that this came out awhile ago, I just forgot to mention it.

If you are interested in bieng invited, please use the contact me in the links section and shoot me an e-mail.

Passing along some backround links on hackers,the Hacker Manifesto and where to meet hackers if you are so inclined.

define: hacker

* Wikipedia definition, general

* Computer hacker

* Hacker Manifesto

Meet the Hackers

* Phoenix 2600 Meetings, open to all

This month was filled with exciting announcements so DMUG is coming to bring it all home this week going inside the Intel switch. We will give a brief overview of how the switch happened and what the future of "the Intel chip bieng set free."

Meeting Wednesday, January 25 at DeVry University @ Noon, Room 113

By popular demand, I decided to put up a (slightly) modified desktop picture (that's wallpaper to those in the Windows world) of Angelina Jolie,enjoy and I hope for a good turnout.

Today is more than just a day off but a chance to look back at the injustices faced by African-Americans and how he moved a nation towards progression 43 years ago.

The issue of social equality is not recognized by all, only by remembering and practicing the ideals of these civil rights leaders like MLK can we move on to make the dream a reality.

"I have a Dream" speech

When His Steveness speaks, the Mac Faithful listen and did they get a treat.Here's some of the highlights:

Macworld Keynote 2006 (Quicktime Required)

iLife 06 (Flash)

iWork (Flash)

Intel iMac

Intel MacBook Pro