Gentoo Linux - This is the operating system I run on all of my personal computers, servers, laptops, etc. It is *the* best Linux distribution that exists...if you can handle it.
Knoppix - A Linux CD or DVD. Stick it in the drive and boot your computer; you're running a full-fledged, full-featured Linux operating system. Useful and customizable in sooo many ways.
Gumstix - The coolest, little embedded platform that exists. I waited for years for a tiny, low-power embedded platform with free, desktop development tools to program it with. This little thing is the ultimate damn lego that fits a million possible applications.
Science Friday - a great radio program. mp3's are downloadable
Linux Security.com - These guys publish some great newsletters related to Linux Security. I've subscribed to a couple of them for years, and read them almost every week.
Google Earth(tm) - This is absolutely the coolest computer program that I've ever seen. Ever.
Leo.org - German-English Dictionary. This is essential for those, like me, trying to be bi-lingual in German and English
Altavista Babel Fish Translation - does a decent job (IMHO) of translating blocks of text. However, I rarely use the feature that translates entire web pages. I found it had disappointing performance some years ago and never tried it again.
Verbix.com - Link to page that translates German verbs. Many other languages are available on the site as well. The company sells language software and provides a great online service. Thanks guys!
German News, Kultur, and more - I searched all over for quality internet radio in German. They offer video, text, and more in many different languages
Festivals, Concerts, and Parties
Burning Man - One hell of a festival. It's just beyond words...even beyond pictures...
Travel
SideStep.com - Just discovered this. I don't know if I can recommend it yet. Results look reasonably-ok from a first look.
EscapeArtist.com - This is a great site for researching the possibilities and logistics of moving and living overseas.
Condor Reisen - A Swiss site for searching multiple airlines. Good site, good service. I've purchased some tickets through them. Service in English, German, French, and Italian
billiger-fliegen.de - A German site for searching multiple carriers. Only in German. I haven't used this service, but it comes recommended from a quite worldly traveler I know.
Orbitz - A US site for searching multiple carriers / hotels / car rental agencies. Don't bother to try using this if you only have a European address or credit card. I've purchased many tickets, booked hotels, and cars through them.
Expedia - A US site for searching multiple carriers / hotels / car rental agencies. Don't bother to try using this if you only have a European address or credit card. I've purchased many tickets, booked hotels, and cars through them. Note: don't purchase any of their "extras", like concert tickets, etc; from my experience, they're over-priced.
HRS (Hotel Reservation Service) - A great site for searching for a hotel. The best I've found. I rarely check others now. Excellent interface, booking system, and prices.
Air Berlin - Most likely the cheapest way to fly in and out of Germany. They're generally not listed in the multiple-carrier flight search tools.
Swiss Air - I fly with them quite often. However, it seems that they're less expensive when your city of departure is *outside* of Switzerland. Note: check out their weekend specials. Sometimes one can get a really cheap weekend flight (originating in Switzerland). This can sometimes be great for us weekend warriors =:-)
Northwest Airlines - I've flown with them many times in the past. They're OK, but their multi-city flights were grossly expensive for Christmas 2006.
United Airlines - I've flown with them many times in the past. They're OK.
KLM Airlines - Worth checking out, but I don't have much experience with them. I've heard rumors of them being one of the worst for losing baggage from time to time.
Delta Airlines - I fly them occasionally between the US and Europe. Sometimes cheap, but not my favorite.
Continental Airlines - I flown with them many times between the US and Europe. I've always been quite satisfied with the quality and service.
SAS Airlines - This is absolutely the best airline to fly between the US and Europe. Excellent quality. Excellent service. This is my first choice for flying international.
Lufthansa Airlines - This is listed to be complete. I've never flown with them. However, their web interface is notoriously crappy. This wouldn't be my first choice.
American Airlines - I've often been disappointed with the service and quality. I don't recommend them unless they're much less expensive than the alternatives.
Alitalia Airlines - I had one bad flight with them between the US and Europe. No entertainment, the cabin was terribly hot in my section, but cold in others, but it was very cheap.
EasyJet - Discount airline in Europe. They're based out of the UK. Unfortunately, they no longer serve Zurich.
RyanAir - Discount airline in Europe. I know a few people who have flown with them; I don't recall any complaints.
Southwest Airlines - Discount airline in the US. They're generally not listed in the multi-carrier search tools, however, they often have the best deals. They're online reservation system is excellent. I've flown with them many times.
Apartment Hunting in Zurich:
Homegate.ch - this is the definitive online reference for apartment and house hunting in Zurich. Look here first. Great search organization; don't forget to bookmark your search criteria once it's perfected.
ImmoStreet - many places are advertized here, but the functionality is not as friendly and convenient as homegate.ch
Univerisity of Zurich online Marketplace - this is the place to go if you're looking for something temporary or looking for a roommate. You might also find a few nice places near one of the universities that people often overlook
ImmoScout24 - this site appears to compile ad from several online sources. Though that seems like a good idea, I currently prefer the user interface of Homegate.ch
Craigslist Zurich - you might find a few things in here that other people don't often see. If you've exhausted your other options, look here. Unfortunately, there's virtually no ability to specify search criteria
Gratis Inserate - check out the others first, however, you might find a few places here that aren't seen by so many people.
WGzimmer.ch - This is where to find a roommate. Other cities are supported, as well as Zurich
Links Deserving more Research
Phidgets - Interesting embedded technology (or technology suite). Seems well-suited for rapid prototyping. I don't know much about it, but it certainly deserves further research. Hopefully it supports Linux.
picotux - Claims to be the "the smallest Linux Computer in the World". Could be interesting for various embedded projects...
Lance Corporal Bryant V. Hansen - "Bryant V. Hansen, 20. The lance corporal with 1 Field Squadron was killed in an explosion while clearing a booby trapped area of Phuoc Tuy on October 21 1969."
about 5 others - maybe all on LinkedIn - that turned up in a recent search
Copyright (c) 2003-2009 by Bryant Hansen
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