Setting up a simple firewall/gateway using Linux couldn't be easier. This article on Linux Journal describes how to set up a Linux-based NAT system using only one NIC. Recently, Verizon decided to enforce their "one IP per connection" policy. While this is certainly understandable from a business perspective, it is extremely annoying from this customer's perspective. Since there are currently TWO computers connected to "my" DSL connection, I needed a way to NAT them back onto the Internet again.

Well, this is a major pain in the ass, as anyone who has done it can attest. I tried this …

I've upgraded this site to use the latest version of PolarBlog, version 1.5.2. It took a bit of work to re-patch in my modifications, but I think the result is well worth it. If you have any problems, leave a comment or use the Contact link on the right.

I've installed phpBB2 on this web site… with a few minor modifications, of course. Why would I do such a thing? Well, it gives me an excuse to put a few games on here. Visit the forum. (You have to register to get the games.)

(Editor's note: the forum is long dead, killed by bots.)

Since email doesn't seem to be working today, let's look at our instant messenger options. I currently have the "big three" messenger clients available via Gaim: Yahoo!, AOL and MSN. If you need to contact me, use alexdw_mgzi for Yahoo! or alexdwmgzi for AOL. The MSN one is an email address (grr), which is alexmsn, at, mgzi, dot, net.

(Editor's note: these are all long since disconnected.)

I am Anishnabek. I live my life by the seasons, by Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon. The winters pass by, and still I endure. Even as the sun sets in the west, my fire still burns brightly. We live our lives by the seasons, as all life does here on Anishnabe Aki, on mother Earth. The winter times are the times of trial, of endings, a time to prepare for the new journeys ahead. Those who Gidje'manido calls back to the great dance, to the spirit realms, they go to their resting. Mother Earth covers them with her winter's blanket …

It had to happen eventually. The page that started it all, Alex's Doctor Who Page, has finally been retired. That doesn't mean that I'm no longer a Doctor Who fan, or that I won't keep you updated on the exciting Doctor Who news. The truth is, I originally set up Alex's Doctor Who Page to provide information to viewers in Northeast Indiana. Years ago, the local PBS station, WFWA TV-39, showed Doctor Who every Saturday at 10PM. Then, in order to accomodate the growing British comedy audience, they moved it to 12AM. Finally, citing a lack of viewer interest, Doctor …

Yeah, I haven't really been doing very much for the last few... months. (Except playing Gothador, of course.) I haven't been entirely unoccupied, however.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to hang out with a few of my friends. Right now, they are in need of computer help... something that I can do quite handily. (A lifetime of experience helps in this regard.) It has been fun, it gives me the opportunity to get out of the house, and allows me to get reacquainted with people who I haven't spoken to very much over the last few years.

Right now …

Recently, in addition to playing the Vampires game, I have also been playing Gothador. It is similar, in that it is a grid-based MMORPG, but it isn't simply about vampires and biting.

In the Gothador realm, you battle with a myriad of mythical creatures, ranging from bats, rats and dogs to goblins, orcs and demons. There is danger lurking around every corner, and (after you get a few levels and items) it is quite fun. Good luck, and happy hunting!

Oh, and if you get stuck, you can get info on everything in the game by checking out the Guild …

The Allurists Guild informs you that business near Walrus and 68th has been slow lately. Persuade 3 prestigious vampires (with at least 500 blood) to visit The Cart and Castle there and tell the bartender "alexdw sent me". You have ten days. You must not set foot inside the pub yourself during the quest - drunks give us a bad name.

Later, on December 31st...

You feel a rush of confidence course through your body. It's as though you have become more comfortable with yourself and those around you. You have gained a level of CHARISMA.

A big THANK YOU to …

I just wanted to take a brief time-out to wish you all a happy solstice, merry christmas, and all of that. Sorry for the lack of updates, I had a lot of things planned, but never got them put up... then I felt bad about not posting anything, and then, and then....

Well, I ended up not wanting to post new stuff without finishing the old stuff. I finally decided to just throw the old stuff away, so you won't end up seeing that. Sorry.

The good news is, I'm back with some actual updates... so have fun!