ssmc
I would say the article more then discusses the fact that it's a function of distance AND time.
Agree on that you could give a bit more before asking for a email though.
I actually like how lean the design is, just good enough to be serviceable and leaves you time for feedback.
Kudos.
In lieu of that though, how about about PC parts? A sweet GPU/mobo/PSU would be awesome.
Mechanical keyboards; good earphones etc.
For me, competitive Starcraft 2 really wakes me up (better than espresso).
Seriously can't go wrong with it. He's ex-apple I believe and was something like the 10th employee or something. IE: One of the makers of Obj-C.
Great lectures packed with tons of demos to get you coding as he talks.
He doesn't do any Cocoas2D stuff though; so if you're looking for games I would go somewhere else.
Ray Wenderlich's site is also a really good resource here: http://www.raywenderlich.com/
Pretty Apple inspired though; as someone said in the comments above maybe Microsoft does need to have separate public entities much like the way telecomms up here in Canada are doing (Koodo/Wind etc.)
I pick something I want to make, and make the feature that provides the most "bang for my buck" per say.
IE: When I tinker around with my Arduino Uno, I always try to get something to move first (turn the motors). Huge motivational boost for me. THAN, I figure out how the heck to get it to talk wirelessly with my laptop.
I'm not advising you to go "play around" so to speak, but opening up and learning how to get people to like you would be an invaluable asset if you ever get involved in the startup scene.
Heck, I think it's useful in everyday life.