Rolotext: like a rolodex, but for a text file. Spinnnnn. Works with xscreensaver.

rolotext.py

#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Placed under WTFPL. Get out of my face.

# usage:
# rolotext.py <textfile>
#
# Reads a file, starting from a random point in the file.
# Simulates a dilout connection as well, by having a varied
# character printout. 
# Eats a little entropy. 

import sys
import random
import time

if len(sys.argv) != 2:
	print("I take one argument.")
	sys.exit(1)

# Read the input file.
ff = open(sys.argv[1], "r")
lines = ff.readlines()
ff.close()

now = random.randint(0, len(lines)-1)

end = now-1

if(end < 0 ):
	end = 0
	now = 1

while now != end:
	line = lines[now]
	sys.stdout.write(line)
	now = ( now + 1 ) % (len(lines))
	sys.stdout.flush()