Saturday, December 28, 2002
post://90097975/I want to create a web site for computer systems. I can go to the shows, get pricing, get some suppliers -- it's just a question of showing everyone that I know exactly what I'm doing when it comes to making them. I've been building and repairing PCs for at least 7 years now, I know the right hardware to use for what you want to do, be it games, video editing, DVD ripping, burning, music, midi... I love doing it too, it's just so pleasing to take a pile of parts and turn it into a working machine.
I had some business cards made up - need to make a site to showcase the system I've got and work from there.
People are just too tempted by Dell, Gateway... it's so easy, you get a flat panel pretty much thrown in, but the system itself is a hybrid... most of the pieces are on the motherboard, there's limited expandability, and usually cheapened to allow them to sell them for so cheap. Gateway was even giving away a free $399 PC when you bought one of their expensive models as an Xmas promo. I can't compete with that, don't profess to be able to. I will, however make as good of a PC as I can for whatever someone is willing to spend. Matching things like soundcards with the surround sound systems, graphics cards with busses and the correct memory for the best performance, that's where the true knowledge comes into play, it's a challenge that I love.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:57
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://90097942/
I got a ride to work, started my new schedule early cause I'm a numbskull. January 4th was floating around in my head... and yet I had this Saturday pinned as when I was starting my new schedule, I didn't bother to check if the dates matched up ;)
It works out better for New Years, anyhow - so I'm happy.
My brother called me last night to say that I'm not being very smart getting myself into more issues by buying another old car when I have another on reserve. I have the Probe, but I don't really want to drive it in the salt and everything else. I really don't mind, I like the experience. I need to be able to determine what's wrong with a car, basic troubleshooting. I'll pay others to fix it, but I better know what's wrong before bringing it in there, the troubleshooting is where they can take you for a ride.
I'm going to give the local shop down the street a shot, see if he rips me off or breaks anything else. If it's too much of a bother, once my AAA kicks in I'll just have it towed back up to the garage in VT and get my money back. I have 30 Days to return it if I want. It might end up getting to that point, but it's a nice car -- a lot of miles, but a nice car -- I'd hate to have to go find another, too. I'm sure I could get a lot more car around here for $700, but on the other hand pretty much everything major has been replaced at this point, so taking good care of it should allow quite a bit more use.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:46
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Friday, December 27, 2002
post://90097930/It was great on the ride home, but I went to start it up this morning and nothing. I gave up on work to try and get things squared away with the car. I got myself a AAA membership, 10 days until I can take advantage of it. I'm going to try and get someone to look at it ahead of time but unless I can wheel it down the street I'm going to have to pay for the towing.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:35
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, December 26, 2002
post://90097927/I woke up early and went sledding with the kids. We went to the local hill, it was pretty good -- I was glad I brought up my snowtube, I look forward to using it at home, this was really the trial run of my first snowtube and I don't think I'll ever go back ;)
After sledding was bad news - the whole engine was gone on the tracer, it was probably going to be about $1000. We went to the garage just to straighten out the labor, disposal, etc. He actually had a few cars for sale, quoted $700 on a 92 Mercury Topaz. I started it right up, seemed to go fairly well. He had to fix some rust to bring it up to par for inspection so I had to wait around a while, but by 2pm I was on my way home.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:32
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, December 25, 2002
post://90097907/Christmas was good, most of the family was together - had a chance to play with the nieces and nephews. I didn't get anything too exciting, your basic family gifts. I got all handmade stuff from the young-uns, candles, chocolate, ornaments...
I went to leave in the afternoon, I started my car, had everything packed and was just letting it warm up a little when the engine quit. That was the last time it would start. We tried the little things, but I ended up having to get it towed to the local garage.
I accepted I was staying, sent an e-mail to work, and enjoyed the rest of the evening playing cars with my nephews.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:26
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
post://90088776/"Ooooh Barbie baby!"
Don't get Ho, Ho, Ho-rse this Xmas
New Porsche 911 GT3
Wonderful, I love it!
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:26
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://90088762/
I have reverted to using IE and things seem to be going well, I added links from the past couple days - manual for now as it's kind of a rush job here =]
I'm on my way up to VT shortly for XMas.
My car is getting up there on eBay. I hope it sells, it'll make things easier... and it'll feel good to have it go to a good home. I really want someone to buy it who can appreciate all the little goodies it's got.
Merry Xmas to all... and may you not be freezing and in the snow instead of a nice warm bed on Xmas morning.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:23
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, December 22, 2002
post://90081960/ack
Must... revert... to previous... browser.
[ added post-mortem ]
I never saw it... but I remember those white rocks.
Barbarian Wine and Cheese Society
Labels: 2002
posted @ 15:58
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Saturday, December 21, 2002
post://90081959/ack!~
...mozilla, compatibility with blogger... fading...
[added post - date, hap-hazardly ]
Now we're talkin: home delivery.
Buy your very own tumbleweed on eBay!
run run as fast as you can, you can't catch me -- I'm a non-centrally located file-sharing service.
Surprise! Some school books have in-accurate data!
Labels: 2002
posted @ 15:57
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Friday, December 20, 2002
post://90088721/Last minute gift ideas:
Novelty ATM receipts
Executive Style
Good Music
Government:
The Army thinks they can find a way around sleep...
Who slipped a micky into the Homeland Security Act?
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:07
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, December 19, 2002
post://90088720/Ok, I needent have worried - I went to Toys R Us and had my neices and nephews all set in no time. I got a tad hung up on the matchbox car stuff though. The playsets are so much cheaper then they were back in my day. A small set: $5, a large one: $12. The same gararge and car wash used to be $30+. It made the decision even easier, even allowing me to get them a pack of extra cars. For my neices: a lithography camera (4 camera lenses - takes a picture a split seccond after the next and puts all 4 images on one print - It's really cool). and a paint mixing set.
I was very happy with my purchases ^-^ I still have yet to get something for my mom... but I'm leaning towards a foot spa and a power flosser. I saw the ad on TV and had to try it, I hate to floss otherwise and I'll try anything to get away from that damned overrated twine. I got two, with my mom in mind. My Dad is all set, though I realized I got the wrong size pants. I won't get them before Xmas, I'm sure.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:06
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
post://90088715/Christmas shopping... cleaning... people... all on my mind.
I am running out of time to do what I want to do, realized I had less shopping done then I thought. The kids are the hardest to shop for. I want to get some great thing that'll make their eyes light up xmas morning. I want to get them something that I wanted when I was that age... matchbox car stuff at the top of the list for the boys, books and art supplies for the girls? .:sigh:. That's not fun!
I feel stressed, why? I guess because everyone does. They worry about not getting the gifts in time, then about people not liking the gifts, dealing with relatives, the travelling...
I'm not worried about getting things -- there will always be something to get.
I figure if they don't like it, tough -- I got stuff I didn't want when I was a kid, probably even more so now that I'm older.
The relatives -- no problem, I love my nieces and nephews and seeing my brother and sister. I'm still a little tense around them at first, just because I hardly ever see them. It doesn't take me long to warm up though.
I can't do much about the travelling. It's on a Wed, I have to work Thurs... but I almost like only going up for a night/day because there's less stress -- I'm not there long enough for my mother to start analyzing my life and/or actions, just long enough for her to be glad to see me =]
Ok... so that's where the stress comes from. I want snow. ^-^
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:05
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
post://90088707/Nothing much fun goin on today:
MSN Party Tips
MSN Renter's Rights
Buy a CD between 1997 and 2000? You may be qualified for the settlement.
*follow-up* People who bought this...
Got that not so fresh feeling? Memory tricks!
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:01
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, December 16, 2002
post://90058713/So I spent yesterday comparing the 2003 models of some cars that caught my eye.
Prices indicate "fully loaded" options
| Price $ | Engine | Turbo Yes/No | HP | |
| Mazdaspeed Protoge | 20,000 | 2.0l 4Cyl | Yes | 176hp |
| Toyota Celica GTS | 23,000 | 1.8l 4 Cyl | No | n/a |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse | 24,000 | 3.0l 6 Cyl | No | 210hp |
Also: All these models have aggressive style OEM body kits available and included in the price above.
If anyone has info on VW or other models, send them to me.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 13:09
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, December 15, 2002
post://90055470/As of tomarrow, 1pm PST.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1874974035
2003 Protoge... here I come.
WORK!
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:59
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Saturday, December 14, 2002
post://90051381/Here is a link to a cool thing.
[02:40am]
Is Richard Prior dead?
Labels: 2002
posted @ 00:13
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, December 12, 2002
post://90045796/Here's a sure-fire way to sound stupid trying to cut down anti-war arguments during the holiday.
Things I've learned in PA:
You're never too old for a hangover...
Don't eat the eggs, and staying away from the water probably wouldn't hurt either.
If you want to seduce someone, read them a bedtime story every day for a week -- you're in.
There is a direct correlation between how crazy someone is, and the quality of the sex.
If everyone's shitfaced... you're not all that drunk.
Believe your fortune cookie.
Friend's don't let friends knock on door # mediocre.
The man in leather does not clean the car.
If you have two people with long legs, don't sit them on the same side of the car.
Don't drive the highway in CT (that's not exactly PA, but I learned it on the way)
If someone holds up traffic by getting in an accident, they owe you... you know... .:wink, wink:.
TMI will happen wherever you are.
"Session" or "Sessionable" is a good euphemism for sex.
We're getting out earlier this evening, heading out to the mall to continue with the Xmas shopping.
I'm tired... only one more day. We're only working until 12 tomorrow, but it's a long drive back.
Give me another fillet mignon and I think I can hang in there...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:04
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
post://90040396/Monday night was a very nice day out with Nicole. There's no place with more Xmas spirit then the mall. ;) I find it interesting the renditions of classic xmas tunes that crop up every year. Everyone wants to elaborate on the timing and harmony, but it's usually horribly awful and only playing because it's "new xmas music". I picked up a few things for people, then went to my Mom's to drop off some presents. She offered to wrap them, I won't argue. Besides -- it keeps them in a central location so I can't possibly forget to bring them up to VT for Xmas.
I'm in PA as I type this -- on break from learning for a bit. There's a lot of complex steps in-between the sales people and the techs going out to do the actual install, we're making sure everything stays on track where it's supposed to. I think it's a bit more of my thing... having a set list of things to check - go through, make sure each order has all the codes it's supposed to. If it doesn't -- fix it, or send it to someone who can.
There's a big weather warning, ice storms and the like. It's started already, they've declared a warning, and people are freaking. I'm sure most want an excuse to go home, there's always something at home during the holidays. =]
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:19
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, December 08, 2002
post://90028391/After an exhausting weekend of preparing for sledding, napping, and partying... I am at work, with nothing on the agenda for tomorrow. I've got a business trip coming up on Tuesday, I get to go out to Wilksbarre PA again. I had a good time last time I went out, there's not much to do, but I'll be happy if I get to the mall to get some Xmas shopping done. I've done the majority of my purchases online thus far. It's much easier as I can be home when I'm shopping =]
I plan on playing video games this evening. There are many that I haven't sat down seriously with, so many that it's hard to choose. Between the 3 of us (Bill, Phil, and I) we have 4 racks of PS2 and XBox games. There's only a few repeats, too.
I've seen Contra & Bounty Hunter, played Shinobi for a bit... but the rest I've yet to even try. I'm hooked to MK, still unlocking characters and learning moves. My choice for 'long attention span' / 'best crowd appeal' is GTA: Vice City. I'm just starting to get past the driving around and running people over stage, actually getting some missions done. The story element only adds to the appeal, I love it.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:26
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, December 05, 2002
post://90018543/Guide to Mac Gaming
Shakira Boobies
Amazon: customers who shopped for this item also shopped for... [ screen grab ]
Oh -- WE'VE GOT BIG DRIVES...
Interesting in a space-geek sort of way.
Walmart has a $199 Linux web-browser.
Missing toads spark drug probe.
Denmark anti-piracy group sends bills to users for copyrighted content with orders to delete all material.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:42
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
post://90013351/SUS! SUS! Graaaaaa!
Sometimes you just want to reach out and grab someone with a giant claw, bashing them to the ground repeatedly before sucking them into your robot chest, grinding them up, and spewing out pieces of their body... or maybe that's just me.
Too much Mortal Kombat? Nah, too much chatter from the dumb mouth. *pop*
This picture makes me happy.
It's from The Week In Pictures feature on MSN.
Whitney Houston: "I don't like to think of myself addicted. I like to think ... I had a bad habit ... which can be broken."
Labels: 2002
posted @ 13:24
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, December 03, 2002
post://90006883/This was actually something that I wanted to write quite some time ago, but kept forgetting:
Guys -- if you run into a lady friend that you know in Victoria Secret... don't say "hi". That is unless you're buying underwear for a really hot model and you want to make her jealous.
thedarkside.com/switch
The cars of James Bond.
Brittish release USAF report of UFO sighting from 1980.
You might not be able to afford Eminem's home, but how about a picture of a cat watching the auction of Eminem's home.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 01:38
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, December 02, 2002
post://90005557/The Psudo-WAP blog has been updated with a link to CNN AvantGo content.
The very best WTC proposals people could make using paintbrush.
The Top 10 stories from The Smoking Gun from Shift.com
A Catalog of gag machines from the 1930s.
See how the US compares in crime rates.
BBC made an interactive digital time capsule back in the 80s... only problem is that the machine used to access it is defunct.
Write words on cows, mix them up, watch as poetry unfolds before your eyes.
Mad scientists are getting way out of hand.
Has your Osama been laden recently?
“Walking On Fire”off the Nettwerk America release “Unnatural Selection”.
www.nettwerkamerica.com
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:07
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, December 01, 2002
post://90001554/Wow... the Brittish like us they really like us!
Try this fun toboggan game.
Lookin for that certain new hotness?
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:05
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://90001396/
The dorms open back up today, people coming home from vacation...
Thanksgiving seems to be an interesting college fun-fest. People go home for the holiday, hook up with the other people home for the holiday... and that's it, in most cases anyway. I know of at least 3 or 4 lucky people this Thanksgiving break... seemed contagious =]
There's the few who long for more, but in most cases they accept it as given... no one is the wiser because everyone's out of their usual element... they can regress for one evening, touch that familiarity. Then everyone's back to normal. It's an interesting phenomenon.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:05
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Friday, November 29, 2002
post://90001373/Snow is good, Cokemusic.com is fun. I've been collecting the caps. With each cap comes a shot in a raffle, place your entries and if you don't win -- you get the credits back to try again. There's a lot of good prizes. I haven't won yet, but it's so addictive I won't give up until it's (something, anything) is mine! It's like pressing the feeder bar and getting a treat. Just put a dollar in the machine...
Scott is going to move next door, he'll be renting a room from the landlord. Bill is moving in on Sunday. I've only hung out with the guy a couple times, but I think I'll be getting to know him as he starts living there... or at least, I ought to.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:35
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, November 28, 2002
post://90001362/Thanksgiving was good, turkey was plentiful... spent some quality time with my Dad this year. I had an invite to go up with Mom's family in VT but it was a long drive, and it was Dad's turn anyway. We watched some movies in between making the food... I hung out for a while then picked up my buddy Justin and we had a chill evening hanging out. Killed eachother countless times in Mortal Kombat, destroyed some people side-by-side in MechAssault, and ran from the cops in NFS: Hot Pursuit 2. It was just like old times, but with better games.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 14:22
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
post://85724746/Wow... things are ramping up, work has changed their configuration. I have a new job title, new training, new tasks... more important things. I'm doing Quality Control, checking the work orders that go through every day for accuracy and to make sure they have all the right charges and whatnot on them. We're supposed to be going out to PA (Wilksbarre, where I went last time) in 2 weeks for the training. In the midst of the Holidays we're to learn all the new tasks and be up and running as a department by the 1st. ...should be interesting.
I love a challenge and that's why I volunteered. It's good to do something new, though it would be nice if with all the "extra responsibility" we'd be picking up a bit of a raise as well. There's no such luck.
Add MD to your Christmas list.
Black Widows used as a natural pesticide for grapes. A whole buncha Canadian spiders decided to build a big 'ol web together.
Can anyone explain what this actually is?
RIAA vs USNA & AH-itude (Ass Hat-itude)
Demotivate not familar? [ preview ]
** Who says edgimikation bytes? **
They're like evil men, doing that... "Yes," *hick* .: bubbles fly up :. "...each'n ev'ry one'a dem a'purd dawn da drain."
A different breed of dumbass, the kind that defies all odds.
Oh! Would you know it? Nazis are not funny...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 22:38
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, November 25, 2002
post://85715708/This music will make sure you're in the know:
Artist: Damone
Track: Frustrated Unnoticed
CD: From The Attic
Link: www.damone.net
Artist: Ash
Track: Shinning Light
(exclusive acoustic version)
CD: Free All Angels { buy it }
Link: www.kineticrecords.com
Artist:DJ ME DJ YOU
Track: People Together
CD: Can You See The House
Link: www.eeniemeenie.com
Artist: The Blood Group
Track: Pagans
CD: Volunteers
Link: www.magistery.com
Mr Monkey tell me what to do
Mr Monkey want to rule me
Mr Monkey, no, I won't do that
I will twiddle my thumbs in front of you.
BLAM! ...cause you don't got 'em.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:52
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, November 24, 2002
post://85711364/Fri/Sat spent just lounging around, still trying to get the hang of Mortal Kombat Fatalities. Things are finally getting settled in my head. It's been a tough week keeping everything straight. Family is starting to call as it's near the holidays. First I hate to talk on the phone, second... I never have much to say - "...work, school, yah... video games, movies..." I must sound like a lifeless tart. How do I tell them I'm having the time of my life without being excited, lest I give something away. How could I be so excited about normal every day things... I never know how to respond: "yah - doing good, I'm having fun". It's not like I'm really successful or anything. My family only seems to have something to say when things are not going right. That's fine, silence is a good gangue of contentment... right?
CompUSA has a cheap HD on special today.
They've found out how to cut without hurting.
These things are kinda cool, for that lil goth on your list.
Mad scientists strike again.
Update: Some more info on those Bumfights guys.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:27
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, November 21, 2002
post://85701121/You must see Kikoman!
This guy's convinced that he's found Saddam's Inbox.
There's some nice sun pictures added to the CNN Space Gallery.
If you've ever heard anything about the no talent hack known as Dr Phil then you'll find this funny.
You surely know that ninjas are sweet.
The Official Tori Amos web site.
The best Unofficial Tori Amos web site.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:28
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://85701053/
I got home late, didn't get as much sleep as I'd like, but I hardly see the guy so it was good to hang out.
I'm hoping for a quiet night at home tonight -- after picking up some much needed toilet paper and food, maybe snuggle up with a movie or something if it goes as planned. =]
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:08
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, November 20, 2002
post://85701002/Well it's finally here! I went to go see Tori Amos @ the Tsongas arena in Lowell. It was a bit of a drive out towards Boston, but my little Tracer made it. It's tough driving with a governor... it shakes at anything over 80, so it took longer then usual. We got there about 6:15, tickets said 7:00. It wasn't horribly cold, but certainly nipply. Once they finally opened the doors they got around to telling those of us who waited at the front door that we needed to go around the side where the line was. 3 blocks later we reached the end of the line.
There was a very interesting guy who opened up. He was your traditional "guy with a guitar" but with a bonus orchestra at his toes. From what I could see he was wearing sandles and kept hitting keyboards and other effect buttons. He'd add in beats and sounds, a constant melody... very cool stuff. I'd recommend him, if I knew who he was.
Tori played a great show, I was enthralled the entire time.
Here's the set list.
The lights were great, went perfectly along with all the music -- flashes of light with the drums at points... very dramatic and emotional as Tori should be. The best part was near the end. She left, I was a little saddened that I didn't get to hear "Cornflake Girl" but clapped by heart out. She then came back out -- awesome, I'd gotten an encore before but this was just bonus! She did 3 songs - one of which was Cornflake girl! She left again... and we got her to come back out yet again for 2 more songs.
I left there very happy and satisfied that I'd finally seen one of my favorite artists in concert.
The complicated part of it all is that I made plans to go with someone a while back. Things have kind of tapered off since and it was more or less a "last outing" sort of thing. It's one of those "half-way" things where nothing is actually official, so you hate to make "an official statment"... or at least I did. We're sticking with the friends thing, it fits better, I think.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 01:10
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
post://85690863/XBox was fun, link cable was shoddy - hooked up the router, but with 1 too few ethernet cables we were dead in the water for internet multiplayer. We still had fun with some 2 x 2 (system link) and 4 player games on the new 42" 16:9 HD Hitachi. My TV does fine... but makes me wish for an HD.
I've gotten myself into a pickle of sorts. Details shall be spared for the sake of my sanity.
However, I must remember to sort things before jumping in. You're too busy trying to stay afloat when you attempt to do both. .:sigh:.
It's tough, because I know exactly what I need to do in one situation... and I'm totally lacking of anything to give for the unexpected, though (after I thought about it) completely obvious, issue at hand. What to say to what you promised... does that make "your word" invalid because something else came up? No, my excuse is their readiness... that they have a bit of a ways to go. I see my point and I can call my bullshit at the other. It's a valid reason, but it's such a tough call. It means that I did something completely unexpected, on the fly, and have to explain something that I've never (and am certainly not getting any closer to) been able to explain. Feelings are feelings, how do I explain so that I can still maintain my sanity, other's sense of self-worth, and my own comfort by allowing things to have some semblence of normality -- before I went and threw my wrenches, that is.
I also have to wonder how to phrase things, and I'll be thinking about it the whole time I'm waiting to say something. I just want it over and done with... out of my head. However for the sake of keeping the moment -- I'll refrain, for the time being. Crossing wires is hard, refrain not just for the good in your heart... for the simplicity it brings.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 02:45
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, November 18, 2002
post://85689153/Tonight is XBox night. I am stopping briefly at home to pick up the XBox, possibly a house mate or two... then off to video game fun. Here's a list of the 500 most powerful computers, Lennon's box up for grabs, and my cat loves you -- their cats hate you.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:39
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, November 17, 2002
post://85685802/So this was a great weekend. XBox live is up and going, I bought Mech Assault and Unreal Championship. Unreal runs a tad choppy with 4 people -- I'm surprised. It also runs really slow online, but shooters are known for their need for good pings. I'll accept it until cable modem is within reach. Mech Warrior works ok though, no disconnects... and it's good to go if/when I bring it elsewhere for XBox Live parties. There's one tomarrow night, when I get out of work I'm going to my buddy Jay's house, he just got a new 43inch HD -- so we'll see how that works ^-^ There's another TV, I'm bringin the router, we'll hopefully be able to get up to 8 people at a time on a server with Unreal... 4 at a time with Mech Assault.
There's this nifty little thing @ RadioShack that's kinda like an XBox sphere, certainly reminicent of the "Okama Gamesphere".
Tori Amos concert is on Tuesday... and I have the day off. It should be fun, just got her new album and DVD, I've been basking in the Tori-glory. =]~
If you haven't heard of
or just haven't tried it out yet -- give it a shot! Free Trial! I love it, 3 movies out at a time... no late fees, drop it in a mailbox when you're done with it, movies right to your door...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 20:15
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, November 14, 2002
post://85676941/Russel Crowe certainly does LUV FIGHTIN'!
A "not as funny as I make it out to be" work-name generator.
Abercrombie out // Walmart in?
Mainstream movies to stream
Rolling Stone's FU to Record Companies
Got Cancer? Might as well just give up.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:06
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, November 13, 2002
post://85672619/Want to buy a house?
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:02
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, November 12, 2002
post://85667312/Ok... so a lot has been going on. I went to the Doctor on Thursday to get everything checked out. After the initial appointment he sent me off to go get x-rays. They took them, everything was ok... nothing major, muscular... but it would take a few days.
It's still bugging me, but feels like it's getting better. It certainly had me nervous for a bit... but glad it turned out to be ok.
I've been so occupied with my health that I didn't get to much else the past week. I took yesterday to do my laundry, come cleaning, and picking up. I got my DVD burner working, fixed the issue with video not showing up on the laptop correctly (overlays issue with the 3D card drivers, disabled overlays completely for both DVD & AVI), and burned my first few DVD-RWs (archived some DivX) and DVD-R. I made a South Park Season 6, Disc 1 & 2 with episodes 601-603, and 604-606. The quality is somewhat lame as they were smaller files... but it worked. It doesn't seem possible to scale the video quality to fit more on a disc. I might just need a more advanced program. They burn fairly quickly - about 15 to 20 minutes, and the ready-made templates make it easy to bust out a DVD with animated menus and nice graphics in no time. The media is expensive $10 & $15 a piece for DVD-R or RW media, but it's worth it and still cheap - considering. The DVD-R played no problem on the PS2, the XBox is also on the compatibility list for the drive so no worries there. All in all I'm pretty happy. I feel accomplished =]
Transworld Snowboarding for XBox is good -- very nice scenery, interesting control scheme (grabs are on the right stick, pressure sensitive), and the tracks are a nice design with lots of alternative routes. There's a "goal"-oriented progression, much like Tony Hawk. You have to achieve a certain number of objectives to unlock the next level. Maybe it's the fact that I'm stuck, but it's not fun like SSX Tricky, but maybe that's due to playing SSX Tricky so much. It's better multiplayer -- but that always depends how much the person you're playing against has played it.
I'm still not fully decided on it...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 13:34
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, November 06, 2002
post://85647436/I'm singing! Yay! ...and really tired. I'm hot, I'm cold, I'm hot and cold. I'm short of breath. I have a really bad pain in my back... but it's not my back. I try and touch the muscle, but it's no muscles on my back -- like an itch I can't reach. I'm avoiding getting it checked out, though I think I'll make an appointment this evening. I know what it is, I think. I might just be overly worried and paranoid because it happened so many times before, but it's certainly not going away. I have too many things to take care of... I have to teach a training class tomarrow. It's nothing big, new procedures and stuff here @ work... but I need to be here at least. I just had an issue come up with my attendance, I really don't need this right now.
I hope I'm jumping the gun, that it's a muscle or bone in my back... I keep trying to ignore it, but it doesn't help. I wish I had someone to help me, but it's mainly just me... and I have to do what I need to do to make sure it's not what I think it is.
Distract yourself with these fun links of fun::
Tom Petty is cool shit.
Get a shirt, or something.
Warfare 2002: remote death machines
Warfare 2002: tanks with self-healing skin (armor)
Warfare 2002: army proves anti-artillery laz-er effective
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:49
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, November 05, 2002
post://85642216/We have a Halloween costume contest at work every year, here's my picture from this year -- I won! I got a free thermal coffee mug & $15 in gift certificates to Dunkin' Donuts. Yay!
I was listening to Stern yesterday morning, he was off on a rant about how homosexuality is psychological, that there's no physiological (physical, chemical, dna) difference between a gay individual and a straight individual. Today I came accross this article on sheep, that has to do with rams who exclusively court and mate with other rams... not the bi-rams that we're all familiar with...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 13:33
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, November 04, 2002
post://85637894/You might have a buncha money somewhere...
There's an interesting bit about The United State's view on the whole Israel/Palestine thing in this news article.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:34
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, November 03, 2002
post://85635084/Remember the good old days of "Mozilla"?
Mmmmmmm... fresh... batch... of antimatter...
Ovulating women want a real man!
Jesus was probably not a mushroom junkie.
I grabbed this story for it's use of the word "hactivist" (an activist who activates by hacking). Here's the same story on MSN.
Here's a silly little "what would you have done if you lived back then" quiz.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:50
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://85635044/
Friday was a good night at home, hung out with the house-mates, got Unreal 2003 going... nothing too exciting, but a good night none-the-less. Saturday I went to go see The Ring - whew. I recommend it, highly -- watch it, live it, love it!
I was glad because it wasn't one of those "ooooh! I'm scary!" or one of those "self-aware horror movies" (ex: Scream) It was a lot of psychological stuff, very real, surreal -- in a NIN video sort of way. It certainly wasn't what I expected, and a few images have been burned into my head.
Here I am on Sunday somewhat pondering what I'm doing with the whole relationship thing... there's some hurdles, and I wonder if it's really worth all the trouble. Not because it's not worth it in the end, but because there's plenty of opportunities at my age. I have been through a similar situation before and it took a lot out of my life. I think I was too involved in that case and I wonder about this one. I want to be able to give my all, say that I'll do anything... but sometimes there's just nothing that one person can do beyond being there for someone. If that's not enough -- then what? I'm glad they've remained nameless at this point because it makes it easier. I really want things to work out for the best, keep hoping, but then something happens and I'm at a loss as to what to do.
My laptop has made me mad. I have yet to investigate it fully... might be Windows Media Player, I don't believe it's version 9 - as I've heard some tricky things about that version... but it seems to do video in an "overlay" fashion. I was playing an AVI and it was acting like I was playing a DVD. The output to TV showed up fine, all my windows... media player, etc... and then the actual AVI that was playing showed on the laptop screen... but didn't make it onto the TV. The sound was there but the video was just a black square. I tried so hard to get it all to work, had people waiting on it... queued up the videos to watch and... nada. I am calling to complain, I'll return it... I'll do it, especially since I've seen Vaio's with DVD-RW drives for $200 less then I paid for this one, same speed and generally the same features with a few other bonuses. It's just too much to pay if it doesn't do what I want.
Sidenote:: bought a DVD-R/RW/+R/CDRW/CD-R Sony drive, overnight shipping - should be here on Tuesday. =] This might get around my video problems, but I still want my videos to be able to be displayed on a TV, it's just the principle of the thing.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:29
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, October 31, 2002
post://85625653/Halloween:: Trick/Treat?
Funny... aren't I supposed to have something to go to tonight? I got all dressed up for work. I am a spontanious hunch-back. I didn't really have any masks or anything, I just seem to have lost them in my travels. Walgreens had a few choice items that I picked up along with some food for the office party. I got a really cool voice changing talking skull -- it's cool.
A couple people got pictures of my Halloween get-up, so I'll post 'em when I get 'em.
I've eaten so much candy, cupcakes, and caffeine in true Halloween style.
...mischief? mahem? drinking? lurking? -- it certainly is possible, but I think I might just pull back and focus a little this evening. Everything is going fast -- I measure this by the shape of my room, surfaces piled high with papers, various doo-dads, clothes scattered about, bed un-made... I feel so much better when it's all in place, but it's a major task just to start. I hope I can improve on that, as well as "tomorrow" (the spelling, in fact -- I just spelt it tomarrow without even thinking, then corrected it) and being able to sit in one place without an additional aide. Why the introspect? I think Halloween reminds me of being young... then I think where I've come from there. Never thought I'd be 21, at work with a hunch on my back all hopped up on sugar and caffeine... typing my thoughts, put up on my own personal portal on an imaginary world filled with real people. huh.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:08
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
post://85616770/There's not much goin on as of late. Me and Phil have been working on the network at the house, getting the PII 400 up and running as the internet server. Having my computer be the router just didn't work well, I would get priority over anyone else so it was already a fractional stream going to everyone else. At least this way it's equal.
Spaceghost action figures!
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:31
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, October 28, 2002
post://85612867/A few interesting Stupid Crooks.
XBox is for the drinkers!
Hopefully my review will appear by tomorrow morning...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:06
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, October 27, 2002
post://85608436/Well, Phil says I'm on a virus kick. I just know that viruses have destroyed a good amount of data over the years. It's better to be safe then looking for your data again. I think everything's clean now. I found someone to buy my old Laptop, so I picked up another Satellite - 5205-S503. A major upgrade other then the RCA video output. I have to see how it looks to judge for certain. It should be good enough, everything else is great - digital audio out, 16 inch screen, GeForce 4, 40GB HD, P4 2.0ghz, 512mb DDR Ram, DVD-CDRW.
My weekend was productive, I got my winter car all inspected... I've been driving that around lately, just making sure it's solid enough for winter. It's fun too, being a manual and all... It's a 1.2 liter 4 cyl, some ridiculous size like that, but it's light, so it hauls pretty good. I just wish the tires were wider then 4 inches :]~
Not much else going on, saw my friend Stefan's band play at the local VFW, free beer and good music. It's a jam band of sorts, they really get into it, a lot of pink floyd-like stuff... it was fun. I had to jet a tad early, but saw most of it. I'll post the link up on the music page / rock when I get it. I need to get myself a camera and my electronics armada will be nearly complete .:insert maniacal laughter here:.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 15:43
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, October 24, 2002
post://85599179/There's some Trojan Horse on my house mate's computer. It's the same one I had, I'm sure. It goes right to the c:\system volume information\ which is unable to be modified, viewed, or deleted. I'm not sure if I can go in with a DOS disk, but that's the next step. .:sigh:.
So with his computer disconnected from the network, I grabbed his ethernet wire and gave XBox Live a shot with the satellite. It worked well, not superb with no issues, but quite well enough -- I was disconnected once or twice due to network issues, ran a couple games that cited network conditions... but all in all I was happy.
[ Quotes from Clothes Hanger Trial ]
MotoGP has got to be the best of the bunch of beta games at this point, with Wacked! following, then Re-Volt, and NFL Fever 2003. The headset is cool when you're playing, you can talk to anyone else that's playing -- though I got laughed at when I had it on. I really care if it looks silly -- "I'm connected". =]
[ Behave Yourself ]
It's my Friday, another day... another weekend starting. I have plans for this evening, with the usual individual. I'm making tacos! Other then that... no real set plans. ^-^
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:42
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
post://85591075/.: tubleweed :.
........** whooooosh ** ...........:.:.:... :.
...k, so the barren landscape might be considered good? It's calm, no catastrophe's... no one crashing into fences.
I've had internet at home, and it's nice -- downloading music, getting news, streaming video. I also fall back into the rut of not cooking and not needing to leave the house or do much of anything.
My laptop contracted a virus? It might have been the result of too much tweaking... I saw a suspicious "rundll.exe blahblah.dll, gorunmecq.cvd" (but it's there again after a fresh install so it might not have really been a virus) I had a few trojan horses show up, cited by Norton. When I started up, the system would just be bogged down... I couldn't move the mouse more then an inch every 3 seconds. It was a pain, I got to taskman and there were 6 rundll.exe and 6 svchost.exe listings, a couple taking upwards of 10-20megs each, and eating my entire CPU (90-98%). I did an end task on the process and got functionality back, but there wasn't anything in the registry that looked recognizable and it appeared that the files that were running were legit windows files. After a defrag, update of virus definitions... still no good. The files in question had to do with the indexing service for XP, one of the only areas that Norton doesn't scan by default -- coincidence? I didn't know, I didn't want to take any chances, I backed up my MP3s and kissed my factory install of XP bye bye. I restored of the disk and am presently still cleaning up the mess and getting the system back to normal. It was certainly a pain, hope I don't run into anything like that again -- because if it was a virus, it never showed it's face... I never got a name... and it was certainly quite a mofo.
The blast in Bali is linked to Al Queen-ah, sniper's still at it...
I had some links I've been accumulating, but haven't been able to take 5 minutes to post them.
Lego Deth!
Where'd the Royal Swans Go?
WWJBHB?
What's got into that cat?
That pong pong pong pong pong...
apple.com/switch
[personal story to follow tomorrow]
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:26
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Saturday, October 19, 2002
post://85580404/I wonder if anything happened this week. I'm thinking back as I realize there's been nothing added since the 14th. No... really nothing of much consequence. We went out for another night on the town on Thursday, dinner and some pool, then video games and movies at home. I had a good time but there's always something that happens that creates complications, such as: not remembering that you have a Hoku CD, and then betting a shot of 100 proof SoCo that you don't. If I was teetering before, that sent me to the bottom of the well. I'm sure I haven't heard the last of it...
I waited around all day Friday for my satellite install, to be notified by phone that I was all set for Saturday. I specifically remember speaking to the rep who called me last Thursday, scheduling for this Friday... but I gotta hand it to her for calling me back when I was in a bad cell service area -- she wanted to make sure to confirm the appointment time. A lot of good that did me, because I still hung around all day Friday not doing much. My favorite quote from a customer:: "...but I haven't even taken a shower today!". I can now see how that would happen.
The satellite internet installer guy did come today... one complication:: the system it's connected to needs to have a dial up modem. "Well, I don't have that, but I am connected via network to the dial up machine in the other room, it's shared via ICS -- that work?" Inquisitive looks all around (later called tech support and got the phone equivalent) - "No, it needs a dial up modem." I hooked up my housemate's machine in the interim, figuring we'd just get it set up and worry about the computer later. It's a bit harder then that. The modem is hooked up via USB, so any sharing has to be done via Ethernet card. No problem, network's already set up. The USB means that it needs software, software that is very picky, needs to communicate with the "registration servers" before it's able to "give internet". Everything was 100% on my housemate's computer -- which means it was time to break it. I had to put it on my computer so I installed the software, plugged in the modem and ran the tests that he did on install. The receive test was fine - signal OK. The send test was where I ran into problems. After a few installs/uninstalls I resorted to tech support again. The first time didn't count other then the 50 minutes I was waiting for the inept tech rep that I reached. He contacted their NOC, ran the test from their end and it went through fine. When I was attempting it from this end it was coming up bunk. He did a manual "OK" on the transmit test, and that was that -- I'm online, and it's faster then I ever thought it'd be. The upload is supposedly piddley, and it adds about 100ms extra to a ping, but overall I'm impressed.
http://www.direcway.com
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:22
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, October 14, 2002
post://85561179/I had a nice quiet evening last night - it was all rainy and cold so we curled up on the couch and watched Swimming With Sharks (Kevin Spacey), Sopranos, and caught the end of Comedy Central's movie: Porn 'n Chicken. Swimming With Sharks was rather... extreme, but it sure got the point across. I was watching Sopranos with someone who'd never seen it before so I imagine it was kind of hard to follow... I'm still somewhat lost and I've been watching since this season's premier. Porn 'n Chicken was just amusing, a decent movie overall - Comedy Central surprised me. I'm sure you'll be able to catch it on it's many "encore" showings.
I think that was the most I've watched TV in a long time, but I didn't want to get up... all snuggly and warm. We were both shooting comments out, nitpicking, observations, and cracks - we kept ourselves amused, especially when it went from porn-like scenes to commercials with innocent little children. =] We're very much on the same level... I've never had someone laugh so much at my dumb little comments and it's nice ^-^
The FBI has released information about Nicola Tesla per the freedom of information act, a lot of the documents are circa 1940s - some in regards to the initial release of the information to the public sector. If you're unfamiliar with Tesla's work, check out this little snippet.
More findings at Machu Picchu.
Never sure what to say to pesky telemarketers?
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:01
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, October 13, 2002
post://85557401/There's a bunch of stuff about terrorists in Bali, snipers in DC... not a very happy time from the looks of it. There's a gang war escalating in Springfield (Mason Square area) with more and more stabbings, drive-bys, and general shootings. The economy is down, Al Queda supposedly have another attack 'approved' but that's all the information they have. We're about to go to war, and though it will "rally the troops" I don't believe it's what we need to bring the nation out of it's slump. It's kind of a sad time globally, locally... but things are going well for me, personally. I'm not directly connected to any of this, almost hate to turn on the news as of late, and I really haven't - not on purpose anyway.
We've discovered some choice finds regarding ancient roman times and a mummified dinosaur. They've also discovered the largest object since Pluto in our solar system, maybe a new planet.
Also:: Might ruins off coast of Cuba be the remnants of Atlantis?
I am enjoying life at this point, hanging out with friends, housemates... we keep each other occupied and we're all pretty civil. It's nice in general, nothing too pressing... money matters under control - certainly not ideal, but under control. All in all I like the current snapshot of my life. I'll look forward to reflecting back on this time later on, with good memories of friends and experiences.
HP makes a media center computer which I'm sure we'll be seeing more of as people want an all in one machine, or a more powerful TiVo.
What if your laptop was stolen?
[ I spent a lot of time on hold today ]
Here's some interesting news on copyrights and the public domain, what Canadians are doing with their free time, a new 3D Museum, and a new fuel technology.
More fun stuff:
[ kitty flip ][ history of video games ]
[ prime number fun ][ things we used to believe ]
Labels: 2002
posted @ 14:08
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, October 09, 2002
post://85544432/Yay, the week's over for me. I get tomorrow off for all that overtime I put in. I'd rather have 3 days in a row then the money. My sanity is worth more to me. I'm currently in limbo at work because the one database that we merged everything into... is down for about an hour. =] I suppose that's the downside to having everything in one place. I have plans to go see Red Dragon this evening. I had read the book waaaaay back and it absolutely fascinated me, I hope I can say the same for the movie. I'll update tomorrow on how it was.
I have internet at home, we shared the internet connection throughout the house. I only have aim though because anything more will render everyone else useless (it's only dial up, after all). It's better then nothing and if I need to get on to pay bills, chat, or get an important e-mail -- I can.
I found a really cool site that did most of Star Wars in ASCII format, and it's always good to know a little something about feng shui.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:21
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, October 07, 2002
post://85536000/I'll put the links up pre-rambling today::
Heard the Official World's Funniest Joke yet?
Flirts... they're only getting worse.
There's been quite a few good ideas and advances in Bluetooth.
Floating around... it just takes more and more caffeine to get me going. I still have yet to catch up sufficiently on my sleep.
I had a pleasant evening last night. I met up with someone after I finally got out of work, grabbed a pizza and went home to relax. We watched movies, video clips... it was nice. I realized why I don't usually "hit it off" with people at first. I'm fumbly, bumbly, and clumsy... I get nervous, not sure why, because it's not like I was worried about anything but it took a while for me to just sit still. I wanted things to be not necessarily perfect, but nice, and kept thinking about what I could do to make things better. Ken's girlfriend calls it "tweaking" usually in reference to electronics (settings, etc) but it applies to many things.
I believe I made a good impression, I haven't gotten her phone number or anything yet... I believe I'm just waiting for her to mention something first, maybe another evening. We have a lot of fun going out, and both tend to bring up things of not much importance, if only to break the silence. Much of the night was spent just chilling, not really saying much of anything... but we didn't need to. I was dead-tired for one, zoning out watching movies was exactly what I was in the mood for.
It's strange, but fortune cookies, horoscopes, compatible signs... they all come together and say the same thing - that it's good, and I agree. I look forward to spending some more time with her, not rushing things, and just enjoying one another's company.
It's funny... I was half zoning out thinking when my phone buzzed. I got my horoscope for the day - "It takes two to tango. Evaluate the pros and cons; make a decision and then act on it." and I did just that.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:20
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, October 06, 2002
post://85531764/Wow, talk about irony. I'm in the cable industry, work with people who have missed the techs or have other issues that come up.
I got a voicemail from the satelite installer about 1... I heard *scratch* *crackle* ... my way... *crackle* very important that... call me. There was no number because it was a cellphone and the number was indestinguishable when he asked me to call. Granted... I left someone else at the house. I didn't leave the sign on the door as I intended. I wasn't there, and because of that I didn't really expect it to go smoothly. He did say that he'd give my order to someone else and they'd be contacting me.
...AND I'M STILL AT WORK. .:sigh:.
not everything went as smoothly as we thought, so there was a lot of cleanup. It's still not going to be all finished, but I am -done-
Now to get a little bit more work out of the way...
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:09
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Saturday, October 05, 2002
post://85529518/[ yesterday ]
What a day for nothing to pull through. I ended up volunteering for another long weekend at work. I didn't get the satellite install due to the weather, it probably won't be much better tomorrow - but if it is I'll be all set. I am also missing out on having an evening with Angela because I'm working these hours. As soon as I'm out of here I'm heading to a party. I knew of it quite some time in advance so I'm obligated to go. I want to go, who knows... might run into someone there. I'll still get enough sleep to function tomorrow... I think. =]
[today]
The party ended up being a good time. There were quite a few people there, no one stayed particularly late so we got out of there in a reasonable amount of time. I stayed up and drank with the house mates once I got home, however... so still only got about 3 hours of sleep.
I am now here with about an hour left. We might be able to go home early because we completed almost everything for the day. I'm planning on heading out to Kahunnaville, it's a co-worker's birthday so we're going for some post-work celebration.
I haven't been home, not sure on the satellite install, it was clear today but there's no real guarantee that someone was home when he got there.
I'm tired, but so wired... I've drank enough caffeine to kill a large elephant and I'm still kick-twitch-ki-kickin =]~
Labels: 2002
posted @ 19:16
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
post://85516229/I just realized it's the 1 year aniversary of this site. We've come a long way, baby... :]~
Things are looking good, I cleaned the house a little last night - mopped the kitchen floor, dishes, swept the downstairs... floor feels good now, it hadn't been cleaned since well before we moved in and it certainly needed it. Phil called me "mr mom", I wish I didn't have to be, but no one else seems to feel like cleaning up after themselves. I also helped the landlord put in a phone jack in the living room so we don't have a 100ft cable to step over every time we go in the kitchen. I'm hoping to get the washer in there tonight, finally a washer and dryer of my own. I can't count the wasted hours I've spent at the laundromat.
I learned last night that Angela ended things with her boyfriend that evening. She'll be coming over on Friday to get some help scanning and editing some pictures. I'm pleased, it's nice to have something to look forward to.
As of this weekend I'll finally have internet access at home: satellite internet is being installed on Friday, in the midst of another long weekend working. Fri/Sat/Sun 12 hours a day. I was able to get a day off before and after, this time. I won't earn as much overtime, but my mental well-being is more important then a semi-large check. Last time I worked 11 days in a row and I was so dead by the end of it.
I have tomorrow off, plan on doing more housework, pick up, clean a little... to make the place extra presentable.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:34
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, October 01, 2002
post://85512646/Well I tried out XBox Live for the first time last night. I had gotten the beta kit a while back, but with no broadband access at the house currently, I haven't been able to try it. I went over my friend's house and tried it with his cable modem. The voice interaction is quite good, garbled in places, but overall it was like talking to someone over the phone. It has filters too, so if you're paranoid about someone knowing your real voice, you can change it. The two games available for testing are ReVolt and NFL Fever 2003, both much better when playing against actual opponents.
I got home somewhat late, about 12:30 or so and was surprised to find my house mates up. I felt like going for a spin in the winter beater, as it hasn't gotten much use and I'm still not sure if there's anything wrong with it. The only way to know is to use it, so I pulled up to the front and invited people to go for a ride. Phil joined me and filled me in on the situation::
Our friend was there, Ken noticed he was missing after a bit - went outside to look for his car, gone... he had a bad feeling so he drove a little up the street and sure enough there was his car... smashed into the park fence up the street. He had been drinking quite a bit, and apparently he tried to race someone - he went straight when he should have turned. Luckily he went into the tree behind the fence, rather then the buildings beyond. He ended up being arrested and every time they'd called the police station so far -- they said he hadn't been brought in. Phil wanted to go down to the police station to try and bail him out. He'd been drinking just as much as everyone else, so it was good that I got there when I did.
When I had left the guys were just watching football, drinking shots of vodka and beer. They were already a bit in the bag at that point, and the bottle was completely empty as well as an additional one... so I can imagine how much they'd had over the course of the evening.
We drove down to the police station, inquired at the front desk. He was there, but they needed the clerk there to do all the paperwork and they wouldn't be in until at least 3:30, so it would be 4 or 5 (am) before he could be released. We left - it was 1am. I swung by the scene of the accident on the way back to the house, and man... I can't believe he consciously got behind the wheel. I would like to think it would have gone differently if I was there, but I'm not so sure it would have.
I have had a really good friend die while drinking and speeding, another break his neck going through the windshield on the highway - he was dead, but they brought him back. He was in a brace for a while - but eventually went back to his old ways. I haven't heard from him since, and I can only hope he's still alive... So many people that I know have had their lives effected by people driving under the influence. It's just such a waste, those people are no longer around, no longer making a difference in the world... and he came so close to joining them.
I know you've heard it before, but please don't do it.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 15:29
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, September 30, 2002
post://85507564/Is NY really the cause of today's sexual freedom?
Taste the Real Ultimate Power!
...and a site that falls under the category of:
"sounds dirty, but isn't"
Here's a story that falls under the category of:
"studies that sound dirty, and are"
Some interesting info on how Google can be fooled.
Ever think of marking the existance of wireless networks in public places?
Apparently this whole Anthrax/West Nile thing is our (the US) fault, check out the news bubble for the full scoop.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:17
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Sunday, September 29, 2002
post://85504473/Here for the cellphone haikus? submit - [email] [im]
Well I had a great weekend =] Friday night was a very eventful evening, I went to an older friend Dan's birthday party. It was at the local American Legion, which may not sound like much... but there were a lot of people, all different ages. They had food, drinks at the bar... and all different kinds of music. After a few drinks I was able to get some people up and dancing. I had started the evening with plans on swooning a young lady that I had my eye on for a while now. Angela (Dan's daughter) was there with her boyfriend, and her friend (who was the one that I had my eye on). They had already been drinking a bit when I got there. Her friend was pretty trashed, Angela was doing pretty good, as was her other friend. I proceeded to get them all up and dancing. Angela's boyfriend just sat there saying stupid chauvinistic things like he normally does... I was just dancing having a good time, usually with Angela. She danced well, we did a little swing, the twist... and were having a great time. As the night went on I noticed that Lee really wasn't all that interested, but Angela was much more attentive. I might not have noticed anything if I hadn't mentioned the inattentiveness of Lee to Angela's Dad who hinted that she might not be... but Angela certainly was - "she has a good time with you". I was reluctant, but how often do you get a push in the right direction like that? I figured I'd test the theory and I tried to get her to get her boyfriend on the floor, dance with him a little - "No... I don't like him." ...and there it was, the little twinkle in her eye - BING!
So the evening goes on, people disperse and Angela and friends come back to my place to hang out. Her boyfriend came too, but it was a package deal, so figured "eh, what the heck". We got back to my place, hung out, played some XBox, and were having a generally good time in-between stupid comments from "schmuck-head". I went upstairs to grab a controller from my room, Angela went upstairs to go to the bathroom. I stopped her before she went back down, mentioned what a nice evening it had been, and thanked her. It's odd because my first impression was negligible, I had met her a few times before and her true self hadn't really shown through, I told her that too... and gave her a hug. She went back downstairs, I went down right after. Her boyfriend somewhat flipped, he got all huffy said they were leaving, grabbed everyone and left. They were outside for a moment or two after and he mentioned something about "respect". So I'm figuring he thought something happened upstairs... suspicious little koot. =]
It was a good evening, I don't regret anything that happened as her boyfriend is a tool... I never liked him from the first time I met him, and I think she'll be coming around. We'll see how things go. She's very pretty, reminds me of my last girlfriend a bit in that respect. There was much less to that girl, however. I think Angela has a lot more going for her, but I'm not going to dig a hole this early on. =]
I'm just hopeful, it's been a while since I've had an opportunity, let alone one endorsed by her parents ;)
Check out some fun signs.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 11:59
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, September 26, 2002
post://85496091/I updated the phone page, it now fits the theme.
I'd like to coin the phrase - "cellphone zen" just let it be known =]
...and speaking of text messaging. Warner Brothers is now allowing people to download (for a fee) MP3s of previously unreleased material.
New to the site? Confused? - [content map]
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:00
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
post://85491420/Here's that link to some of what I've gotten so far.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 15:04
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://85490887/
I was writing someone a quick little note via SMS when I got an idea: cellphone poetry.
It's short, sweet, truncated for quick entry... and something to do when snake just don't cut it.
I'd like submissions to start things out, they'll be posted in a special low bandwidth (text-only, to start) section.
e-mail or im them to me
Send anything you get via cell that you'd like to share, for example - I get quotes sent to my phone every day:
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." -Mark Twain
Go ahead and truncate, abbreviate... whatever you need to do to make entry and transfer quick and easy. I'm looking for haikus, poetry, notes, observations... anything. I won't post any identifying information unless specifically requested. Check back for a temporary link to what I've got so far, I'll incorporate it into the site and position it depending on the submissions and feedback I receive. I plan to have WAP links, info, and browseable content readable on-the-go.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:47
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
post://85487817/Some might consider my zealousity for technology a downside... who am I to judge another's?
Maybe they... really like horses. That's not a bad thing. Variety is the lice of spite... wait.. scratch that.
We need to appreciate the things that make us individuals...
Do you have worms crawling around inside you?
Arcata Eye Police log
Nintendo e-Reader
Labels: 2002
posted @ 17:52
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://85486321/
Astronomy Picture of the Day
When Porn Gets Personal
Daily Affirmation
Labels: 2002
posted @ 12:10
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, September 23, 2002
post://85483352/Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:03
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://85481806/
I spent Friday at the mall after doing errands and whatnot. I picked up a few things for the house and some clothes for myself. I caught the clearance racks at most places, accidentally hit a few sales... it was a good day to go. Later that evening we went hoppin in downtown Springfield. I finally saw what the big deal was with the 'Gra, caught a shower show... interesting, though almost surreal. Since we were with my buddy, we just waltzed into most places. They knew him and didn't even bother us because we were with him. I didn't get carded except for the one place that you needed to be 25 to get in, and we still made it through there. I tried my favorite shot to date: a red-headed slut headed to a few more bars, checked out the Hot Club and danced for a bit... really a great time. I can see how they want to extend the night hours of the bars downtown, 2 o clock came and everyone just hung around as no one wanted to go home, they were all having way too much fun =]~
Saturday Phil was all set to go skydiving. A few groups were able to go before him, but with cloudy skies for most of the day it just mainly a lot of waiting around and then running out of daylight. He at least got all the training out of the way, so he can just pop on a plane some day when it's clear out... and then leap to his death =o I just hung out for most of the day watching movies and playing the UT2003 demo (SCHWEEEEET!) against the house mates.
I started my new schedule yesterday, 9:30am-6pm. It really is amazing what having to be to work on the half hour does psychologically. I'm on schedule, on task, and feel like I'm on the right rhythm. I get out nice and early... hell, even had time for a jog in the park last night when I got home from work. I felt great because I haven't been able to run in so long... I just felt like I could do it, I went at a moderate pace and took it easy. It was actually enjoyable, not like excercise at all.
Tonight I'm going to meet up with my buddy Jay later on, the plan is Boston Billards around 11:30 or so. It's always fun playing pool with Jay, reminicent of when the whole group used to go back in the day. Phil, Jess, Angela, Jay and I... I miss those days, but people move on with their lives, things and people change. I'm trying to get out and about more often. This being at home is great and all, but I haven't met anyone new in quite a long time, and I don't know any available and eligable young ladies currently... I figure if I get out my chances are a lot better then someone showing up on my doorstep =]
Labels: 2002
posted @ 11:49
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, September 19, 2002
post://85469275/** Concert Alert! ** - Tori Amos - Nov 19th, Lowell MA, Tsongas Arena
Labels: 2002
posted @ 16:12
(0) comments | Post a Comment
post://85468540/
Tactical Ops is really quick, much like Swat 3, Medal of Honor's levels are too big for 3 people, and it's easy to get taken down. Nothing seems to match Unreal Tournament yet, though we should be playing the UT2003 demo soon, so we'll see how that goes.
It's my weekend again, time passes quickly. I realize I miss school every semester that I don't go. Summer classes were great because it was overall such a short ammount of time. I hope there's less going on when it's time for spring classes. There's still a lot of hubub, people always stopping by... hanging out. I went to go play pool the other night, but that was the first time I'd been out and about for at least a week or two. It's different, but I like chilling at home.
Here's a buncha links for today's parooooooozing::
next gen DRAM
Beer
Soda vs. Pop
Wanted: Ghost, reward: $1,000,000
Brain spot for 'out of body' experiences
PEEPERS!
:-)
GM Hy-Wire
My Pirate Name
Get your own pirate name
Labels: 2002
posted @ 13:18
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
post://85465505/hehehehe
more lego fun
Labels: 2002
posted @ 18:14
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
Monday, September 16, 2002
post://85457378/Another day, another 8 hours here at work. I got a new cellphone - Motorola P280. The advent of GPRS technology is upon us, it's only 2.75 extra a month (1mb transfer, 40 cents each additional mb) for the data with Voicestream/T-Mobile. I was sucessfully able to dial up via iR from my laptop @ 9.6k, so it's not required to use with a Palm or laptop. I don't quite know the details yet, but I imagine you should be able to get 40-50k via GPRS.
I got a call yesterday from the Satelite internet installer. The dish is going to be slightly bigger then a normal TV dish, they plan to mount it at seccond floor level, it's $100 more if they have to put it on a pole in the ground, or up higher on the house. The earliest I could get an appointment was October 4th, so I should be online and back in business by then. I hope to get to some more web stuff then I have been. I find it hard to sit still and work on it, but once I get in a groove I can't stop until I finish what I'm working on. If I'm doing graphics or whatnot, I can't just stop in the middle, I forget what combination of filters I was using... or how I blended layers or whatnot. That's what happened with the bubbles, they're all similar, but being done at different times they're just a little bit different.
I would like to do a redesign, the current design worked so well for what I started out doing, I think I'll get rid of the windows and words down at the bottom, maybe create another background and create a different theme, along the lines of the bubbles, the links embedded in the graphic background that jump out when you roll over them. I like the non-conventional.
The rating I got a while ago made me think about the feel of the site, what I have here for download, viewing, and what my "mission statement" would be. I am offereing media for the most part, things to think about, that I've thought about - and things I just plain want to say. I like to call it "digital media to stimulate the serotonin". Serotonin being one of the main chemicals released in the brain to create a pleasant feeling of well being, or happiness, if you will. I share the things that make me happy, experiences, people, places, pictures, music, movies... or that have given me some sort of catharsis for the better. I want to share the happiness that I find in every day things. I'm often referred to as being "amused with simple things". If you're amused with simple things, then it doesn't take much to make you happy. That's a good thing.
Phenylalanine is something that jumped out at me from a box of mints. It had a large warning for "phenylketylneurics" people who are intolerant of phenylalanine. I then noticed it was in Diet Coke and other drinks, candies, etc. It's also a chemical present in the brain that works closely with serotonin, so it went with the theme.
Because it's such an obscure word, a search on Google for "phenylalanine" in combination with "music" or "movies" brings up my site as the 3rd or 4th result. A clever marketing ploy, I must say. =]
I have a hankering to create, clever ideas for menus... but nothing to put on the other end of those menus, not enough content :] Function and form, fusion... fabooo.
Labels: 2002
posted @ 19:32
-x-
(0) comments | Post a Comment
(Almost) Daily Links for your perusal:
Links Updated at 11:38 AM
I had to put all the links here so they could still be robot'd since I was having issues with the whole dual click nature of the modern browsers.
music recommendations
links
discuss (no longer in service)
...mysterious
pictures
mobile
archive
music recommendations
links
discuss (no longer in service)
...mysterious
pictures
mobile
archive