Monday and wimpy boy

Thanks goes out to all the great people that call and let me know that they have a problem with their network, computer, router, etc. Using the 'I just didn't want to bother you' excuse is not a very good one. With a wave of bad weather over the weekend several people have called and so far we've successfully recovered from all problems by either phone conversations, email or remoting in to the systems. Hats off to those with their thinking caps on top of their noggins!

An appointment is scheduled with a clinic that I visited many times as a private patient. It's this Thursday. Great results were produced by seeing someone that is no longer on the staff. My luck. After a call to reschedule an appointment they found out that I'd be coming under the auspices of the Veterans Administration. The reschedule was refused and I ran out of meds in October. So now I have to go over there expecting the worse and dread has started taking its toll.

There was a 10% disability when I left Uncle Sam and the wonderful world of Nam behind. At the time it was felt the disability was not needed so it was refused. After many years, nightmares and daily panic attacks now I face a hostile group when dealing with things VA. Maybe refusing that disability was not so noble, but damned stupid. After my experiences with Dr. Sonuvabitch Beavers in Memphis it seems that they are trying to kill me instead of giving aid. Please remember, just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that there's not someone out to get you! LOL

Why all the harping? No meds for two months and a fear of more unnecessary abuse do not make for the best circumstances. Is it too much to ask for people to be polite and help me get my blood pressure under control? We will see, we will see...

"And I will use regimens for the benefit of the ill in accordance with my ability and my judgment, but from [what is] to their harm or injustice I will keep [them]."
-taken from the Hippocratic Oath

Tupelo Forums and Sunday Activities

Just visiting over at TupeloForums viewing some frightening yet funny online ads TFAdmin has found and noticed that this site is now hosting blogs and has a custom browser toolbar available for download free of charge. They've been busy. Nice online community that has many topics and lotsa' users. There ARE some characters in the mix. Fun site.

Building a SCSI server for a client, reloading a corrupted laptop (it has the Windows ME fungus) and trying to configure a wireless router to work as an access point. It's going to be a long afternoon and evening. And hey, if I die today I guess the embarrassment of the awful, messy, trashed out, unkept garage and house won't matter, will it? Ahhhhh, my efforts to stay around until tomorrow are fortified. I need cheesecake...

"Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?"
-Wobblynife

Top 100

PCWorld has listed its choices for the 100 best products of 2005. Firefox took top honors with GMail running a close second. Interesting list. Microsoft almost didn't make the top 50. The resource hog Windows Media Player 10 squeaked in at #47. Don't start up all you Gates Nazis. I use Windows Media Player when in Windows. But Amarok in Linux blows it away!!

Who creates all these lists? Google search for top 100, 2005 and look at the results. Got to coffee up, load up, get off my dead ass up and go to work. Everyone enjoy Saturday and try not to get stuck in traffic. It's a bitch out there.

"I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."
-Mark Twain (or shop with 'em)

Say Cheese

Recently, a friend of mine purchased a camera online. She hasn't received it yet. I feel sure it will be okay, but noticed an article about a camera purchase at Slashdot while browsing my news sources this morning. The article is located at Thomas Hawk's Digital Connection. Be sure and read the comments at the bottom. Great information and thanks goes out to Thomas Hawk for not being bullied and sharing this bad experience with us. Scammers will reside in the deepest level of hell.

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."
-C.S. Lewis

BTE rocks!

Please crank up your Internet Explorer. Yep, the day after Firefox 1.5 comes out I am asking everyone to open Internet Explorer. You know the big blue "E" thangy. Now that you are using Microsoft's browser please click on this link:

Better Than Ezra

My wonderful, pretty, neat, wayyyyy kewl, geeky daughter and a friend put this together. Hey, it's a nice piece of work!!! She also plays a mean cowbell!

"If I ever die of a heart attack, I hope it will be from playing my stereo too loud."
-Wobblynife

You Gotta Love It

Firefox was one year old on November 9, 2005. They recently celebrated their 100 millionth download. This is awesome. The whole concept of Mozilla.org is fantastic. Opensource technology with customer input and they actually listen? Wow! If you are clicking the big blue "E" and tired of popups, spyware infestation, etc., here's a super alternative with super support.

Don't like Outlook or Outlook Express or want to try a great alternative email client? Try Mozilla's Thunderbird. As they say, "reclaim your inbox." Simple to download, simple to install and very user friendly. Great tutorials on the website. This is a really good looking email client and it will interface with GMail (best damned email service on the planet!). Spam no more!

One last note: Don't get too zealous and delete Internet Explorer! This is a big NO NO. BTW, the newest, greatest, shiniest, spiffiest, fantabulous version (1.5) of Firefox will be out this afternoon. Just click on the button below.

"There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer."
-Emerson

Duh!

If you don't want spyware, adware, thiefware, malware, garbageware, or whateverware you choose to call it, don't use Yahoo. They freely admit that they use Claria and 180. The messenger program can be installed without the rest of their junk. You can also go into Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel and remove everything Yahoo, leaving JUST the messenger thangy. Google search the words spyware and Yahoo together then read a few million articles like this one at AdwareReport.

If you are an AOL user, may the Good Lord help you. After removing several AOHell things from a computer yesterday the memory usage dropped over 200megs on start up!!!! This is absurd. Can someone tell me what AOL Hosting is about? Wait...nevermind - I really don't want to know. Please remember, if you exceed the amount of memory in your computer the hard drive is called on to step in and help. That means constant spinning of the platters. Friction and heat are NOT our friends when it comes to the internal workings of yo' hard drive.

There , I am through banging my head against the wall.

"There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life."
-Frank Zappa

Under the Tree and Dreaming

Last week ArsTechnica posted an in depth article about Christmas gifts for geeks. There are links, pictures, staff choices, and the prices range from a few dollars into the thousands. Of course the AIBO was listed and a remote control INDOOR model airplane. Boy howdy, there's two gifts on my list for Santa. BTW, if anyone sees that dude in the red suit with the big white beard, please tell him I am still lookin' fer 'em. Check it out -> ArsTechnica 2005 holiday shopping guide.

Ahhhh, the smell of commercial Christmas is in the air. Why can we not do away with all this gift giving and learn to celebrate the Spirit of the season? We could enjoy fellowship and harmony instead of over-extending budgets to please everyone with the appropriate gift. Sorry, scroogeitis has hit early this year. If shopping was a pleasant experience things might be better. When did all these rude people invade our gentle, polite South?

Everyone knows I am mad at Sony about the rootkit/spyware thangy. Still, one of those Aibo robot dogs will be accepted at the Beach House - if you have two large ($2000.00) to burn, LOL. Enjoy Sunday.

"...people in every direction... no words exchanged, no time to exchange them, and all the little ants are marching..."
-Dave Mathews

There's More Turkeys Around this Weekend

"It's being called the worst computer worm of the year -- a fast-spreading Internet threat that looks like an official e-mail from the CIA or FBI but can leave your computer wide open to intruders."

You can read the rest of the article at the Washington Post. If you own a computer you need to pay attention to what is said in this informative post. The Sober X virus is another slap in our faces by the ne'er do wells that write this garbage. If you are infected your personal information will be gleaned. Don't treat this lightly.

Everyone have a casual weekend and put some gravy on that turkey; it's most likely drying out by now.

"One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives."
-Mark Twain

Emailers beware

Have you seen this?

Dear Sir/Madam,

We have logged your IP-address on more than 30 illegal Web sites.

Important: Please answer our questions! The list of questions are attached.

Yours faithfully,
Steven Allison
Federal Bureau of Investigation-FBI-
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW , Room 3220
Washington , DC 20535
Phone: (202) 324-30000

Do yourself a favor and DON'T open it. This is one of the guises used by the latest rendition of the Sober virus. You can read about this at IT Vibe. When they find the person that wrote the virus I hope he's gut shot and left to die, slowly. What a ridiculous, demonic, useless way to spend time.

"I think the enemy is here before us.... I think the enemy is simple selfishness and compulsive greed.... I think he stole our earth from us, destroyed our wealth, and ravaged and despoiled our land."
-Thomas Wolfe, You Can't Go Home Again

Fat Croc Chardonnay Compliments Turkey

Thanksgiving was held at the Beach House last night. Determination overrode scheduling conflicts and the food was prepared on time, very tasty and everyone left in good spirits. Nice to have both my daughters together for the first time in a year. I think my Mother had more fun than anyone. It's what celebrating is all about. Amid the laughter, constant conversation, food preparation I stopped several times and thanked God for my family and a wonderful gathering. Yep, all the hard work is worth it. No doubt.

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."
-Howard

Shopaholic? NOT!!

Okay, late yesterday was spent prowling the mall area shopping. I'd hire this done if possible. In a local store noted for kitchen, bath and bedroom stuff I was literally blocked. There they stood with their big lard butts blocking the way talking with a suspicious accent...well, okay, maybe they were just yankees. I politely asked if I could pass and thought that I had lapsed into hell or at least a game of Dungeons and Dragons gone bad. Cringing I retreated and hid behind Mother who is visiting for a few days.

Immediately my rant started about leaving and I was told to stop whining. I stopped whining. The rest of this trip was spent avoiding these evil strange speaking women. After they prowled the front counter for several weeks they finally left. While checking out the young lady asked if I was okay and handed me a tissue. Through the sobs, I told her she wouldn't understand. She sighed and said something about 'what a sad man' while watching me stumble to the door.

Shopping sucks. I don't like it. Thank you Lord for the internet, my soft chair and good coffee maker. I will try to never go mall hopping again. Now it's time to see if I can find a cave.


"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
-Yogi Berra

When Black Friday Comes...

Shoppers, start your engines. After an early morning visit to Wal-Mart yesterday my need for Xanax has increased tenfold. Where do they get those evil children and why the hell are they NOT in school? Anyway, check out BlackFridayDeals.net. The page you really want is The Deals. Hope everyone enjoys the traffic. Thanks Red Dragon for a great link!

"Turkey: A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude."
-Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

There is No Snooze Button on a Possum

Yesterday was spent working on PCs. All day. By the time Saturday night rolled around I was in bed and looking forward to some much needed sleep. The knowledge that many things have to be accomplished today made for early retirement. Sure enough I went out like a light while watching the Saturday night PBS British sitcoms. Sometime around the witching hour I was slowly awakened due to a strange sound; bump, bump, blam, bump. Then the mind flash hit me - why would anyone steal the lead sled? It sits right outside the window! After arming myself I peeked through the blinds and just outside the window was Arnold, opossumus germanicus austriabodicus, pulling at a sack of garbage against the fence.

Okay, possums will eat most anything. They are scavengers and not very clean animals. But what Arnold was doing with this sack of refuse is beyond me. It was from cleaning out the garage and nothing even close to edible was around. I mean, it's understandable when he tried to turn over the green dumpster thangy, but why mess with a bunch of old car parts, dryer lint, out of date manuals, et cetera? Believe it or not the rake had been in use a few days ago and was propped against the house. It took 5 minutes of rake prodding to run him off. As he waddled towards the oak tree I think he stopped , pointed at the 'Mom' tattoo on his arm, flipped me the bird and hissed while pointing at the El Camino.

Today I will take off the garbage before starting work. Then I'll buy one of those Club security bars for the Camino. Whew! Think it may be time to talk to herr doktor about that Ambien stuff they advertise on TV?

"The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Growth of the Holiday Season

The Christmas shopping season starts earlier every year. It seems to be backing up one week per annum. Soon, Thanksgiving will be gone and just another part of the commercial Christmas season. Traffic is horrible. Actually started out in it and turned around. Wrecks everywhere. Besides, I was headed to Walmart. The evil children that live there are waiting in stealth mode. Best keep my butt at home.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
-Charles Dickens

Singing a Different Song

An Oklahoma City reader wants to know, "What can be done to stop companies from invading our privacy when we purchase CDs?" The answer is simple - stop buying them; especially anything with Sony BMG on it. Become a fan of artists that promote downloading from their sites.

Watched Brad Paisley on TV a few nights ago and this dude is awesome. He can PLAY a guitar. I like his song, "I'm Gonna' Miss Her." Anyway, when he finished his tune it was announced his latest CD could be purchased at a local retail outlet or DOWNLOADED from his web site -> BradPaisley.com. Think I should send ole Brad a copy of She Won't Yahoo Anymore?
See SouthernPhried, October 7, 2005, for a copy of the lyrics. You'll find this post listed under Archives.

Since the music costs less on the website it is a better bargain. Plus you don't have to leave the comfort of your home. Also, Brad will make a larger percent of the profit. And the damned RIAA can go straight back to hell. The MAJOR problem with the music industry is that the RIAA mafiosos exist. They are leeches. Their graft is on most CDs that are pressed. So stop buying them. Download from your favorite artists' websites.

Folks, no rocket science here. Use the old noggin. This is not piracy. It's a legal purchase that cuts out a completely unnecessary middle-man that is there only to rape the artist and the customer. Want to know more? Visit EFF.org.

"He who hears music, feels his solitude peopled at once."
-Robert Browning

More on the Sony Theater of the Absurd

Sony BMG’s boneheaded misuse of hacker technology has potentially compromised the security of millions of PCs, inspired a bunch of computer viruses, provoked class-action lawsuits, caused a firestorm of protest in online forums, and even attracted veiled criticism from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Read the rest of the article at Home Theater Magazine online.

This fiasco has spawned another site for those that are really pissed off. The site is The Sony Boycott Blog. The description reads - All about egregiously anti-customer behavior by everyone’s favorite BigCo. This is an informative, clean, interesting blog that helps conscientious consumers stay abreast of this ridiculous slap in the face.

Yes, I have recommended and installed many pieces of Sony equipment. They build very solid products. Should you continue to use them? By all means. Alternatives should be considered when making future purchases. My feeling is one of disappointment moreso than anger. I want them to come out and apologize for their misdeed. It's an affront to every consumer for Sony to act almost mad because they were caught. Yes, I did sign the Boycott Sony Petition. It's your decision.

"A stiff apology is a second insult.... The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt."
-G.K. Chesterton

Sad Sony

With all the hoopla and concern about Sony intentionally gleaning information from our personal PCs without permission, it might be a good idea if you have purchased a Sony CD to remove this garbageware. Afterall, would you like it if a burglar ransacked your personal belongings and information? It's the same thing. WikiHow has a super post concerning this -> How to Protect Yourself from Sony DRM Rootkit Malware. It's so sad to see a company that builds quality electronics let greed do its thing. They haven't come close to an apology and act like what they have done is nothing. Sounds sorta' criminal, huh?

"Obviously crime pays, or there'd be no crime."
-G. Gordon Liddy

Make Mine Chocolate Chip

Yes, Cybersouth - from the Saltillo Beach House, does use a cookie. It originates from an analysis program and you can read all about at Google Analytics. No personal information is being taken from your computer. This is a Google property and is being tested here. Most sites you visit use cookies so please don't phreak out.

It's always good to eat a great lunch on Monday. The burger is calling me....


"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence."
-Erma Bombeck

Does Anyone Have PSGuard's Physical Address?

Have you had enough of spyware and it's malicious rape of your PC? Want to do something about it? Well the FTC has an online form that can be used to report this garbage. Go to the FTC and use their Complaint Form.

Still looking for a physical address of the parent company of PSGuard which is Global Shudder Ltd. Help! Wouldn't you like to open the front door and toss a rabid mongoose into this pit of snakes?

Two sites that are finding favor here at the Beach House are SysInternals Freeware and CleanUp. SysInternals has many different programs for download and CleanUp is a disk cleaner that has tremendous power. Nice sites that are easily navigated. Take a look.

Be careful. Many utilities are NOT for the casual user and can damage your PC if not used properly. Always consider contributing a donation if you find something useful.

The links section of this page are under construction and more about PSGuard (and other malware) will be added. Several posts have been made in the past few months concerning the removal of this trash. Please check the archives.

"Perseverance... keeps honor bright: to have done, is to hang quite out of fashion, like a rusty nail in monumental mockery."
-William Shakespeare