It's Canthan New Year on the three continents. Many people will be playing this weekend. It actually continues through 2:00PM on Monday. Look forward to participating since the SuperBowl holds none of my interest. Hey, Ole Miss isn't playing so it does not matter around the beach house. Anyway, looking forward to spending some time in the game with fellow Guild Members. If you haven't checked out this great online game it's fun just to view the awesome art work. Go to GuildWars.com. If you play the game look us up. We are the mighty Kudzu Dragons of the Imperial Guild Hall. Nice friendly folks that always enjoy meeting nice people. Give us a shout! Heck we'd even like folks to join us on our TeamSpeak server!
"If a man watches three football games in a row, he should be declared legally dead."
~Erma Bombeck
Ramblings, opinions, and general meanderings from the Deep South
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tech and Life, It's Highly Recommended
Looks like the Southern Geek (disclosure - a great friend) is embracing Windows 7. Nice to see this site active again. After a well needed layoff (Mrs. Southern Geek was severely ill, but glad to report much much better) his return to things techno is great. Glad to see the hands on interest in Windows 7. Microsoft may have a winner. They need one. At least Vista has not been the outright failure everyone witnessed in Windows ME (aka Millennium). Dropping Home Basic would have been good and the Business version is not too spiffy either. Home Premium and Ultimate would have sufficed for all markets. Anxious to see hardware compatibility stats. Hopefully, they have curtailed that annoying UAC garbage that pops up every time you seem to hit a key while using Vista. Anyway, jump over to TechandLife and glimpse things from the mind of a Southern Geek. BTW SG, Christians Rock!
Yesterday morning the snow was pretty as it fell for a few minutes in the early morning. Schools were out north of us. Bundle up today. It's cold in the Deep South.
"You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job."
~Laurence J. Peter
Yesterday morning the snow was pretty as it fell for a few minutes in the early morning. Schools were out north of us. Bundle up today. It's cold in the Deep South.
"You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job."
~Laurence J. Peter
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Let it...
Somehow, someway it looks like we may have a bit of bad weather in Northeast Mississippi. Even though the voodoo priests at the weather channel, local news, and various internet outlets seem to think this will pass, it looks like at least a cold snap. You think? Now with this said, a heat wave will most likely strike without warning. Yesterday was short sleeves and short pants were considered. After the flu and strep throat warm weather will be most welcome. Can't remember wanting summer to arrive more than this year. When late July and August hit these cool days and nights will be on the desire table, LOL.
Have a good one out there today. You might want to at least watch for icy bridges.
"Winter came down to our home one night
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
And we, we were children once again."
~Bill Morgan, Jr.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
How About a Super Alternative to Photoshop?
Let's face it. Photoshop is too expensive. Then there's the ownership by Adobe which is a company that eclipses Ballmer and Windows when it comes to paranoia. I just don't like them. Every time there's a new download of Reader, Flash, Shockwave, etc., I cringe in fear that they are putting bad juju on my PC. Yes, they are all owned by Adobe. Anyway, by the time you buy all the cute little modules and toys that go with Photoshop the price goes to a kazillion dollars. Well hold your beer boys and girls, there is an alternative. Guess what? It's free. Yep! It has many online help sites too.
WikiHow has a super introduction to the world of GIMP. This is a good place to start. No the beach house did not pick the name. This is an opensource software program that is POWERFUL! It runs on many operating systems including Windows. So don't throw money at the Adobe Paranoids. Just cruise over and join the world of opensource. You'll be amazed at this marvelous program.
"Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that somebody is not going to get you!"
~H.D. Murphy
WikiHow has a super introduction to the world of GIMP. This is a good place to start. No the beach house did not pick the name. This is an opensource software program that is POWERFUL! It runs on many operating systems including Windows. So don't throw money at the Adobe Paranoids. Just cruise over and join the world of opensource. You'll be amazed at this marvelous program.
"Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that somebody is not going to get you!"
~H.D. Murphy
Monday, January 26, 2009
Laid Back
Here are two tunes from one of my all time favorite musicians. Don't get me wrong, I love Pink Floyd, the Stones, Mozart, Dave Matthews, George Gershwin, John Mayer, Hendrix, Celtic Woman, King Crimson, Better Than Ezra, Temptations, Lee Ritenour, Beatles, Taylor Swift, etc., but jazz makes me mellow, calm and leaves a feeling of warmth in my heart. It's hard to believe that these were made in 1984. The sound quality is awesome. Start the week casual. Take a few minutes and de-stress to the sounds of David Sanborn performing live:
"The saxophone is actually a translation of the human voice, in my conception. All you can do is play melody. No matter how complicated it gets, it’s still a melody."
~Stan Getz
"The saxophone is actually a translation of the human voice, in my conception. All you can do is play melody. No matter how complicated it gets, it’s still a melody."
~Stan Getz
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Just an Old Dog Here
As one might suspect my youngest daughter Em aka 'beagle' is very much into animals. She'd own a zoo if possible. They have two dogs and I think at last count there were 4 cats that decided they would tolerate beagle, C and the Purple Giraffe. It always amazes me at how their house has no telltale whiffs of ode de cat. Nice. They are all proud computer nerds. C and beagle work in the computer field. Beagle is also very active with the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society. She does some photography for the shelter.
This is a great organization. They are constantly working to help our furry friends. Please check out this website. Gibens Creative Group has done an outstanding job developing this site. It is informative, a breeze to navigate and very easy on the eye. Go check it out!
"Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem."
~Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh
This is a great organization. They are constantly working to help our furry friends. Please check out this website. Gibens Creative Group has done an outstanding job developing this site. It is informative, a breeze to navigate and very easy on the eye. Go check it out!
"Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem."
~Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Harsh Mistress?
The moon is in the news. Scientific American has an interesting article - Flip-Flop: Did the Moon Do a Turnabout?. National Geographic has info on a "Missing" Moon Linked to Major 1761 Eruption?. This one even has a video link. HollywoodBitchSlap (as you might suspect the language here can be profane at times) gave the movie Underworld: Rise of the Lycans a really bad review. You could say this review is on the harsh side of the moon. Why mention this movie? It's about werewolves. You know the moon connection? Does the name Lon Chaney , Jr., ring a bell? Or Warren Zevon? Do a search in Google for Earth's Moon and you can find many interesting sites about Luna Selene.
Enjoy tomorrow. It will be cold in our area. Later.
"The silver light, which, hallowing tree and tower,
Sheds beauty and deep softness o'er the whole,
Breathes also to the heart, and o'er it throws
A loving languor which is not repose."
~Lord Byron
Enjoy tomorrow. It will be cold in our area. Later.
"The silver light, which, hallowing tree and tower,
Sheds beauty and deep softness o'er the whole,
Breathes also to the heart, and o'er it throws
A loving languor which is not repose."
~Lord Byron
Friday, January 23, 2009
Anyone Have AVG Long Scans?
AVG 8.0 Free Edition has been removed from this machine. It has been re-installed 3 times and still misses updates. It takes 3 to 4 hours for a scan to complete. After telling it to turn off and not scan it decided it would scan anyway using over a 100 megs of memory. Hey, you don't take control of my machine unless you have permission. This is a Windows 2000 machine and that may make a difference. I am sure AVG will be installed again as soon as the bugs are gone.
Using PCTools Free Edition and it does a nice job without grabbing resources. Will report on it after a few days. Very easy install and you can schedule scans and updates. The full scan takes less than an hour.
It's late and I am gone to dreamland.
"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
~Mark Twain
Using PCTools Free Edition and it does a nice job without grabbing resources. Will report on it after a few days. Very easy install and you can schedule scans and updates. The full scan takes less than an hour.
It's late and I am gone to dreamland.
"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
~Mark Twain
Thursday, January 22, 2009
More about the Downadup Virus
Please read an article about the latest virus infection running rampant on our machines. Here's the link: ComputerWorld Security. This is extremely important information. If we all work to protect our machines this horrible trash will be defeated and a part of history. I think the people that write such trash should receive either a mandatory life sentence or worse. Thanks out to ComputerWorld and US-CERT for needed news.
Also, thanks out to Slashdot for linking the above article. What a great site.
"Computing is not about computers any more. It is about living."
~Nicholas Negroponte
Also, thanks out to Slashdot for linking the above article. What a great site.
"Computing is not about computers any more. It is about living."
~Nicholas Negroponte
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
On the Advent of a New Term
It's hard to find anything to post techwise since the media's obsession with the new President controls the front. It looks like Windows 7 is getting positive results and this makes me happy. A lot of people just never gave Vista a chance. All in all I find the Ultimate version to be a nice operating system. You do have to spend some time and research during initial setup. Once it is configured it does a nice job. You will have to possibly update some hardware. 2 gigs of memory or above is almost mandatory for an advanced user.
I am upset. Bigots suck. This horse's ass named Lowery that delivered the benediction after the Inaugural Address needs to be censored. He decided it was okay to offend EVERY white person on the planet. This does not bode well for the next 4 years. And hey, I don't give an absolute damn if you do not agree with me. Don't like my opinion? Go somewhere else. I, for one, am tired of being run over just because I'm white. Yep, a white guy that spent 2 damned years in that awful Vietnam protecting people of all colors. I have the scars to prove it!
Check out the transcript at the Chicago Sun-Times. BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AND READ THE COMMENTS. It appears I'm not the only one that took offense. Many people feel the same way. They ostracized Trent Lott for a less offensive joke. What about it? Nothing will be done to this jerk since the news media has glossed over it.
"Man has always sacrificed truth to his vanity, comfort and advantage. He lives... by make-believe."
~W. Somerset Maugham
"America is a tune. It must be sung together."
~Gerald Stanley Lee
"Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself."
~Robert Ingersoll
I am upset. Bigots suck. This horse's ass named Lowery that delivered the benediction after the Inaugural Address needs to be censored. He decided it was okay to offend EVERY white person on the planet. This does not bode well for the next 4 years. And hey, I don't give an absolute damn if you do not agree with me. Don't like my opinion? Go somewhere else. I, for one, am tired of being run over just because I'm white. Yep, a white guy that spent 2 damned years in that awful Vietnam protecting people of all colors. I have the scars to prove it!
Check out the transcript at the Chicago Sun-Times. BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AND READ THE COMMENTS. It appears I'm not the only one that took offense. Many people feel the same way. They ostracized Trent Lott for a less offensive joke. What about it? Nothing will be done to this jerk since the news media has glossed over it.
"Man has always sacrificed truth to his vanity, comfort and advantage. He lives... by make-believe."
~W. Somerset Maugham
"America is a tune. It must be sung together."
~Gerald Stanley Lee
"Give to every human being every right that you claim for yourself."
~Robert Ingersoll
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Looking for Midnight, Windows 7 beta and Peanuts.
You have no idea how glad I am that it's Tuesday the 20th of January, 2009. In less than 24 hours the Inauguration will finally end. I plan on avoiding the TV today. Rush Limbaugh is calling it the immaculation, LOL. It is historical in its own way, but enough is enough. Put the dude in the White House and let's see what transpires over the next 4 years. Get over it!
God in heaven knows I'll NEVER trust the TV news media again. Bunch of prejudice jerks. Okay, Fox is not so bad. BTW, I did cut cable back to minimum and am cancelling the TV part completely the end of this month. It's too expensive and really nothing but a load of garbage. I did 'up' my internet speed. Hope they install it soon.
On the tech side of things. Windows 7 beta is available for free download. Check it out over at TechSpot. They even tell you how you can dual boot it with XP or Vista. Nice.
If you haven't heard about the peanut contamination you might want to read Reuters. Hope you have a casual Tuesday.
"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself."
~Thomas Paine
God in heaven knows I'll NEVER trust the TV news media again. Bunch of prejudice jerks. Okay, Fox is not so bad. BTW, I did cut cable back to minimum and am cancelling the TV part completely the end of this month. It's too expensive and really nothing but a load of garbage. I did 'up' my internet speed. Hope they install it soon.
On the tech side of things. Windows 7 beta is available for free download. Check it out over at TechSpot. They even tell you how you can dual boot it with XP or Vista. Nice.
If you haven't heard about the peanut contamination you might want to read Reuters. Hope you have a casual Tuesday.
"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself."
~Thomas Paine
Monday, January 19, 2009
Virus Alert
People, please put your tech hat on for a few minutes and heed the advice given in this PCWorld article. The Conficker, aka Downadup, virus is a nasty one. Machines attached to a network with a Windows server are the targets. You still need to be wary with your home PC since the virus will mutate to USB jump drives, laptops, etc. This one is very very bad.
How to safeguard against this garbage? Make sure your PC has ALL Windows updates. Then make sure your anti-virus program is up to date and scanning on a daily basis. This is sound advice for any user. If you maintain, own, or use a Windows server be sure and check your updates.
Trash such as this infection proves that Satan is doing just fine in his normal mode on planet Earth. Might be a good idea to tattoo a big 'L' on the forehead of anyone caught writing these nuisances. LOSERS!
It's cold. The Northeast Mississippi area should see light snow tonight. It probably won't accumulate. Stay warm and stay safe.
"Your modern teenager is not about to listen to advice from an old person, defined as a person who remembers when there was no Velcro."
~Dave Barry
How to safeguard against this garbage? Make sure your PC has ALL Windows updates. Then make sure your anti-virus program is up to date and scanning on a daily basis. This is sound advice for any user. If you maintain, own, or use a Windows server be sure and check your updates.
Trash such as this infection proves that Satan is doing just fine in his normal mode on planet Earth. Might be a good idea to tattoo a big 'L' on the forehead of anyone caught writing these nuisances. LOSERS!
It's cold. The Northeast Mississippi area should see light snow tonight. It probably won't accumulate. Stay warm and stay safe.
"Your modern teenager is not about to listen to advice from an old person, defined as a person who remembers when there was no Velcro."
~Dave Barry
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Brief
Resting today. It's one extra day of being idle to ward off the strep demon. Should return at full throttle tomorrow. Many things on the '2du' list. Have an awesome Sunday!
"In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip."
~Reardon
"In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip."
~Reardon
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sub-Info
Gosh, there's a lot to do n I sit on my fat butt whining. This strep is serious business. Every joint aches and stars are still being seen when coughing. Nuts! I've much to do and feel like a dumbass for sitting here. No doubt the sleep will be replenished. Hey, let me get out of here before the whine goes warp. Call me, email me, etc. Later.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A PC Person Speaks
My repeated outcries for iDarth to retire are being answered for the worst possible reason. He is fighting cancer. Steve Jobs announced a 6 month sabbatical yesterday with Tim Cook stepping in as the head exec at Apple. It's a known fact I think Jobs is holding back Apple's potential as a major player in the computer market. I don't really care about the iPhone nor the iPod. Neither will ever reside at the beach house. Yet if Apple, as a company, employs the right strategy and becomes competitive in pricing I might consider purchasing one of their desktop computers. Oh yeah, they have to quit telling lies on TV too. It would be nice to have one of their computers to study and learn the OS in order to include them in my portfolio of service. Steve Jobs has been in my prayers. He's supposed to be...it says so in the Bible. Hopefully the time off will help him recover. Just because I don't especially like his handling of business affairs doesn't mean I want the dude to die. Want more info? Read about iDarth at ZDNet.
If you talk to me today don't expect a long winded conversation. Throat still hurts and coughing brings on astronomical sights. We won't even talk about what the meds are doing to my gastrointestinal area. Hey, my problems will most likely subside. Say a prayer for Mr. Jobs. He's the one that is really sick.
"We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions."
~Percy
If you talk to me today don't expect a long winded conversation. Throat still hurts and coughing brings on astronomical sights. We won't even talk about what the meds are doing to my gastrointestinal area. Hey, my problems will most likely subside. Say a prayer for Mr. Jobs. He's the one that is really sick.
"We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions."
~Percy
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sleep, It's Recommended
Kay made a comment yesterday about sleep may help cure what ails me. I've certainly not lacked in that department. At least when sleeping the coughing seems to subside. Believe me, it hurts like the dickens when you cough. This has to stop. I spend all my life healthy as a horse. Then as I've grown older, I've grown larger. They have to be connected. Hate it, but exercise is curtailed for a few days until this passes. Besides, it's cold out side! Tomorrow night's low is forecast as 12 degrees. That's cold for Mississippi. Think the recommended treatment will be followed. Stay home, stay prone, drink lotsa liquids and don't breathe on other humans. I think the meds might as well be placebos. The war going on in my stomach is not pretty. Maybe tomorrow we will return to things techno and Guild Wars.
Thanks everyone for the encouragement and positive wishes. The toothbrush will once again be hurled into the trash and the two new cans of spray Lysol will be empty the moment fever is not present. Being sick sucks on soooo many levels! Outta' here n back to bed.
"Why do we alienate ourselves so much from our bodies? It's that big piece of machinery attached to your head."
~Carrie Latet
Thanks everyone for the encouragement and positive wishes. The toothbrush will once again be hurled into the trash and the two new cans of spray Lysol will be empty the moment fever is not present. Being sick sucks on soooo many levels! Outta' here n back to bed.
"Why do we alienate ourselves so much from our bodies? It's that big piece of machinery attached to your head."
~Carrie Latet
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Whine, Whine Everywhere a Whine, Blockin' the Scenery
Some things are absurd. Woke up a bit ago and have the grunge all over again. Temperature is up, I am hacking and coughing, my throat is sore and seems like my whole face is leaking. Ridiculous. A friend is on the way to take me to the doctor. If you need me please call. That office has less than perfect reception, but the calls will come through. I'll have to step outside to answer unless they changed something since the last time I was there (just a few weeks ago). If I live, there will be a note later. Sometimes a 'work-in' takes a while. The ultimate wimp is leaving the building. Later...I hope.
Monday, January 12, 2009
MWSnap3, Screen Capture Deluxe
There's a good chance that this was mentioned many years ago because the last update on this utility was in 2003. Doesn't matter. If you need a super screen capture program try Mirek's MWSnap3. Great freeware program that has stood the duration of time. Very versatile and virtually maintenance free. Just open it, send (minimize) it to your system tray (bottom right corner of screen) and right click when you need it. The 'any area' function is always used at the beach house. When you click it captures. One of my all time favorite utilities. If you find it a great tool Mirek will take donations!
Local high should be in the 50s today and the sun will shine. Monday too, shall pass. Thanks out to Grasshoppa for reminding me to link this great utility.
"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."
~Ansel Adams
Local high should be in the 50s today and the sun will shine. Monday too, shall pass. Thanks out to Grasshoppa for reminding me to link this great utility.
"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."
~Ansel Adams
Sunday, January 11, 2009
FYI Guild Wars
This is information for Guild Wars players, people interested in starting play, or those just interested in what goes on in an online PC game. Fellow Dragons, please forgive my selfish attitude with the pictures. All my group pictures are on the hard drive in the new computer being built. One more thing, if you click on the pictures they will enlarge.
Guild Wars is a online role playing game that premiered in April of 2005. It started with one continent, now there are three and there is one expansion pack for the original chapter. So, to have the whole game you need four different purchases. If you only want to buy one start with the original Guild Wars. It's called Prophecies. You must have it to buy the last chapter and it's just a generally good place to start. Always check online for great prices (Amazon, NewEgg) and BestBuy usually has discounts on Guild Wars products. Please remember, Guild Wars does NOT charge a monthly fee.
Before doing anything - CHECK YOUR HARDWARE. This game can be graphic intense. You must have a bare minimum of a AGP 256 video card and several gigs of RAM. Faster the processor the smoother the game too. Don't listen to the hype. Make sure you have a nice video card. PCIe 256 or 512 is even better. Don't expect a 4 year old machine with 64 megs of video memory, 512megs of ram and 1.2 processor to be a great performer. Even though you can log in, it will be jerky and frustrating. Yes, I know some people know enough about tweaking their machines to make such a unit work, but make it easy on yourself.
Why play this game instead of Crysis, World of Warcraft, etc.? It's beautiful. Guild Wars has absolutely the most awesome rendering in the game world. If you want to experience one of the most over hyped and definitely the most hardware hungry game by all means play Crysis. If you want your characters and background to look like cartoons then get you a big bowl of World of Warcraft. Pay those ridiculous front end costs and absurd monthly fees (EDIT: After some review and help I don't think Crysis has a monthly fee - please see edit at the bottom of this paragraph). I have tried both and don't like them, especially that stupid Crysis. This may be attractive to the younger set (teenagers) and that's okay with me. I have met several good players that are in their teens in Guild Wars. They have manners and treat people with respect. Then many have been seen whining like children because they can't blame their mistakes on someone else. They tend to criticize others, forgetting we are playing a game. But hey, what do you expect out of a group of 7,000,000 people? There will be good and bad. (EDIT: I've made a huge mistake. Crysis is NOT the game I played. Apologies to those that are fans of this game. I've got to get that other computer up and running and find out what game it was that I disliked so much. Crysis is great n wunnerful and all that. Thanks out to Ashby and Mudslingr for pointing out my error. My bad)
Guild Wars is a fantasy set in a fantasy world with fantastic characters. It has a lot of interaction between live players yet can be played solo or with in game characters called heroes and henchmen. You don't have to be in a hurry. Stop, look around. Some of the scenery will amaze you. Do not be afraid to play. The game teaches as it progresses. It will move along at your pace. There are many awesome adventures at all different levels. The newness and complexity of creatures showing up is a hoot too. The big lion looking fellow in the top picture is an enemy you learn to despise at first. Then you find out some of them are actually kewl. They are called Charr. At the beginning you may play a lot with the heroes and henchies. Later you'll want the company of live players. This means interaction with fellow humans.
Find a guild and join. Make sure it suits you. You can always leave and join another. Some guilds expect mass participation and expect you to play a certain profession. Others are casual and not in a hurry. Our guild, Kudzu Dragons, is wayyyyy on the casual side. Yet several of us seem to find time to play as a group for a few hours each week. We constantly help other guildmates and provide gifts of virtual money and awesome weapons when possible. If someone requests aid with certain missions, quests, etc., people will respond. Then sometimes we just stand around in the guild hall and talk.
Talk. This is extremely important. Purchase a good headset. Have you seen the headphones that have microphones attached? Download and install your voice chat client (usually Teamspeak or Ventrilo, both free). We'll use Teamspeak as an example. The Kudzu Dragons use it and own their own servers. Get with the Server Admins and let them help you set up your voice program. Believe me, if you have never done it, you don't have a clue how to do the initial setup. But, that said, it's easy with help - if you can take directions. Plug that headset directly into your audio card or make sure your front panel audio connection is well shielded. Absolutely turn off all other speakers. Echo and stuttering can be a problem and you'll notice that less people will get on Teamspeak with you if you don't strive to eliminate these problems. Don't lie either. People can tell if you are not co-operating. With their ears.
Our group doesn't advocate profanity or rudeness. We are slow to recruit and use Teamspeak most of the time. There are occasions when people will enjoy a refreshing beverage and this is tolerated. Most people in our guild don't drink. Things just happened that way. We do have one thing in common. We all laugh. The constant banter and goofy things that happen in the game are a great source of humor. It's like gathering virtually to play Bridge, Rook, Chess, or D&D. Time spent is fun. We don't tolerate anyone gettin' their control phreaky on and encouragement abounds when someone makes a mistake, not criticism. It's a fun group.
I am using this topic for a few days since it has been requested several times and it is something I can post from my feeble memory. Changes are being made in the background. Non-Guild Wars fans please be tolerant. Our mode will change and cover tech topics again.
Have a great Sunday. Prayer is a wonderful thing. Even though I've been called a hypocrite by other humans it doesn't matter. That's between God and me and is really of no concern to them. My salvation is a personal relationship with our Lord. So be nice. Pray positive things. You might pray for our government. This financial crisis is tough and they could use some positive backing.
"Our whole life is solving puzzles."
~Erno Rubik
Guild Wars is a online role playing game that premiered in April of 2005. It started with one continent, now there are three and there is one expansion pack for the original chapter. So, to have the whole game you need four different purchases. If you only want to buy one start with the original Guild Wars. It's called Prophecies. You must have it to buy the last chapter and it's just a generally good place to start. Always check online for great prices (Amazon, NewEgg) and BestBuy usually has discounts on Guild Wars products. Please remember, Guild Wars does NOT charge a monthly fee.
Before doing anything - CHECK YOUR HARDWARE. This game can be graphic intense. You must have a bare minimum of a AGP 256 video card and several gigs of RAM. Faster the processor the smoother the game too. Don't listen to the hype. Make sure you have a nice video card. PCIe 256 or 512 is even better. Don't expect a 4 year old machine with 64 megs of video memory, 512megs of ram and 1.2 processor to be a great performer. Even though you can log in, it will be jerky and frustrating. Yes, I know some people know enough about tweaking their machines to make such a unit work, but make it easy on yourself.
Why play this game instead of Crysis, World of Warcraft, etc.? It's beautiful. Guild Wars has absolutely the most awesome rendering in the game world. If you want to experience one of the most over hyped and definitely the most hardware hungry game by all means play Crysis. If you want your characters and background to look like cartoons then get you a big bowl of World of Warcraft. Pay those ridiculous front end costs and absurd monthly fees (EDIT: After some review and help I don't think Crysis has a monthly fee - please see edit at the bottom of this paragraph). I have tried both and don't like them, especially that stupid Crysis. This may be attractive to the younger set (teenagers) and that's okay with me. I have met several good players that are in their teens in Guild Wars. They have manners and treat people with respect. Then many have been seen whining like children because they can't blame their mistakes on someone else. They tend to criticize others, forgetting we are playing a game. But hey, what do you expect out of a group of 7,000,000 people? There will be good and bad. (EDIT: I've made a huge mistake. Crysis is NOT the game I played. Apologies to those that are fans of this game. I've got to get that other computer up and running and find out what game it was that I disliked so much. Crysis is great n wunnerful and all that. Thanks out to Ashby and Mudslingr for pointing out my error. My bad)
Guild Wars is a fantasy set in a fantasy world with fantastic characters. It has a lot of interaction between live players yet can be played solo or with in game characters called heroes and henchmen. You don't have to be in a hurry. Stop, look around. Some of the scenery will amaze you. Do not be afraid to play. The game teaches as it progresses. It will move along at your pace. There are many awesome adventures at all different levels. The newness and complexity of creatures showing up is a hoot too. The big lion looking fellow in the top picture is an enemy you learn to despise at first. Then you find out some of them are actually kewl. They are called Charr. At the beginning you may play a lot with the heroes and henchies. Later you'll want the company of live players. This means interaction with fellow humans.
Find a guild and join. Make sure it suits you. You can always leave and join another. Some guilds expect mass participation and expect you to play a certain profession. Others are casual and not in a hurry. Our guild, Kudzu Dragons, is wayyyyy on the casual side. Yet several of us seem to find time to play as a group for a few hours each week. We constantly help other guildmates and provide gifts of virtual money and awesome weapons when possible. If someone requests aid with certain missions, quests, etc., people will respond. Then sometimes we just stand around in the guild hall and talk.
Talk. This is extremely important. Purchase a good headset. Have you seen the headphones that have microphones attached? Download and install your voice chat client (usually Teamspeak or Ventrilo, both free). We'll use Teamspeak as an example. The Kudzu Dragons use it and own their own servers. Get with the Server Admins and let them help you set up your voice program. Believe me, if you have never done it, you don't have a clue how to do the initial setup. But, that said, it's easy with help - if you can take directions. Plug that headset directly into your audio card or make sure your front panel audio connection is well shielded. Absolutely turn off all other speakers. Echo and stuttering can be a problem and you'll notice that less people will get on Teamspeak with you if you don't strive to eliminate these problems. Don't lie either. People can tell if you are not co-operating. With their ears.
Our group doesn't advocate profanity or rudeness. We are slow to recruit and use Teamspeak most of the time. There are occasions when people will enjoy a refreshing beverage and this is tolerated. Most people in our guild don't drink. Things just happened that way. We do have one thing in common. We all laugh. The constant banter and goofy things that happen in the game are a great source of humor. It's like gathering virtually to play Bridge, Rook, Chess, or D&D. Time spent is fun. We don't tolerate anyone gettin' their control phreaky on and encouragement abounds when someone makes a mistake, not criticism. It's a fun group.
I am using this topic for a few days since it has been requested several times and it is something I can post from my feeble memory. Changes are being made in the background. Non-Guild Wars fans please be tolerant. Our mode will change and cover tech topics again.
Have a great Sunday. Prayer is a wonderful thing. Even though I've been called a hypocrite by other humans it doesn't matter. That's between God and me and is really of no concern to them. My salvation is a personal relationship with our Lord. So be nice. Pray positive things. You might pray for our government. This financial crisis is tough and they could use some positive backing.
"Our whole life is solving puzzles."
~Erno Rubik
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Blah, Blah, Blah
The last few page changes are really nothing new. This is the old template that has been used for many years with the background color changed. The sidebars on the right used for a few days will return, thus utilizing space in a more efficient manner (thanks beagle). At least this way we can get back to tech help and ramblings. Pictures will also return as well as the occasional video.
Many beach house projects abound and the page construction may be slight for a few days. Trying to juggle many problems at once can overwhelm. I am easily overwhelmed these days. Enjoy a casual Saturday!
"If you don't get everything you want, think of the things you don't get that you don't want."
~Oscar Wilde
Friday, January 09, 2009
It's Cold Outside
Talked to Chyna Moon about the banner (aka header) and she will participate. That's great. Her work is awesome.
It's early and I must prepare for a short road trip then make it back to Tupelo if time permits. Changing ISP from DSL to Cable Modem. Sounds easy, but usually there are some tarfus that show up.
Please help me decide new color theme. I like the present colors and think with a little tweaking it will be better. Will most likely drop the layout format and return to template. There's just more control over a template, even though it involves a lot of HTML.
TGIF. Enjoy your weekend! Oh yeh, it's cold now, but the high temperature at the beach house should be in the 60s today. Hoo-rah!
It's early and I must prepare for a short road trip then make it back to Tupelo if time permits. Changing ISP from DSL to Cable Modem. Sounds easy, but usually there are some tarfus that show up.
Please help me decide new color theme. I like the present colors and think with a little tweaking it will be better. Will most likely drop the layout format and return to template. There's just more control over a template, even though it involves a lot of HTML.
TGIF. Enjoy your weekend! Oh yeh, it's cold now, but the high temperature at the beach house should be in the 60s today. Hoo-rah!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
How I Am Celebrating Elvis's Birthday
Ain't nuthin' but a hound dawg. Busy and frustrated hound dawg. Have a computer that has beat me up for over a month. Every time I turn around a new problem pops up. It's a file transfer problem from a hard drive that is in its final death throes. Then every time hardware is upgraded (cdrw to dvdrw, etc.) a snafu will show up. Sorry Greg, bringing you my Linux/XP machine to use temporarily with the rest of the new equipment and will have the other unit ready over the weekend.
Ever shot a computer with a weapon? Many years ago several techs and I unloaded on an old Packard-Bell. We even video taped it. Was with a buddy of mine and two of his techs. His wife did the video taping. Everyone laughed and the store owner said I had won the contest because of the quick change with two of my four 15 round clips. Carried a Glock Model 20. Can you imagine 30 rounds of 10MM and not a single miss? Gosh, I really loved that weapon. That silly prank has been on my mind a lot lately. Why mention this incident now? See above paragraph.
Have to do a provider change tomorrow. It's early and is DSL to cable modem. All of the small mail transfer protocol will have to be redone on the client machines. This is a very work intense business and the reliability factor of internet connectivity is very important. Hopefully that will go smoothly.
Melinda, I'll either get by and repair that phone line today, tomorrow or first thing Monday. It will be done before the move on Tuesday.
Still working on some things in here and y'all should start to see changes soon. Appreciate everyone sticking with me and all the great moral support. The past few weeks have been rough. I'm dreaming about Vietnam again. That's never good.
Ever shot a computer with a weapon? Many years ago several techs and I unloaded on an old Packard-Bell. We even video taped it. Was with a buddy of mine and two of his techs. His wife did the video taping. Everyone laughed and the store owner said I had won the contest because of the quick change with two of my four 15 round clips. Carried a Glock Model 20. Can you imagine 30 rounds of 10MM and not a single miss? Gosh, I really loved that weapon. That silly prank has been on my mind a lot lately. Why mention this incident now? See above paragraph.
Have to do a provider change tomorrow. It's early and is DSL to cable modem. All of the small mail transfer protocol will have to be redone on the client machines. This is a very work intense business and the reliability factor of internet connectivity is very important. Hopefully that will go smoothly.
Melinda, I'll either get by and repair that phone line today, tomorrow or first thing Monday. It will be done before the move on Tuesday.
Still working on some things in here and y'all should start to see changes soon. Appreciate everyone sticking with me and all the great moral support. The past few weeks have been rough. I'm dreaming about Vietnam again. That's never good.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Few Items
Just a few notes:
The present spartan format will probably be with us for a few more days.
If you have suggestions I'd love to know about your ideas. The email address is still cybersouth@gmail.com.
Definitely plan to use a Chyna Moon Banner as always.
Upon reassembly the structure may change and placement should be more comprehensible.
I think free, non-invasive subscription might be a good idea, still doing some investigation.
Changing the actual site address needs to be implemented.
This page will be retained if for nothing more than re-direct and referral. No one will have to change their bookmarks or favorites. Besides, it'll hold the upper echelon Google Search status.
Again thanks for all the phone calls and comments. I just had a momentary lapse of reason and am all better now (Pink Floyd would be proud, LOL).
The present spartan format will probably be with us for a few more days.
If you have suggestions I'd love to know about your ideas. The email address is still cybersouth@gmail.com.
Definitely plan to use a Chyna Moon Banner as always.
Upon reassembly the structure may change and placement should be more comprehensible.
I think free, non-invasive subscription might be a good idea, still doing some investigation.
Changing the actual site address needs to be implemented.
This page will be retained if for nothing more than re-direct and referral. No one will have to change their bookmarks or favorites. Besides, it'll hold the upper echelon Google Search status.
Again thanks for all the phone calls and comments. I just had a momentary lapse of reason and am all better now (Pink Floyd would be proud, LOL).
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Changes, Not Only a Good David Bowie Song...
I am humbled beyond that which can be put in words. I am grateful for the enthusiastic support. Looking for alternatives since reading your comments.
How would you feel about making this site, with possibly a new address, an absolutely free forever subscription? Don't know if that can be done here, but investigating. You'd have to fill out a very short, not too nosy form one time. Of course, there will be the legal rider informing you that the data will be retained for the sole purpose of entering the site and never used for other purposes. It'd be name and email addy - no addresses, phone numbers or ANY personal info required. If that is too much a nuisance speak up and let me know.
If the address does change this page will be used as a referral so you won't have to go looking around or even change your bookmark. Cybersouth, from the Saltillo Beach House, occupies the number 1 and 2 slots of Google Search for the word Cybersouth. Hate to give that up! LOL! Took a long time to get there. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks to everyone for the awesome comments and phone calls. As most of you know I live alone, there hasn't been a significant other in my life for many years and I live for the the opportunity to work and play. Just a big kid here; Peter Pan Syndrome run amuck or amok if you're a Trekkie. I take your friendship seriously and it gives me great pride that all of you are so well mannered and smart.
Many have known me for a long time. There are personal problems, health issues, work availability, etc., that pressure me to strive for change. In my failures it still gives me strength to know that God has blessed me so much. You'd think someone that spent 2 years in Vietdamnnam could adjust to confrontations of any kind, huh? Well, God does not drive the vehicle called Earth that way. Life has to go on (at least until the big dirt nap) and fubars continue to haunt most of us.
So, these things said, I am rethinking the beach house situation. Again your concern has lifted my very low spirit. Please give me a few more days to sort many things banging around in my head. Hey, those rats that live in outhouses have nothing on me.
How would you feel about making this site, with possibly a new address, an absolutely free forever subscription? Don't know if that can be done here, but investigating. You'd have to fill out a very short, not too nosy form one time. Of course, there will be the legal rider informing you that the data will be retained for the sole purpose of entering the site and never used for other purposes. It'd be name and email addy - no addresses, phone numbers or ANY personal info required. If that is too much a nuisance speak up and let me know.
If the address does change this page will be used as a referral so you won't have to go looking around or even change your bookmark. Cybersouth, from the Saltillo Beach House, occupies the number 1 and 2 slots of Google Search for the word Cybersouth. Hate to give that up! LOL! Took a long time to get there. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks to everyone for the awesome comments and phone calls. As most of you know I live alone, there hasn't been a significant other in my life for many years and I live for the the opportunity to work and play. Just a big kid here; Peter Pan Syndrome run amuck or amok if you're a Trekkie. I take your friendship seriously and it gives me great pride that all of you are so well mannered and smart.
Many have known me for a long time. There are personal problems, health issues, work availability, etc., that pressure me to strive for change. In my failures it still gives me strength to know that God has blessed me so much. You'd think someone that spent 2 years in Vietdamnnam could adjust to confrontations of any kind, huh? Well, God does not drive the vehicle called Earth that way. Life has to go on (at least until the big dirt nap) and fubars continue to haunt most of us.
So, these things said, I am rethinking the beach house situation. Again your concern has lifted my very low spirit. Please give me a few more days to sort many things banging around in my head. Hey, those rats that live in outhouses have nothing on me.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Last Post? ( EDIT: As Homey the Clown says, "I Don't Think So")
Posts to Cybersouth are suspended. Time to cease is upon me. Sure gonna' miss poking fun at iDarth and Bozo. Hey, almost a 6 year run! A special thanks goes out to all folks that used this page as their homepage. Might want to look at iGoogle or Netvibes: Very flexible portals that make great homepages. If you wanna' leave a comment that'd be great. Hey, Anonymous Apple Dude, if you still come here, check in and say something hateful about PCs so we know you are okay. Okay? Due date for site deletion is sometime late Wednesday of this week.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Top of the Morning to Ya!
No doubt I was wrong about the Alabama/Utah game. Utah played great and are to be commended for beating a good team. Excellent game. Not quite as good as Ole Miss rompin' n stompin', but still a good game.
Just got a call from a supplier and their truck is running about 2 hours behind. Heck, just glad to get a delivery on Saturday. Then it's HiHo time. Will be working within 15 minutes of the beach house. Makes it nice if a part is forgotten or a specialty tool is not on the truck.
Everyone enjoy the weekend. Please drive carefully. Rainy weather is upon us locally. And ALWAYS remember the life you save may be my own.
"New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions."
~Mark Twain
Just got a call from a supplier and their truck is running about 2 hours behind. Heck, just glad to get a delivery on Saturday. Then it's HiHo time. Will be working within 15 minutes of the beach house. Makes it nice if a part is forgotten or a specialty tool is not on the truck.
Everyone enjoy the weekend. Please drive carefully. Rainy weather is upon us locally. And ALWAYS remember the life you save may be my own.
"New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls and humbug resolutions."
~Mark Twain
Friday, January 02, 2009
How Do I Say This? HOTTY TODDY!
I don't like Texas Tech's smarmy attitude. Apparently they don't consider manners a high priority. Their fans over at Fox Sports spent most of the morning dissing Ole Miss. Here's the comment I just posted:
Don't you find it fascinating that the wimp Texas Tech linemen threw fits and were penalized twice towards the end of the game? Gee, same attitude as some of the loudmouths in here. Ole Miss kicked u all over the field. And Alabama will do the same thing to Utah tonight. Hotty Toddy all you loudmouth losers!!! LOL
I have no doubt they will whine some more, but it won't change the fact that they got their asses kicked by the Rebs. Great game, great job and we won in spite of what the Fox Broadcasting crew wanted. Creeps!
"Football is not a contact sport. It's a collision sport. Dancing is a good example of a contact sport."
~Daugherty
Don't you find it fascinating that the wimp Texas Tech linemen threw fits and were penalized twice towards the end of the game? Gee, same attitude as some of the loudmouths in here. Ole Miss kicked u all over the field. And Alabama will do the same thing to Utah tonight. Hotty Toddy all you loudmouth losers!!! LOL
I have no doubt they will whine some more, but it won't change the fact that they got their asses kicked by the Rebs. Great game, great job and we won in spite of what the Fox Broadcasting crew wanted. Creeps!
"Football is not a contact sport. It's a collision sport. Dancing is a good example of a contact sport."
~Daugherty
Thursday, January 01, 2009
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