Paul Harvey passed away today at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his wife, Angel, who passed in May 2008. They married in 1940 and she was a major influence in his career. She was also the first producer inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
In this trying time of economic recovery his observations will be missed. His candor, great use of the dramatic pause, variety of material and many more things made him a master of reporting. We shall miss him and his signature sign off, "Good day."
"Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me.
The Carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality"
~Emily Dickinson
Ramblings, opinions, and general meanderings from the Deep South
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Great Site for Children
The How-To-Geek never ceases to amaze me. He produces great info about a variety of subjects concerning technology. The latest post may be one of his best. All the time I am asked, "What is a good site for children?" Travel on over to the HT Geek's site and learn about KidZui. This looks really great and really SAFE. Plenty of parental control and appears to be a secure harbor. Hey, your nerdling needs some place to socialize and have fun on the web!
They are taking precaution to keep the perverts away. Anyone that would abuse a child will spend eternity in the lowest depths of hell. Man, I had fun growing up in a safe environment, but that was when you could see dinosaurs out the cave window. Today there are too many sickos loose so make sure your children are protected at all times. This includes the web.
BTW, don't interpret any of this as a request. I stopped a woman years ago from abusing a child in a grocery store and she came after me physically: With a knife pulled from her purse. Tickled the hell out of me watching the police put her fat ass in that police car. She had slapped a seven year old so hard his nose bled. He'd been knocked into a shelf of canned goods. Just couldn't stand by. It was all I could do to keep from putting her ass on the deck. But the police did a fine job of getting her down on the hard, cold, tile. When they saw the little boy I could see rage in their eyes. This bitch needed to receive wayyyyy more than they doled out. Hope that child has found a better life. Still pray for him from time to time. Yes, I cried along with him as the paramedics stopped the bleeding.
Enough rambling for one night. And hey, if you had been there you'd realize this was definitely not an ego thing...necessity has mothered more than invention.
"It is never too late to have a happy childhood."
~Tom Robbins
They are taking precaution to keep the perverts away. Anyone that would abuse a child will spend eternity in the lowest depths of hell. Man, I had fun growing up in a safe environment, but that was when you could see dinosaurs out the cave window. Today there are too many sickos loose so make sure your children are protected at all times. This includes the web.
BTW, don't interpret any of this as a request. I stopped a woman years ago from abusing a child in a grocery store and she came after me physically: With a knife pulled from her purse. Tickled the hell out of me watching the police put her fat ass in that police car. She had slapped a seven year old so hard his nose bled. He'd been knocked into a shelf of canned goods. Just couldn't stand by. It was all I could do to keep from putting her ass on the deck. But the police did a fine job of getting her down on the hard, cold, tile. When they saw the little boy I could see rage in their eyes. This bitch needed to receive wayyyyy more than they doled out. Hope that child has found a better life. Still pray for him from time to time. Yes, I cried along with him as the paramedics stopped the bleeding.
Enough rambling for one night. And hey, if you had been there you'd realize this was definitely not an ego thing...necessity has mothered more than invention.
"It is never too late to have a happy childhood."
~Tom Robbins
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Building A Machine
Often I am asked about how you build a custom computer. First you pick out the desired hardware, make sure it is all compatible, then start the assembly procedure. Take your time, seek advice and time your time. Then gather the right tools, download your drivers and latest manuals and take you time. Check to see if there are any firmware updates for you different hardware, make sure you have ample workspace and take your time. Don't hesitate to seek help and . . . take your time.
Go look at the Wiki-How article on how to build a computer. While reading it and watching the video, take your time. You might even want to print this excellent set of instructions before starting. One last piece of advice, absolutely, positively do not throw tools or parts. It really doesn't help. The voice of experience speaks.
My back hurts, my spine is screaming and I don't love Elvis. Time to medicate. Later.
"New capabilities emerge just by virtue of having smart people with access to state-of-the-art technology."
~Kahn
Go look at the Wiki-How article on how to build a computer. While reading it and watching the video, take your time. You might even want to print this excellent set of instructions before starting. One last piece of advice, absolutely, positively do not throw tools or parts. It really doesn't help. The voice of experience speaks.
My back hurts, my spine is screaming and I don't love Elvis. Time to medicate. Later.
"New capabilities emerge just by virtue of having smart people with access to state-of-the-art technology."
~Kahn
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
More Riley Jane News
Some news about the new baby - she's fine and her mother phoned my mother (her paternal grandmother) and talked for a few minutes. Actually got a picture through that text stuff on the cell phone. VERY cute baby - if I do say so myself! My youngest daughter, Beagle, has kept me posted and it's hopeful Verdana will call old Dad soon. She has a room full with both of the grandmothers and the other grandfather being there. Thank God they are all there to help. I am going to drive down after all the hoopla dies down when she says it's okay. It's not that I don't want to call, but we made an agreement several months ago that she should call when she feels like it. Hey, I can always take a few minutes to talk to my daughters! BTW, Beagle sorry I missed your phone call; sleeping so soundly I didn't hear the ring.
Uncle Snake, Verdana's husband, did post this on her blog:
Riley Jane arrived Tuesday February 24 at 12:55 PM. Despite her modest 18.5 in length and 6 lb 9.8 oz weight, she needed to exit through the side door. She and Momma are both doing well. Pictures coming soon...
Dadda
Now it's back to bed and the dreamworld of Flexiril. Lifting heavy objects never helps that problem and my dumb butt moved a 19" CRT flat screen monitor to put a server on the bench in order to ready it for installation. Duh!
"The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage. A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, "Daddy, I need to ask you something," he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan."
~Garrison Keillor
Uncle Snake, Verdana's husband, did post this on her blog:
Riley Jane arrived Tuesday February 24 at 12:55 PM. Despite her modest 18.5 in length and 6 lb 9.8 oz weight, she needed to exit through the side door. She and Momma are both doing well. Pictures coming soon...
Dadda
Now it's back to bed and the dreamworld of Flexiril. Lifting heavy objects never helps that problem and my dumb butt moved a 19" CRT flat screen monitor to put a server on the bench in order to ready it for installation. Duh!
"The father of a daughter is nothing but a high-class hostage. A father turns a stony face to his sons, berates them, shakes his antlers, paws the ground, snorts, runs them off into the underbrush, but when his daughter puts her arm over his shoulder and says, "Daddy, I need to ask you something," he is a pat of butter in a hot frying pan."
~Garrison Keillor
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Daughters are, Beyond the Shadow of Any Doubt, Day Brighteners and Heart Warmers
Just found out Verdana gave birth to Riley today. More when they decide to give me details. Mallory has a little sister!!!!!!!!!!! Best Mardi Gras EVER! Just think, I was eating gumbo when notified. Love you bunches J.K. - Dad
"Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express."
~Joseph Addison
"And thou shalt in thy daughter see,
This picture, once, resembled thee."
~Ambrose Philips
Monday, February 23, 2009
And HDTV Said, "Let it Snow....and Squiggle"
Finally got my "basic" cable hooked up to the new HDTV aka monitor. Seriously considering dropping cable TV and just using their internet service. Really, is anyone seeing a noticeable difference in HDTV and Analog? Honestly, if anything it may be worse. Tried watching the Oscars last night. Hugh Jackman was really good but I despise Sean Penn and wish a muddy rock from the bottom of the Mississippi River would have won instead. What a worm. He needs to shut the hell up and leave politics to politicians and the American people. Screw his liberal banter. Oops, did it again. This started about the new TV format.
It is nice to be able to switch between the computer screen and TV. There's PIP (picture in picture), but I haven't read the manual enough to go there. This will also make me stay logged into the computer by accident. They still have not upped my internet speed to 10 down and I've been paying for it since the first of the year. Keeping a record of the speeds and it may have exceeded 6 down 2 or 3 times. Patience is a virtue. Yes, I know. So far HDTV has not been impressive. Has anyone set up a terrestrial antenna to receive HDTV? Gosh, it can't be much worse than the cable version. There are squiggly raster bar type lines in a few of the channels and others are downright grainy. You might take a look at AntennaWeb.org for more info.
Silly Socialist TV...uh,uh...meant Mississippi Public Broadcasting actually was off air for a few days. Looks like the extra time spent working on it paid off because they look better than everyone else. I really do like some of their programming, but the constant begging for money is annoying. Hey it became NON-Public in 1984 or 1985 when they scrambled their satellite signal. So they no longer receive my yearly donation. Maybe they should change the name to Mississippi Sorta', Kinda', Semi Public Broadcasting TV. Can I get a Hoooo-rah on that?
Talking to a friend in Glasgow, Scotland, two nights ago and he has given up the tube altogether. Now there is a really wild and crazy concept. Be hard to give up The Big Bang Theory which airs at 7:00PM locally tonight. They make me ROFLMAO! Enjoy your Monday. Remember, Tuesday arrives at the stroke of midnight!
"I wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence. There's a knob called 'brightness,' but that doesn't work."
~Ashby Rhett Culpepper,III, Jr., Esq.
It is nice to be able to switch between the computer screen and TV. There's PIP (picture in picture), but I haven't read the manual enough to go there. This will also make me stay logged into the computer by accident. They still have not upped my internet speed to 10 down and I've been paying for it since the first of the year. Keeping a record of the speeds and it may have exceeded 6 down 2 or 3 times. Patience is a virtue. Yes, I know. So far HDTV has not been impressive. Has anyone set up a terrestrial antenna to receive HDTV? Gosh, it can't be much worse than the cable version. There are squiggly raster bar type lines in a few of the channels and others are downright grainy. You might take a look at AntennaWeb.org for more info.
Silly Socialist TV...uh,uh...meant Mississippi Public Broadcasting actually was off air for a few days. Looks like the extra time spent working on it paid off because they look better than everyone else. I really do like some of their programming, but the constant begging for money is annoying. Hey it became NON-Public in 1984 or 1985 when they scrambled their satellite signal. So they no longer receive my yearly donation. Maybe they should change the name to Mississippi Sorta', Kinda', Semi Public Broadcasting TV. Can I get a Hoooo-rah on that?
Talking to a friend in Glasgow, Scotland, two nights ago and he has given up the tube altogether. Now there is a really wild and crazy concept. Be hard to give up The Big Bang Theory which airs at 7:00PM locally tonight. They make me ROFLMAO! Enjoy your Monday. Remember, Tuesday arrives at the stroke of midnight!
"I wish there were a knob on the TV to turn up the intelligence. There's a knob called 'brightness,' but that doesn't work."
~Ashby Rhett Culpepper,III, Jr., Esq.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Begging Here, Please Read and Understand
Email is great. I get to communicate with people all over the world. It is a wonderful way to keep in touch and share things. By using GMail my spam is at an all time low so it's nice to see what everyone is doing nowadays. For instance, helping promote my brudda' Lee in his quest to obtain one of the reef watcher jobs is great fun. Sure hope he gets it. Receiving news from my daughters and finding out about their happenings is awesome. Beagle inspired me to make a batch of gumbo after reading about her lentil soup. Verdana keeps me updated on the soon expected arrival of her second child. This is great stuff. Friends check in and pass on funny jokes, political observations and uplifting messages of inspiration. And I love the music references. Any type of tech help is super-duper!
Alas, I must reiterate a statement that has shown up on this site many times. When I see a line at the bottom that says something like if I don't pass this on to 20,000 people in the next 5 minutes then Jesus won't love me anymore, that means automatic non-forwarding. Now that said, I don't mind if you send this type of email. Please don't stop. Just don't expect me to follow directions. I won't. Number one, only Jesus will decide if someone deserves His love. People have nothing to do with the judgment of another person's salvation. Yes, prayer does help, but you have no right to interfere in my personal relationship with God and I certainly won't have such an attitude towards you. Number two, intimidation is so negative. Yet, I really really don't mind receiving this type of email. Some great messages arrive this way. Again, just don't expect it to be forwarded from the beach house.
Please don't interpret this as a personal slam. It isn't. A very good friend of mine lost touch years ago because she thought I wanted her to stop emailing. That wasn't it. This is simply an explanation about how forwarding is handled. Very few things are forwarded. Jokes? They are okay. I might send ONE to others in say, a year's time. That's it. Political stuff is about the same. Music, desktop wallpapers, viable causes for different charitable functions, pleas for those in true need, news about technology, really kewl stuff, etc., are a different matter. BTW, if you don't want it to end up on Cybersouth, please let me know. Remember the address IS cybersouth@gmail.com. Just drop a note letting it be known you don't want your content published on the web.
I know someone will take this the wrong way. Instead of stopping emails to me - send something telling me you don't understand and I'll attempt to give you a better reason why things are rarely forwarded from this site. All this said please keep those cards n letters comin! And make comments! Love comments. And I love email.
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
~Arthur Godfrey
Alas, I must reiterate a statement that has shown up on this site many times. When I see a line at the bottom that says something like if I don't pass this on to 20,000 people in the next 5 minutes then Jesus won't love me anymore, that means automatic non-forwarding. Now that said, I don't mind if you send this type of email. Please don't stop. Just don't expect me to follow directions. I won't. Number one, only Jesus will decide if someone deserves His love. People have nothing to do with the judgment of another person's salvation. Yes, prayer does help, but you have no right to interfere in my personal relationship with God and I certainly won't have such an attitude towards you. Number two, intimidation is so negative. Yet, I really really don't mind receiving this type of email. Some great messages arrive this way. Again, just don't expect it to be forwarded from the beach house.
Please don't interpret this as a personal slam. It isn't. A very good friend of mine lost touch years ago because she thought I wanted her to stop emailing. That wasn't it. This is simply an explanation about how forwarding is handled. Very few things are forwarded. Jokes? They are okay. I might send ONE to others in say, a year's time. That's it. Political stuff is about the same. Music, desktop wallpapers, viable causes for different charitable functions, pleas for those in true need, news about technology, really kewl stuff, etc., are a different matter. BTW, if you don't want it to end up on Cybersouth, please let me know. Remember the address IS cybersouth@gmail.com. Just drop a note letting it be known you don't want your content published on the web.
I know someone will take this the wrong way. Instead of stopping emails to me - send something telling me you don't understand and I'll attempt to give you a better reason why things are rarely forwarded from this site. All this said please keep those cards n letters comin! And make comments! Love comments. And I love email.
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
~Arthur Godfrey
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Support a Friend!
It's a known fact the beach house endorses casualness and things parrothead-like. Well the time has come to ask your assistance in the promotion of such a venture. Long time friend Lee Taylor is seeking an assignment as a reef watcher in Australia. Man, what an awesome thing to do!!! Wish I could go too! Anyway he has a one minute presentation on the site owned by the people that will employ these lucky folks and he needs votes. Lotsa votes! Don't fool around with 3 or 4 stars give him 5 stars!
Lee has sailed all over the world. His home is in Mississippi. Lee has journeyed on scientific ocean studies and cruises numerous times. He has been the Captain of sailboats off the shores of Costa Rica. This is a dude that literally is, in the words of Jimmy Buffett, 'living the life of the free' - ain't that soooo kewl? Be sure and vote today. The decision of those that will participate will be made March 2, 2009. Time is of essence!
SEE PRESENTATION & VOTE FOR LEE HERE
Is this a sailor lookin' dude or what? Yes! YES!! Click on the above link and give him 5 stars. Tell your neighbors, tell your kids, tell your parents, shout it out going down the highway, make posters, vote on every computer in your office!!!! Let's help a great Mississippian who happens to be an extremely nice, intelligent person fulfill a dream of a lifetime. BTW, we can be there vicariously - he promises to email with pixs so I can post them! Go Lee!
"Lakes below the mountain
Flow into the sea
Like oils applied to canvas
Oh how they permeate through me."
~j. Buffett, One Particular Harbor
Lee has sailed all over the world. His home is in Mississippi. Lee has journeyed on scientific ocean studies and cruises numerous times. He has been the Captain of sailboats off the shores of Costa Rica. This is a dude that literally is, in the words of Jimmy Buffett, 'living the life of the free' - ain't that soooo kewl? Be sure and vote today. The decision of those that will participate will be made March 2, 2009. Time is of essence!
Is this a sailor lookin' dude or what? Yes! YES!! Click on the above link and give him 5 stars. Tell your neighbors, tell your kids, tell your parents, shout it out going down the highway, make posters, vote on every computer in your office!!!! Let's help a great Mississippian who happens to be an extremely nice, intelligent person fulfill a dream of a lifetime. BTW, we can be there vicariously - he promises to email with pixs so I can post them! Go Lee!
"Lakes below the mountain
Flow into the sea
Like oils applied to canvas
Oh how they permeate through me."
~j. Buffett, One Particular Harbor
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's Time to Say Hello and Meet the Parents!!
Creep kiddies are busy trying to hack the TeamSpeak servers. All the good folks that use it may be required to submit information to further verify your account. This is really no big deal and it should have been corrected it months ago. I'll post a request for info in the very near future and let you know when the changes will put in place. In the meantime software is being installed to identify them. Then their real IPs, names, parents' names, etc., will be turned over to the proper authorities. Having to go into Admin mode on a daily basis to dump the System Log is about to trample on my last nerve, They have tried every user name in the world except the right ones. Just wait until these no-brainers start trying to crack passwords, lol. Don't they know there is software on WAREZ sites for this sort of thing? And why even bother? I can completely redo either server and have it running in less than an hour. Garbage brains will attempt anything so it seems. Isn't that a pretty thing in today's pix? Bet they all look like that...or worse.
"Where do I want to go today? Poland, Czechoslovakia, France. Can Microsoft or a TeamSpeak server do that for me?"
~Hitler
"Where do I want to go today? Poland, Czechoslovakia, France. Can Microsoft or a TeamSpeak server do that for me?"
~Hitler
Thursday, February 19, 2009
IMHO, Viewsonic Sucks!
For many years I have been a fan of Viewsonic products. That stops today. A long time great friend returned a 22" monitor to Viewsonic, under warranty, for repair. The local retailer from whom it was purchased gladly returned the monitor for my friend. I like this local retailer a lot and have spent several thousand dollars with them. They are courteous, downright friendly and there is a happy attitude in the air when you visit this establishment. Nice polite Southern folks, but this is where it ends.
Viewsonic, located on the left coast, has some of the most hateful, inefficient customer service representatives and/or techs on the planet. Horror stories are being passed on about their abusive attitudes and language. We may try a reverse recording and post it here. They have lied and put off my friend whose monitor is clearly under warranty. These folks are competing with the Asus people for being the horses' asses of the year in tech support. What a bunch of jerks! Please do NOT purchase their products. After being an avid fan for many years I am through with this bunch of creeps.
Want good service? Try BFG or XFX products. Extremely nice and efficient folks. Dell responds promptly as does Hewlett-Packard. Another great friend has been waiting on a 100 buck rebate from HP for several years now. Yet, both HP and Dell will replace a computer under warranty practically overnight. Dell had problems years ago, but corrected them promptly. Sony used to be impressive, but they seem too big for their britches at times. Want a good online supplier? NewEgg absolutely rocks! Just don't buy Viewsonic from them, lol. Any opinions? Hit those comments!
"The moving cursor writes, and having written, blinks on."
~Dave Barry
Viewsonic, located on the left coast, has some of the most hateful, inefficient customer service representatives and/or techs on the planet. Horror stories are being passed on about their abusive attitudes and language. We may try a reverse recording and post it here. They have lied and put off my friend whose monitor is clearly under warranty. These folks are competing with the Asus people for being the horses' asses of the year in tech support. What a bunch of jerks! Please do NOT purchase their products. After being an avid fan for many years I am through with this bunch of creeps.
Want good service? Try BFG or XFX products. Extremely nice and efficient folks. Dell responds promptly as does Hewlett-Packard. Another great friend has been waiting on a 100 buck rebate from HP for several years now. Yet, both HP and Dell will replace a computer under warranty practically overnight. Dell had problems years ago, but corrected them promptly. Sony used to be impressive, but they seem too big for their britches at times. Want a good online supplier? NewEgg absolutely rocks! Just don't buy Viewsonic from them, lol. Any opinions? Hit those comments!
"The moving cursor writes, and having written, blinks on."
~Dave Barry
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rewiring
Browsed over to Scientific American and found an interesting article. The title is Six Ways to Boost Brainpower. Now the Good Lord, most associates and friends realize this is may have been written for me. Several really kewl things were discovered.
Did you know that walnuts, blueberries and spinach are great foods that nourish the brain? Happens that all three are favorites of mine. Looks like a few cups of coffee won't hurt either. Coffee is my favorite beverage. I really have to watch how much I drink. Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, Jr., Esq., once had his Grandfather tell him that he'd rather go get a drink of muddy creek water than to drink decaffeinated. This has my endorsement. If the caffeine is missing why bother?
My fellow Guild Wars mates will be glad to know video games are recommended. Surgeons that spend a few hours each week playing vid-games make 1/3 fewer errors than non gamers. You can bet your sweet bippy what my first question will be if I have to go under the knife! Let's see, a Guild Wars Warrior may be my new best surgeon friend. Or even an Assassin! Or a Dervish! This is great news...I think.
Great googly moogly they rave about the benefits of music. Talked about getting pumped. The beach house network machines all have musical names. My Linux Kubuntu machine is named Mozart. They especially like him. Just scroll back through the archives and it's apparent there is music at the beach house. Excuse me for a few moments while I go listen to the Orianthi video posted on Sunday - okay, back here. Whew! I feel better and I believe just a tad smarter.
Anyway, this article is full of info. You'll notice that the first thing mentioned is exercise. Time to get active! Hope it lowers my triglycerides. I like this site. There is a plethora of info here. Take a look around. Now the New Balance extra wides are being put on and out the door I go!
"Just as iron rusts from disuse, even so does inaction spoil the intellect."
~Leonardo da Vinci
Did you know that walnuts, blueberries and spinach are great foods that nourish the brain? Happens that all three are favorites of mine. Looks like a few cups of coffee won't hurt either. Coffee is my favorite beverage. I really have to watch how much I drink. Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, Jr., Esq., once had his Grandfather tell him that he'd rather go get a drink of muddy creek water than to drink decaffeinated. This has my endorsement. If the caffeine is missing why bother?
My fellow Guild Wars mates will be glad to know video games are recommended. Surgeons that spend a few hours each week playing vid-games make 1/3 fewer errors than non gamers. You can bet your sweet bippy what my first question will be if I have to go under the knife! Let's see, a Guild Wars Warrior may be my new best surgeon friend. Or even an Assassin! Or a Dervish! This is great news...I think.
Great googly moogly they rave about the benefits of music. Talked about getting pumped. The beach house network machines all have musical names. My Linux Kubuntu machine is named Mozart. They especially like him. Just scroll back through the archives and it's apparent there is music at the beach house. Excuse me for a few moments while I go listen to the Orianthi video posted on Sunday - okay, back here. Whew! I feel better and I believe just a tad smarter.
Anyway, this article is full of info. You'll notice that the first thing mentioned is exercise. Time to get active! Hope it lowers my triglycerides. I like this site. There is a plethora of info here. Take a look around. Now the New Balance extra wides are being put on and out the door I go!
"Just as iron rusts from disuse, even so does inaction spoil the intellect."
~Leonardo da Vinci
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Awesome Coffee and Music
It's nice to start a new week drinking a proprietary roast of coffee by my great friend Ashby Rhett Culpepper, III, Esq., Jr., and listening to the video posted last night. Lordy, just checked the speedtest meter while she was playing in the background and think I broke it (heh! heh!). BTW, this young woman can sing as well as play. Am diggin' Orianthi Panagaris.
Waiting on a portable USB drive to arrive and studying the "art" of transferring iTunes. My invoice is being changed to read that I DO NOT support iTunes or iPods. After experiencing the nightmare that you go through to move their files from one computer to another, I further vow the beach house will never have a resident iPod.
I may ask everyone to check them at the door, Wyatt Earp style, lol. Thanks Em and Angie for the response to this dilemma. If anyone has info about this procedure please, please pass it along. I'll dance at your wedding. Shucks, I'll dance at your funeral if you so desire...
"Coffee, the finest organic suspension ever devised."
~Star Trek: Voyager
Waiting on a portable USB drive to arrive and studying the "art" of transferring iTunes. My invoice is being changed to read that I DO NOT support iTunes or iPods. After experiencing the nightmare that you go through to move their files from one computer to another, I further vow the beach house will never have a resident iPod.
I may ask everyone to check them at the door, Wyatt Earp style, lol. Thanks Em and Angie for the response to this dilemma. If anyone has info about this procedure please, please pass it along. I'll dance at your wedding. Shucks, I'll dance at your funeral if you so desire...
"Coffee, the finest organic suspension ever devised."
~Star Trek: Voyager
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Just as Ed Said, "WOWWOWWOW!"
The Grammy Awards TV broadcast this year was not especially good. Kept flipping channels, but did stay long enough to hear Carrie Underwood. Carrie can sing and I think she's a great performer. But...her guitarist blew me away. For days I've been searching to find out where she came from, her name, etc. My friend, that great Texas Philosopher, EdC, answered my search with this video. If you like hot guitar licks then you will like this solo. Heck, I think this may even be a practice session! Take 3 minutes or so, put on the headphones or turn up those speakers and enjoy the magic!
Her name is Orianthi and I'll try to find more info. Always nice to see today's generation strive for such heights. Thanks Ed for turning me on to another great joy of music!
"Mediocrity does not see higher than itself. But talent instantly recognizes the genius."
~Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Her name is Orianthi and I'll try to find more info. Always nice to see today's generation strive for such heights. Thanks Ed for turning me on to another great joy of music!
"Mediocrity does not see higher than itself. But talent instantly recognizes the genius."
~Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Another Holiday of Domesticated Engineering
If you'd like a detailed explanation of today's "celebration" check out a very good article at Wikipedia. For a concise explanation please view this brief video:
"You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip." ~Jonathan Carroll, Outside the Dog Museum
"You have to walk carefully in the beginning of love; the running across fields into your lover's arms can only come later when you're sure they won't laugh if you trip." ~Jonathan Carroll, Outside the Dog Museum
Friday, February 13, 2009
Big Foot Slam
This is a VERY brief MontyPythonistic look at how the internet came into existence. Some may find it amusing; others may be bored. It's obvious that Lotus had something to do with it. Anyway, the beach house had a laugh. BTW, the Cuban missile crisis did play a major part in networking as we know it today. Take a look:
"Concern for man himself and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors, concern for the great unsolved problems of the organization of labor and the distribution of goods--in order that the creations of our mind shall be a blessing and not a curse to mankind. Never forget this in the midst of your diagrams and equations."
~Albert Einstein
"Concern for man himself and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors, concern for the great unsolved problems of the organization of labor and the distribution of goods--in order that the creations of our mind shall be a blessing and not a curse to mankind. Never forget this in the midst of your diagrams and equations."
~Albert Einstein
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Eye Candy for GW
Please if you send a wallpaper to the beach house make sure it is in a format that will fill a large monitor screen. The small thumbnails found in most search engines tend to blur if you try to expand them to desktop size. Here's some old and new Guild Wars backgrounds aka wallpapers:
Got a favorite? We'd love to see it at the beach house, especially original stuff. Drop it in email to cybersouth@gmail.com. Good hunting fellow guildees!
"If you can't beat them... arrange to have them beaten."
~Vekk, Asuran Mega Air Elementalist (he's almost as good as Cyndane Eloize)
Got a favorite? We'd love to see it at the beach house, especially original stuff. Drop it in email to cybersouth@gmail.com. Good hunting fellow guildees!
"If you can't beat them... arrange to have them beaten."
~Vekk, Asuran Mega Air Elementalist (he's almost as good as Cyndane Eloize)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
They Ain't Faking It
Admission; I think Katie White is a doll. There's something about Ting Tings music that makes me want to dance. She has a faint hint of Debby Harry influence who sang with Blondie back sometime ago. They achieved prominence on the American music scene by being part of an iPod promotion. This is a live performance and they do a great job, I think. You can read more about the Ting Tings at Wikipedia. In order to see the video you have to double click quickly since they won't let sites embed their videos. This double click will take you to youtube proper. Not much of a way to promote the band but they must have their reasons. After viewing the video just click the red 'X' and you'll return to cybersouth - beach house style.
I like them. Amongst all the profane, vulgar, violent garbage called rap that tries to pass as music this is a refreshing interlude. Yes you can use a syncopated beat and make the sing song talk melodic. That way it becomes fun! Opinions?
"Life can't be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years."
~William F. Buckley, Jr.
I like them. Amongst all the profane, vulgar, violent garbage called rap that tries to pass as music this is a refreshing interlude. Yes you can use a syncopated beat and make the sing song talk melodic. That way it becomes fun! Opinions?
"Life can't be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years."
~William F. Buckley, Jr.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Easy on the Eye
Occassionally, people ask about the desktop backgrounds aka wallpapers on my machines. Thought I'd share some. Here are 3 that don't take up a lot of room, but will fit most larger screens. I like ships. Don't care if they are on water in the air or floating in space. Also like darker backgrounds. Less glare and wear on the monitor.
My great friend of many years who is like a brother to me, David Neal Jennings, sent the first and last. He has an eye for cool stuff. Please keep sending them brother! The middle one comes from a site called digitalblasphemy. Go to this site click on ENTER HERE then find the free downloads section. Chances are you might recognize some of these awesome renderings if I have worked on your PC. Check out the gallery too. The prices are minimal.
The last wallpaper is the one I use on my main workstation most of the time. Neal named it 'goin to walmart' which is humorously appropriate. On occasion you will find a Guild Wars wallpaper on this machine, but I always gravitate back to the "walmart" one. If you would like to use one of these first left click on it so it will enlarge (this is important - or you will have a small pix that blurs when expanding) then do a 'save as' (right click that mouse first then left click on 'save as') to your machine. Then right click on it again in the large form and 'set as background' or go to your desktop settings and browse to the place where you saved it..
Hope you enjoy these great works of art. They all create a sense of peace for me. Thanks brother Neal and digitalblasphemy!
"It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it maker and beholder meet."
~Kojiro Tomita
My great friend of many years who is like a brother to me, David Neal Jennings, sent the first and last. He has an eye for cool stuff. Please keep sending them brother! The middle one comes from a site called digitalblasphemy. Go to this site click on ENTER HERE then find the free downloads section. Chances are you might recognize some of these awesome renderings if I have worked on your PC. Check out the gallery too. The prices are minimal.
The last wallpaper is the one I use on my main workstation most of the time. Neal named it 'goin to walmart' which is humorously appropriate. On occasion you will find a Guild Wars wallpaper on this machine, but I always gravitate back to the "walmart" one. If you would like to use one of these first left click on it so it will enlarge (this is important - or you will have a small pix that blurs when expanding) then do a 'save as' (right click that mouse first then left click on 'save as') to your machine. Then right click on it again in the large form and 'set as background' or go to your desktop settings and browse to the place where you saved it..
Hope you enjoy these great works of art. They all create a sense of peace for me. Thanks brother Neal and digitalblasphemy!
"It has been said that art is a tryst, for in the joy of it maker and beholder meet."
~Kojiro Tomita
Sunday, February 08, 2009
A Few Hours of Fun Saturday Night
Normally when playing GuildWars it drives me up a wall to be killed in the game. Usually you are soon "rezzed" and can shake off the death penalty. I just don't like the fact that my preparation wasn't sufficient to keep me alive. Last night I died several times and didn't even care. To be in the game with my Guild Mates enjoying all the laughing and fun was enhanced by the new monitor. So far the remote has been explored. I will get around to reading the manual. Today the bedroom will be rearranged and cable hooked up to this unit. Since this model is not known to have great audio my 5.1 surround unit will be installed too. Gosh, it'll be sweet if this unit survives the test of time. Here's hoping!
"If you are losing your leisure, look out; you may be losing your soul."
~Logan P. Smith
"If you are losing your leisure, look out; you may be losing your soul."
~Logan P. Smith
Saturday, February 07, 2009
I Did It!
I ended up purchasing a Samsung 32" 1080p today. It fits my desk perfectly and has a swivel base. This TV/monitor will be in the bedroom so a simple turn will face it towards the bed for TV viewing. A lot of study went into this purchase and I caught the set at a super sales price. The price was comparable to my favorite online store's cost after shipping. It is absolutely awesome as a PC monitor. You do have to purchase a DVI to HDMI cable to gain the maximum potential. It is running 1920X1080 resolution and was very easy to install. It was up and working within 20 minutes making Guild Wars look fantastic. This has been a dream of mine for years. There are so many bells and whistles it's impossible to talk about all them.
Buyer's remorse has showed up, but this unit won't be returned unless something fubars. LOL. This is a great unit at a great price and the purchase was local. Pretty good for a man who detests spending several hours shopping. At least I didn't have to go to WalMart where all the evil children live. Best Buy was most helpful and recommended this set for my purposes. I had read all the reviews and they were good except for one 'tard that probably had trouble counting on his fingers. Oh yeh, don't even bother going to Rex TV. The two snarling creeps behind the counter acted insulted that I even entered the store. One even told me that there were no 32" 1080p sets made. I left saying, "You might want to check your product knowledge for the past 5 years or so, dude."
Will keep you posted as I continue usage and discover more goodies. I am in love with it so far. Not bad for someone that hasn't bought a TV for over 15 years, huh? Truth be known, it was almost fun!
"I love to go shopping. I love to freak out salespeople. They ask me if they can help me, and I say, "Have you got anything I'd like?" Then they ask me what size I need, and I say, "Extra medium."
~Steven Wright
Buyer's remorse has showed up, but this unit won't be returned unless something fubars. LOL. This is a great unit at a great price and the purchase was local. Pretty good for a man who detests spending several hours shopping. At least I didn't have to go to WalMart where all the evil children live. Best Buy was most helpful and recommended this set for my purposes. I had read all the reviews and they were good except for one 'tard that probably had trouble counting on his fingers. Oh yeh, don't even bother going to Rex TV. The two snarling creeps behind the counter acted insulted that I even entered the store. One even told me that there were no 32" 1080p sets made. I left saying, "You might want to check your product knowledge for the past 5 years or so, dude."
Will keep you posted as I continue usage and discover more goodies. I am in love with it so far. Not bad for someone that hasn't bought a TV for over 15 years, huh? Truth be known, it was almost fun!
"I love to go shopping. I love to freak out salespeople. They ask me if they can help me, and I say, "Have you got anything I'd like?" Then they ask me what size I need, and I say, "Extra medium."
~Steven Wright
Friday, February 06, 2009
HDTV Unprepared
Thinking about shopping for a new monitor TV combo tomorrow. Been saving my pennies for months and eating a lot of really cheap bad food (bologna sandwiches on thin slice wheat bread with mustard) and think if there's a great sale somewhere locally, go for it! After seeing two different computers on 32" and 37" it's awe inspiring. Red Dragon has a multi screen setup anchored by his 37" and Elies Coming has a 32". They both will slam your eyeballs to the back of your head. With the advent of HDTV upon us and my wonderful Hitachi 27" 4:3 screen being 15 years old, it's time for a new one. The 19" Emerson in the bedroom is an old veractor tuner (knobs) and is over 20 years old! Gonna' see my buddy at Best Buy tomorrow and find out if any deals r cooking. This project has been in the making since last summer. Maybe tomorrow...
Time to snooze.
"If men liked shopping, they'd call it research."
~Cynthia Nelms
Time to snooze.
"If men liked shopping, they'd call it research."
~Cynthia Nelms
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Tracking Device - Fun or Not?
There's a major news bruhaha erupting around Google's latest gadget. It's called Latitude. Surf on over to Google and download if interested. You'll need Maps too. A lot of people seem to be anti-Latitude. Contrary to the news media hype this is not big brother. First, you have to install it, second it can be turned off, third you and the other person have to agree that you'll give permission to let each see their respective location, and last please remember that the news media consists of a bunch of liberal horses' asses that probably need to be, at the very least, jailed. Okay, Fox is an exception.
This will give parents the chance to keep up with rowdy teenagers that tend to get in trouble. It'll be great fun for drivers that do long hauls. I can see all types of uses. Yes there is the dark side. Stalkers beware, I bet this will constitute a violation of space. Besides, you'd have to give a stalker permission. It looks like the safeguards are in place.
If you want to try it and have my phone number let's go for it! You can also send a request to my GMail. Since I don't think the FBI, NSA, MI-5, or any other Black Ops are interested in beach house meanderings the program has been loaded on my phone. Veranda, Beagle and C - I actually did some text stuff and loaded that net thangy! Hard to believe myself, especially since I didn't call any of you for assistance.
We can try it. That is, if I have everything installed properly, lol. Cell phones are not my favorite devices. The buttons are too small! Here is the link to - Google Latitude. Let me know what you think, k?
"Just because you don't see alligators and the water is calm absolutely does not mean they are NOT there!"
~Easley
This will give parents the chance to keep up with rowdy teenagers that tend to get in trouble. It'll be great fun for drivers that do long hauls. I can see all types of uses. Yes there is the dark side. Stalkers beware, I bet this will constitute a violation of space. Besides, you'd have to give a stalker permission. It looks like the safeguards are in place.
If you want to try it and have my phone number let's go for it! You can also send a request to my GMail. Since I don't think the FBI, NSA, MI-5, or any other Black Ops are interested in beach house meanderings the program has been loaded on my phone. Veranda, Beagle and C - I actually did some text stuff and loaded that net thangy! Hard to believe myself, especially since I didn't call any of you for assistance.
We can try it. That is, if I have everything installed properly, lol. Cell phones are not my favorite devices. The buttons are too small! Here is the link to - Google Latitude. Let me know what you think, k?
"Just because you don't see alligators and the water is calm absolutely does not mean they are NOT there!"
~Easley
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Am I Living Off the Coast of South Africa?
Oh great readers of the beach house ramblings, please tolerate my recent absences. It has been rough and from Monday morning until late Tuesday evening my out of shape butt was running on two hours sleep. This was after a weekend of continuous small disasters. Today was pretty much a wash ending in Flexiril and I shall return to bed with it momentarily. This is a slight whine, but also an explanation. If history proves itself tomorrow will see a groggy start, but a great attitude since the back pain will have subsided. Enough of this boring blah blah blah. Good night all y'all.
"I'm gettin' too old for this shi-!"
~Danny Glover (think he said it in all the Lethal Weapon movies)
"I'm gettin' too old for this shi-!"
~Danny Glover (think he said it in all the Lethal Weapon movies)
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
'Tis a Very Witching Hour Interlude (Note the Time)
Sometimes life is so trying and I wonder if it's worth all the effort. As I sat racking my brain to resolve some software issues, a break to check email (GMail) found this:
Yes, the effort is not in vain. I feel better. I am truly a blessed man. Thanks brother Ty for the link to this wonderful video. Thanks Fairview Baptist Church of Columbus, MS., for an awesome performance.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
Yes, the effort is not in vain. I feel better. I am truly a blessed man. Thanks brother Ty for the link to this wonderful video. Thanks Fairview Baptist Church of Columbus, MS., for an awesome performance.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
~Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Ramblings After the Weekend
It was a long and hectic weekend and today was a proverbial nightmare. Proprietary software blowing up is nowhere close to my idea of fun. Okay, I didn't write it, I didn't install it (even though I requested to do exactly that over 7 months ago), and I spent most of today fighting to make it work. It is working somewhat, yet I'll be up at 2:00AM in the morning and many miles away on site by 8:00AM. Gosh, it bewilders me when people blame the computer tech. If a nuclear bomb drops will that be my fault? After all it is a high tech device! Shucks folks, I am a viable part of the solution to the problem. If I spend this much time and effort show me some o' dat crazzzyy love! Me Precious needs it!
The whiner is going to bed now to get my 2 hours sleep. Oh yes, there has been a rash of burglaries in the Saltillo area. Please be a good neighbor and watch dwellings while people are away. It's a simple phone call to get our police force on site. Good Lord knows I've got some of the greatest neighbors in the world. Pay it forward and help your fellow human out! Now to bed.
"Patience is the companion of wisdom."
~St. Augustine
The whiner is going to bed now to get my 2 hours sleep. Oh yes, there has been a rash of burglaries in the Saltillo area. Please be a good neighbor and watch dwellings while people are away. It's a simple phone call to get our police force on site. Good Lord knows I've got some of the greatest neighbors in the world. Pay it forward and help your fellow human out! Now to bed.
"Patience is the companion of wisdom."
~St. Augustine
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