LAN Party News (It's All Good}

Felecia wanted me to pass on the info that you can come Saturday morning or even Friday evening and set up equipment - even stay and play. Late hours limits time and you can show up to take advantage of a a longer gaming session. Of course we will be playing Guild Wars, but Team Fortress will also be the "new" game of the day. Lotta folks requested it and we are glad to oblige. Never played it, but everyone says its not only great fun, but content is interspersed with occasional humor that keeps you laughing while fragging. We will have all components in place early so you can set up, plug in and start the massacres. We'll see how Team Fortress works out and may start trying to introduce a variety of games at each gathering. This one is gonna be a blast!





Food. We need chips, dips, drinks, any type of side dish you like and if you have some adventurous concoction this is a great place to try it out. We are all foodies. Look at me (aka lardass); I am not known to back away from the groceries. If Mr. and Mrs. Hoppa show up with that killer dip I'll be at the trough and in culinary heaven. Main dish is slow cooked brisket and Ashy is slow grilling so it will be fantastic. Rumor has it there may be a surprise shipment from NOLA so put your Cajun taste buds at the tip of your tongue. Lassiez les bon temps roulez, mon ami!! Oh yes let the good times roll! Boat drinks will be available and they are quite good even without alcohol. Our group is not rowdy so children are more than welcome. Hey, Brandon, Robert's son, led a mission last gathering. It was Thunderhead Keep! Did an outstanding job.



Plan on spending a day of wonderful comraderie and multitudes of laughter. Several out of town people can't make it because of work conflicts, but they will remote in to play. We should have full teams. Please try to bring your PCs. Part of the fun is seeing all the killer gaming units. I am bringing an extra PC and will gladly share. Felecia works like a wild woman to provide a clean well organized atmosphere so any food contributions will help. Bet Em brings some super thangy to eat so try it out. She's our resident Uber Foodie. She even bakes! Not much turns this group away unless you cook like Granny on the Beverly Hillbillies. Personally I'll try anything that doesn't include curry or beef liver. Guess that could be called pretty much a free range grazer.

Show up! Contact me! A good time will be had by all!

"On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet."
~George Gordon Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage

Not Crazy about Yellow - But It Looks GOOOOOD on Her!

Turn it up! Full screen it! Looks good at even 360p. Smokin' Hot!



Whew! Why sure as the world, I think I've got th' vapors!

"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"
~Ward

It's LAN PARTAY TIME This Coming Saturday!!!!!!

Felecia has once again graciously opened the doors to nerds and geeks of all kinds. Ashy is slow cooking a brisket that will be AWESOME. Please contact me at the above listed email or ringy-dingy the cell if you are bringing a side dish, dessert, etc. This is our last big one of the summer and usually has a crowd of people. So come have some fun! Bring the kids, ice down a cool refreshing beverage and get ready to marvel at some of the latest creations in gaming machines. Boat drinks will be available even sans alcohol if you prefer. When was the last time you had a drink with an umbrella in it? Well...it's time to have another! Come enjoy the fellowship, the laughter and general good spirit of some of Northeast Mississippi's finest gamers and onlookers. Computer not required to get in the door, but they help! lol!

Need directions? Easy location with a huge amount of space and plenty of parking so call or email. A good time will be had by all.

"Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit."
~D. Neal Jennings

Storm Warning Still Prevalent at Beach House

Tired. Banging my head against the wall and need more Advil Gelcaps. Apparently the motherboard decided to take the Antec power supply down when it died. Ashy has a Gigawatt Pro Series power supply that I will pick up tomorrow. You can read the specifications here. Nice unit. As expected this whole rebuild project has been one fiasco after another. I'll still win. Gotta have it up and running! Besides, I miss my 32" monitor. It's going to be fun to use it again. Even though this build is older technology it should still rock due to the quality of parts used. 4 gigs of HyperX memory and an Opteron 180 with two SATA drives striped, one gigawatt of power and one gig of discrete graphics adapter will suffice. Will install Vista Ultimate 32bit, which is actually a pretty darn good operating system since Service Pack 2 hit the updates. Will make the next one XP Pro since it still dominates the business market holding a steady 74% share. It will have digital temperature displays on the front of the case.

Calling it a night. Even took a few hours and played Guild Wars. It was relaxing to scour the countryside of Elona in search of treasure. Hopefully, tomorrow will better a more productive day. Later.

"Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use."
~Earl Nightingale

Local Hurricane Prediction

It's late and I have to bring my old workstation back online. The new laptop has to be formatted and Windows 7 re-installed which will hopefully correct a video glitch. We'll see. Anyway the workstation has been a test of patience due to so many parts beings replaced. Thanks out to Felecia and Ashy for pitching in and helping with some great parts. Now to get it all back 'ginning' is another matter completely. It won't win. Fought so many battles with it the escalation to war status is now the plan of the day. Hey Mudslingr. Finally using that 1 gig XFX video card. Should be sweet!

Later.

"When your dreams turn to dust, vacuum."
~Steve Burns

Random Thursday - Guild Wars 2 Necromancer Revealed

As most know the Necro is my favorite Guild Wars character. I built one when no one else I know used this profession. Got the Game on December 5th (thanks Neal and CC) and after a few days study created Maskull Tor, Necromancer, on December the 9th. He's not only still in the game, but is guild leader and my Prime. His constant evolution has been fun to play. His uncanny power to kill is awesome. Thanks Mudslingr and Beagle for suggesting this great online game! Thanks Penitendagon Arelin and Ashy for finding these demos! BTW, they expand to full screen with great res:

Doom


Bone Minions/Putrid Explosion


Grasping Dead


Locust Swarm


Life Siphon


This profession will go through some drastic changes in GW2, but that's nothing knew, lol. Remember that these demos are getting hammered so they may appear glitchy. You may have to come back later.

"Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things are judged by their jackets."
~Gracian

Prayer? Oh Yes!

After wondering if I could even walk to the throne room, I had decided to go to the emergency room. Still haven't eaten since Monday AM. After thinking about someone would have to take off work because my driving was out of reach, I rolled over and went back to sleep. Just miserable. At my age poor health, even small instances, has a much more traumatic impact. Interpretation; enjoy your youth! I did keep up with phone calls and am sorry about not returning personal calls. Will try to do that later today. Last night I finally drank some water and had no problems. Still sore as hell all over, but can at least keep my balance. Going to clean up and make a run for chicken soup later today and see how that goes.

Know this is a lot of whining, but I actually was looking at death as a possible positive option at one time. I don't scare easily, but am a real wimp when it comes to being sick. When your balance goes and vision blurs it can be frightening. Will answer calls today and try field work. Yesterday it was not possible. Don't have any idea what caused all this, but suspect food poisoning. Anyway this is really not a place to write about ills and woes. Try to keep a half full glass, but that went out the window for a while. Wanted friends to know why I didn't answer the phone. It sure does feel good to be mobile again.

Later.

"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time."
~Mark Twain

Mega Whine (But It's Short)

Up most of last night and today with upset stomach and at one point started making peace with God. I am serious. Will try to go to the doctor. This is painful. Later.

Music Monday, Different

This is just not right in so many ways, but creativity is alive and well with an unusual version of a classic Temptations song. You can click on the bottom right corner (the 4 arrows pointing out) for a larger display. Take it with a grain of salt and see if it gets a chuckle out of you:



Love the part with the jumper cables! Did you laugh? Please leave a comment and let me know.


“Above all else: go out with a sense of humor. It is needed armor. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”
~Hugh Sidey

Data Transfer

The beach house is in the middle of transferring data from one PC to another. Still building the newer unit that will receive the data so it'll probably be tomorrow or the next day before it's completed. Unloading all the files from my laptop so I can do a format and re-install. There is a problem with rendering while in game mode and Toshiba asked me to try this before sending it back (it's under warranty thank goodness). So I got to thinking about how difficult this process can be and the huge amount of time consumed. Found a great link about such a procedure. Head over to Kim Komando's site and take a look at Easily transfer data to a new computer. Of course I'll return the needed data to the laptop when the operating system re-installation is completed. She's triple barrel sharp and I highly recommend her site.

Hope this helps.

"Common sense is instinct. Enough of it is genius."
~George Bernard Shaw

Competition, It's a Good Thing

Considering the purchase of an iPad? You might want to take a look at an informative article on some competitors first offerings. Softsailor has more info about tablets that will soon be available. I've a friend that uses an iPad and loves it. Last time I talked to her she was telling me about its versatility and the e-book reader. It is impressive. Still, all those free apps from the Droid arena might fit my empty wallet. Worth watching the ensuing battle for sure!

Hope this helps!

"Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain."
~J.K. Rowling

Disturbing and Off the Scale

Recently received this VERY disturbing email. All good Americans should read it. Shocking is a mild description.


SHEPPARD SMITH, FOX NEWS!


"If you check President Obama's last trip over-seas, his wife left just after their visit to France . She has yet to accompany him to any Arab country. Think about it. Why is Michelle returning to the states when 'official' trips to foreign countries generally include the First Lady."

Here's one thought on the matter.

While in a Blockbuster renting videos I came across a video called "Obama". There were two men standing next to me and we talked about President Obama. These guys were Arabs, so I asked them why they thought Michele Obama headed home following the President's recent visit to France instead of traveling on to Saudi Arabia and Turkey with her husband.

They told me she could not go to Saudi Arabia , Turkey or Iraq . I said "Why not,(?) Laura Bush went to Saudi Arabia , Turkey and Dubai ." They said that Obama is a Muslim and therefore he is not allowed to bring his wife into countries that adhere to Sharia Law.

Two points of interest here: 1) I thought it interesting that two American Arabs at Blockbuster believe that our President is a Muslim, 2) who follows a strict Islamic creed. They also said that's the reason he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia. It was a signal to the Muslim world, acknowledging his religion.

For further consideration, here is a response from Dr. Jim Murk, a Middle Eastern Scholar and expert on Islam. This is his explanation of what the Arab American's were saying.

"An orthodox Muslim man would never take his wife on a politically oriented trip to any nation which practices Sharia law, particularly Saudi Arabia where the Wahhabi sect is dominant. This is true and it is why Obama left Michelle in Europe . She will stay home when he visits Arab countries. He knows Muslim protocol; this includes, bowing to the Saudi King.

Obama is regarded as a Muslim in the Arab world, because he was born to a Muslim father; he acknowledged his Muslim faith with George Stephanopoulus.

Note that he downplays his involvement with Christianity, by not publicly joining a Christian church in D.C. and occasionally attending the chapel for services at Camp David .

He also played down the fact that America is a Christian country and said, unbelievably, that it was one of the largest Muslim nations in the world, which is nonsense.

He has publicly taken the side of the Palestinians in the conflict with Israel and he ignored the National Day of Prayer, something no other President has ever done. He is bad news! He conceals his true faith to the detriment of the American people." --- Jim Murk, Doctor of Philosophy in Middle Eastern Culture & Religion.

ACTIONS speak louder than words.

Another interesting item regarding Sharia Law..

Why has Barack Hussein Obama insisted that the U.S. Attorney General hold the trials of the 911 Muslim Terrorists in Civilian Courts as Common Criminals, instead of as Terrorists, who attacked the United States of America ?

If the Muslim Terrorists are tried in Military Tribunals, convicted and sentenced to death, by LAW, Barack Hussein Obama, as President of the United States , would be required to sign their Death Warrants.

He would not be required to sign the death warrants if they are sentenced to death by a Civilian Court .

Recently, Muslim Jihadist, Army Major Hassan slaughtered non-Muslim, soldiers at Ft. Hood , Texas rather than go to Afghanistan and be a part of anything that could lead to the deaths of fellow Muslims. He stated that Muslims 'could not and should not kill fellow Muslims.'

Is the motive for Barack Obama's insistence on civilian trials, to make sure he doesn't have to sign the death warrants for the Muslim Terrorists? Why would he, as President of the United States , not sign the death warrants for Muslim Terrorists who attacked the United States and murdered over 3,000 U. S. Citizens on 9/11? Could it be that he is FORBIDDEN by his RELIGION to authorize the execution of Muslims?

Think about that! Open your eyes, ears and mind to who the President is, how he behaves and what he is doing.

Thanks out to my great friend Robert for a phenomenal patriotic email. If you Federal goons check this you can kiss my Mississippi butt! After 2 years in Vietnam I will report utter acts of devestation about our country.


"The way people in democracies think of the government as something different from themselves is a real handicap. And, of course, sometimes the government confirms their opinion."
~Lewis Mumford

Please Understand

From time to time I have to remind folks of some of my policies when it comes to things in the realm of technology. Like all individuals I have likes and dislikes. Here are two of them:

CELL PHONES: I will not ever, EVER answer a phone call that is marked private. This is a steadfast rule. You hide your identity then you have no business or reason to contact me, period. So don't bother. I am presently investigating a way to report these annoying calls to the Public Service Commission and have them banned. It might even take legal action.

EMAIL: I do not forward nor return email, but PLEASE DO NOT STOP SENDING THEM. The posts from yesterday and the day before were emails intriguing enough to publicly share with all of you. I will answer emails though. People, I do not have the time to sit at the computer and forward. And the chain letter types telling me I MUST forward or I don't love Jesus really get under my skin. But please don't hesitate to send me something. Read Tuesday's and Wednesday's posts.

Heigh ho and later!

"For disappearing acts, it's hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work."
~Doug Larson

Sage Words

Email is a wonderful medium. I was asked to pass this on and am proud to do it.



At a time when our president and other politicians tend to apologize for our country's prior actions, here's a refresher on how some of our former patriots handled negative comments about our country.



JFK'S Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60's when DeGaule decided to pull out of NATO. DeGaule said he wanted all US
military out of France as soon as possible.

Rusk responded,
"Does that include those who are buried here?"

DeGaule
did not respond.

You
could have heard a pin drop.


When in England , at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of 'empire building' by George Bush.

He answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for
in return is enough to bury those that did not return."

You
could have heard a pin drop.


There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?" A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to andfrom their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"

You
could have heard a pin drop.


A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?" Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the Brit's, Canadians, Aussie's and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."


You
could have heard a pin drop.





AND
THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...
Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport
in his carry on. "You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically. Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."
The American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."
"Impossible. Americans always have to show their passports on arrival in France !"
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he
quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to."


You
could have heard a pin drop.

Thanks goes out to a great friend, Robert, also a fellow Guildmate in GW, for a very timely message that many need to know or remember. Recall that President Obama bowed to even Muslim leaders of nations NOT our friends. Vote in November. God Bless the United States of America!

"Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance. It is also owed to justice and to humanity. Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong."
~James Bryce

Simian Analogy

We do have a few good men in Congress. Roger Whitaker always votes correctly as do several other GOP members. That said, here's an interesting take emailed by my great friend EdC. It is something to remember in November!:

Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all the other monkeys with cold water. After a while another monkey makes the attempt with same result, all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.

Now, put the cold water away. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his shock, all of the other monkeys beat the snot out of him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs he will be assaulted.

Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm.

Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs he is attacked.

Most of the monkeys that are beating him up have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs OR even why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey. Finally, after replacing all of the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana.

Why not?

Because as far as they know, that is the way it has always been done around here.

And that, my fellow monkeys, is how Congress operates - And precisely why we need to REPLACE all the original monkeys this November.

"Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage."
~H.L. Mencken

Music Monday - Awesome Triple Play

EDIT:Click the bottom right 4 arrow symbol to expand to full view for greater detail.

Three performances by some of the most talented musicians on the planet. The front man is Mr. Phil Collins. Unless you been living in a cave all your life you have heard the first song. But, chances are you've never heard such a super performance of it. It's the best. Sends chills right to the bones!

Second one is almost as famous with a short sweet drum intro. Sorry it's edited too soon and ends abruptly. Still give it a listen then be prepared to be blown away. You have probably never heard this next 10 minutes of pure dynamite.

The third, wow, what can I say? Three drummers doing the most amazing drum trio I've ever seen. For those of you that think Phil Collins is just a singer songwriter watching this rendition of an awesome drum triple threat will change your mind! Hold on to your chair, turn it up and get ready to rock!







Now do you wonder why all the Brits are po'd about the Queen not knighting him yet? If Elbone John is Sir Elton then there should be a Sir Phil! Thanks EdC for great links!

“Drumming isn't all about twirling sticks.”
~Guslov Petronoski

Money or Human Life? Give me Life for My Fellow Mankind

Delivered a computer today and even though the weather is supposed to be more pleasant, it's still hot, hot, hot! Have some fresh strawberries to enjoy and eating light. Today has been a day of de-stressing and rest. Needed it. Everyone in the Deep South needs to be cautious and careful about the heat. Mow that yard EARLY in the morning if needed and stay inside. There's been too many deaths. The power company and water utility ultra greed have killed folks. There should be a law...

"The lower rings of jell await those that kill for greed and avarice!"
~Wobblynife

Short Notice: Non-Private

Okay, I have mentioned this numerous times and am working on a way to block this annoyance. If you call me on the phone and it's marked private I will NEVER answer. If you are chickenshit enough to not let me know your number or name then go straight to telephone hell. I don't do others that way and expect the same courtesy. I owe no companies money at all ( only have two personal debts I am working to resolve) and abhor the lowly scum that are called telemarketers. Lately I have been getting a call early morning marked private and am working on a way to find this person and report them to the PSC. I will make a trip to the Capitol of our state and prosecute them. Jerks!!!

“The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right.”
~Mark Twain

Local Author and New Title

A tremendous achievement that reflects the attitude of someone steeped in Southernese. There are pages and pages of wonderful substance. Many of you know Joyce and this a gem that belongs on every bookshelf. It's available through Xlibris now and will be in Barns and Noble plus Amazon.com in a month or so. I highly encourage all to make this purchase. For sometime I have had glimpses of genius in uber creative mode and find it moving and inspiring, Do yourself a favor and latch on to a copy! The online addy is Life in the Pond.



It's nice to have creative successful friends. BTW Joyce designed the Cybersouth banner. Pretty damn neat, huh?

"Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance."
~Carl Sandburg

Random Thursday - STEP UP!

Am ROFLMAO. This is a great example of how advertising can be extraordinary. It's a commercial from Holland that features pop stars and soccer pros.




The Europeans, especially the Brits even though this is a French site it seems, are leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to TV advertising.

"In general, my children refused to eat anything that hadn't danced on TV."
~Erma Bombeck

Droid 2

Droid 2s are out. They have made many improvements over the original Droid. You can learn all about it at PCWorld. Hoppa has an enormous amount of tech knowledge and has used Droid on AT&T. Hopefully many of the carriers will breakdown and permit us to use any phone on any carrier. The first to do so will increase their subscribers by a huge margin. Most AT&T customers I know in this area dislike the service. But, the structure of their plans still seems the best. They need to build more towers and create better coverage. Dropped calls are so high you become dismayed with even using an AT&T phone at times. If their ads are telling the truth then Tupelo, MS, is smack dab in the middle of the 3% they don't cover. The type of phone you own makes a difference.

Words from the past: "It's a clever idea, Mr. Bell, but don't wire us, we'll wire you."
~Brault

EDIT: 9:40AM - Guild Wars is back Online.

Guild Wars 2 - Promo

Please understand that this video is receiving a lot of hits. You may have to return later. It's worth it. The artwork far surpasses ANY I have seen in other games. If you have high speed broadband and a PC that has great graphics, be sure and click on the button that expands to full screen. This is a promo worth watching:



Now if they will just give us a release date. Latest in the rumor mill? Try 11/19/2010.

"How poor are they that have not patience!
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?"
~William Shakespeare, Othello, 1604

EDIT: Planned Outage
On Wednesday, August 11th, we will be moving the Guild Wars live database to a new data center. This will require a temporary interruption in service beginning at 12:01 AM Pacific time on that date. Service may be suspended for up to 24 hours, although we will do everything we can to expedite the process. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this rare interruption!

Music Monday

That little ole' band from Texas:



You have just heard REAL rock and roll!

“If you're looking for youth, you're looking for longevity, just take a dose of rock 'n' roll. It keeps you going. Just like the caffeine in your coffee. Rock 'n' roll is good for the soul, for the well being, for the psyche, for your everything. I love it. I can't even picture being without rock 'n' roll.”
~Hank Ballard

P or Not?

Received this through email and felt like passing it along to concerned citizens. There certainly doesn't seem to be any problems with adopting this policy when discussed at the beach house.

Some things make sense. This is one of them. No doubt the bunch of liberals in our current administration will find it some type of violation of civil rights. Was Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign wrong? I am SURE each office has a nice facility (usually called a 'restroom', lol) where this could be done. Shut ins? Let the government give them a free ride once a month. We'd still save millions!

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Use the comments at the bottom of this post or email me. If paranoid with a warp factor attitude just make your comment anonymous:

I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes & the government distributes

my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am

required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no [problem).

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who

don't have to pass a urine test. So, here is my question: Shouldn't one have to

pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it

for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back

on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone

sitting on their BUTT----doing drugs while I work. Can you imagine how much

money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public

assistance check? We could call the program "URINE OR YOU'RE OUT"!


Here's a thought, all politicians should have to pass a urine test too!

Thanks G-man for a very good email!

"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue."
~Barry Goldwater

Got Resources?

Here we are talking about financial resources. This monster is awesome! Just the idea of building it blows me away. I'd sure jump in and give it a try. While looking at the mind boggling price list please remember the B&W speaker array is not included. That's probably around another 5 "large" to add to the 15+. You can read about it and see more info at MaximumPC

Thanks Ashy for the great link!

"I'm so poor I can't even pay attention."
~Ron Kittle, 1987

Random Thursday

Okay, it's cornball, low brow comedy. This one has been around for a while too. Still makes me laugh. Be sure and listen to the very end:




"Humor is a reminder that no matter how high the throne one sits on, one sits on one's bottom."
~Taki

Browsing, IE8 Style

Browsers. Wide range of choices exist. Internet Explorer 8 is actually making a small dent in increasing it's 60% or so of the marketplace. Firefox checks in at 20% or so and Chrome has somewhere around 8%. Safari has 5% (Apple various device users for the most part) and Opera has a little over 2%. At one time Internet Explorer had a 90% marketshare. They still lead by a great margin. Yet, it may not be the browser you want to use when surfing the web. I always leave it as the default browser and use it on a regular basis. Most of my browsing is divided between Chrome and Firefox. Anyway, I try to stay familiar with IE8 because of its domination of the browser wars. Be careful when upgrading to IE8. Some accelerators suck. The beach house uses NO accelerators. Just read about doing the IE8 upgrade and you'll be fine. But upgrade!! Using IE6 or IE7 puts us all at risk. The security features in Internet Explorer 8 surpass earlier versions by a long shot.

The How-To-Geek has some great info on speeding up a slow Internet Explorer 8. Check out his in depth article that addresses IE8 Add On Management. You can learn a lot more than managing add ons by clicking on this link. Geek has a polished site that is loaded with super information. It's attractive, has great construction and very easy to navigate. He covers a vast range of subjects. And the Geek knows his stuff! One of my favorite "goto" sites on the web.

Hope this helps.

"In giving advice seek to help, not to please, your friend."
~Solon

Best Sunscreen Today? Air Conditioning

Local forecast is looking for highs to exceed 100 degrees F. We've had mild summers the past few years and it was inevitable that a scorcher would show up. Well, it has done exactly that. Use your air conditioner. If you don't have one there are shelters and many places to spend the day. Sadly the nights are miserable too. The high humidity never helps. Go to the malls. the library, churches always open their doors or visit a friend or family member that is in the cool.


From the Weather Channel:

AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF DANGEROUSLY HOT TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE LIKELY. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS... STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM... STAY OUT OF THE SUN... AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS POSSIBLE. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS... STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM... STAY OUT OF THE SUN... AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.

Anyone looking for autumn? LOL!

"Summer has set in with its usual severity."
~Samuel Taylor Coleridge