Music Monday - Hotty Toddy!

In 1962 the Billingsley, Litkenhous and Sagarin Polls were famous and football fans anticipated their results. All three declared Ole Miss the National Champions after they defeated Arkansas, the only non-Texan member of the SW conference at the time. The deciding final score was 17-13 in the Sugar Bowl. At that time there was no National Championship procedures. Oh yeah, Arkansas later rejoined the mighty SEC. The Rebels had a young quarterback name Jim Weatherly. Now you may ask yourself, why is college football being discussed on Music Monday? Well, that young quarterback from nearby Pontotoc Mississippi graduated from the Colonel's Campus and embarked on a career in the music industry. His songwriting career has produced many hits. Gladys Knight and the Pips had two mega hits with Jim's tunes. One is Midnight Train to Georgia. The other is this great hit beautifully covered by the talented folks that hang out at Daryl's House. Take a few minutes to listen please:

BTW, great music can be heard at Beagle's site. She inspired several to start posting 'Music Mondays'.

"To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable." ~Aaron Copeland

Another Day Wasted, Thanks Quick Books

Techs are a different breed of cat. The world changed somewhere and the bullied, misaligned dweebs, nerds, dorks, and geeks became the popular crowd. This actually happened quite some time ago. My recent debacle with the weird problem about a Microsoft update FUBARing the standard fonts brought out some of the best! Thanks out to everyone for all the help. Yes, it has been somewhat resolved, but Microsoft needs to 'man up" and issue an admission of their mistake. They also need to correct the problem. Actually this has probably happened covertly so as to avoid the guilt, lol!

Still desperately trying to make Windows 7 machines recognize XP Pro as a data server for Quick Books Pro. In a business scenario QB Pro is a necessary evil in my considered opinion. They are a horrible nasty company with little bitty support people. Their suppport techs are rude, crude and all in need of lessons in manners. QB experts spend mega bucks participating in annual seminars to help people use this software. They are certified independent contractors and all I've met are nice people. They don't even like the QB support techs. Anyway, anyone that has any advice, know-how, voodoo, or general knowledge about this problem please contact me.

"Software is usually accompanied by documentation in the form of big fat scary manuals that nobody ever reads. In fact, for the past five years most of the manuals shipped with software products have actually been copies of Stephen King's The Stand with new covers pasted on." ~Dave Barry

Two Puzzles Via Microsoft

Seems like I've been up all night researching how to create a peer to peer network with XP Pro playing the role of server and the workstations are Windows 7 Home Premium. Yes, I realize that 7 HP is not intended for the workplace. Last network I fused together were all 7 Pro 64 bit. Sweet! Anyway, I did not supply the workstations only the server. It was all set to go then we found out that Quickbooks Pro 2011 would not run on older Windows Server operating systems so the machine was reverted back to its original OS XP Pro. If your machine will be networked please spend a few dollars more and buy a machine with either Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate. You won't regret it. This has turned out to be a proverbial nightmare. Am a member of the MSDN group and finally found a detailed explanation of resolving this problem in one of their forums. Any input will be appreciated. Will keep you posted with the results.

And now for something completely different. On another network I am constantly plagued by a 'return of the glyph' syndrome. Have a Windows 7 machine and an XP machine that during reboot change all English language fonts to a unicode like set of glyphs, symbols, etc. After much research I think it's time to go back to a restore point one last time, save the data then 'format C:' plus a re-install of the operating systems. This has plagued me for several weeks and I am tired of reading a bunch of voodoo suggested that just doesn't work. Please don't start in about it being viral or malware. I have scanned extensively and deeply. Besides, most of the forums indicate a problem with a Windows update. BTW, Microsoft won't get their heads out of the sand and address this problem which leads me to believe that it may well have been their SNAFU. Looks like the update erases all fonts. It all started with an Office 2010 installation. Very puzzling and frustrating. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Please please please talk to me if you know anything concerning this matter.

Nerds Having Fun

We had an absolute blast at the LAN Party during Labor Day weekend. The group was small, 6-10 players, but the fellowship and food were awesome. Good to see everyone. Even better that people were smiling. Tina I am so glad you are doing better after a long bout of harrowing medical problems. Seeing you smile, laugh, cut up with the rest of us was a great joy. Chris, take care of her my brother. Why even say that, lol! We all know you will. It was good to see the young ones playing. Hey Brandon! You can use my laptop to LAN party anytime! Maddie, it was super to see you and watch you play the great game of Guild Wars.

Felecia graciously opened her home and we cooked burgers and dogs. Tina brought her famous LAN Dip and Felecia made the best cole slaw I've ever eaten! Em sent outstanding cookies and Fel's baked beans were just about too good. Thanks out to Charlie for all the great help and the loan of an awesome grill. Thanks to Jim too for all the assistance! And thanks to everyone for chipping in and bringing stuff. What a great time! It really helps to spend time with good people. Robert sure helped people in Guild Wars and everyone seemed happy. Welcome to the group Casey! BTW, he has a great site that is new and leans towards conservative politics and a positive attitude towards life. I highly recommend it -> Pieces of Mr. Dixon's Mind.

Everyone stay casual and enjoy Wednesday!

Music Monday - JB's Volcano

It's always fun to see this song performed live. Just a fun tune that puts smiles on faces.

The present format and banner are temporary. A new banner , very much like the old one, is hopefully on the way. The actual page structure will change as will the layout. Things like links and archives will have their own tabs. It's taking time due to pulling info off a very old drive that is close to its last spin. Easy to read and easy to navigate. That works, doesn't it?? Hope so, because it's a general direction for now...

Music Monday - Favorite Song by Favorite Singer

The Good Lord knows I've heard this song many times. And by different people. It was written many years ago (circa 1974) by a very famous songwriter named Jimmy Webb. Linda Ronstadt did it and so did Judy Collins. Then I heard it during a Celtic Woman broadcast.

Lisa Kelly sings like no other. So soulful, so beautiful, so moving. Earlier this year I had a chance to hear this classic ballad performed live by Lisa and there was not a dry eye in the house as the crowd thundered applause afterwards. The words are haunting, the melody mystical, and her voice must be admired by angels.

This thrills my soul all the way down to the depths of my heart.




"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us"
~Emerson

Continued Construction

As is apparent changes are still underway. Different elements are being implemented and the end result will certainly have a different look. Thanks to everyone for the supportive emails!

What Patti Davis Said...

Last night's Republican debate took place at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, an expansive space containing a former Air Force One jet. If you walked out of the hangar-like building and turned left, went up a path past a wide grassy area with a canyon below and miles of sky above, you would reach my father's burial site. On the stone tomb you would read these words: "I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."

My father said that, and other memorable things, with an earnestness, a resonance, and a sincerity that came from a deep well within him. Note to Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and especially Newt Gingrich, you can invoke my father's name until your tongues fall out, but you will never be anywhere near his shadow. This isn't a political pronouncement on my part. I didn't agree with all of my father's positions and policies, and I would never consider myself a political commentator. I'm the daughter of a man with deep character, who left a huge imprint on this world. He lived a large and meaningful life and I learned over many years that I had to share him with America. But before that, before politics and the presidency, I listened to his stories about being a poor boy in the Midwest, about standing up to racism and learning from his parents that God has a purpose for everyone and everyone is precious in God's eyes.

That character is what drew people to my father, whether or not they agreed with his politics. That character is what we are starving for, that many of us had hoped we would find, but are now disappointed that we are not finding in President Obama. I think my father, if he were here, would also be disappointed in this administration. But here is the important part: he would never have expressed that with anger and vitriol and snarky soundbites. The Republican candidates tonight appeared to be auditioning for a reality show, not for the lofty position of leading America through and out of these terribly troubled times.

Ironically, the one man on stage who did comport himself with dignity, John Huntsman, is now being dismissed as having not made an impact. The moment he brought the discussion back from airport security to the sweeping poverty and economic panic that is gripping this country was, I thought, profound. It was something my father would have done. But that moment isn't making the news. The zingers like Perry's Ponzi scheme comment, in reference to Social Security, are getting more attention. Maybe the candidates should have wandered over to my father's gravesite before going on stage. Maybe they should have lingered over the words carved in stone there.
The moment that would have broken my father's heart was the moment when applause broke out at the mention of more than 200 executions ordered by Rick Perry in Texas. It was stunning and brought tears to my eyes. This is what we've come to? That we applaud at executions?

I remember the first time my father ordered an execution when he was Governor. He and a minister went into a room, got down on their knees and prayed. The real shame of our times is that there doesn't seem to be anyone on the political horizon with that compassion in his or her heart.




I'd like to say 'Rock On', but such a statement is a bit trite isn't it? Should we worry about Perry's policies or the simple fact that our great nation is being executed? Tell me...inquiring minds want to know. God bless the United States.

"The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much."
~Ronald Reagan

Return of the Beach House Ramblings

After a much needed break for various reasons, plans are being formulated for a return with several changes. More will follow...

Music Monday - JST, She's Hot

Yes, there is a fascinatiion around the beach house with women guitarists. It was inevitable they'd come into their own in a male dominated area of music. Women do a far better job of expressing emotions than men and the guitar is the epitome of musical instruments with which to deliver a wonderful mix of feelings and talent. Well, hold onto your socks! Joanne Shaw Taylor delivers.



This is not a very good video, but she manages to shine through the low tech effort. There are many offerings on YouTube. Here's another that was recorded in Clarksdale, Mississippi:



Watch her carefully. She's gonna' hit the charts not with a bullet but a cannonball.

New music sharing site available; Jamendo. There are over 300,000 selections from around the world. You can download and stream. I did a search in the Blues category and was blown away. Check it out and let me know what you think!

"I've said that playing the blues is like having to be black twice. Stevie Ray Vaughan missed on both counts, but I never noticed."
~B. B. King

Spoiler for Tomorrow's Post and Edits Notification

Please bear with me. There is a new quest cycle open in Guild Wars and it's a big deal to players. There have been problems initially, but ArenaNet is striving to quickly correct the bugs. This is definitely not uncommon in any MMORPG.

In order to be brief let me reference this past Friday's Post, July 8, 2011, titled New Guild Wars Chapter. There are now 3 edits in this post that have information about bug fixes and changes in one of the 20 quests which has been a source of frustration. Fellow players may be interested. It concerns the Minister Cho's Estate quest. There is a link to guildwiki too. Friday's post has now doubled in size, LOL.

Got a great Music Monday tomorrow with a really cool link about a legal file sharing site that has over 300,000 downloadable tunes. Good stuff and it's artists from all over the world. Best new music site I've seen in years. Drop in and check it out.

Stay casual or become casual. Both work to brighten a stress filled existence. Later.

"Patience is the ability to count down before you blast off."
~Admiral Akbar

Saturday AM

One interesting thing about this site is that it always produces a different result every time it is used. Still fun in a weird way. Try it and see what you think.

I write like
Arthur Clarke

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

Comment moderation has been changed back to normal. We are going to try this with hopes that the 12 year old 'Anonymous' child will not return with his filthy mouth. Seems people everywhere dislike the vulgar and profane.

"It often happens that the real tragedies of life occur in such an inartistic manner that they hurt us by their crude violence, their absolute incoherence, their absurd want of meaning, their entire lack of style."
~Oscar Wilde

New Guild Wars Chapter

The Winds of Change campaign is now available in Cantha. This the second in a set of three adventures that link the games Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2. Go to GuildWars.com and read more. It seems likely that this segment will involve following Miku again. There will be new clothing and a new line of weapons called Imperial. It'll be good to be back in Cantha. Seems the majority of players I know like this area less than the other two continents. What's your favorite area? Why? Cantha is the beach house favorite region.

There is a variety of scenery in the land of the Dragon Emperor. Tropical islands, snow covered alps, a sea made of pure jade, a vast city that reminds me of Hong Kong, plains where monsters and rewards are everywhere, a huge dark forest that contains the hardest mission in the game = Eternal Grove HM, all combine to make a mystical land which reflects the flavor of Cathay. You can obtain really neat elite armor, Canthan, Kurzick and Luxon. There is more Guild Wars info at GuildMag.

It will be good to discover new adventures and areas. Cantha is the smallest continent and seems very 'alive' to me. Tyria, sometimes called the First Continent, is huge with a variety of landscapes. Elona is very much a desert region with some tropical, forest regions. It's all great fun.

EDIT 1: Minister Cho's Estate quest: Be careful and take your time. This is NOT fun and the guildwiki reflects the same opinion. Remember to pull groups towards you so groups are separated. It takes a long time and the goofball peasants you are rescuing heal your enemies!!! The last one is the hardest. Beware the Assassin that quickly starts pounding her. You have to negate that 'Sin or your good efforts will be futile. All peasants must survive. I had hoped for fun quests that entailed new experience content, but all quests so far involve the same enemies with higher levels in the same old areas. Enemy aggro is horrible. I wanted to see new stuff and travel to unknown areas. BTW the game is real buggy right now and so far Miku is nowhere in sight.

EDIT 2: Minister Cho's Estate quest: This SUCKS!!!!! If someone has pointers please share. I haven't the time nor the capacity to continually bang and grind in an event where then fun has been bled out of it. Read all the wiki discussions and it still eludes me.

EDIT 3: K, the Minister Cho's Estate quest was updated at 2:00AM Sunday morning. It's still hard. You cannot "rush" this quest. I used a summoner's stone and a Spiritway team - one Aura MM, a Ghostly Might Communing Rit and SoS Channeling Rit. This is the core group most frequently used  throughout the game and the one used to attempt this quest initially.  The team of four was ramped up with buffs to +10. My Necro prime broke tradition and traded Soul Reaping mes mage garments for Curses armor. Invoked a Spiteful Spirit build that utilizes Cry of Pain (Sunspear Mesmer skill) and Web of Disruption (non attribute Mesmer skill). Very efficient since Arcane Echo is used in most SS builds hence the secondary being Mesmer. It was very cold and calculated unlike the initial offering.  The summoned NPC even survived.  Be sure and take out all foes surrounding the peasants and don't leave the area until the Canthan peasant is no longer in your party. Make sure the three peasants stay alive until they disappear from your team party list. They do not follow you. Return to KC and receive reward from Initiate Zei Ri. It is best not take the HM Bukdek Byway quest at this time. Immediately go to Seitung Harbor. See Initiate Tsuriai for the next quest. Go to guildwiki.com for further clarification. Click on the discussion tab at the top of th Minister Cho's Estate quest page to see other players opinions. It helps. During this quest patience and pulling are the keys to success.

Meanwhile, good luck in the game!

"Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind."
~Leonardo da Vinci

Random Thursday - Hands On

"I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three."
~Elayne Boosler

Ebooks and Tablets

Own a Kindle, iPad, or other tabletpc? Want to convert ebook files to work with your device? This program is free to use and will convert say a PC ebook file to an iPad file. Not using a PC or an iPad? Don't worry, be happy. This freeware app works with over 200 devices. Besides, any software company that has a sense of humor can't be too bad. This nice attitude is apparent on their site. Check it out at Hamstersoft.

Speaking of tabletpcs, here are several reviews of some top contenders. Tablets are becoming a necessary item in every geek's bag of tricks. Take a look at GizmoCrunch Tablets Review. Also, HP and Dell offer entries too. Visit any of their sites and there's sure to be an ad about their products that will gladly direct you to various reviews. Needless to say, these reviews will be positive with great prejudice, LOL.

My favorite so far is the 32 gig Toshiba Thrive. Still want to have one in my hands to be 100% sure that Thrive is the best bet. If Toshiba holds to their reputation of building superior products this tablet should see great success. My Toshiba Qosmio laptop is definitely the all time favorite device in the beach house geek bag. For now, the Toshiba Thrive only connects with wireless printers. Word out on the web indicates that several apps are in the making to correct this small problem. Besides, cloud printing is an alternative.

Stay casual.

"We've got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it's love that gives you the strength. It's being nice to people and having a lot of fun and laughing harder than anything, hopefully every single day of your life."
~Drew Barrymore

Correcting Mistakes

People that spam comments are a sick bunch. There is now a heavy duty filter in place and I've been moderating comments. Doing my best to stay on top it, but it's hard to review posts every day. The filter should help quite a bit. Hopefully, we can return to unedited comments in a few days. Really hate to do it, but may ban folks that don't use a nickname. The 'powers that be' also said if I have another rash of people posting just to create turmoil and using profanity they will start tracking IP addys. That really sucks. Takes a lot of fun out of blogging. Moderation is bad enough. The recent harsh comments are under review. I am afraid we did a great dis-service to one Anonymous poster who just happened to get caught in the dust up. Sorry Anonymous person.

Nicknames are easy. Just make up something. Look around the room, call yourself an everyday item like Cellphone, Headset, your pet's name, Jalapeno, CDScratch, etc. No profanity or off colored names that slander someone's faith can be used. Blogger even gets ill about such usage. K, not much of a post today. Up all night and need rest. Stay casual. Later.

"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died."
~Erma Bombeck

Music Monday - 4th Funk!

Okay, I was a 'down with disco' 70s dude. But some music of the disco era was downright awesome. At the time it was all about Southern Rock surrounding me. Secretly I was a closet dancer. How can a person sit down while listening? Really liked this tune the first time I heard it and was absolutely flabbergasted when I saw them!



Rockers should not be quick to judge the music or the group. The dark haired fellow on the left that does the guitar intro is Bryan Bassett. After Wild Cherry, he went on to play guitar with Foghat, then Molly Hatchet, then Foghat again. He still performs with Foghat today.

"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings."
~Eric Hoffer

46 States & 4 Commonwealths = 50 States

Happy JULY 4TH Weekend!





Gotta like Joey!

"There, I guess King George will be able to read that."
~John Hancock

Dragons and Fireworks

It's Fourth of July weekend and a great time to celebrate with family, friends and Guildmates in Guild Wars. The annual Dragon Festival is in progress online. Just go to Cantha, find your way to the Shing Jea monastery and join the celebration. Great quests, trading, and fun exist for adventurers to enjoy. You must have the Factions Campaign which is on sale all over the net for low, low prices. Chances are this has been installed for years on PCs that see a lot of participation. Join us! Email me for Guild info and an invitation to our lavish Imperial Guild Hall.

Please everyone be careful as you travel. Watch the other drivers and make sure you obey the laws of the road. Rejoice in the fact that you can celebrate this great country and support our brothers and sisters in arms that are defending the freedom of the USA. Leave for your destinations with time to spare and enjoy the trip. That old nuisance of a disease, lackofundsitis, keeps me home and working all weekend. Still, I love the 4th of July. Even bologna sandwiches taste better!

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."
~Erma Bombeck