Blog updates for life
9.9.06
Wendell Adams gets life in prison
A just decision for his crime. Nothing like time and confinement to pay for what he did.
11:51 pm in 8.4.06
Wendell Adams found guilty in Nadia's murder
As an update to this case, Wendell Adams was found guilty yesterday of Nadia Whitmore's murder.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 8th.
7.24.06
Without lights, but not without power
It's an understatement to say St. Louis had an outage. Over half a million homes and businesses were in the dark. I was going to write about it, but my heart just wasn't up for it.
It's been interesting to say the least. I'm sure I could have said something humorous about the ordeal. In retrospect, I guess I'm sad that over. Sure I had to get by with losing food in the refrigerator, no TV/land line/Internet, lights, air conditioning, ect...During this outage, though, I had a chance to see some of the best of what St. Louis offers. Aside from some unnecessary high strung emotions, the city has been pleasantly peaceful and orderly.
It's been years since I simply sat with my neighbors and just talked. All too often, words are spoken in passing. Even worse, quality time with the family improved. Worse?!? Yeah, it took two massive storms bringing the StL to its knees for us to huddle into a bedroom together with the window open to renew our appreciation of having each other.
My perspective has been skewed for far too long. The result of all this has greatly empowered me to look at my personal life from a more macro perspective...and the view is wonderful, seeing all I have to be thankful for!
On a lighter note (get it, light...yeah, we have lights!) I realized there are two things I thought I could get by without:
1) Big candles, lanterns if possible.
-- Sometimes the electricity doesn't come back within 8 hours.
2) Car charger for a mobile phone.
-- I only found out the blackout exceeded 400k from Wednesday's storm by checking KSDK's WAP site. Also, Charter's telephone service failed...(remember cable services rely on inline amplifiers to get the signal to your house...and those are powered by the electric company)
3.6.06
Pronounced: mi-nE-van
There's few things in this world that scream, "I have more than two kids, and we alllll travel together!" I've had children for at least 8 years, and cars for even longer. I went from a Geo Tracker, to a Z24, to an Accord coupe.
My first, family four-door was the much hated Cadillac Catera. I thought I was doing something special back then. I thought I was being responsibile. I thought, "when the kids get older, then we'll get a larger vehicle." Heh, they're older now, and there are more of them.
While the purchase of a new mode of transportation was sort of an emergancy, I knew in the back of my mind that the next VIN number to associate itself with my address will include room for us, them, and some others.
So, here it is...(shudder) I have a (gulp) minivan. Now I just need a cheesy bumper sticker bragging about how smart my kid is.
9.14.05
Cancer is an evil beast
Early this morning, one of my best friend's mom died of cancer. Cancer...you hear that word so often, yet the experience of it is something so indescribable, so unnatural...
From an outside perspective, we all knew she was dying. Yet, when I spoke to him this morning he was almost in shock that it had beaten her. He blamed her sooner than expected death as her "giving up" the fight against it, choosing not to undergo treatments. That's when it hit me how "different" of an illness cancer is and what it does to people.
Cancer is totally deceptive.
Everything in exsistance seems to lead to cancer development, but nothing (so far) can cure it. When someone develops cancer, they are given an initial battery of tests and treatments which causes it to go into some sort of remission. This is the deception...that it was somehow beaten. Anytime in the future when it rears its ugly head, patients and family members think it can be beaten again. From there, that deceptive hope deepens until reality is obscured.
Cancer is a killer and its deception is the agony it brings.
Last February my father died of cancer, age 56. His wife was deceived. I wasn't.
About a year prior, my wife's aunt died of cancer. Her siblings and friends were deceived. I was too.
Around 5 years ago, my father's mother died of cancer. She deceived me by not telling me until it was terminal. That was my first experience with it.
Cancer is an evil beast.
If you're reading this at www.djesigns.com, then the server hosting this domain is currently crunching for DSLR's Team Discovery.
8.15.05
Devon is on a roll this month
Let's see, last Thursday Devon decides his first words were going to be "mamamamamama". Today, his first tooth started coming in.
I guess all those slobber filled ties and slimed hands weren't in vain after all.
8.12.05
Mamamamamama
Thanks, Devon :(
Oh well, two out of three kids isn't a bad record. Maybe I can be first in him using "dada" in a sentence.
7.30.05
Digging yourself into a Customer Service hole
It's bad when an entire industry can be categorized as "terrible". You name it; cable, telephone, even fast food all have the reputation of expecting the worse results from customer service representatives.
Fortunately, poor customer service doesn't completely translate into poor total service. Often, the only time you call into customer service is when there is a problem that needs attention. By that time, though, the last thing you would want to deal with is the run around of non-helpful, timer watching script readers. Now, here is where the real problem starts...the run around.
What starts the run around? From my personal experience, it's one of two things: 1) the rep's total unwillingness to help, or 2) bad information given by the rep.
Example 1) I had an occasion where I had to call into Charter for an install that was going to be missed. Foreseeing this, I called in and asked for a status. The rep essentially stated to me when I asked for a supervisor , "the only information available is what I see in front of me and the supervisor can't tell you anything different." Wha?!?!
After calmly thanking him for his "help", I hung up and went on to:
- call #2 (2:15 pm - sincerely nice older lady who worked like she had a hand chopped off, but took my info so a supervisor could call me...make a mental note of that)
- call #3 (rep who put me on hold so long I dropped back into the queue)
- and call #4 (at 4:50 pm of a 5 pm install deadline) who actually got the install set up for the following day and credit for the missed install. All the while still waiting for this supervisor to call back.
This 2 and a half hour of wasted time could have been resolved if the first I spoke to had any type of work ethic.
Example 2) With my recent cell phone issues, I decided to suck it up and get a new handset (still having a bit of call drops after all). One of the calls into Sprint lead to a rep telling me I had a $150 instant credit on my line. Well, taking that info to the Sprint Store, it was clarified to me that it was only a $75 credit for now. When I left the store, I called Sprint to verify this information (which turns out to be true).
At worse, I wasted a bit of gas I rather not have and I'm still stuck with this current model for the time being. But, something else came from that phone call. Maybe it was just the way the CSR presented the information to me, but they had everytime I called into them about every issue I've had. Yeah, I know that type of data can be useful in solving service problems, but if everytime you call in about an issue (even 3 repeat calls due to unhelpful CSR's) they have it sitting right there in front of them.
So, going back to the thought that most calls are a result of some aspect of your service not working, 75% of these reps (assuming it takes 4 calls for a resolution) are potentionally looking at you in the worse light. Keep in mind, you don't know what personal remarks they leave about you when your patience is stretched to its limit...and it reflects in your voice.
What are your options? Never call? That's not realistic. Change providers? That's not always possible. Try your best to remain calm? You're not the one in charge of what record about you is left. It's almost like a being in a real life Seinfeld episode.
7.19.05
So my wife has jury duty...
And I'm at home playing "Mr. Mom". She's a homemaker (that's not a term you hear a lot of anymore) and I'm the workaholic. There have been times in the past where the roles were sort of reversed, but they have always gravitated back to this typical position.
I love being home with the kids. It's nice to see how they interact with each other, but this is hard work...especially when the 5 month old develops some chest congestion with a mild ear infection.
Between keeping the house straightened, holding the little one, preparing meals...my goodness. I have renewed my appreciation for my wife's day.
4.21.05
Nadia's murder solved
It's bittersweet to hear that the murder of Nadia Whitmore has been solved.
Wendell D. Adams, of Overland, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Nadia Whitmore, of St. Louis County.
I can only hope this can begin to ease this loss for her family and friends.
EDIT - Seems the comment below describing the jail house beating is true. Two Corrections Officer Suspended For Alleged Assault
3.28.05
Weddings are so wonderful
In about 3 weeks, one of my best friends will be tying the knot. I'm excited for him, not only because the wife to be is a great person, but also because both of them seem to realize the investment marriage takes to be successful.
So far, things seem to be progressing well. The arrangements are all made and shower gifts have been steadily rolling in. They've even closed on their house recently. So, what could I do to make this happy time even more memoriable?
To round out their bliss, I plan of doing my impromptu solo of "Endless Love" at the reception. Oh, and to grace their home with the thing I do best...I give Formans
3.17.05
3 sick kids and a limping dog
Well, this has been a fun week so far. Three out of three children caught what is going around. That adds up to:
1 early pick up from school
1 change of bed sheets, due to stomach virus
- and -
1 infant that clung to his mother
On top of this fun, I go to let the dog out this morning, and he's only using 3 legs. His rear hind leg is bothering him. I gently examined him and he didn't flinch, so I don't think anything is broken. Makes me wonder if his hip is starting to give. Hopefully it will clear up in a few days.
Update - Well, the limping dog is walking fine now. Hopefull the 2 kids will heal up just as quick.
2.2.05
Life with a newborn
Today has officially marked Devon's first week of life. So, what has transpired in this wee bit of time?
1) Helping the kids to adjust to their new sibling. Letting them to take an active roll in Devon's life has really helped them to adapt.
2) Getting use to the smell of poopy diapers. We have a Diaper Genie, but haven't started using it yet. Not sure why.
3) Teaching the dog that baby != toy. Teaching the dog that when baby whines, we hear him too, no need to start whining yourself.
4) Most importantly, life is precious and these days go by quick. Really take the time to appreciate the "baby days."
1.26.05
Welcome Devon Jayden Hill
So, the boy decides to come just hours after we left for the night. In what would seem to be the quickest progression from mild dialation to birth...
12:43 am - 7cm dialated, fully effaced.
12:44 am - 10cm dialated, head crowning
12:47 am - Devon is born
9lbs 1oz and 22 inches
Mother and siblings are all doing fine. Dad is breathing a sigh of relief!
1.25.05
The boy won't budge
Induced at 10:30 am...
Currently, ~5cm dialated and slightly effaced. Hopes of this boy being born today are slim. Looks like another early morning of waiting at the hospital.
Nadia, Christine, and Devon
I was hoping that the birth of Devon would be the most memoriable event to get the year started. Today (since it's after midnight), we are going to have labor induced. Everything looks to be in order, and family has already planned to be by Michele's bed side.
Unfortunately, my attention was split due to some awful news. Nadia Whitmore, a former HS classmate who I dated my junior year, was found murdered last night. Other than catching her face on tv this evening, I haven't seen her in about 10 years. Needless to say, it was quite the shock. My deepest sympathy goes to her family, as well as everyone else who will be touched by her loss.
Memorial Information
Nadia's wake will be Friday the 28th at Grandberry Funeral Home, 8806 Jennings Station Road, from 5pm to 8pm
Her funeral will be held at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5500 Dr. Martin Luther King, Saturday the 29th. This will start at 11am.
Following her news story was another one of yet another HS classmate, Christine Smetzer. Christine, I didn't know personally. I couldn't have even pointed her out in the hall. She was raped and killed 10 years ago at school during class hours. Her death literally changed the way suburban school safety was viewed. Police monitoring and photo ID tags became the standard after her death.
Back then, I viewed "forcing me to wear a photo ID" as criminal. That was 10 years ago though. Today, while anticipating the birth of my third child, I pray that I never have to question why more couldn't have been done...sooner.
1.3.05
T minus 22 days
Well, Devon is almost here. He is due on the 25th, but Michele is giving all the signs of an earlier delivery.
It's really starting to hit me that we're about to have another child. I'm looking at my first two kids; their energy, questions, discipline. We are about to be right at square one again.
At the same time, it's exciting. Since we had gotten rid of everything baby related during the last clean up, we were fortunate enough to have a baby shower for Devon. I even spent this past weekend refinishing my old baby dresser that was tucked away in my mother's basement.
Aside from the "nesting period" cleaning that will be going on over the next few weeks, everything looks to be fairly on track.
11.22.04
Me, like the Beatles?
Music today is at an all time low. No, I don't just mean lyric content-wise. Rather, lyric non-content. I swear, if I hear one more song that has 10 words of "creativity" and 4 minutes of chorus I'm going to slap people.
It wasn't until last night (while listening to a Beatles marathon) that I really appreciated how past artists never crossed the golden rule, Never Make a Song Over 3 Minutes. In under 3 min, people would have enough entertaining lyrics to keep the tune in your head and enough chorus to glue it together.
I swear, I heard like 8 or 9 songs in 10 minutes. Each one had my attention and none were repetitive.
The Spinners and Jackie Wilson really held to this rule. Jackie so much, I challenge someone to find a song of his that lasts 2:30.
So, yes I do like the Beatles if only for the fact they haven't done Ashanti's Foolish to me.
11.12.04
Who didn't hug this child enough?
Police use stun gun on 6-year-old boy
Principal Maria Mason called 911 after the child broke a picture frame in her office and waved a piece of glass, holding a security guard back.
It's sad how many people still ignore the condition of the world we live in.
10.20.04
So, Chryslers are easy to find!
Looks like the police found my mother's van this morning. We haven't seen it yet, but it is supposed to be in fine condition, though the battery was dead. Idiots used a screw driver to start the ignition, and some papers and literature was missing. Other than that, we are very fortunate.
One thing the officer suggested was getting The Club. The thought of one more obstacle is usually enough to deter typical "joy riding" thiefs.
9.21.04
The Y chromosome wins again
The family squeezed into the examination room last night to watch the ultrasound being done. First, the top of the head was seen. Next, the little bones of two arms were seen...seen trying to push the probe off of my wife's stomach...literally.
Lastly, the legs came into view. All three of them. Definately not a girl! Now it's time to make serious preparations for Devon Jaden's Feburary enterance into the world.
8.8.04
Training wheels off
Kids are amazing. I (currently) have a six year old daughter and a four year old son. Both have bikes and both desire to ride them without training wheels. My son, who is considered by all to be a clone of me, learned to ride his bike all by himself. I simply gave him suggestions and congradulated him for doing well. His determination was to RIDE the bike and he worked hard to do it.
My daughter, though, is a different story all together. Her goal is to do what other people do. When she's on her bike, she is expects it all to work without any effort. The bike is standing stone still and up flies her feet on the pedals. She isn't going any where but down, then gets frustrated because "something isn't working."
My son sat on his bike and walked it around until he got his balance. When he did, he gradually added his feet to the mix. Well, seeing how this worked, I suggested this same advise to little miss...and away she emotionally went in seeing that this may take a little time to learn.
She's not learning how to drive in my car. Promise.
7.13.04
Password privacy
I'm having a discussion in the DSL Report SBC forum about why a CRS should never ask for a password. I (DaSneaky1D) think I've made my point obvious enough, that the perception of privacy is lost when people are asked to offer their password. Of course a few members are making objections, essentially saying it's nothing to worry about because it's just to get the customer up and going.
One would think that a company would be more cautious with their public image in this day and age and not make someone feel like their privacy is worthless.
7.9.04
No more traveling for me!
I've been wanting to update this blog with this update for a few days now, but couldn't. Reason? I had to give my current employer my two week notice first.
Yes, that's right. After a little more than a year, I am moving on again. I can't be more happy either. I finally have a job that won't take me out of town anymore. I also have a job where actually doing the job doesn't piss everyone off.
6.24.04
Feburary 4, 2005 (tentatively)
Well, the expected due date is, of course, in Feburary. So far all is well, though mornining sickness is doing its dirty work to my wife. Hopefully this will only last the first trimester. Well, that is what she is looking forward to.
Me, I'm looking forward to getting another little girl (healthly, of course). We all have goals and hopes I guess.
6.9.04
Ways to tell you're getting old
The aches and pains begin. I've had a jacked up left knee for a while now. Back when I was younger (around 13 or so), I use to skateboard. It goes without saying injuries occured. As I got older, I started dancing more. The injuries I sustained while skating where just intensified by dancing.
I'm grown now. I still dance at social occasions, but I mainly sit at a desk. This is making my left knee almost unbearable. Anytime I move, it feels like someone is banging a metal pipe right under my knee cap. At first I thought that maybe it was due to the weather, but I feel this pain year round.
The worse part....this pain will only increase. Man I hope this doesn't lead to needing surgery.
6.3.04
What is it about May?
Ever since 1997, I've come to have a fear of May's. Sure the weather is nice, birds are chirping, and grass is green...but May is 9 months away from the following Feburary. In 1998, that was when my daughter was born.
Well in 1999, May came around again. Nice weather, chirping birds...the whole nine yards. And as sure as the grass was green, Feburary 2000 delivered its share of cold and kid, via the birth of my son.
Now things have happily and childlessly progressed all the way up to May 2004. Warm weather, chirping birds and green grass. Feburary 2005, we are once again in expectation of a little bundle of joy.
I promise, one day I'm going to find out how this keeps happening. Or, start spending May by myself.
5.26.04
Shrek 2 is the best movie I've NEVER seen!
How can I make such a decisive claim? Easy. My wife and kids are talking about it non-stop. I don't mean idle talking about one or two stand out parts, but detailed descriptions of subtle side jokes and things I'd like to find out for myself.
Will I still see it? Sure, but it will likely be when it hits DVD. At least I can be thankful that I'm the one that's into Star Wars.
5.15.04
Digital cable has changed my life!
OK, Charter is good. Darn good. Ever since my post about upgrading to digital cable, I've taken thorough advantage of the "free-everything" promotion they were offering. Now, the original plan was to just enjoy the movie channels and video on demand service until the promotion's end in June. But video on demand is nice, very nice. I can watch Head of State anytime I want. Sure, I could get Head of State on DVD, but vod requires even less effort and picture quality is just as clear. Win-win situation in my book!
3.18.04
Last man standing
Charter punked me. They backed me into the corner and I caved. They finally forced me into justifying the cost of getting digital cable.
Call me a cheap skate, but I didn't see the benefit of paying $5 extra dollars a month just for tv....though I found it initially hard to justify paying to have tv piped into my house, too. But, after the latest round of expanded basic increases to $47.99, it made a little sense to cough up two more bucks for digital at $49.99. And I have to say that it's completely worth it if just for the clarity.
The funny thing is, we were literally only a handful of residents in St. Louis who were capable of getting digital service, but didn't subscribe. I guess my days of stonewalling the corporate giant are gone...unless I let my new challange be a staunch opposition against HDTV!
NO MORE MONEY FROM ME BIG C!!!!!
7.25.03
OK, I got the hint!
So I'm standing in the express lane at the local super market with 2 frozen pizza's and 2 bags of hot fries trying to check out. There are 3 people in front of me...2 men and a woman currently at the register who obviously thinks "20 items or less" means "19 different items and 20 cans of various Vess soda flavors". On top of that, her purchaces are misrung by the cashier.
Well, on seeing that, I decide to mosey on over to the next "express lane" which appeared to be going faster. Mistake #2 (first one by assuming express meant fast). I'm behind 2 people now. First guy goes quick enough...now it's down to me and the man in front of me cruising in the market provided rascal.
With six cans of soup, identical cans I might add, I figure this wouldn't take too long either. Well it didn't until he had to pay with his debit card. After watching him ferociously swipe his card in hopes of getting it to scan, and coming to appreciate why his black magnetic is no longer there, the cashier offers to type it in herself. While she works her charm on the keypad, I glance over to my previous line and see two patrons who were behind me already heading to the door. Ugh. Anyways, after twenty seconds, it's a done deal and it's my turn.
Now, I'm ready. I only have four things and CASH!!! I ring up with a total of $10.22 and I hand her a $20. She takes it, realizes she doesn't have enough to change it, and walks over to the customer service counter. It was at this point that it became painfully obvious that I was outwitted by irony itself.
Frustration: 1
Hope for making it home in a timely manor: 0
7.21.03
Drug abuse and help
A visitor submitted a link to bluelight.nu with the description "Just the facts, no propoganda". Well, like I always do, I checked out the site to make sure there wasn't anything questionable about it. Well, there wasn't really. It really was about drug education...though it seemed to have an overtone of (especially within the forums) "as long as it's done in moderation, it will be ok."
I really couldn't agree with that, but I did find some of the information possibly beneficial for those looking for help. Along with putting the link up here, I'm also adding a scriptural view for drug addiction recovery.
6.24.03
Shimmer of hope!
Well after a nice spiritual weekend and a day off to recover from it, a ray of hope as reared its head.
First, the oil leak situation on our second car. Since the repair center the car was towed to said it looked like something hit the oil pan and destroyed it, a friend suggested we file an insurance claim to get the damages repaired. So, there may be a chance to have a second car again without it breaking the bank.
Secondly, there may be some hope for a decently running Catera. Though the mulitple rants (here, here, and here) I've posted about this car, I decided to take it in to another local Caddy dealer for their opinion. Seems that these geniuses decided to look at the engine's thermostat as the root of the issue. Makes sense, but (of course) it going out had nothing to do with the previous repairs.
Since they wanted over $400 to repair it to see if that corrects the problem, I decided to fore go that expense and replace it myself. Maybe I'll let that be this weekend's adventure.
6.19.03
This system of things (ugh)
The point of weblogs is to share with the (interested) world a glimps on one's life. Well, I'm using this post as a point I can reflect back on once time enough and these trials pass.
So far this week: my mother gets laid off after 22 years of working for the same company - and 3 years away from retirement, the engine in our second car "springs" a massive oil leak that caused the need for a new engine...not for an 11 year old car though, and something that I can't seem to remember happened also. Well, that made me mad too! It's not really all that bad and I know why these trials happen, but the setbacks are really annoying.
But, there is no gloom without sunshine to appreciate. This past Monday, my wife and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary! Also, I'm looking forward to spending 3 spiritually filled days at our District Convention.
Gotta keep looking at the positives so the negatives in life won't break you down.
5.20.03
Typically this would be posted under "Rants"...
I once again find myself sitting at the Cadillac dealer for Catera issues. Actually, it's the same issue I've been faced with over the past 3 months. Ever since they replaced my oil cooler because of a coolant leak (yeah, I'm still questioning that one) my oil light has been coming on. But, I've mentioned that in this previous post. Well, while I would be glad if they would fix the problem, my main objective where now is just to build up a paper history of them seeing the problem ever since the initial "repair" to take back to GM.
Will it do any good? Who knows. I really don't have too much of another recourse. This model of car had been documented as being extremely problematic. I can't afford to get a new car right now. I can't come in here threatning everyone until I get my way either. Looks like I've found myself exercising my only other alternative.
Oh well. At least I've learned from my past visits here to bring some entertainment. I got in some good movie watching with The Transporter and Brown Sugar.
5.19.03
Cool educational tool
My sister-n-law bought my son one of those Leapfrog learning books the other day. I can't believe how incredible those things are! While I typically try to understand how something works, I am totally captivated by the sheer "mystery" of these books.
I was sitting down with him, watching him play on it and being in awe as I see this 3 year old grasp new concepts with total ease. Gotta tell ya, these times are what truly makes parenting memoriable!
5.13.03
But, who is he?
For the longest time, I've keep certain aspects of my personal life off of this site. I really don't have an exact reason for doing so. Maybe it was to keep people in my life anonymous from the Web. Only thing, in doing so, I've hidden some of the best times I've had the pleasure of experiencing.
The some of the biggest things have been marriage and parenthood. I mean, here I am 25 years old and going into my 4th year of marital bliss, raising a 5 year old daughter about to start Kindergarden and a 3 year old son that is a clone of myself.
There is no way I can exclude them from my life's adventures I post here. While I won't mention names, the times and trials I will begin to add here will give me an opportunity to step back and appreciate my life, as well as offer some good ole entertainment for visitors.
It's my turn to look at myself from a 22,000 foot view.
5.10.03
Ugly Weather
Man, the weather here in the Midwest has been terrible. Aside from the tornados and hail storms that hit Oklahoma and southern Missouri, St. Louis barely missed two of them just north of the metro area.
I woke up this morning to my dog howling at the sirens going off in North County. Then the rain came, and it was a lot! Just now while writing this, the sun is starting to peak out from behind the clouds. Maybe this is the end of this round of destruction.
5.7.03
Time for a Break
Sometimes life can get busy on you without your even knowing it. Between work, family, and just living getting around to updating this thing has taken a serious backseat. So far, the whole job thing has been working out. I've placed myself as the company's webmaster... if such a title still exists. For the last week, I have been transfering the old site content to a new layout. I have to admit, it's more of a chore than I thought. I feel it is looking alright, but the hind-sight personal opinions are starting cloud my excitement of working on it.
And of course, the good ole Catera isn't making my pockets and fatter or emotions any brighter. Since my last ranting update about that stupid car, it's spent a good 10 days at the dealer. The oil presure was dropping drastically when the engine temp would rise to the over heating point. They "fixed" the issue by finding a mis-aligned oil gasket and sent her on its way.
Well, a tow-truck trip later, it's back in the shop awaying another nickle 'n diming excuse as to the "issue". I actually tried to let it catch on fire by having it sit running with the air conditioner running for around 20 minutes. That was kinda to prove Moore Cadillac's service manager Roy Queen a lie...since he believes the oil needle dropping into the 0 Oil Pressure region is normal operation for these Catera's.
Somehow, I really think that was a tongue in cheek comment.
4.16.03
From the "It sucks to be you" file
I was skimming over articles at CNN.com and found a front page news story about Rodney King. Now, aside from his 1991 beat down from the L.A.P.D., you would think that this fool would try to keep his nose clean to avoid any further attention. NOOOOO. Not Rodney.
It turns out that you can't give an idiot nearly 4 million dollars and expect him to keep a low profile. Not only has he been arrested for numerous other crimes over the past 13 years, but he just hospitalized for driving his 2003 Exedition at 100 miles per hour and crashing into someone's house because, you guessed it, he was running from the cops. Idiot.
3.19.03
Old technology meets new impatience
That's pretty much what I encountered yesterday while working in the Monroe, Illinois court house. Trying to back up 15 gigs of data by burning it to a DVD RAM shouldn't be too much of an issue...
...until you realize that it is doing so at about 1x. So, let's play with some numbers now:
5 gig/machine
3 machines
2.2 gigs/side/DVD
2 hours/side
...plus...
3 hours/DVD for formatting before I could write to it!
Welcome to my day today of sitting and waiting, and waiting, waiting...And more waiting tomorrow. Oh, and I almost forgot the very predictable BSOD every time I had to flip or switch the DVD in between burnings. FUN!
2.14.03
Finally got it!
Well, at long last I recieved my Dell. I actually had it for a couple of days, but didn't have a chance to use it. It's a pretty sweet book! Took a bit of time to get it configured the way I'm use to seeing Windows, but I think I have it.
I'll take a couple of pics of it when I get a chance.
2.5.03
Out of town
Looks like this job is taking me out of town for the first time today. Apparently we are going to Rock Island, IL till Friday to do some work and a site survey. While I hate the short notice I was given (while actually at work), I at least got a feel of how I would need to prepair the next time something like this comes up.
Suck thing is that I still don't have my laptop so I will be left to watching TV and munching on pizza for dinner tonight.
1.29.03
I took the bait
The update I wrote yesterday was before my actual "training" started. By the end of the day, I came to the conclusion that I really did need a laptop for this work. I had no idea how much MS network, work I would be doing to get these things running and fixed. Plus, it would be nice to have a communication/entertainment medium available with me when I'm out of town.
I when and ordered a Dell Inspiron 8200. Pretty nice specs too. I configured it with a P4 1.9Ghz processor, 384megs of RAM, 30gig HD, XP Pro, Radeon 9000 64meg video, and a DVD player. We'll see how things end up coming to me after it arrives.
1.28.03
A new job
Just started working for this new company yesterday...won't mention the name so Google won't associate my domain with it. It's an IT position that looks to take me out of town a bit more than what I thought it would. The nice part is that I will have a chance to visit larger cities I typically wounldn't. The down side is that I will also visit small towns I typically wouldn't too. No biggie. That will be my motivation to get home quicker.
Another aspect of this company I like, they pay for everything. I've worked for companies that footed the expense for their employees, so that is nothing new. But, this place really takes care of you. Shirts, phones, calling cards, travel, vehicles...it's all company paid. That's a welcome change from the last position I worked where everything was reimbursed.
It also looks like I will be "forced" ;-) to buy a laptop for this position. OK, maybe not forced, but for the equipment we are installing, there is software that is used to adjust it after it is installed and other notebook owners may not be around. And...there is the convience of having a computer with me out on the road to keep in contact with family and friends...as well as having the Watchtower Library available for studying out of town.
All in all, this will definately be an experience.
1.11.03
Just sitting here bored
Thought I'd add a little something. I was reading an article on Wired about an advertising company that allowed bad coding of a link expose a database of their customer's sensitive content. The thing that intrigued me the most was how often this could happen.
Seems as if this agency was too cheap to either co-lo their own server(s) or too cheap to co-lo at least one database server and connect it to its public hosted site. Who knows. Though I haven't made any sites for people that need to keep sensitive infomation secure, it at least puts a reminder in my mind not to be too cheap or lax when it comes to security.
11.1.02
New experience
I went up to the Library today to do some studying and decided to use their computer section for the first time. Not too bad in there, not worthy of a post just to talk about it either.
I actually wanted to post about this episode of the A-Team I just seen. Kinda makes you wonder which is more gay: Boy George, or an audience of cowboys all screaming for him and the Culture Club to come out and perform for them. Makes you wonder what the 80's did for society.
[edit] When I actually got down to doing some studying after I posted the above, I came to realize that the library is not the same place it use to be. Maybe it is the one I went to. Maybe it's just the time that we live in, but one thing is certain...it was the LOUDEST place I have ever been for peace and quiet!
10.31.02
New use for Yahoo!
Like most people, I have a "spam" account set up with a web mail provider. While I never used my Yahoo account for anything other than "provide your email address" type fields, I remembered that you can check other POP3 mail accounts through it. Since I run this website and mail server over my DSL connection, and the server I use doesn't offer web mail access, I found Yahoo's feature pretty nifty when needing to check mail while on the go.
10.17.02
Makes you wonder...
I read several other people's weblogs and a lot of them seem to refer to The Homeless Guy's blog. One of his enteries offers an interesting explaination on why homeless just can't "GET A JOB!"
9.29.02
oops!
I realized after my last post that you would have no idea what time it was when I wrote it. So...I added the time function on my posts, hehe.
BTW, it was around 2 am that night ;-)
What am I still doing up?
It's like crack. I can't seem to stay away from it! I use to be a stone cold Tribes addict. I mean, almost needing a daily dose of it. Stopped playing for a long time, after I started playing Jedi Outcast. Well, while cruising through my programs menu, I decided to have a go at it again. Darn it, it has me!
...backs away slowly, "put the mouse down!"
9.24.02
Nothing beats a Foreman!
Tonight brings another meal via the George Foreman. I decided to buy one about 3 weeks ago after realizing that I have never heard one bad thing about them. To test the waters, I only got the small one for like 17 bucks at K-mart. So far, I have no reason to complain. Matter of fact, I find that they are nice house warming gifts!
9.22.02
And I think to myself...
Have you ever put off something so long that your suprised that it was finally able to complete it? I have. I've been working on painting the homestead for almost five months. Not that it was actually that much work. I think that the initial enthusiasm quickly wore off when the first part was finished.
It's not actually, completely finished, but the big brunt of the job is past. Now I just have to get over the steps...(mumbles something about another 5 months)
8.22.02
Half the dog
Well, it's done. My dog has become half the dog he use to be. So far, he seems to be alright. I mean, at least his tail is still wagging and such. I will get some "before and after" pics up when I get them developed. Yeah, I know...sick. All in the interest of education ;-)
8.21.02
Being kind to Sparky?
Just felt like making a post today. Tomorrow, my dog Sparky is going to get neutered. I almost feel sorry for him, but the general consesus believes it will be for his own good. I can't imagine how.