|
Thursday, October 31, 2002
post://85625653/
Halloween:: Trick/Treat?
Funny... aren't I supposed to have something to go to tonight? I got all dressed up for work. I am a spontanious hunch-back. I didn't really have any masks or anything, I just seem to have lost them in my travels. Walgreens had a few choice items that I picked up along with some food for the office party. I got a really cool voice changing talking skull -- it's cool.
A couple people got pictures of my Halloween get-up, so I'll post 'em when I get 'em.
I've eaten so much candy, cupcakes, and caffeine in true Halloween style.
...mischief? mahem? drinking? lurking? -- it certainly is possible, but I think I might just pull back and focus a little this evening. Everything is going fast -- I measure this by the shape of my room, surfaces piled high with papers, various doo-dads, clothes scattered about, bed un-made... I feel so much better when it's all in place, but it's a major task just to start. I hope I can improve on that, as well as "tomorrow" (the spelling, in fact -- I just spelt it tomarrow without even thinking, then corrected it) and being able to sit in one place without an additional aide. Why the introspect? I think Halloween reminds me of being young... then I think where I've come from there. Never thought I'd be 21, at work with a hunch on my back all hopped up on sugar and caffeine... typing my thoughts, put up on my own personal portal on an imaginary world filled with real people. huh.
posted @ 18:08
-x-
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
post://85616770/
There's not much goin on as of late. Me and Phil have been working on the network at the house, getting the PII 400 up and running as the internet server. Having my computer be the router just didn't work well, I would get priority over anyone else so it was already a fractional stream going to everyone else. At least this way it's equal.
Spaceghost action figures!
posted @ 17:31
-x-
Monday, October 28, 2002
post://85612867/
A few interesting Stupid Crooks.
XBox is for the drinkers!
Hopefully my review will appear by tomorrow morning...
posted @ 18:06
-x-
Sunday, October 27, 2002
post://85608436/
Well, Phil says I'm on a virus kick. I just know that viruses have destroyed a good amount of data over the years. It's better to be safe then looking for your data again. I think everything's clean now. I found someone to buy my old Laptop, so I picked up another Satellite - 5205-S503. A major upgrade other then the RCA video output. I have to see how it looks to judge for certain. It should be good enough, everything else is great - digital audio out, 16 inch screen, GeForce 4, 40GB HD, P4 2.0ghz, 512mb DDR Ram, DVD-CDRW.
My weekend was productive, I got my winter car all inspected... I've been driving that around lately, just making sure it's solid enough for winter. It's fun too, being a manual and all... It's a 1.2 liter 4 cyl, some ridiculous size like that, but it's light, so it hauls pretty good. I just wish the tires were wider then 4 inches :]~
Not much else going on, saw my friend Stefan's band play at the local VFW, free beer and good music. It's a jam band of sorts, they really get into it, a lot of pink floyd-like stuff... it was fun. I had to jet a tad early, but saw most of it. I'll post the link up on the music page / rock when I get it. I need to get myself a camera and my electronics armada will be nearly complete .:insert maniacal laughter here:.
posted @ 15:43
-x-
Thursday, October 24, 2002
post://85599179/
There's some Trojan Horse on my house mate's computer. It's the same one I had, I'm sure. It goes right to the c:\system volume information\ which is unable to be modified, viewed, or deleted. I'm not sure if I can go in with a DOS disk, but that's the next step. .:sigh:.
So with his computer disconnected from the network, I grabbed his ethernet wire and gave XBox Live a shot with the satellite. It worked well, not superb with no issues, but quite well enough -- I was disconnected once or twice due to network issues, ran a couple games that cited network conditions... but all in all I was happy.
[ Quotes from Clothes Hanger Trial ]
MotoGP has got to be the best of the bunch of beta games at this point, with Wacked! following, then Re-Volt, and NFL Fever 2003. The headset is cool when you're playing, you can talk to anyone else that's playing -- though I got laughed at when I had it on. I really care if it looks silly -- "I'm connected". =]
[ Behave Yourself ]
It's my Friday, another day... another weekend starting. I have plans for this evening, with the usual individual. I'm making tacos! Other then that... no real set plans. ^-^
posted @ 16:42
-x-
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
post://85591075/
.: tubleweed :.
........** whooooosh ** ...........:.:.:... :.
...k, so the barren landscape might be considered good? It's calm, no catastrophe's... no one crashing into fences.
I've had internet at home, and it's nice -- downloading music, getting news, streaming video. I also fall back into the rut of not cooking and not needing to leave the house or do much of anything.
My laptop contracted a virus? It might have been the result of too much tweaking... I saw a suspicious "rundll.exe blahblah.dll, gorunmecq.cvd" (but it's there again after a fresh install so it might not have really been a virus) I had a few trojan horses show up, cited by Norton. When I started up, the system would just be bogged down... I couldn't move the mouse more then an inch every 3 seconds. It was a pain, I got to taskman and there were 6 rundll.exe and 6 svchost.exe listings, a couple taking upwards of 10-20megs each, and eating my entire CPU (90-98%). I did an end task on the process and got functionality back, but there wasn't anything in the registry that looked recognizable and it appeared that the files that were running were legit windows files. After a defrag, update of virus definitions... still no good. The files in question had to do with the indexing service for XP, one of the only areas that Norton doesn't scan by default -- coincidence? I didn't know, I didn't want to take any chances, I backed up my MP3s and kissed my factory install of XP bye bye. I restored of the disk and am presently still cleaning up the mess and getting the system back to normal. It was certainly a pain, hope I don't run into anything like that again -- because if it was a virus, it never showed it's face... I never got a name... and it was certainly quite a mofo.
The blast in Bali is linked to Al Queen-ah, sniper's still at it...
I had some links I've been accumulating, but haven't been able to take 5 minutes to post them.
Lego Deth!
Where'd the Royal Swans Go?
WWJBHB?
What's got into that cat?
That pong pong pong pong pong...
apple.com/switch
[personal story to follow tomorrow]
posted @ 18:26
-x-
Saturday, October 19, 2002
post://85580404/
I wonder if anything happened this week. I'm thinking back as I realize there's been nothing added since the 14th. No... really nothing of much consequence. We went out for another night on the town on Thursday, dinner and some pool, then video games and movies at home. I had a good time but there's always something that happens that creates complications, such as: not remembering that you have a Hoku CD, and then betting a shot of 100 proof SoCo that you don't. If I was teetering before, that sent me to the bottom of the well. I'm sure I haven't heard the last of it...
I waited around all day Friday for my satellite install, to be notified by phone that I was all set for Saturday. I specifically remember speaking to the rep who called me last Thursday, scheduling for this Friday... but I gotta hand it to her for calling me back when I was in a bad cell service area -- she wanted to make sure to confirm the appointment time. A lot of good that did me, because I still hung around all day Friday not doing much. My favorite quote from a customer:: "...but I haven't even taken a shower today!". I can now see how that would happen.
The satellite internet installer guy did come today... one complication:: the system it's connected to needs to have a dial up modem. "Well, I don't have that, but I am connected via network to the dial up machine in the other room, it's shared via ICS -- that work?" Inquisitive looks all around (later called tech support and got the phone equivalent) - "No, it needs a dial up modem." I hooked up my housemate's machine in the interim, figuring we'd just get it set up and worry about the computer later. It's a bit harder then that. The modem is hooked up via USB, so any sharing has to be done via Ethernet card. No problem, network's already set up. The USB means that it needs software, software that is very picky, needs to communicate with the "registration servers" before it's able to "give internet". Everything was 100% on my housemate's computer -- which means it was time to break it. I had to put it on my computer so I installed the software, plugged in the modem and ran the tests that he did on install. The receive test was fine - signal OK. The send test was where I ran into problems. After a few installs/uninstalls I resorted to tech support again. The first time didn't count other then the 50 minutes I was waiting for the inept tech rep that I reached. He contacted their NOC, ran the test from their end and it went through fine. When I was attempting it from this end it was coming up bunk. He did a manual "OK" on the transmit test, and that was that -- I'm online, and it's faster then I ever thought it'd be. The upload is supposedly piddley, and it adds about 100ms extra to a ping, but overall I'm impressed.
http://www.direcway.com
posted @ 17:22
-x-
Monday, October 14, 2002
post://85561179/
I had a nice quiet evening last night - it was all rainy and cold so we curled up on the couch and watched Swimming With Sharks (Kevin Spacey), Sopranos, and caught the end of Comedy Central's movie: Porn 'n Chicken. Swimming With Sharks was rather... extreme, but it sure got the point across. I was watching Sopranos with someone who'd never seen it before so I imagine it was kind of hard to follow... I'm still somewhat lost and I've been watching since this season's premier. Porn 'n Chicken was just amusing, a decent movie overall - Comedy Central surprised me. I'm sure you'll be able to catch it on it's many "encore" showings.
I think that was the most I've watched TV in a long time, but I didn't want to get up... all snuggly and warm. We were both shooting comments out, nitpicking, observations, and cracks - we kept ourselves amused, especially when it went from porn-like scenes to commercials with innocent little children. =] We're very much on the same level... I've never had someone laugh so much at my dumb little comments and it's nice ^-^
The FBI has released information about Nicola Tesla per the freedom of information act, a lot of the documents are circa 1940s - some in regards to the initial release of the information to the public sector. If you're unfamiliar with Tesla's work, check out this little snippet.
More findings at Machu Picchu.
Never sure what to say to pesky telemarketers?
posted @ 17:01
-x-
Sunday, October 13, 2002
post://85557401/
There's a bunch of stuff about terrorists in Bali, snipers in DC... not a very happy time from the looks of it. There's a gang war escalating in Springfield (Mason Square area) with more and more stabbings, drive-bys, and general shootings. The economy is down, Al Queda supposedly have another attack 'approved' but that's all the information they have. We're about to go to war, and though it will "rally the troops" I don't believe it's what we need to bring the nation out of it's slump. It's kind of a sad time globally, locally... but things are going well for me, personally. I'm not directly connected to any of this, almost hate to turn on the news as of late, and I really haven't - not on purpose anyway.
We've discovered some choice finds regarding ancient roman times and a mummified dinosaur. They've also discovered the largest object since Pluto in our solar system, maybe a new planet.
Also:: Might ruins off coast of Cuba be the remnants of Atlantis?
I am enjoying life at this point, hanging out with friends, housemates... we keep each other occupied and we're all pretty civil. It's nice in general, nothing too pressing... money matters under control - certainly not ideal, but under control. All in all I like the current snapshot of my life. I'll look forward to reflecting back on this time later on, with good memories of friends and experiences.
HP makes a media center computer which I'm sure we'll be seeing more of as people want an all in one machine, or a more powerful TiVo.
What if your laptop was stolen?
[ I spent a lot of time on hold today ]
Here's some interesting news on copyrights and the public domain, what Canadians are doing with their free time, a new 3D Museum, and a new fuel technology.
More fun stuff:
[ kitty flip ][ history of video games ]
[ prime number fun ][ things we used to believe ]
posted @ 14:08
-x-
Wednesday, October 09, 2002
post://85544432/
Yay, the week's over for me. I get tomorrow off for all that overtime I put in. I'd rather have 3 days in a row then the money. My sanity is worth more to me. I'm currently in limbo at work because the one database that we merged everything into... is down for about an hour. =] I suppose that's the downside to having everything in one place. I have plans to go see Red Dragon this evening. I had read the book waaaaay back and it absolutely fascinated me, I hope I can say the same for the movie. I'll update tomorrow on how it was.
I have internet at home, we shared the internet connection throughout the house. I only have aim though because anything more will render everyone else useless (it's only dial up, after all). It's better then nothing and if I need to get on to pay bills, chat, or get an important e-mail -- I can.
I found a really cool site that did most of Star Wars in ASCII format, and it's always good to know a little something about feng shui.
posted @ 16:21
-x-
Monday, October 07, 2002
post://85536000/
I'll put the links up pre-rambling today::
Heard the Official World's Funniest Joke yet?
Flirts... they're only getting worse.
There's been quite a few good ideas and advances in Bluetooth.
Floating around... it just takes more and more caffeine to get me going. I still have yet to catch up sufficiently on my sleep.
I had a pleasant evening last night. I met up with someone after I finally got out of work, grabbed a pizza and went home to relax. We watched movies, video clips... it was nice. I realized why I don't usually "hit it off" with people at first. I'm fumbly, bumbly, and clumsy... I get nervous, not sure why, because it's not like I was worried about anything but it took a while for me to just sit still. I wanted things to be not necessarily perfect, but nice, and kept thinking about what I could do to make things better. Ken's girlfriend calls it "tweaking" usually in reference to electronics (settings, etc) but it applies to many things.
I believe I made a good impression, I haven't gotten her phone number or anything yet... I believe I'm just waiting for her to mention something first, maybe another evening. We have a lot of fun going out, and both tend to bring up things of not much importance, if only to break the silence. Much of the night was spent just chilling, not really saying much of anything... but we didn't need to. I was dead-tired for one, zoning out watching movies was exactly what I was in the mood for.
It's strange, but fortune cookies, horoscopes, compatible signs... they all come together and say the same thing - that it's good, and I agree. I look forward to spending some more time with her, not rushing things, and just enjoying one another's company.
It's funny... I was half zoning out thinking when my phone buzzed. I got my horoscope for the day - "It takes two to tango. Evaluate the pros and cons; make a decision and then act on it." and I did just that.
posted @ 17:20
-x-
Sunday, October 06, 2002
post://85531764/
Wow, talk about irony. I'm in the cable industry, work with people who have missed the techs or have other issues that come up.
I got a voicemail from the satelite installer about 1... I heard *scratch* *crackle* ... my way... *crackle* very important that... call me. There was no number because it was a cellphone and the number was indestinguishable when he asked me to call. Granted... I left someone else at the house. I didn't leave the sign on the door as I intended. I wasn't there, and because of that I didn't really expect it to go smoothly. He did say that he'd give my order to someone else and they'd be contacting me.
...AND I'M STILL AT WORK. .:sigh:.
not everything went as smoothly as we thought, so there was a lot of cleanup. It's still not going to be all finished, but I am -done-
Now to get a little bit more work out of the way...
posted @ 16:09
-x-
Saturday, October 05, 2002
post://85529518/
[ yesterday ]
What a day for nothing to pull through. I ended up volunteering for another long weekend at work. I didn't get the satellite install due to the weather, it probably won't be much better tomorrow - but if it is I'll be all set. I am also missing out on having an evening with Angela because I'm working these hours. As soon as I'm out of here I'm heading to a party. I knew of it quite some time in advance so I'm obligated to go. I want to go, who knows... might run into someone there. I'll still get enough sleep to function tomorrow... I think. =]
[today]
The party ended up being a good time. There were quite a few people there, no one stayed particularly late so we got out of there in a reasonable amount of time. I stayed up and drank with the house mates once I got home, however... so still only got about 3 hours of sleep.
I am now here with about an hour left. We might be able to go home early because we completed almost everything for the day. I'm planning on heading out to Kahunnaville, it's a co-worker's birthday so we're going for some post-work celebration.
I haven't been home, not sure on the satellite install, it was clear today but there's no real guarantee that someone was home when he got there.
I'm tired, but so wired... I've drank enough caffeine to kill a large elephant and I'm still kick-twitch-ki-kickin =]~
posted @ 19:16
-x-
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
post://85516229/
I just realized it's the 1 year aniversary of this site. We've come a long way, baby... :]~
Things are looking good, I cleaned the house a little last night - mopped the kitchen floor, dishes, swept the downstairs... floor feels good now, it hadn't been cleaned since well before we moved in and it certainly needed it. Phil called me "mr mom", I wish I didn't have to be, but no one else seems to feel like cleaning up after themselves. I also helped the landlord put in a phone jack in the living room so we don't have a 100ft cable to step over every time we go in the kitchen. I'm hoping to get the washer in there tonight, finally a washer and dryer of my own. I can't count the wasted hours I've spent at the laundromat.
I learned last night that Angela ended things with her boyfriend that evening. She'll be coming over on Friday to get some help scanning and editing some pictures. I'm pleased, it's nice to have something to look forward to.
As of this weekend I'll finally have internet access at home: satellite internet is being installed on Friday, in the midst of another long weekend working. Fri/Sat/Sun 12 hours a day. I was able to get a day off before and after, this time. I won't earn as much overtime, but my mental well-being is more important then a semi-large check. Last time I worked 11 days in a row and I was so dead by the end of it.
I have tomorrow off, plan on doing more housework, pick up, clean a little... to make the place extra presentable.
posted @ 12:34
-x-
Tuesday, October 01, 2002
post://85512646/
Well I tried out XBox Live for the first time last night. I had gotten the beta kit a while back, but with no broadband access at the house currently, I haven't been able to try it. I went over my friend's house and tried it with his cable modem. The voice interaction is quite good, garbled in places, but overall it was like talking to someone over the phone. It has filters too, so if you're paranoid about someone knowing your real voice, you can change it. The two games available for testing are ReVolt and NFL Fever 2003, both much better when playing against actual opponents.
I got home somewhat late, about 12:30 or so and was surprised to find my house mates up. I felt like going for a spin in the winter beater, as it hasn't gotten much use and I'm still not sure if there's anything wrong with it. The only way to know is to use it, so I pulled up to the front and invited people to go for a ride. Phil joined me and filled me in on the situation::
Our friend was there, Ken noticed he was missing after a bit - went outside to look for his car, gone... he had a bad feeling so he drove a little up the street and sure enough there was his car... smashed into the park fence up the street. He had been drinking quite a bit, and apparently he tried to race someone - he went straight when he should have turned. Luckily he went into the tree behind the fence, rather then the buildings beyond. He ended up being arrested and every time they'd called the police station so far -- they said he hadn't been brought in. Phil wanted to go down to the police station to try and bail him out. He'd been drinking just as much as everyone else, so it was good that I got there when I did.
When I had left the guys were just watching football, drinking shots of vodka and beer. They were already a bit in the bag at that point, and the bottle was completely empty as well as an additional one... so I can imagine how much they'd had over the course of the evening.
We drove down to the police station, inquired at the front desk. He was there, but they needed the clerk there to do all the paperwork and they wouldn't be in until at least 3:30, so it would be 4 or 5 (am) before he could be released. We left - it was 1am. I swung by the scene of the accident on the way back to the house, and man... I can't believe he consciously got behind the wheel. I would like to think it would have gone differently if I was there, but I'm not so sure it would have.
I have had a really good friend die while drinking and speeding, another break his neck going through the windshield on the highway - he was dead, but they brought him back. He was in a brace for a while - but eventually went back to his old ways. I haven't heard from him since, and I can only hope he's still alive... So many people that I know have had their lives effected by people driving under the influence. It's just such a waste, those people are no longer around, no longer making a difference in the world... and he came so close to joining them.
I know you've heard it before, but please don't do it.
posted @ 15:29
-x-
|
|
