Monday, May 30, 2005

BAH! Cars!

The starter on my daughters car is going out. So, I went yesterday and bought a new started. I went out to day to switch them out. After searching for over an hour, I finally found where on the engine that starter was located. In the back, center of the motor! I can't reach it from the top, and I jacked the car up, and I can't get it from the bottom either.

I am not a mechanic, but I can do some work on cars. I've replaces a lot of starters in my time, but not this one. This one is beyond me.

Friday, May 27, 2005

ARGH!

8 1/2 hours of virus/spyware/adware removal!

I'm exhausted.

Though the first 5.5 hours was trying to figure how to get 1 of the viruses off that kept me from installing a virus scanner, opening task manager, or opening regedit. It was difficult figuring out how to get something out of the register without using regedit.

Anyway, I learned something new, and wanted to share.

It is rather simple, but if you try to open regedit, and it wont let you. Rename it. Yep, that was all it took. The virus didn't look at the footprint of the file, it looked at the filename in the process list.

Spyware and Viruses

Spyware and Viruses, I hate them all!

I've been working on my grandparents computer since about 12:30 this afternoon. It is now 5:30, and I've made little progress.

We should kill them all. If they don't have anything better to do than write this crap, they should not live!

*sigh* back to it.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Lost!

Wow.

I really hate season finales

Lost Season Finale is tongiht!

I'm looking forward to this 2 hour finale. I know several people that are looking for answers tonight, but having watched HUNDREDS of season finales, I know this... it will end in a cliff hanger. They always do. I'm not expecting any answers tonight.

That is just too much to hope for.

Solar Sail

Cosmos 1 is the first solar sail space craft to launch, and try out the technology.

The planetary society has a solar sail watch page up.

On this page, it tells you more about watching satalites, Hubble, ISS, etc.

pretty interesting, if you like that kind of stuff.

School ending

Well, today is my boys last day of pre-school (aka 4 year old program). Next year is Kindergarden. They are having his graduation service today which I'm planning on being at. He has grown up so much this year.

Tomorrow is my girls last day of school. She's finishing up her Sophmore year, and will be a Junior. Just 2 more years of High School left.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Ransom-ware

First and fore most, I want to start off my comment by stating that I do not like viruses, adware, etc. The people that do this kind of thing should face stiff penalties if proven it was on purpose.

However, every once and a while, someone comes up with an idea, that is just... well, great!

It has been dubbed ransom-ware.

This article from CNN talks about a new attack where hackers broke into a system, and encrypted files. They later came back an demanded $200 for the key to unlock the files. The artilce goes on to say that the FBI scheme appears isolated. Of course, now that it has been reported on CNN, and who knows who else will read it, will now have the idea, and start doing it.

Sometimes I think the news media is just stupid!

This particular attack ended well for the company. Someone was able to crack the encryption without paying for the code, or losing the files. But what they worry about is everything gets better over time. The viruses from years past are minor compared to the ones we have now. These sick people improve on each others work.

This is just wrong, but I can't help but laugh about it.

Halo 3 vs PS3 launch

This is a nice ploy, though I'm not sure how much it will effect the market.

It appears that Halo 3 will be released at the same time the PS3 is to be launched. The Halo games have looked very nice. And the first Halo game was fun for the few hours I got to play it. I'm not sure how much if any if the Halo 3 release will effect the PS3's sales.

P3 Pricing

While doing some reading today, I found an article talking about the price of the P3. It appears that the P3's launch price may be close to the PS2's launch price.

Still a bit steep for me, but cheaper than I was expecting.

Presentation

Well, the presentation went well. I'll admit I was a bit nervous, especially after I realized last night there were a couple things that I had forgot to put in our document that we had sent to them last week.

Everything went great. Couldn't have asked for a better meeting.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Update and what not.

Yes, I know. You were beginning to think I had disappeared. Well, I haven't, but I haven't had a lot to talk about.

I didn't go see Star Wars again this weekend like I had originally planned. Of course, that plan had included taking my son, which I'm not currently planning on doing. I think I'll wait for the DVD so I can distract him in the couple of scenes I don't think he is ready for.

I didn't do much over the weekend except house work. Did lots of laundry and dishes.

Last Thursday, my wife and I ran out and did some shopping for her dad a fathers day present. We bought him some tomato plants, and picked us up another. These are not the normal plants, but are heirlooms. We planted her dad's in 5 gallon buckets so he can move them around and still get a good harvest from them. My grandfather has been doing this for several years, and except for them drying out faster, it works really well.

Our other plant I got planted last Thursday, and it is not looking good. I'm not sure what happened, transplant shock, too hot or what. I've hoping it comes out of it and continues to grow. Not looking good at the moment.

My garden is a mixed bag. The peas are doing great! The other tomatoes plants look good as well. The cilantro, onions and garlic also look fine. My cucumber plants are doing real well, and I'll have to thin them out soon. Of the watermelon I planted the other day, 5 of them have sprouted. So that give me a total of 6 plants there. My okra has not faired well. Only 4 plants of the 24 seed I planted in 12 holes. I may try to put some new seed out, but I think it is too late.

My wife's family has a family reunion this weekend in independence, KS. We went last year, and it is ok as family reunions go. My family has never gone to too many. Though the immediate family is relatively large, so I tend to see my cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Quite often. My wifes family had family reunions every year! And 2 of them at that. One for each side of her family. That isn't bad, but like I said, I'm not use to them. Like I said, we are having it in independence, KS again this year. They have a very nice park called Riverside Park, It has all kinds of activities. They have a park and a zoo that are both free. They have train rides (25 cents), merry-go-round (5 cents), putt-putt(1 dollar), and a huge playground (free).

unfortunately for me, my cousin that has been in Siapan for the last year is coming home the same weekend. So I'll miss her this weekend, but I'll catch her some time this summer

I have a big day at work tomorrow. We are proposing our design on the project I'm working on to our clients tomorrow. Those meetings can go well, or not. This is a slightly different project since they did not initiate it, we did. It is also very technical in nature. So, not only will it be difficult to explain, but since we came up with the project, and the timeline, we will have to be pretty much dead on. I have a couple hours in the morning to finish getting ready before the meeting. I'll be glad when this is over.

Anyway, that is enough for now.
night

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Star Wars, Episode 3, Revenge of the Sith

What a movie...

what a movie...

Steven went to night as well, and had some comments about the movie.

I promised to tell you what I thought without spoilers. I will keep that promise, but only if you have seen the original star wars (a new hope) movie.

First of all, the showing I went too pulled out all the stops. It was a corperate showing. It was put on by the Tulsa Fan Force and Vintage Stock. I got to the theater about 9:15. There were lots of people dressed up. Most were not Fan Force people I was told. I hung out for a while, and people watched and what not, it was great! By a little after 10, I was in my seat in the theater. (lucky me, didn't have to wait in line). I'm not sure when all the stuff started, but after the people came in, they handed out quizes you could take to win prizes. I thought I was a fan, but I didn't come close. After that we had some cake. They gave out the prizes from the quiz and then had some raffles. We followed that up with the last 5 episodes of the animated series The Clone Wars. When that ended, we had about a 5 minute (closer to 10) intermission, and then the movie started right were the series left off.

Because of all the to-do, we started a bit late.

This movie was great! No two ways about it. I haven't decided where I place it in comparison with the others, but it is definatly in the top 3. Will have to get back to you on that.

Here are the obvious statements:
1. Anakin becomes Darth Vader.
2. Chancelor Palpitine becomes the Emporer.
3. The bad guys win. You may laugh but I've said that twice today, and people were suprised.

This movie is dark. Very dark. It has it's humorous points, but it is not a comedy by any means. If you thought at the end of Empire Strikes Back was bad when Luke has his hand cut off. you found out that Vader was Lukes father, and Han was frozen and sent off with Boba Fett. that was nothing!

I like how they have tied these movies into one another with similarities in space ships. You can see how the designs will change.

I had told my son I would probably take him to see Star Wars this weekend. I will have to give that some serious thought. If I do take him, it will HAVE to be a matinee. No evening show for this. I will want lots of daylight and some time to play before bed. If he had not known I was going to this movie, I probably would not take him for a couple more years.

In my opinion, Lucas did a very good job. His character development was pretty good. There was some acting that was questionable (others said it sucked, I'm trying to be nice.)
The graphics were good, and not too overdone this time.

Anyway, it is late. I hope this is a decent latenight review.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Bah! I've been usurped

My cousin! She is such a twirp!

She currently lives in Saipan, and she is teaching school. Saipan is a US Commonwealth in the Northern Mariana Islands. Anyway, she is 15 hours ahead of me. She knew I was going to go see Star Wars Episode 3 tonight at midnight. So, what has she done? you guessed correctly. She has decided to go to a midnight showing of it as well. And why? just to make me and my cousin-in-law jealous? What a twirp!

On the bright side, she will only get about 2.5 hours of sleep before having to go to school, teach, throw a party and a band concert.

Should teach her to usurp me!

hehehe

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Nice Evening chat

There are some days, that I feel like I'm just going to go crazy.
When I feel like I don't know if my daughter is making the right decesions or how she will do in the future. And all I can do is pray that God will give her wisdom and help guide and protect her.

Then there is tonight. She came home seconds before her curfew (which is normal for her). And we just talked, and talked, and talked. It was nice. I also got a better understanding about my girl and the woman she is becoming. She seems to have a much better grasp of things than I give her credit for sometimes.

I couldn't have asked for a better evening.

All I can say is God answers prayers!

Let's get ready to rumble... PS3 v 360

Well, some information has been released on the PS3.

It will be able to play PS2 games
Blue tooth wireless controllers (and wireless is the only way to go!)

This is more than just a game console though.

"The console allows owners to access their media from anywhere over the internet, make video calls using a high-definition camera or download upgrades for games."
You suppose to be able to put your face on game characters.

Suppose to be launched in Spring of 2006.
The new XBox is suppose to have half the processing power as the PS3, but it will come out months earlier, so that should help the XBox.

Star Wars Episode 3

1 day, 3 hours, 40 minutes till I'm watching Episode 3. I am currently planning on giving a quick update after the movie.

I will not give any spoilers.

Sunday, May 15, 2005

Baby Pictures

I know there are a couple people that will want to see these pictures. My dad sent them to me today.


The whole family Posted by Hello


Buritto Posted by Hello


ahhhhhhh Posted by Hello


Mommy and son. Posted by Hello

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Baby here!!!

Well, Isaiah is here!

7 pounds, 15 oz, and 21" long!

Not sure when Tabby will get to leave the hospital, but she and the baby are doing well!

Baby on the way

Not mine though.
My sisters. I just got a phone call that my sister is at the hospital, and that they are setting up for a c-section.

More as I know.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

More Soccer!!!

Well, we had a make-up game for my daughter tonight in Oolagah. It was a great game. Both sides played good, (with the exception of one girl on Oolagah's team). Game ended 7-1 our favor!!!!

WOO-HOO!!!

My girl made some good saves! once we were up by 5, he pulled her out of the goal, and played mid-field/forward. Made some good shots on goal, but didn't find the back of the net.

Our girls played awesome. Best they have played all year. If they had played that way all year, we would be undefeated!!!

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Who are you?

Who are you?

Not your name... not what you do... but who are you?

Who are you when no one is looking?

Who are you when no one cares?

We were at church tonight, and we were studying the seven "I am's" of Jesus.

  1. I am the break of life (John 6:35)
  2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
  3. I am the gate (John 10:7, 9)
  4. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
  5. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
  6. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
  7. I am the true vine (John 15:1, 5)
We are going to be studying this versus over the next few weeks, but something our pastor said really made me think. When he said "When people ask us 'who are you?', we usually tell them our name, or something else.these are things Jesus could have said if some had asked him 'who are you?'"

Who am I?
I guess I'll have to think about that.

More on Daughters

I was reading today's post on Counseling Notes, and he talked more about fathers and daughters and it really got me to thinking.

I know I was just talking about how crazy my daughter makes me. But the truth is, I really do love her, and I used to love spending time with her. And it isn't too bad at the moment.

I remember when I met her mother. It was real important to my wife that I just wasn't her husband, but that I was also my girl's daddy... And I've tried to be that. I didn't kill her when she popped a fire cracker 2 inches from my ear as I was crawling out from underneath the trailer. I remember when she had sleep overs, and we had a house of little girls. (that is an experience!!!) Building her a tree house and spending time with her in it. I took her on father/daughter dates. We would just go out and have fun, and spend time together.

I will say something about our dates. I would really suggest doing that. And start when they are little. My girl was a tween before we started, and that wasn't early enough. (as now she barely wants to be seen with me.) But go out and have fun. Just going to Mickey D's and eating and watching them play as a little kid will work wonders. The movies, putt-putt, shopping (which is different than the shopping most of us men do), any number of other things will build memories for you and your daughter. Oh, and dinner, don't forget dinner. Sometimes I would pick the place, and other times, she would.

I know there are a lot of things I wont get to do with her anymore. She is just too old for daddy. But occationally, when no one is looking, I'll still get a hug and a kiss.

Now, I know boys are a different creature all together, but I'm trying to do the stuff that will build memories and help us be as close as possible so when he becomes a teenager, maybe he'll not hate to be seen with me. (but I'm not holding my breath.)

I know I've not been a perfect father. I've made lots of mistakes, and I sure I'll make more, but with the Lords help, I try to be better everyday.

Garden

I walked outside this morning to enjoy the nice morning air, and I took a look at my garden.

It is looking pretty good. I have some weeds that I need to go clear out, but other than that it isn't bad. I can only see 2 watermellon plants at the moment. I'm not sure what happened to the rest. I thought I had see others a week ago or so.

My pea plants are blooming!!! Well, I saw one bloom this morning. I was so excited. I'm still concerned that it will get to warm for them, but hopefully we'll get a few peas from the plants. That should make my boy happy.

My wonderful wife was out working around the pond last night. She planted some moss and some strawberries!!! I love strawberries. I didn't even know she was out there working. Course my boy and I was busy watching Clones.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Begun the Clone War has!

What a plesant evening.

My boy promptly reminded me when we got home that we were suppose to watch Star Wars tonight. hehe So I fix a bite to eat, and sit down to watch the movie. He kept asking where Anakin was and I had to explain to him that that WAS Anakin.

I noticed something that I hadn't noticed before.
Obi-Wan cut off a person's arm in a Cantina. Funny, he does that in Episode IV.


Afterward, He and I had light sabre fights for almost half a hour. It was a lot of fun.

Daughters

I was quite amused when reading a post from Bowden McElroy's Counseling Notes Blog. More specifically his post on Fathers & Daughters. He had written this post in response to a question my friend Steven had.

I laughed out loud when I read his post. I think in part because I understood exactly what he was talking about. There have been days in the not so recent past that I haven't wanted to go home. I would have rathered gone to the dentist, or than gone home.

Girls just handle things so much differently than boys do. Everything is a crisis on galactic proportions. Now, I really don't know if this is true for all girls, but for my daughter it is! Then there are the mood swings. One minute, you would think she wants me dead, (and maybe she does). The next, she is bawling. Ten minutes later, she may be all lovey.

I don't know how many times I would count until she graduates. Course I know I wont stop caring or worrying then. It may be worse, but I wont have to deal with all the drama on a daily basis. And everytime I start feeling that way, I get frustrated that I feel that way.

Now, I do not want anyone to think I do not love my daughter. I love my daughter. I want what is best for her. I want to spend time and have fun spending time with he I would do anything for her, but in the whirlwind that is my daughter, it can be a little daunting.

Luckily, things have been going pretty well lately. I've had some women I work with tell me that I will see a huge change in her somewhere in between 16 and 18. And I'll like to be around her again.

Hopefully, that is happening now.

Monday, May 09, 2005

Your apprentice, young Skywalker will be.

What an evening!

My son asked if we could watch a Star Wars movie. Sounded good to me.
He wanted to watch the one where Anakin was a little boy. Episode I it was.

I cooked us some hamburgers and we sat down to watch the movie.

We had a good time. He sat quiet for about 75% of the movie. Then he got a bit antsy there for a bit, but settled back down for the last 10% of the movie or so.

He wants to watch the one where Anakin is older tomorrow night. Sounded good to me. Hopefully he still will want to tomorrow.

What was really cool was before he asked about a movie, he was doing the Emperors March again. Just hearing him go dum dum da dum duh da dum duh da dum was just too cute.

Watching this movie, again was interesting. All of the innuendo throughout the movie. Even the phrase above was said in a very dark nature. More so than I would think would have happened if the movies would have been made in order.

I'm looking forward to another night of Star Wars tomorrow night with my boy.

9 days, 2 hours 1 minute as I post this the story is complete

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Bye Rugrats

Well, my boys soccer season is over. As is my first coaching experience. I'm excited that soccer is over for the season, but also sad. I love soccer. It is a wonderful sport, and great for little kids. It isn't like baseball where you can go out into the field and play an inning without the ball ever coming to you. In soccer, if you are on the field, you are in the game.

I think the part I liked the least was practices. I just had a hard time coming up with ideas to keep the kids interested and learn the game at the same time. By the end of the day, most of them were tired, they had had long days as school and were tired. So there were some practices that over half the kids were crying.
Most of the games weren't too bad. I did get frustrated a few times watching them play like it was their first game, and knowing they could play much better.

I had to go up to the field early to pick up our soccer pictures. They were great. As the parents showed up, I was able to hand them out. They all thought they were wonderful! I also was able to pick up their trophies. More on that in a moment.

The game was not great, but they had fun. After the game, I pulled all the kids together, and told them how much fun I had coaching them, and what a good job they did this year. And then I was able to hand out their trophies. You should have seen the looks on all of their faces. It was priceless.

I was also given a thank you card from one of the kids. Her mom wrote a very nice note in it. And the girl wrote her name in it herself. That's a big thing right now since they are just learning how to do that. One of the other parents gave me a picture of her boy. Both of these things were really sweet.

I'm going to try to schedule a party for them soon to end the season. 2 of the kids should move up to the next age bracket next year, but the other 4 will stay down, if they play again.


Team picture Posted by Hello


My boys pose Posted by Hello

Soccer Game 2

Well, the game went pretty well. Ended in a 1-1 tie. Next game Tuesday night.

My girl has several war wounds. Goalie is a rough position, but she plays it well.

Soccer Game 1

My boys game was good. The kids did a pretty good job. And I didn't get as upset as I did last week. We don't officially take score, but unofficially, the team was 2-3-3 for the season, which isn't too bad since only one had played before.

We got their soccer photos back today and all the kids received tropheys. They were excited about that!

Anyway, off to my girls game.

Friday, May 06, 2005

Soccer Tomorrow!!!

Well, tomorrow is my boys last soccer game. I can't wait. Plus I'm glad it is almost over. I've enjoyed coaching, but trying to coach 2 girls and 4 boys that are only 5 and 6 is very trying. There were many practices that all most did were cried.

I will miss the games, but I'm glad I'll not have to coach till the fall.

I just wish my wife could make it. She has to work again. :(

Wireless Security

My curiosity of Wirelss security has been peaked lately with one of my friends setting up a wireless network. So I've taken a look at mine lately. I was very happy to find out that the company that makes my wireless hub had a firmware update for my hub. And with that fixed the WEP security keys. So I was able to set up WEP security.

He had mensioned that he was able to see other wireless networks from his house. Now, I have looked in the past, but decided to take another look. Sure enough I was able to see 4 other wirelss networks. 1 with WEP security and the other 3 with none.

One of these I am pretty sure was the Swuan truck, though I'm not positive.

More Dukes

Well, guess while I'm on the subject of the Dukes of Hazard, I guess it would only be fair if I talked about the movie that is supposed to be released August 5th.

Ok, after watching the trailer, I have these few comments.
A skinny Boss Hog and a much thinner Uncle Jesse. Not so sure about that.
Other than that, it might be good.

You can see the trailier here.

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Dukes

Just the good ol' boys,
Never meanin no harm,
Beats all you've never saw, been in trouble with the law since the day they was born.

Straight'nin' the curve,
Flat'nin' the hills,
Someday the mountain might get 'em, but the law never will.

Makin' their way,
The only way they know how,
That's just a little bit more than the law will allow.

Just good ol' boys,
Wouldn't change if they could,
Fightin' the system like a true modern day Robin Hood.

hehe, I loved that song growing up. I guess I still like it. I just finished watching a Dukes of Hazard on CMT. That show is too funny. I guess I just love old shows. Them and Buck Rogers. Though, I think that the Dukes are not a cheesy as Buck

Technology rules

I am a big techno geek. I love gadget's and gizmo's. I actually get excited about new and interesting ideas I hear of.

Take this story on Interplanetary broadband. That is just cool Long story short, a satalite will be placed in high Martian orbit, and using near infrared lasers, beam messages back to earth where they will be Pal;omar Observatory. They expect this to transfer data a 1 megabit per second when Mars is at it furthest point from Earth as opposed to 128,000 bits per second that the Mars Odyssey can do now. That rate is about 2x as fast as dialup. And for those of us that used to use dialup, and now use broadband. that is a HUGE difference.

Wireless

I have a wireless network at home. In Steven's post, he was talking about Wireless security. While I was at Linksys web page looking for firware updates, I stumbled upon this synapsis of the differences of B v A v G networks.

It's pretty pictures, but gets the point across fast. Here it is.

Worth the time if you are thinking about buying wireless hardware

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Lost

Wow, what a show.
Laura, I know that you wont see this show till next week, so I wont put any spoilers in. I will say that the show never ceases to amaze and surprise me.

And on the bright side, the following show is not a rerun either. Of course, the season finale is coming soon, and I'm sure it will be a MAJOR cliff hanger!!!

Improtant Star Wars News Flash

Wow. What an interesting article.

2 warnings...
1) There are a few spoilers.
2) The article is on CNN.

Here it is. Final 'Star Wars' not for squeamish.

Garden Update!!!

Good news!
Stuff is growing all over the place.
I saw watermellon, okra, onions and cucumber seedlings. The only thing planted by seed that I don't see yet is the cilantro.

YUMMY!

Star Wars countdown

14 days and counting till Star Wars. I can't wait!

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Kids, sci-fi and a word of warning.

My boy is so cute. He has been learning how to whistle. It is so cute to hear him practicing. He also has a new friend that lives across the street. He went over today and played. They had a lot of fun. They are planning on playing again tomorrow.

While he was across the street, I got to catch up on some shows I've recorded but hadn't had a chance to watch. Watched some Buck Rogers in the 25th century. That show is soooooo cheesy, but I love it. Also watching Enterprise. It is sad that there are only 2 more shows left. I watched all of the first season, and part of the second, and then missed most of it since then. Now I get to catch the last 5 shows.

Oh, and a word of warning. A new virus is out. It has been going round work. Just be very careful what emails you open, and keep you virus scanner up to date.

And you thought this post was going to be a word of warning about kids and sci-fi. hehe

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Garden Update

Well, I recently finished planting my garden. I decided to take a picture of it and sorta show it off. Course, it isn't much to look at yet, but it will look better as the summer progresses.

At the top is a row of watermellon, then 6 tomoatoe plants, then several rows of okra.
The bottow is garlic (which looks real good, but can't see it from this picture, then the lettuce (light green) and spinach (dark green) . The onions, jalepenoes and cilantro are planted below them, and the peas are at the very bottom.


Garden Posted by Hello

Star Wars

Yesterday, I got a couple of old star wars toys from my in-laws. They had belonged to my father-in-laws brother. I took a look at them. One was Darth Vader from 1977. The other was an Ewok from 1983. It was too cool!

Oh, and one important piece of infomration I almost forgot to tell you.
My son was looking at them in the car, and while he was holding Darth Vader, he was singing the Emporers March. It made me proud. :)

Here is a picture.

New old toys Posted by Hello