Archive for December, 2004
12/2/2004
After a hellacious (yes that is a made up word) attempt of trying and failing to get to the practice spot tonight - after discussion the band will be switching the prac schedule to Sunday afternoons and Tuesday nights.
Note to all: Driving in evening commute traffic in an area you’re totally unfamiliar with is NOT RECOMMENDED. Erg..
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/2/2004
I am once again writing a post from the ThinkPad. No, not a good one - an old one, a ThinkPad 390. Those who read this blog regularly know about it. Those who don’t, do a search for “thinkpad”. (grin)
I was training a new hire at werk today and we got to talking about Linux. One of the flavors he mentioned was Linux-Mandrake. He posed the question “I wonder if that still exists?” I checked LinuxISO. Yep it do - and it’s still one of the most popular distro’s out there.
I tried (and failed) to load SuSE 9.1 Personal on the ThinkPad 390. Didn’t work. Never got through the install unfortunately. But after discussing Mandrake, I downloaded it, burnt the discs and installed it on the laptop. “Why not?” I sez to myself. Guess what, it worked.
Granted, this is d-o-g s-l-o-w considering the computer I’m on right now, but it does work. The install detected 99% of everything with the exception of the sound card. Once I get that to work this laptop will be 100%… until I put Windows 98 back on this thing because running anything else is just too darn slow for it (hehe).
I have a plan for a 3rd PC that I’m going to build sometime in the future - and I think it will definitely be a Mandrake box. I know I know.. I raved about SuSE before. The only major problem I had with it is that I couldn’t get GNOME to work on it correctly. Mandrake on the other hand has it bundled with it’s download version - and it’s what I’m using now as I write this. I’m also using the Epiphany web browser. Not too bad, but I still prefer Mozilla or Firefox better. Anyway, the plan for the 3rd PC is this: I’m going to upgrade my existing AMD computer from a 1.9GHz to a 2.2GHz, leaving me with a spare AMD Barton 2600 1.9GHz chip. With that I will build a cheap box and make that into the Mandrake machine. I mean hell, if it can work on a crappy old Thinkpad it can definitely work on a Barton 2600 AMD CPU(!)
More about the GNOME bundle with Mandrake 10: It comes with a fully working version of Evolution — and I really like that e-mail client, a lot. Very cool looking and it’s got just about all the functionality of Microsoft Outlook. I was impressed with it completely.
I really haven’t touched the other apps yet, but I really like this flavor of Linux. I don’t like it as much as SuSE, but I think this is better for a desktop (and laptop). Seems to install much smoother. The tradeoff is that the performance is a hint slower. Guess you have to decide which is more important. For me, a smoother running Linux is better than a faster running Linux.
Right now the majority of my friends who are reading this post are saying to themselves “Dude, I have no flippin’ clue what you’re talking about.. I don’t know what Linux is.. and what the hell is a Thinkpad anyway?” That’s okay. Computer peeps understand my technobabble. If you can’t understand what I’m blabbing about here, don’t worry. I’ll write more “real” material soon. (grin)
..and I wish this laptop had a darn wheel (the wheel in the center of your mouse thing.. no such thing on this laptop, argh.)
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/5/2004
Warning: Techie post! (grin)
I recently installed Netscape 4.08 (really old browser) on my Windows XP Pro box to test a web site, then I went to uninstall it. I got that all-too-familiar “The decompression of %s failed..” message. No big deal really, I’ll just go and make a c:\temp folder and run the uninstaller (or “deinstall” program as old Netscape calls it). No such luck. A removal program does not exist anywhere in the Netscape directory, which is usually c:\Program Files\Netsacpe\Communicator then whatever whatever.
I scoured the ‘net for a while in the hopes of finding an answer. No such luck except for those stupid PAY SITES that make you pay for tech answers. Um.. no. That’s not what the internet is about, I’m not about to pay 10 bucks for a 5 second solution, thank you very much.
So I get into the registry. Found out that the uninstaller program is actually plopped into the Windows directory itself (like c:\windows) and it’s called c:\windows\uninst.exe. Ran it. Did nothing. Fortunately, that file was placed there by Netscape and wasn’t a spyware app (phew!)
Then I do a ‘net search for this uninst.exe file and how to deinstall Netscape. FINALLY after what seemed like forever I found this message board thread that stated “By the way, an UninstallShield program may fabricate c:\windows\temp”. Oh really..
Sure enough, C:\WINDOWS\TEMP exists. I keep the folder and delete the contents. Then I ran the uninstaller from Add\Remove Programs and guess what - Netscape 4.08 uninstalled just like it was supposed to.
Hallelujah. (grin)
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/6/2004
And now for today’s secret chamber… not that you would want to go there or anything. (grin)
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/6/2004
Been doing some fiscal calculations on what I would have spent had I stayed in the band.
Money I saved by departing the band I was in:
Driving
I’m writing this more for my own personal benefit rather than for anyone else. Still, this is good reading if you’re watching your pennies (and who isn’t these days?)
The total distance I would have traveled per month in my car for 8 practices a month with an average of two gigs a month: Around 1000 miles. For real.
100 miles round trip to rehearsal spot twice a week (200 miles) x 4 weeks = 800 miles.
Two gigs with at least a minimum round trip of 100 miles per gig = 200 miles per month.
Rehearsal miles + gig miles = 1000 average miles per month.
I get roughly 300 miles to a tank of gas, so that’s roughly 3.33 tanks of gas per month.
A tank of gas (for my car) around these parts costs about $22.00 for a tank full of 87 octane cheap stuff.
So we’re talking at least around $73 bucks just for getting there, alone.
Yeah, $73 bucks a month. Just to get to rehearsal and gigs. Just gas. Nothing else.
Ouch.
..and this doesn’t even take into account buying food and maintaining the car.
Useless crap not bought
I was pressured to buy a new guitar amplifier and cabinet setup by the band members. A lot. A whole lot - but I did not buckle thankfully.
Note: That pressure to “BUY BUY BUY” a new amp was one of the reasons I left the band. I absolutely do NOT like to be pressured into spending cash on something I’m not even sure I wanted to buy in the first place.
The setup (the amp/cab thing) I was looking at would have cost around $700 and change. But again, I did not buy it. Very proud of myself there.
Another note here: Music stores are just as bad as when I remember them back in the mid to late 90’s. Everything is overpriced. Quality is poor at best for craftsmanship unless you’re will to shell out at least $700 bucks.. for almost anything in the store. (sigh..)
Notes on pressure to buy stuff you don’t need
Time and time again, I’ve been pressured by people in one way or another to buy stuff I don’t need. Thankfully, the majority of the time I know when to keep the plastic (the credit card) in my wallet.
We’ve all seen those shows on tv where people go into thousands or tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands into debt by buying completely useless crap. I will not be one of those people. Hell… no.
At this point in my life I am (as I’ve said here several times before) on a mission to get back to zero debt - and nothing is going to stand in my way if I can help it. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is reachable.
There are several things I’ve decided not to buy in order to reach my goal of being debt free:
1. New CPU and RAM for my computer.
This would cost me around $325 after shipping. Do I need it? Nope. Would I like it? Sure. Would it truly make a difference in my overall computing experience. Somewhat, but not really - so it’s not being bought.
Additional notes on the computer thing: The only reason I wanted the upgrades was to play Counter-Strike faster and more smoothly. Dumb reason to upgrade. Really dumb, actually. So I uninstalled Counter-Strike and Half-Life 2 completely. Yes this means I’m not playing Counter-Strike any longer. Screw it. It’s just a game. But guess what… my computer does everything I want it to do now and it’s plenty fast enough. Who’da thunk it? (grin)
2. Guitar amp/cab.
Already mentioned why I’m not getting that - and probably won’t for a long time unless I am put into a situation where it is absolutely necessary to do so. At this point in time it’s not necessary.
3. Laptop computer.
Yeah I want one.. and oh man does that deal on the new Inspiron model from Dell look sweet. $24 bucks a month with approved Dell credit…. and I almost bought it - but didn’t. And won’t. I have no reason to own one. Maybe when I have some cash to burn later on I’ll get one - but not now.
Stuff I bought that I’m happy I bought (and use)
1. Sony LCD Monitor
Recently got this. My eyes are loving it. No more dull headaches from looking at the computer screen. Text is much easier to read. Overall computing experience: Much better. Very happy I got it.
2. New audio cable
Bought this for my existing guitar amp. Sounds good. I do need a few more for my in-home studio setup. Fortunately they’re not too expensive and the sound it delivers is really good. Total cost will be around 50 bucks - that I can handle. (grin)
3. SanDisk USB 256MB Flash Drive
I bought one of those little usb flash drives for 40 bucks to try it out. Originally I thought I had paid too much for it, but, I’ve found out that on eBay this is (currently) the normal going price for these little things. Even though I bought it to just try it out, I’ve actually been using it quite a bit. It’s so much easier than burning a CD and you can’t beat the portability of it. This little thing is great for quick file transfers (like programs and documents and whatever). Turned out to be a good purchase even though I didn’t think it was when I originally bought it.
4. Bridgestone Blizzak Tires
You’ve heard me speak about these before and today they proved themselves yet again. Unbelievably awesome snow tire. I drive with confidence in the snow and sleet now - something I haven’t done since I owned a 4×4. They were worth every penny I paid for them.
—
You’ll notice the things I say were good purchases are things I use regularly. (grin)
But anyway… I have to constantly remind myself that I’m on the mission to zero debt. It’s hard sometimes because there are lots of nice things that you really want - but don’t need. (grin)
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/6/2004
After my big thing on saving cash this reminded me:
To all the guys I’m hosting web sites for right now, the cutoff date for you to get your own web hosting is January 15th, 2005 - NO EXCEPTIONS.
If you don’t get something together with another hoster so I can transfer your site over there by that date, your site will be shut off.
The guys who host with me know who they are - so get hoppin’ and get a web host so I can transfer your stuff.
If you have no host by then.. well.. you know what happens. (grin)
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/8/2004
My sister is evidently going through some rough times overseas where she is currently attending college. I guess a tropical paradise isn’t what everyone makes it out to be.
I sent her a big long e-mail in the hopes she will find happiness once again. Let’s hope she does.
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/9/2004
Dimebag Darrell, Four Others Killed In Ohio Concert Shooting
First of all, even though Darrell was always called “Dimebag” (originally as a joke when that started but the name stuck) I always called the guy by his original stage name “Diamond Darrell”.
I have a lot of readers who come here who are not in-the-know when it comes to the rock/metal music world, so here’s a 101:
Darrell was probably (depending on your point of view) one of the most influential guitar players to come ’round in the rock scene in a long time. No, he was no Randy Rhoads (early 80’s) or Jimi Hendrix (60’s) - however in his element he’s ranked right up there with the greats of past. At a show that just happened he was literally shot to death by a crazed fan. If you’re ever heard of the band “Pantera” he was the guitar player for that band. He was shot to death while playing with his current project “Damage Plan”.
Several friends of mine are very choked up by this death.
What’s more interesting is the onslaught of people trying to cash in on his death already.
See this eBay listing. It started at 12 bucks. At the time I write this it is up to 1800 bucks. For real. Check it out.
I will bet you that this will break $2000 before it’s over.
darn.
I saw several other eBay listings where anything “Dimebag Darrell” is absolutely soaring in price.
Nothing sells like a dead rock star.
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/10/2004
After rebuilding the Stinkpad Thinkpad 390 laptop (yet again) I finally got a stable installation of Windows 98 that works. As it stands it is now 100% finished and is going to stay that way. Sidenote: I should have researched laptops a little better before buying the 390. That thing is just too darn slow. I’m giving it to my pop so he can install his GPS software on it which will work fine on it. For me I need something with some more oomph behind it. Eventually I will buy a Dell Inspiron or Latitude. Probably a C610 model because I know the chassis very well and can fix any part that breaks on it (including the LCD).
Hats off to anyone who is still out on the ‘net with Win 98 or 95 - because that is a bad experience at best. Some apps don’t work right, games run extremely slow and the whole experience is just.. blah.
I’m glad I’m not running ‘98 on any of my PC’s. It sucks. It’s either XP or Linux for me, depending on what box I’m on at the time. (grin)
posted in blog | Comments Off
12/10/2004
Was having a conversation at werk today with my co-workers about cars. I mentioned how someday I would like to own a Chevy Corvette (somewhere between the years 1984 and 1990) just because I like the car. Of course I get instantly bashed for this because most of my co-worker friends are BMW fans, and if given the choice between a BMW M5 and a Corvette they would go with the Beamer any day of the week and twice on Sunday. (grin)
I tried to explain my point of view of why I wanted the ‘Vette in the first place. Some understood why, most didn’t. Here’s some of the questions I got asked and how I answered them:
“Don’t you know Corvettes ride like tanks?”
Yes. It’s a sports car and low to the ground. Of course it will have a stiff/harsh ride. It’s part of the whole experience. I seriously could not imagine riding in a ‘Vette that rides like a cloud. It’s just not what the car is about. Sports cars should not ride like your grandpa’s Cadillac. That would just be weird.
“Corvettes aren’t fast!”
Depends on your point of view. In my experience I have never ridden in a slow Corvette - ever. They all have plenty of go-power under the right foot. Besides which there is a difference between driving fast and driving fast well (this point was agreed upon no matter what car you own).
“You drive slow.. why do you want one?”
As I’ve said to a lot of people, I don’t necessarily like to drive fast all the time. Yes I’ve had my moments on the highway where I have gone 100+ miles an hour. It’s rare when I do it and every time I do it I just think to myself “Sheesh that was a dumb move.” And it is. Driving anywhere over 80mph on the highway is aiming a car - not driving it. “Aiming” means “aiming to hit another car and/or spin out of control”. No thanks. (grin)
Another thing I’ve said to a lot of people is that I would much rather cruise than drive fast. I prefer cruising to fast driving any day; to me this is a much more enjoyable driving experience. I know a lot of fast drivers, and to be honest when I mention the whole cruising thing they just don’t get it. Harley-Davidson motorcycle drivers on the other hand do understand what I’m talking about. They full well understand that they have machines that can go well over 100mph - but you don’t have to. The experience of being on the open road is all that is required. It doesn’t matter how fast you get there.
And now my little comparo on BMW M5 vs. Corvette:
BMW fans will openly laugh at a Corvette. You know what, that’s okay. I don’t have a problem with that. Yes I know the M5 will roast the doors off a ‘Vette. Yes I know the M5 is better engineered. Yes I know the M5 has an overall better value, BUT..
Put an M5 and a ‘Vette in a parking lot next to each other and the ‘Vette will ALWAYS get noticed first.
Kids identify Corvettes from a mile away (never M5’s). The shape of the car is much more distinctive and recognizable. Unless you already know what an M5 looks like, you can’t identify it until you get up close.
Girls get more of that “Wow” factor from a ‘Vette than an M5 (more on this in a moment).
While M5’s have “class”, ‘Vette’s have way more attitude. It’s a very American car while the German M5 is much more subdued (by design).
More on the “wow” factor:
A Corvette needs no introduction, ever. It’s look (for the year I’m looking for) is timeless. It does not need any explanation as to what it is or what it can do. You see one and your eyes stick to it like glue and you stare - that’s the whole intent. Most girls (and I’ve talked to a few about this) when given the choice of what they would rather ride in would pick the ‘Vette. Why? “Because it’s a ‘Vette”.
That to me says it all. (grin)
And no I don’t want a ‘Vette for chicks. I want one because I like Chevy’s, I love the digital dashboard (yes I do - stop whining about them) and I just plain love the “cool factor” of the car as a whole.
Someone once said to me “You know, the only people I’ve ever known who’ve owned ‘Vettes are assholes.” Should fit me quite well then (haHA!!)
Nice looker, eh?
posted in blog | Comments Off
first time here?get notifiedcontact rich
more info
contact rich
rich@menga.net
Rich's Facebook Profile
Rich's Flickr Photostream
Rich's YouTube Channel