First of all, I spent Thursday and Friday in the Martinsburg area. I have said it before, and it's worth repeating, the drive to Martinsburg is horrendous. Three hours of mountains to a boring place. It's no fun at all. And you can't really make up time because the troopers in Maryland are everywhere. I saw no fewer the six people pulled over in Maryland. Probably more. Compare that to the zero in West Virginia.
Anyway, in Martinsburg we upgraded the RAM on the computers in the office out there. Took about 3 hours to do 30 machines so that gives us a starting poing for the rest of the offices. No problems and everyone logged in this morning without issue...which is a good thing. Then I headed back Clarksburg way and spent the afternoon in the office putting in quotes for more laptop and PCs. Spending money...woo-hoo.
Then, this evening, I went with a few folks to the Boston Beanery in Morgantown. And one just happened to look through the menu and order the "Beanwich." Apparently, without reading the description, he assumed the Beanwich was a speciality burger or sandwich at the good ol' Beanery. That would be incorrect.
The "Beanwich" is actually two pieces of Texas Toast served with a hearty layer of baked beans between them. There is also a soggy piece of bacon included. And throw in some peppers. Baked beans, bacon and peppers on toasted bread. Not necessarily the most appetizing looking thing in the world...and, after getting the reaction, apparently not the most tasty either. I would have taken a picture but I didn't have my camera. Maybe that's a good thing.
Anyway, I wouldn't recommend the Beanwich at the Beanery. I would recommend reading the description to things you haven't eaten before...and maybe you can avoid a Beanwich-type experience. Just a warning...
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Just Call Me Busy
Spent the last 2 days in the capital city meeting with the integrators of our use network upgrade. They set forth a very aggressive and ambitious upgrade schedule...which means my life, as we know it, will cease to exist for several months. Well, it might not be that bad...but it's going to be a very busy time, that's for sure. Lots of meetings and reports...that kind of stuff.
As a refresher, we are moving 6 offices and 420 users from an NDS (Novell) environment to an AD (Active Directory, aka Microsoft) environment. This upgrade will include a change from Corel's WordPerfect to Microsoft Word...which might not seem like a big deal -- but it is. It's a huge deal for people who have spent the last 2 decades loving WordPerfect and knowing every aspect of the software. Even the people pushing the change readily admit that WordPerfect is a superior program...it just can't compete with the beast known as Microsoft.
Anyway...the upgrade will also include a overhaul of our DMS (Document Management System), which shouldn't be too major. Except that we are consolidating 6 DMS servers to 2...which has the potential to put additional stress on our WAN (Wide Area Network). We have been assured that the new DMS handles requests in a way that would be burdensome to our WAN speeds...I remain a bit skeptical but I will wait to see.
Going from Groupwise to Exchange will also be a test of patience. Migrating over existing mail could be a bit stressful considering some users have archived mailboxes of over 10GB currently in Groupwise. To make the move, that will have to be unarchived, converted and then the user can choose to either: 1) clean up their e-mail or 2) just archive it again. I'm guessing the latter.
Training will take weeks on the new system. Obviously, it is necessary. Most end-users will go through 4 full days of training (broken down to 3 full days and 2-half days). Other users can choose between a basic 1-day training or a more advanced 2-day training. Training will be vital to making this project work -- if no one can use the new system, what's the point?
Anyway, the first move actually starts tomorrow. We have to get every machine up to 2-GB of RAM which means we literally have to touch 420 computers and physically install the RAM. So, I'm traveling out Martinsburg way (with 2 other people) tomorrow evening to get the first office down. After seeing how long that takes, we'll evaluate how many people we need to complete the task the week of July 8th. After that, switches will be upgraded and we go from there. Should be an amazing project that will last, at a minimum, 4-months. Training and implementation could actually spread over 34-weeks barring major setbacks.
So, that's what I've been working on. I'm apprehensive and excited at the same time...will be a life-altering experience regardless. I'll keep everyone informed as it moves on...until then, I'm installing RAM!!!
As a refresher, we are moving 6 offices and 420 users from an NDS (Novell) environment to an AD (Active Directory, aka Microsoft) environment. This upgrade will include a change from Corel's WordPerfect to Microsoft Word...which might not seem like a big deal -- but it is. It's a huge deal for people who have spent the last 2 decades loving WordPerfect and knowing every aspect of the software. Even the people pushing the change readily admit that WordPerfect is a superior program...it just can't compete with the beast known as Microsoft.
Anyway...the upgrade will also include a overhaul of our DMS (Document Management System), which shouldn't be too major. Except that we are consolidating 6 DMS servers to 2...which has the potential to put additional stress on our WAN (Wide Area Network). We have been assured that the new DMS handles requests in a way that would be burdensome to our WAN speeds...I remain a bit skeptical but I will wait to see.
Going from Groupwise to Exchange will also be a test of patience. Migrating over existing mail could be a bit stressful considering some users have archived mailboxes of over 10GB currently in Groupwise. To make the move, that will have to be unarchived, converted and then the user can choose to either: 1) clean up their e-mail or 2) just archive it again. I'm guessing the latter.
Training will take weeks on the new system. Obviously, it is necessary. Most end-users will go through 4 full days of training (broken down to 3 full days and 2-half days). Other users can choose between a basic 1-day training or a more advanced 2-day training. Training will be vital to making this project work -- if no one can use the new system, what's the point?
Anyway, the first move actually starts tomorrow. We have to get every machine up to 2-GB of RAM which means we literally have to touch 420 computers and physically install the RAM. So, I'm traveling out Martinsburg way (with 2 other people) tomorrow evening to get the first office down. After seeing how long that takes, we'll evaluate how many people we need to complete the task the week of July 8th. After that, switches will be upgraded and we go from there. Should be an amazing project that will last, at a minimum, 4-months. Training and implementation could actually spread over 34-weeks barring major setbacks.
So, that's what I've been working on. I'm apprehensive and excited at the same time...will be a life-altering experience regardless. I'll keep everyone informed as it moves on...until then, I'm installing RAM!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Home Theatre -- Not Fairmont Today :(
Sorry...no Fairmont destination today. I'm not saying I'm running short on places in Fairmont to visit but I might be running short on places in Fairmont to visit. I have a few more ideas but I didn't feel like driving around to get pictures. Back to Fairmont next week. In the meantime, I will show you how to hookup your own home theatre in a very fashionable and exciting way.
Let me give you a quick runup to how this needs to work...we're setting up a small projector with XBox 360 and sound system in a garage that has no infrastructure whatsoever to handle this project. The walls are concrete block and there really isn't much of a flat area due to shelves and whatnot. So, the first objective is to find a place where we can project since we don't have a screen.
A quick trip to the Super Wal-Mart was the answer. Some flat and white to project on that we could hang from the ceiling. A sheet might work but you have the problem of wrinkles and sheets absorb light. Vinyl was my idea but it's hard to find large sheets of vinyl somewhere at midnight. So, the answer was a genius one: a roller blind!
We mounted the roller blind. to the ceiling and, whammo!, instant screen. You'd be surprised how well that worked. If you need a screen quickly, and cheaply, you can't beat the roller blind. It truly was amazing
Next, power became a bit of an obstacle. Most garages don't have the greatest electrical planning. This was definitely no exception. While this wouldn't have been my first way of providing power to the XBox and projector, it got the job done and only slightly constricted the viewing plain.
Yeah, I know...doesn't look real clean. But don't tell me you're not impressed by the KFC buckets and surge protector hanging from the ceiling. If we had thought ahead enough to buy a real extension cord, we could have run it across the ceiling to the wall and then back down along the floor. But, it's late and this needs to end.
So, we have power and a screen...now we just need to hookup the equipment. How's this for a make-shift projection stand...
Hey! It doesn't have to be fancy...just functional. Unfortunately, one small detail was overlooked...audio. The options were a small TV or a small stereo system for audio. It seemed stupid to get a TV to play audio when you were using the projector...so we opted for the stereo. The only problem was the XBox outputs were running to the projector and you only have a few inches left for the audio connections and we had not RCA extensions. Oh boy...
Well, who needs extensions when you have buckets?
How's that for awesomeness? The final setup looked something like this:
So, there you go...a home theatre system in a garage...and done cheaply. The only product we had to purchase was that roller blind...and that was a whopping $15.00. Pretty awesome if you ask me. That's how you think outside the box when attempting to accomplish a project. Well, maybe not...I don't know. It worked so I guess that's all that matters. And no one was electrocuted or killed in the making of this system...so, there's always that.
Anyway, back to Fairmont next week. Thanks for your understanding, I guess.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Rules of Etiquette
I had to attend a conference today in Morgantown for work that included several breakout sessions. One of the meetings I had to sit through was a meeting on Business Etiquette. I thought it sounded somewhat interesting...and I thought I might just learn something. Honestly, I didn't. Etiquette is simply about common sense...it's just that a lot of people don't have common sense and, therefore, they have to pay some person to come in and teach them business etiquette.
For those of you who want some tips, here ya go:
For those of you who want some tips, here ya go:
- Be punctual. If you're going to be late, alert someone.
- Dress for the occasion. If unsure, err on the conservative side.
- Wait for the host or hostess to be seated first. It's still considered polite to wait until ladies are seated as well.
- Unfold napkin after host/hostess. If you leave the table, napkins go on chair. When finished with meal, napkins go to the left of the plate.
- Notice the location of each utensil and remember the first one used is farthest from the serving plate – eating is done from the outside in.
- Do wait until all of the guests at your table have been served before beginning to eat.
- Do not automatically salt and pepper your food. Take a small taste and season to where you feel it is appropriate.
Obviously there are approximately 8 billion etiquette rules. But, like I said, most of them are common sense. Don't draw attention to yourself is the goal. Look and act the part. Be courteous and attentive. Actually, the only rule of etiquette is "Don't be Stupid."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Happy Birthday, West Virginny
Today is the 144th birthday of the Great State of West Virginia. It seems like only yesterday that West Virginia was just a little pup of a state, split from Virginia thanks to that little conflict known as the Civil War. Today, West Virginia is all grown up and Open for Business thanks to the governor. Let's look at a few historical facts about the great state, shall we? These are all supposedly true:
- The first brick street in the world was laid in Charleston, West Virginia, on October 3, 1870 on Summers Street between Kanawha Boulevard and Virginia Street.
- The first patent for a soda fountain was granted in 1833 to George Dulty of Wheeling, West Virginia.
- Mother's Day was originated in Grafton, West Virginia on May 10, 1908 by M. Anna Jarvis. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother's Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
- West Virginia has the second lowest cost of living rate in the United States.
- Bruce Hardwood Floors in Beverly, West Virginia has the world's largest hardwood flooring plant.
- The first spa open to the public was at Berkeley Springs, West Virginia (then Bath, Virginia) in 1756. Berkeley Springs has more massage therapists than lawyers and is the only place in the United States to boast, "George Washington bathed here."
- West Virginia University played the University of Pittsburgh in the first football game ever broadcast on the radio in 1921 on KDKA.
- The pepperoni roll was invented in the 1920s by Guiseppe Argiro, owner of the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, WV. The first pepperoni rolls were sold to coal miners working near Fairmont.
- The first organized golf club in the U.S. was opened in 1884, when Oakhurst Links was constructed in White Sulphur Springs, WV.
- The first political speech broadcast over radio in the U.S. was given by the Democratic nominee for President, John W. Davis, in 1924. Davis broadcast his speech from the front yard of his home in Clarksburg, WV.
- On June 20, 1863, West Virginia became the 35th state in the union, the only state born out of the cauldron of the Civil War and formed as a result of a Presidential Proclamation.
Happy Birthday, West Virginia. Today you turn 144 but you don't look a day over 135!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Put 'Em Away
What is up with former Mountaineers and police issues? Add Quincy Wilson to the list of Mountaineer players who can't seem to stay out of trouble with the law. Wilson apparently attended a wedding and had a bit much to drink. The police ordered the wedding party to leave and Wilson, and the rest of the crew, refused. And off to jail they go.
Quincy is now the 10th Bengals player to be arrested in the last 14 months. What is going on in Cincinatti? That is just insane.
Quincy joins the proud list of Mountaineer players who have had recent problems with the law. Chris Henry has had plenty of problems with the law during his time with the Bengals and has been suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. And, of course, there's the infamous Pac Man "Make It Rain" Jones. Pac Man is in trouble again as he may be involved in some way in a shooting down in Georgia. Pac Man was the first to feel the wrath of the new NFL Commissioner, being suspended for the entire 2007-2008 season.
So, the question is which Mountaineer will be arrested next? Marc Bulger has managed to stay out of trouble...how much longer can he hold out? Jerry Porter has been showing some attitude out in Oakland...can he refrain from punching Al Davis in the face? Todd Sauerbrun was in that steroid mess at Carolina...can he holdout from being in jail in Denver? Kay Jay Harris? Rasheed Marshall? Mike Logan? Gary Stills? Who will be first to crack and join his Mountaineer brethren with a healthy criminal record? Who can resist the temptation of making it rain?
I'm not sure who will be first to fall. But I do know that if I see a former Mountaineer player walking my way, I'm running in the other direction. Never know...
Quincy is now the 10th Bengals player to be arrested in the last 14 months. What is going on in Cincinatti? That is just insane.
Quincy joins the proud list of Mountaineer players who have had recent problems with the law. Chris Henry has had plenty of problems with the law during his time with the Bengals and has been suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. And, of course, there's the infamous Pac Man "Make It Rain" Jones. Pac Man is in trouble again as he may be involved in some way in a shooting down in Georgia. Pac Man was the first to feel the wrath of the new NFL Commissioner, being suspended for the entire 2007-2008 season.
So, the question is which Mountaineer will be arrested next? Marc Bulger has managed to stay out of trouble...how much longer can he hold out? Jerry Porter has been showing some attitude out in Oakland...can he refrain from punching Al Davis in the face? Todd Sauerbrun was in that steroid mess at Carolina...can he holdout from being in jail in Denver? Kay Jay Harris? Rasheed Marshall? Mike Logan? Gary Stills? Who will be first to crack and join his Mountaineer brethren with a healthy criminal record? Who can resist the temptation of making it rain?
I'm not sure who will be first to fall. But I do know that if I see a former Mountaineer player walking my way, I'm running in the other direction. Never know...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Fairmont - Your Vacation Destination
Well, it's time for part seven of the many part mini-series of why Fairmont should be your vacation destination this summer. First, let me reiterate that I have researched the story that accompanies each attraction as best I could...some of my facts might be off a little.
Ohio County recently passed a resolution allowing table games at Wheeling Island Resort in Wheeling. For some reason, the folks of Wheeling think allowing more gambling will make their city better. That's a different story...but, I can tell you that Wheeling doesn't offer anything like Fairmont -- The High Life Lounge.
Oh yeah, who can resist the High Life Lounge and the many "grey" machines they offer? This is gambling at its best...no dealer, no strategy...just put your money in a pull the lever. Move over Las Vegas, Fairmont has the real High Life.
The best part is that you won't have to worry about searching for a High Life Lounge because they are everywhere. East Grafton Road? Check! Morgantown Avenue? Check! Route 250? Check! Pleasant Valley Road? Check! And more!!! Fairmont boasts no fewer than 5 and possibly as many as 10,000 High Life Lounges. And don't worry...there's definitely no "shady" characters hanging out at these clubs.
All High Life Lounges are required by state law to sell some type of food items so you don't have to worry about leaving your gambling efforts to grab a bite to eat. It's all right there. I even think they have restrooms...so, no worries there either. I'll be honest with you, I have never been inside the High Life Lounge...but I'm sure they are unbelievable. And much, much closer to you than Las Vegas...probably. And the money goes to good causes...like education, roads and renovations of the governor's masion in Charleston.
Anyway, come to Fairmont and enjoy the many, many gambling opportunities we provide at the High Life Lounge. Did you really have anything better to do with your money? I didn't think so.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Eh, Cancel Yard Sale Saturday
It was a bad idea...I drove around and saw a few yard sales but there was no way I was stopping and having some yard sale people staring me down because I was the only person at the yard sale. I feel the same way about stores...I don't want to make small talk and, chances are, I'm not buying anything...so I just didn't feel like I should stop. Had I ran into a yard sale that had a lot of people, I might have stopped and looked around...but that just wasn't happening today.
So, I'm sorry to disappoint everyone, but Yard Sale Saturday is hereby postponed indefinitely. I might try again later when I'm feeling a bit more ambitious. Anyway, not sure what I'm going to do today now...but I'm not yard sale hopping...that's for sure.
So, I'm sorry to disappoint everyone, but Yard Sale Saturday is hereby postponed indefinitely. I might try again later when I'm feeling a bit more ambitious. Anyway, not sure what I'm going to do today now...but I'm not yard sale hopping...that's for sure.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Yard Sale Saturday
I think I'm going to try something new tomorrow...I'm going to get up and head out to some yard sales around the area to see what types of treasures they hold. If it's cool, I might make it a weekly thing...but I'm not sure sure because I really, really don't like getting up early on Saturdays...but I have a haircut appointment at 8:30 tomorrow morning so I will have to get up regardless.
Anyway, I'm sure there are some excellent bargains out there at these Saturday yard sales...I can't say I'm looking foward to it but I'm definitely intrigued. Whether I purchase anything or not is a big question...but, regardless, I will give a full report on my findings when I am done. Wish me luck!!!
Anyway, I'm sure there are some excellent bargains out there at these Saturday yard sales...I can't say I'm looking foward to it but I'm definitely intrigued. Whether I purchase anything or not is a big question...but, regardless, I will give a full report on my findings when I am done. Wish me luck!!!
Spurs Win Title *yawn, yawn*
Wow...the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Championship last night. Did anyone watch? I watched the last 2 minutes I think...that was about the extent of my NBA experience this year. I did watch the first game in the championship series and declared the Spurs the champions then...so I'm not sure why the other 3 games were even necessary.
Is there any sport less relevant than the NBA? Ratings were down...I mean way, way down. No one cares about the NBA. Not even the new Jordan could save the NBA this year. LeBron James was just as boring as the entire sport. Unless you lived in Cleveland or San Antonio, it was impossible to enjoy this series in the least.
Let's face it, the NBA needs Kobe in the Finals...or Shaq. Phoenix is fun to watch...Dallas with Mark Cuban is always interesting. Shoot, bring me Golden State or Washington. But the San Antonio/Cleveland pairing had to be the most boring the NBA could possibly get...at least Detroit has the always entertaining Rasheed Wallace. The Spurs have no personality at all and, I'm sorry, but LeBron James is no Jordan...he's not even a Kobe. He's as boring as everyone else on the Cleveland team.
I don't see Oden or Durant saving the NBA. It's pretty much dead compared to the NFL, NCAA football, NCAA basketball and MLB. Shoot, even NASCAR has a larger, and more rabid, fanbase. The NBA is closer to turning into the NHL than the NFL. And that's pretty sad.
Is there any sport less relevant than the NBA? Ratings were down...I mean way, way down. No one cares about the NBA. Not even the new Jordan could save the NBA this year. LeBron James was just as boring as the entire sport. Unless you lived in Cleveland or San Antonio, it was impossible to enjoy this series in the least.
Let's face it, the NBA needs Kobe in the Finals...or Shaq. Phoenix is fun to watch...Dallas with Mark Cuban is always interesting. Shoot, bring me Golden State or Washington. But the San Antonio/Cleveland pairing had to be the most boring the NBA could possibly get...at least Detroit has the always entertaining Rasheed Wallace. The Spurs have no personality at all and, I'm sorry, but LeBron James is no Jordan...he's not even a Kobe. He's as boring as everyone else on the Cleveland team.
I don't see Oden or Durant saving the NBA. It's pretty much dead compared to the NFL, NCAA football, NCAA basketball and MLB. Shoot, even NASCAR has a larger, and more rabid, fanbase. The NBA is closer to turning into the NHL than the NFL. And that's pretty sad.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Fairmont's Water Problems
Well, Fairmont's water problems continue. Now they have to figure out a way to pay the $900,000.00 bill they ran up in December and January in trying to figure out why Fairmont didn't have enough clean water to serve their customers. Obviously, the tax payers in the city will have to foot the bill.
Here are the options: Council has discussed an emergency surcharge. That would run residents $5.57 per bill. That increase would only be for 42 months. Or they could just have a rate increase. If council chooses that, an undetermined amount would be added to a water bill for as long as the city needs it. "Either way it will be limited, it won't be forever," said John Dahlia.
Sorry John, but you're full of it. There's no way the citizens of Fairmont will ever receive a reduction in their water bills. If they add a $5.57 increase, that increase will last forever. I don't care what they say...it might decrease their next increase slightly...but the we'll never see a true decrease.
I agree that we have to pay the bill...there's no way around that. What upsets me is that no one has ever come clean with the taxpayers and explained why Fairmont was suddenly without water. Why did the capacity suddenly drop? Was it a leak? Where was it? Maybe they told us...I don't remember if they did. If it was a lack of capacity; why? It's not like Fairmont suddenly gained 10,000 citizens.
And if it was a lack of capacity, why didn't someone catch it before it occurred? Who is in charge of watching the water supplies? If it were a private business, someone would be fired for incompetence. What happens if Fairmont's population does grow with this waterpark coming in? I'm serious. Are we prepared to handle a waterpark and maybe 1,000+ citizens plus a hotel? Did the City of Fairmont come up with a new way to handle such an emergency in the future?
Personally, I think Fairmont failed with the last water problem and needs to come up with a serious plan to deal with water issues in the future. But Fairmont is more concerned about putting parking meters at the Mid-City Parking Lot and raising our water bills and appears not overly concerned with solving real problems. Typical.
Here are the options: Council has discussed an emergency surcharge. That would run residents $5.57 per bill. That increase would only be for 42 months. Or they could just have a rate increase. If council chooses that, an undetermined amount would be added to a water bill for as long as the city needs it. "Either way it will be limited, it won't be forever," said John Dahlia.
Sorry John, but you're full of it. There's no way the citizens of Fairmont will ever receive a reduction in their water bills. If they add a $5.57 increase, that increase will last forever. I don't care what they say...it might decrease their next increase slightly...but the we'll never see a true decrease.
I agree that we have to pay the bill...there's no way around that. What upsets me is that no one has ever come clean with the taxpayers and explained why Fairmont was suddenly without water. Why did the capacity suddenly drop? Was it a leak? Where was it? Maybe they told us...I don't remember if they did. If it was a lack of capacity; why? It's not like Fairmont suddenly gained 10,000 citizens.
And if it was a lack of capacity, why didn't someone catch it before it occurred? Who is in charge of watching the water supplies? If it were a private business, someone would be fired for incompetence. What happens if Fairmont's population does grow with this waterpark coming in? I'm serious. Are we prepared to handle a waterpark and maybe 1,000+ citizens plus a hotel? Did the City of Fairmont come up with a new way to handle such an emergency in the future?
Personally, I think Fairmont failed with the last water problem and needs to come up with a serious plan to deal with water issues in the future. But Fairmont is more concerned about putting parking meters at the Mid-City Parking Lot and raising our water bills and appears not overly concerned with solving real problems. Typical.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Memory Almost Full
I don't make a whole lot of musical recommendations because it leads to a lot of arguments...but I must say that I purchased Paul McCartney's new CD, Memory Almost Full, on Saturday and have thoroughly enjoyed it. If you enjoy Paul's work, I would highly recommend giving it a listen.
The first time through, I wasn't completely sold on some of the songs but by the second listen, I was hooked. "Let's Dance Tonight" is bouncy and an awesome start to the CD. Definitely a hook. "Ever Present Past" and "See Your Sunshine" were nice too...I liked both tunes. I did not enjoy "Only Mama Knows." It had a promising start but I just don't enjoy it very much.
"You Tell Me" is a beautiful ballad...probably should have been written in a lower key for McCartney. "Mr. Bellamy" might be my favorite song...an "Eleanor Rigby" story of a man who sounds like he has given up...sounds like a jumper. The juxtaposition of Bellamy versus the rescue team is pretty awesome.
"Gratitude" is very nice but I think "Vintage Clothes" is a bit cheesy but a very nice melody. "That Was Me" is good and flows really nicely into "Feet In The Clouds." I can't get into "House of Wax" but it's nice. "End of the End" is magnificient. Kinda sad as McCartney talks of his wishes upon his death. Lyrics say he wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," which will likely occur. "Nod Your Head" is an absolute waste in my opinion. After listening through, I felt he should have closed with "Let's Dance Tonight" to contrast the more sullen "End of the End."
But, regardless, it is excellent work by McCartney that I have listened to repeatedly. It is a great CD in my opinion...and I can't say that about too many CDs coming out now.
The first time through, I wasn't completely sold on some of the songs but by the second listen, I was hooked. "Let's Dance Tonight" is bouncy and an awesome start to the CD. Definitely a hook. "Ever Present Past" and "See Your Sunshine" were nice too...I liked both tunes. I did not enjoy "Only Mama Knows." It had a promising start but I just don't enjoy it very much.
"You Tell Me" is a beautiful ballad...probably should have been written in a lower key for McCartney. "Mr. Bellamy" might be my favorite song...an "Eleanor Rigby" story of a man who sounds like he has given up...sounds like a jumper. The juxtaposition of Bellamy versus the rescue team is pretty awesome.
"Gratitude" is very nice but I think "Vintage Clothes" is a bit cheesy but a very nice melody. "That Was Me" is good and flows really nicely into "Feet In The Clouds." I can't get into "House of Wax" but it's nice. "End of the End" is magnificient. Kinda sad as McCartney talks of his wishes upon his death. Lyrics say he wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," which will likely occur. "Nod Your Head" is an absolute waste in my opinion. After listening through, I felt he should have closed with "Let's Dance Tonight" to contrast the more sullen "End of the End."
But, regardless, it is excellent work by McCartney that I have listened to repeatedly. It is a great CD in my opinion...and I can't say that about too many CDs coming out now.
Never Fails...
Minding my own business yesterday when work called. Someone here was needing several items restored from backup tapes and there was someone already on-site to handle the task. No problem. Except we have changed tape drives since 2004...from the 40GB DLT tape drive to a much more robust Ultrium tape drive. So, I needed to come into the office to put the old tape drive back in place so we could perform the restore. Should be pretty simple...swap out the tape drives and be on my way. But, as Lee Corso says, not so fast my friend.
We took down the server and I went to work swapping out the drives...thinking 5 minutes should take care of my duties. Once the tape drives were changed, I turned back on the server. The file server would need to be up quickly because there were people waiting to do critical work (thus, the need for the restore on a Sunday.) It recognized the "new" tape drive...success. Well, maybe not. Soon I received two errors - PXE-E61 and PXE-M01. I had a good idea what they meant...and then I received the devastating "Invalid System Disk" error message. Hmmmm...all I did was change a tape drive? Not a hard drive...I never even cracked the case on the server itself.
So, what could have happened? Immediately I went into the BIOS and saw that HDD was not an option on boot devices. Not good. Apparently the reboot revealed a problem with our server. We called HP support and after a BIOS upgrade and a little troubleshooting, soon learned that our Smart Array Controller had gone bad. Hooray for that...
Luckily we had another server here that was less vital than our file server and I was able to steal the controller from it and get it into the server and that fixed our issues. We were able to get the old tape drive cooking and everything went smoothly from there. But a 5-minute issue turned into a 2-hour ordeal pretty quickly. I waited around while we did the restores to make sure everything was in working condition.
Needless to say, we were lucky that we had a non-essential server here the same model as what went bad yesterday...otherwise we would have had some very upset folks here. We have a 4-hour response time contract with HP but 4 hours would have been too long. I ended up in the office from 2 p.m. to around 8 p.m. last night...not horrible I guess, all things considered. So far this morning, no problems. Swapping the tape drives back at lunch today...hopefully that will go smoothly too...if not, I'm going home.
We took down the server and I went to work swapping out the drives...thinking 5 minutes should take care of my duties. Once the tape drives were changed, I turned back on the server. The file server would need to be up quickly because there were people waiting to do critical work (thus, the need for the restore on a Sunday.) It recognized the "new" tape drive...success. Well, maybe not. Soon I received two errors - PXE-E61 and PXE-M01. I had a good idea what they meant...and then I received the devastating "Invalid System Disk" error message. Hmmmm...all I did was change a tape drive? Not a hard drive...I never even cracked the case on the server itself.
So, what could have happened? Immediately I went into the BIOS and saw that HDD was not an option on boot devices. Not good. Apparently the reboot revealed a problem with our server. We called HP support and after a BIOS upgrade and a little troubleshooting, soon learned that our Smart Array Controller had gone bad. Hooray for that...
Luckily we had another server here that was less vital than our file server and I was able to steal the controller from it and get it into the server and that fixed our issues. We were able to get the old tape drive cooking and everything went smoothly from there. But a 5-minute issue turned into a 2-hour ordeal pretty quickly. I waited around while we did the restores to make sure everything was in working condition.
Needless to say, we were lucky that we had a non-essential server here the same model as what went bad yesterday...otherwise we would have had some very upset folks here. We have a 4-hour response time contract with HP but 4 hours would have been too long. I ended up in the office from 2 p.m. to around 8 p.m. last night...not horrible I guess, all things considered. So far this morning, no problems. Swapping the tape drives back at lunch today...hopefully that will go smoothly too...if not, I'm going home.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Fairmont - Your Vacation Destination
Well, it's time for part six of the many part mini-series of why Fairmont should be your vacation destination this summer. First, let me reiterate that I have researched the story that accompanies each attraction as best I could...some of my facts might be off a little.
The classic Wave-Tek pool of Fairmont has been a summer destination for children of all ages for many, many years in the tri-city area. What makes Wave-Tek so awesome? Well, I would guess the waves.
Rumor has it that before the waves were created by large machines, Wave-Tek employed 24 large men who would repeatedly jump into the pool creating a ripple effect for all the swimmers. While not as impressive as the waves produced today, it made the pool unique and interesting. Unfortunately, in 1988, one of the large men jumped on a toddler who was playing in the pool and nearly killed the youth. Wave-Tek then began looking for a better wave system. While the waves today are far superior to the waves of yesteryear, the large men were fired and remain unemployed to this day.
Some years ago, Wave-Tek built a slide. Just make sure the water is working before you attempt to go down it or it could hurt...a whole lot.
Lastly, there's a soldier memorial at a little park below the pool. Along with the memorial is a volleyball court.
There's more at Wave-Tek then a pool and volleyball court and I will cover it later. There's mini golf and places to eat. It's truly a spectacular area in Fairmont. And just one more reason that you should make Fairmont your vacation destination this summer.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
True Geniuses
It's not often that I see a sight like what I saw yesterday in Fairmont. Around 4:00 p.m., a series of thunderstorms passed through North-Central West Virginia. These storms have been forecast all week to the best of my knowledge. Even at worst, storm warnings went out across the region midday on Friday.
Well, apparently Gabriel Brothers had scheduled an outdoor sale for Friday...and no thunderstorms were going to prevent them from having that outdoors sale:
Well, apparently Gabriel Brothers had scheduled an outdoor sale for Friday...and no thunderstorms were going to prevent them from having that outdoors sale:
As you can see, instead of moving the racks of clothes back inside the store once the rains began, Gabriel Brothers chose to throw blue tarps over the clothing. My question is: who would remain outside to shop while the storm was brewing? And, who was watching those people shop if they did so? Did an employee stay outside with the clothes?
The winds were pretty bad...and you can see the Gabriel Brothers' employees decided to be smart and put shopping carts on the tarp to hold it in place. Personally, I think it would have taken longer to put the tarp on the clothes and pick up all those shopping carts and place them on the racks then it would have taken to actually move the clothes back in the store. Am I wrong? I must be stupid...that's why I can't work at Gabriel Brothers.
In other news, the 7-11 down in Rivesville has come up with an excellent marketing stategy:
After going inside and seeing the clerk, I decided not to buy a 44 ounce fountain drink and simply purchased a bag of Ruffles instead.
Friday, June 08, 2007
omg, just free paris puh-lease
omg, paris hilton like went to jail and then she got really upset about it and they let her go home. But now some people are like wtf, why is she out of jail and they're all mad about it and jealous because paris is out of jail and they're still in jail or something.
so the judge was all like i want to see you in my court today and paris was like no way but i will totally text you if you want me to. so paris called the judge today and he was all mad about it and told her to come see him today and so now paris has to leave her house and go back to court. its just crazy.
i'm telling you the only person who understands paris is the sheriff who let her go because she wasn't doing very good in jail. i guess the judge and prosecutor are all mad at the sheriff but if paris doesn't want to be in jail she shouldn't have to be there because she really isn't a bad person like everyone says. they just don't like her because she's rich and tells people what she thinks. leave paris alone. its so totally not fair the way she has been treated...if paris doesn't want to go to jail, no one should make her.
anyway, i just hope someone tells the judge that he can't send paris back to jail. it's not fair to her and i don't think anyone should be in jail that doesn't want to be there. paris should be in a mansion, not some dirty jail. omg people...get over it. free paris.
so the judge was all like i want to see you in my court today and paris was like no way but i will totally text you if you want me to. so paris called the judge today and he was all mad about it and told her to come see him today and so now paris has to leave her house and go back to court. its just crazy.
i'm telling you the only person who understands paris is the sheriff who let her go because she wasn't doing very good in jail. i guess the judge and prosecutor are all mad at the sheriff but if paris doesn't want to be in jail she shouldn't have to be there because she really isn't a bad person like everyone says. they just don't like her because she's rich and tells people what she thinks. leave paris alone. its so totally not fair the way she has been treated...if paris doesn't want to go to jail, no one should make her.
anyway, i just hope someone tells the judge that he can't send paris back to jail. it's not fair to her and i don't think anyone should be in jail that doesn't want to be there. paris should be in a mansion, not some dirty jail. omg people...get over it. free paris.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Waterpark Update
Many have inquired and today the investigative department of the Times-West Virginian finally gave us an update on the waterpark situation in Fairmont: Everything is "moving pretty smoothly."
Wow...I am blown away. This is the type of journalism I want to see. It is "moving pretty smoothly." While the article does describe some of the progress that is being made, it fails to give one vital detail that I really wanted to see: a completion date. Doesn't look to be anytime soon. The recycling portion of the cleanup isn't slated to be completed until mid-2008 at this point. That leads me to believe that an opening by the summer of 2009 is out of the question. But who knows?
On a positive note, crews have allegedly hauled away over 250,000 tons of waste from the site. And they're saying 70% of the north landfill has been cleaned up. That's always good.
I was going to take some pictures of the site...but I can never tell what they're doing when I drive by the location. Honestly, even though I went there for the announcement, I still can't pinpoint where this thing is going to be. I've see some trees are missing...but I don't know what they're doing and I don't want to get shot trying to get too close. Apparently the people at the Times felt the same way since there have been no pictures of the site in the paper since the announcement in October 2006. I would try harder, but I don't want to get shot. But, that's my waterpark update for today...not much to report, obviously.
In better news, the paper has managed to not report the price of gas for 4 days. I believe that would have to be a record. Way to go!!!
Wow...I am blown away. This is the type of journalism I want to see. It is "moving pretty smoothly." While the article does describe some of the progress that is being made, it fails to give one vital detail that I really wanted to see: a completion date. Doesn't look to be anytime soon. The recycling portion of the cleanup isn't slated to be completed until mid-2008 at this point. That leads me to believe that an opening by the summer of 2009 is out of the question. But who knows?
On a positive note, crews have allegedly hauled away over 250,000 tons of waste from the site. And they're saying 70% of the north landfill has been cleaned up. That's always good.
I was going to take some pictures of the site...but I can never tell what they're doing when I drive by the location. Honestly, even though I went there for the announcement, I still can't pinpoint where this thing is going to be. I've see some trees are missing...but I don't know what they're doing and I don't want to get shot trying to get too close. Apparently the people at the Times felt the same way since there have been no pictures of the site in the paper since the announcement in October 2006. I would try harder, but I don't want to get shot. But, that's my waterpark update for today...not much to report, obviously.
In better news, the paper has managed to not report the price of gas for 4 days. I believe that would have to be a record. Way to go!!!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Fairmont - Your Vacation Destination
Well, it's time for part five of the many part mini-series of why Fairmont should be your vacation destination this summer. First, let me reiterate that I have researched the story that accompanies each attraction as best I could...some of my facts might be off a little.
Last week we covered the great festival and entertainment that Fairmont can bring you for a weekend. What about the rest of the time? Well, let me introduce you to Downtown Fairmont.
A few years ago, Fairmont built a memorial park near the post office. On any given weekend, this part can become a smorgasboard of crafts stands, fruit stands and...well, it's most crafts and fruits. But, it's a bustling little area for people to sell their goods.
In the past, the major complaint about Downtown Fairmont was the lack of parking. Well, you can't complain anymore because Fairmont built a major parking garage near the post office. So, now you can actually park a car downtown to go to the many shops and stores located downtown. Ummm...I think there's still a bakery and I saw two places to eat I think. Maybe a couple crafts stores...a bank, a post office, a courthouse and a few law offices. Oh, and a new computer shop.
And while you're downtown, be sure to stop at the Fairmont Theatre where 3 great movies are always playing. I couldn't find a listing for what is playing but I'm sure it's great. Probably "Soylent Green," "Gigli" and "Showgirls." A good cross-section...and worth whatever the cost to enter the historic theatre would be. Be sure to call ahead though...because I'm not even sure the theatre is really open.
If you think it's too difficult to get downtown, don't worry...the government is spending a ton of money to build a connector from I-79 to Yann's Dogs...which is right down the hill from Downtown. (I guess that connector is really to downtown...)
Anyway, a bustling downtown is yet another reason to make Fairmont your vacation destination this summer. Join us for a crafts show and stay for the parking and movie. It's worth it...you know you want to. Come on!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
The Final Straw?
Well...I'm growing very close to finally saying I have completely given up on George W. Bush. I have stood behind the president through some serious debacles. The war in Iraq has been mishandled but that doesn't change the fact we can't just run away from that region and leave that country in chaos. But, as I have said before, it is being mismanaged by this administration. Katrina...not really the president's fault but, once again, it did reveal incompetence in the administration.
I have sat by while he has expanded government spending and the government in general. I have supported him even when I questioned some of the administration's policies. Up until 2001, conservatives would be more likely to call for the abolition of the Department of Education rather than pass some sweeping legislation like "No Child Left Behind." But Bush demanded "No Child" and the Republicans delivered one of the poorest pieces of legislation ever...and yet I stood behind the president...uneasily.
When George Bush attempted to nominate Harriet Myers as Supreme Court Justice, I was livid. But I was patient and the president eventually nominated a very worthy and successful candidate to the court.
I moved beyond all that but it's time to admit that I am breaking away from this administration when it comes to this immigration proposal they are backing. It's not that I am breaking with the White House on immigration, but that the White House is breaking from me and most conservatives in this country. What President Bush is doing, and has been doing for some time, is sundering a great political coalition. This is sad, and it holds implications not only for one political party but for the American future.
The White House doesn't care about the conservative base in this country for the simple fact that the problems of this administration are so many that the base cannot begin to solve them. For some reason, the White House has decided to break ties with the base and is doing so with the most dangerous of rhetoric. Instead of working with the conservative base on an immigration bill, Bush has decided to take the position that opponents of his bill "don't want to do what's right for America." Senator Lindsey Graham, backing the President, has said, "We're gonna tell the bigots to shut up."
As the heat continued to rise, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff suggested opponents would prefer illegal immigrants be killed. Then Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said those who oppose the bill want "mass deportation." Former Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson said those who oppose the bill are "anti-immigrant" and suggested they suffer from "rage" and "national chauvinism." And the President has gone on to suggest that opponents of his bill are uneducated and ignorant.
I oppose the immigration bill because of the ramifications of creating a permanent underclass of 12 to 20 million Americans...requiring illegal aliens to turn themselves in, return to their home country, prove they worked in this country on some untested merit point system and then be given citizenship and pay back taxes and penalties. And yet, while we try to get this unskilled workers citizenship, we refuse citizenship to highly educated, American-taught people who end up taking their knowledge to other countries. We refuse the best and brightest in the world but want to provide citizenship to fruit pickers. What is wrong with that picture? And at the end of the day, this bill doesn't fix the most serious problem of all...border security.
More people are paying attention to immigration reform than most issues. And they are passionate about stopping illegal immigration into this country. If Republicans want to kill the conservative base, they will stand behind the White House and help pass this bill. But they are opening the door to their demise in 2008.
I have sat by while he has expanded government spending and the government in general. I have supported him even when I questioned some of the administration's policies. Up until 2001, conservatives would be more likely to call for the abolition of the Department of Education rather than pass some sweeping legislation like "No Child Left Behind." But Bush demanded "No Child" and the Republicans delivered one of the poorest pieces of legislation ever...and yet I stood behind the president...uneasily.
When George Bush attempted to nominate Harriet Myers as Supreme Court Justice, I was livid. But I was patient and the president eventually nominated a very worthy and successful candidate to the court.
I moved beyond all that but it's time to admit that I am breaking away from this administration when it comes to this immigration proposal they are backing. It's not that I am breaking with the White House on immigration, but that the White House is breaking from me and most conservatives in this country. What President Bush is doing, and has been doing for some time, is sundering a great political coalition. This is sad, and it holds implications not only for one political party but for the American future.
The White House doesn't care about the conservative base in this country for the simple fact that the problems of this administration are so many that the base cannot begin to solve them. For some reason, the White House has decided to break ties with the base and is doing so with the most dangerous of rhetoric. Instead of working with the conservative base on an immigration bill, Bush has decided to take the position that opponents of his bill "don't want to do what's right for America." Senator Lindsey Graham, backing the President, has said, "We're gonna tell the bigots to shut up."
As the heat continued to rise, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff suggested opponents would prefer illegal immigrants be killed. Then Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said those who oppose the bill want "mass deportation." Former Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson said those who oppose the bill are "anti-immigrant" and suggested they suffer from "rage" and "national chauvinism." And the President has gone on to suggest that opponents of his bill are uneducated and ignorant.
I oppose the immigration bill because of the ramifications of creating a permanent underclass of 12 to 20 million Americans...requiring illegal aliens to turn themselves in, return to their home country, prove they worked in this country on some untested merit point system and then be given citizenship and pay back taxes and penalties. And yet, while we try to get this unskilled workers citizenship, we refuse citizenship to highly educated, American-taught people who end up taking their knowledge to other countries. We refuse the best and brightest in the world but want to provide citizenship to fruit pickers. What is wrong with that picture? And at the end of the day, this bill doesn't fix the most serious problem of all...border security.
More people are paying attention to immigration reform than most issues. And they are passionate about stopping illegal immigration into this country. If Republicans want to kill the conservative base, they will stand behind the White House and help pass this bill. But they are opening the door to their demise in 2008.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Random Stuff
Just a few random things to close out a hot Friday...
- Is giant pig a hoax? There are reports that the 9 feet 4 inches, 1,051 pound pig "Monsterpig" may have been a product of some photoshopping. I don't care either way -- I'm just happy about the hatemail that monsterpig received. Proves how crazy some people are...it's a pig!
- Kobe wants traded. Kobe doesn't want traded. I really don't care. I just want him to go away. I think he was upset that LeBron was getting press and he wasn't...so this was a good way to get his name back on ESPN. Seriously.
- How long before Michael Vick is indicted? Can't come soon enough.
- Obama plays basketball. Wow.
- The Times-West Virginian has completely refused my request to quit giving gas updates. They have done so everyday this week. I believe I am going to cancel my subscription over this. I am willing to suffer for my beliefs...
That's five things...I think that's enough for now. I've held off on another immigration article but I can feel one brewing...maybe this afternoon if I have time. If not, oh well. Also, reason to visit Fairmont coming up Sunday. It's a good one...just like the others.
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