Life... it's what happens
You know the saying, "Life is what happens when you're making other plans"... not sure who said it originally, but it's fitting to most everyone's circumstances. The daily grind, the hussle and bussle, the rat race. We all try to make commitments and most of them we're able to keep. Some do get either postponed or completely blown off! I'd like to think that my commitment to blogging has just been postponed!
There will be some changes coming here soon, so keep checking back and thanks for the time you've taken to look!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Random Thoughts...
Transitions - New Job
Changing jobs is something that most working adults do throughout their working lives. Some changes are voluntary, like getting a better paying position. Some are involuntary, like being laid off. Some are positive, like getting prompted to the job you know you're qualified for and have been working towards. Some are negative, like taking a job you're overqualified for because work is scarce and it's the only position you could find. Most are definitely what you make of it.
In my line of work, changing jobs can be any one of the scenarios I described above (well, maybe not the "laid off" example, but a transition can still be negative). Changing jobs is expected and a normal part of career progression. I am currently transitioning from a position that I've held for the past four and a half years to a completely different opportunity at a new location. This move has been completely voluntary and hopefully positive. But, as in most every aspect of life, there is that bit of trepidation when embarking on something new.
Hopefully I've learned what I needed to learn from my past job. It may not be what those above me thought I needed to learn, but I learned many things just the same. Hopefully I will be able to learn even more in my new position. Hopefully I will be someone productive and knowledgeable in my new job. Hopefully I will not make a fool of myself.
I wish all those that are making big transitions in their lives the best!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Random Thoughts...
New Year's Resolutions
How many of us have actually stuck with New Year's resolutions from previous years? I know that sometimes it's taken me all year to achieve my resolutions. And maybe I'm still trying to accomplish some resolutions I set back in 1995. But that may not be the point of resolutions.
In my opinion, changing your behaviors and habits is among the most difficult tasks we can take on in our lifetime. The act of making a New Year's resolution may just be another one of the steps one must take when setting and accomplishing goals. Saying your goals out loud. Writing them on a piece of paper (or in a blog). These may be little tricks that we use to make ourselves accountable to the world as a whole if we do not achieve our goals or resolutions. Just a thought.
Any resolutions that you're working on?
How many of us have actually stuck with New Year's resolutions from previous years? I know that sometimes it's taken me all year to achieve my resolutions. And maybe I'm still trying to accomplish some resolutions I set back in 1995. But that may not be the point of resolutions.
In my opinion, changing your behaviors and habits is among the most difficult tasks we can take on in our lifetime. The act of making a New Year's resolution may just be another one of the steps one must take when setting and accomplishing goals. Saying your goals out loud. Writing them on a piece of paper (or in a blog). These may be little tricks that we use to make ourselves accountable to the world as a whole if we do not achieve our goals or resolutions. Just a thought.
Any resolutions that you're working on?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Interesting Idea
Dr. Jay Parkinson - HelloHealth
I found this via Twitter from @jeffjarvis and his blog BuzzMachine. It's definitely a Web 2.0 way to practice medicine! At this time, it's only available in New York City. but I hope that maybe this idea will catch on. I've been around health care professionals pretty much all of my life and I'm definitely interested in what the different opinions are of this doctor's idea. Tell me what you think!
Jay Parkinson at Pop!Tech from Jay Parkinson on Vimeo.
I found this via Twitter from @jeffjarvis and his blog BuzzMachine. It's definitely a Web 2.0 way to practice medicine! At this time, it's only available in New York City. but I hope that maybe this idea will catch on. I've been around health care professionals pretty much all of my life and I'm definitely interested in what the different opinions are of this doctor's idea. Tell me what you think!
Jay Parkinson at Pop!Tech from Jay Parkinson on Vimeo.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Random Reviews #7
President-Elect Obama addresses the nation via YouTube
Please take the time to watch this video. Not only for the message, but for the history of it. I find this very interesting for two reasons. One, I'm very impressed by the use of technology that President-elect Obama seems to want to incorporate into his presidency. We've come a long way from telegraph messages, newspaper reports, FDR's Fireside Chats, weekly radio addresses, and an occasional mainstream media news briefing. I hope that these YouTube addresses continue, either with YouTube and/or some other New Media platforms, and I hope that Americans take the time to watch. I hope that many involved with Web 2.0 and Social Media take the time to repost so that these addresses can be propigated to as many as possible.
This leads to my second reason for interest. No matter what your feelings about the incoming president, we do need to unite as a country and reverse the direction we're headed. Some may say that what we're experiencing with the economy is cyclical and just part of being a capitalistic democracy. Some may say our outgoing leadership is to blame. I'm not going to even begin to discuss my opinions of what caused all this, but I do know that I'd like to change things so that my son can experience all the good things the United States can offer.
UPDATE: While I was grocery shopping, I got to thinking more about this blog post. Odd place to ponder things, but apparently I get inspired while fighting with the funky-wheeled shopping carts! I wanted to clarify my position on this subject a bit more. I hope that everyone get a chance to see these addresses not because I think Obama is always right or because he won, everyone should do what he says all the time (though I will kind of have to right now). I do believe that people should be more informed about their government. From the local level, to the state level, all the way up to the federal level. The more informed we are about the government's activities, the more we will be able to help and change this country for the better. Hopefully that clarifies things a bit more.
Please take the time to watch this video. Not only for the message, but for the history of it. I find this very interesting for two reasons. One, I'm very impressed by the use of technology that President-elect Obama seems to want to incorporate into his presidency. We've come a long way from telegraph messages, newspaper reports, FDR's Fireside Chats, weekly radio addresses, and an occasional mainstream media news briefing. I hope that these YouTube addresses continue, either with YouTube and/or some other New Media platforms, and I hope that Americans take the time to watch. I hope that many involved with Web 2.0 and Social Media take the time to repost so that these addresses can be propigated to as many as possible.
This leads to my second reason for interest. No matter what your feelings about the incoming president, we do need to unite as a country and reverse the direction we're headed. Some may say that what we're experiencing with the economy is cyclical and just part of being a capitalistic democracy. Some may say our outgoing leadership is to blame. I'm not going to even begin to discuss my opinions of what caused all this, but I do know that I'd like to change things so that my son can experience all the good things the United States can offer.
UPDATE: While I was grocery shopping, I got to thinking more about this blog post. Odd place to ponder things, but apparently I get inspired while fighting with the funky-wheeled shopping carts! I wanted to clarify my position on this subject a bit more. I hope that everyone get a chance to see these addresses not because I think Obama is always right or because he won, everyone should do what he says all the time (though I will kind of have to right now). I do believe that people should be more informed about their government. From the local level, to the state level, all the way up to the federal level. The more informed we are about the government's activities, the more we will be able to help and change this country for the better. Hopefully that clarifies things a bit more.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Random Thoughts...
Do you ever sit around and wonder, "when exactly did I become the adult?" Now, I know that it's debatable as to what defines an "adult." I'm not writing to fuel that debate. I'm just talking about the feeling of trying to figure out how I got here from there, ya know what I mean?
I had my first "Parent/Teacher Conference" today for my kindergartner. I was nervous for no good reason, but I recognized it as the same nagging nervousness I felt when my parents had to meet with my teachers. Everything went great and, of course, there was nothing to be nervous about. It just struck me as a bit of a "circle of life" type of deal while I was sitting there discussing things that my mom probably discussed with my teachers (of course, using the applicable pronouns!) like he is "an outstanding reader and has a great memory" but gets a bit distracted when asked to recite his address and phone number. These are things I know for a fact that he knows, but he arbitrarily decides that he doesn't want to share. He's great with numbers and math, but isn't really interested in identifying the different types of money. He does fine with it all, but you can tell what he is interested in learning and what he's not. Yep, I can picture my mom hearing the exact same things during her parent/teacher conference when I was in kindergarten!
I had my first "Parent/Teacher Conference" today for my kindergartner. I was nervous for no good reason, but I recognized it as the same nagging nervousness I felt when my parents had to meet with my teachers. Everything went great and, of course, there was nothing to be nervous about. It just struck me as a bit of a "circle of life" type of deal while I was sitting there discussing things that my mom probably discussed with my teachers (of course, using the applicable pronouns!) like he is "an outstanding reader and has a great memory" but gets a bit distracted when asked to recite his address and phone number. These are things I know for a fact that he knows, but he arbitrarily decides that he doesn't want to share. He's great with numbers and math, but isn't really interested in identifying the different types of money. He does fine with it all, but you can tell what he is interested in learning and what he's not. Yep, I can picture my mom hearing the exact same things during her parent/teacher conference when I was in kindergarten!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Kevin Rose interviews Al Gore
This is an interesting interview. Let me know what you think.
I have a variety of things that I'd like to write about when I find the time, so check back for updates!
I have a variety of things that I'd like to write about when I find the time, so check back for updates!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
My one and only political rant
To all legal US citizens:
If you have not done so already, go out and vote on Tuesday, November 4th! I'm not about to tell you who to vote for... if you're of age, you're considered mature enough to make that decision on your own (though honestly, I do question the maturity label given to most everybody nowadays). Just exercise your right and do it! Whether you agree with the process or think it's more corrupt than Halliburton, at least you'll have the experience of having done it.
For many years (I won't say how many), I didn't take advantage of my right to vote. As the political world stormed around me, I sat silent and watched. I believe that those who don't vote do not have the privilege of complaining about the situation. So, whether you think your vote counts or not, at least by voting, you've given yourself the privilege of complaining if things go wrong in your world!
Do a little research for the ballot questions and the local candidates in your state and location. Have a general idea as to where you stand on the issues. Take a minute to go over your sample ballot and Google a few things. Bring your kids and explain along the way what you're doing so that they can appreciate the process as well. Even let your kids fill out a sample ballot!
Just go out and vote!
If you have not done so already, go out and vote on Tuesday, November 4th! I'm not about to tell you who to vote for... if you're of age, you're considered mature enough to make that decision on your own (though honestly, I do question the maturity label given to most everybody nowadays). Just exercise your right and do it! Whether you agree with the process or think it's more corrupt than Halliburton, at least you'll have the experience of having done it.
For many years (I won't say how many), I didn't take advantage of my right to vote. As the political world stormed around me, I sat silent and watched. I believe that those who don't vote do not have the privilege of complaining about the situation. So, whether you think your vote counts or not, at least by voting, you've given yourself the privilege of complaining if things go wrong in your world!
Do a little research for the ballot questions and the local candidates in your state and location. Have a general idea as to where you stand on the issues. Take a minute to go over your sample ballot and Google a few things. Bring your kids and explain along the way what you're doing so that they can appreciate the process as well. Even let your kids fill out a sample ballot!
Just go out and vote!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Random Thoughts...
Holiday Shopping
Okay, please don't call me Scrooge. Don't question my "holiday spirit." But I'm not liking the fact that I've seen Christmas and holiday decorations already lining the store shelves and commercials easing their way in between my shows. I was amazed that I was seeing all this even prior to my birthday (end of September!). Though I do have to admit, I enjoy the holiday commercials much more than the political ads!
I know the economy is in a downward plunge right now with the unemployment rate rising to 6.1% in September and the credit crunch most of the "middle class" (both upper and lower) folks are under. The retail sector is desperately trying to squeeze what they can out of what has potential of being a very bleak holiday spending season. Not only is the world economy in the crapper, but most consider this a shorter-than-normal shopping season because Thanksgiving falls a little later this year. To compensate, the retail market has begun to stretch the onslaught of holiday advertising and specials from the 55 days of November and December to another 30 to 40 days that begin in September!
I'm trying to teach my son more about the giving and the appreciation of one another during the holiday season, but it's difficult when the blitzkrieg of the retail market hits. Thoughts anyone?
Okay, please don't call me Scrooge. Don't question my "holiday spirit." But I'm not liking the fact that I've seen Christmas and holiday decorations already lining the store shelves and commercials easing their way in between my shows. I was amazed that I was seeing all this even prior to my birthday (end of September!). Though I do have to admit, I enjoy the holiday commercials much more than the political ads!
I know the economy is in a downward plunge right now with the unemployment rate rising to 6.1% in September and the credit crunch most of the "middle class" (both upper and lower) folks are under. The retail sector is desperately trying to squeeze what they can out of what has potential of being a very bleak holiday spending season. Not only is the world economy in the crapper, but most consider this a shorter-than-normal shopping season because Thanksgiving falls a little later this year. To compensate, the retail market has begun to stretch the onslaught of holiday advertising and specials from the 55 days of November and December to another 30 to 40 days that begin in September!
I'm trying to teach my son more about the giving and the appreciation of one another during the holiday season, but it's difficult when the blitzkrieg of the retail market hits. Thoughts anyone?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Random "Tech" Tidbits #1
Computer Application - Batch Processing with Adobe Acrobat Professional
I've decided to add yet another tag to my blog... Did I mention this blog is completely random?
Under this tag, I've decided to mention the little tidbits I've discovered along the way in hopes that I can add a little useful information to the abyss of the internet. I tend to struggle with ideas, Googling to death any question that I need answered. I at least have earned a B.A. in B.S. thanks to Google University! Seriously though, I've found that Google is the #1 most important tool I have at my disposal to answer my million questions. However, there has been one question that's been whooping me for quite sometime at work and Google was not helping at all.
A little background... I do a lot of work lately with computers. I'm not going to get too detailed, but suffice to say I am responsible for ensuring many people have access to many different forms of information. This information can come in many formats, from paper to electronic to verbal. These formats run the gambit and are always changing. Well, what had been whooping me was the simple .pdf format. Pretty much all of the programs I use at work, I've had to teach myself how to use. So therein lies my reliance on Google. What I wanted to do was prevent a group of users from printing documents they were able to view electronically through the intranet website I had developed. Sounds silly, I know, that they can't print, but they can look, but it's part of "the rules" defined by those that get paid a lot more money than I do. Anyway, I have hundreds of these documents and I knew how to secure the printing with each individual file. The lazy part of me knew there had to be a better way to get this done in one fell swoop. So after countless Google searches and clicking like a mad woman in Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0, I had almost given up.
Then Thursday, a breakthrough! I finally discovered "Batch Processing..."! What an amazing little tool! Ok, maybe it won't cure the common cold, but it did give me a way to finally do what I needed to do to make my job a bit easier for a minute. I was able to change the security settings on multiple .pdf files at one time to password protect printing privileges. Excellent! Depending on what you want to do, you may have to create you're own rule to apply and there are a few options on how to apply batch rules. It was relatively easy to figure out once I got the hang of it. I found that it's available at least in Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0 and 8.0. I'm not sure about earlier versions or the new 9.0.
If you've found some handy-dandy tricks, please share!
I've decided to add yet another tag to my blog... Did I mention this blog is completely random?
Under this tag, I've decided to mention the little tidbits I've discovered along the way in hopes that I can add a little useful information to the abyss of the internet. I tend to struggle with ideas, Googling to death any question that I need answered. I at least have earned a B.A. in B.S. thanks to Google University! Seriously though, I've found that Google is the #1 most important tool I have at my disposal to answer my million questions. However, there has been one question that's been whooping me for quite sometime at work and Google was not helping at all.
A little background... I do a lot of work lately with computers. I'm not going to get too detailed, but suffice to say I am responsible for ensuring many people have access to many different forms of information. This information can come in many formats, from paper to electronic to verbal. These formats run the gambit and are always changing. Well, what had been whooping me was the simple .pdf format. Pretty much all of the programs I use at work, I've had to teach myself how to use. So therein lies my reliance on Google. What I wanted to do was prevent a group of users from printing documents they were able to view electronically through the intranet website I had developed. Sounds silly, I know, that they can't print, but they can look, but it's part of "the rules" defined by those that get paid a lot more money than I do. Anyway, I have hundreds of these documents and I knew how to secure the printing with each individual file. The lazy part of me knew there had to be a better way to get this done in one fell swoop. So after countless Google searches and clicking like a mad woman in Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0, I had almost given up.
Then Thursday, a breakthrough! I finally discovered "Batch Processing..."! What an amazing little tool! Ok, maybe it won't cure the common cold, but it did give me a way to finally do what I needed to do to make my job a bit easier for a minute. I was able to change the security settings on multiple .pdf files at one time to password protect printing privileges. Excellent! Depending on what you want to do, you may have to create you're own rule to apply and there are a few options on how to apply batch rules. It was relatively easy to figure out once I got the hang of it. I found that it's available at least in Adobe Acrobat Professional 7.0 and 8.0. I'm not sure about earlier versions or the new 9.0.
If you've found some handy-dandy tricks, please share!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Random Reviews #6
Website - Eyejot.com
I have a link that I’ve recently discovered that I’d love to share. It’s Eyejot.com and it’s a simple way to send video email messages. My ex-husband and I both have family and friends spread throughout the United States and overseas. Everyone has such busy schedules and with the dramatic time differences, it’s tough to synchronize time to sit and Skype to keep in contact. So lately, my son and I have been making short 1 minute videos and sending them off to his dad and other family. Everyone, especially grandparents, love their weekly videos of Anthony and it’s a quick way to say hi whenever there’s a free moment.
The free Eyejot accounts let you make unlimited 1 minute videos and your messages are retained for a month. The recipient can download the videos to their computer if they would like and subscribe to their messages with iTunes/RSS. The recipient receives a message and when they click to see the video, they are sent to the Eyejot website. There are different packages available, but for our purposes, the free version is more than enough. It’s flash-based, so Adobe Flash Player is the only additional install required for everything to work (it’s usually installed for other reasons already). I’m sure there are other video emailing services out there. I just happened to find this one and with its ease of use, no one has had any troubles using it.
I have a link that I’ve recently discovered that I’d love to share. It’s Eyejot.com and it’s a simple way to send video email messages. My ex-husband and I both have family and friends spread throughout the United States and overseas. Everyone has such busy schedules and with the dramatic time differences, it’s tough to synchronize time to sit and Skype to keep in contact. So lately, my son and I have been making short 1 minute videos and sending them off to his dad and other family. Everyone, especially grandparents, love their weekly videos of Anthony and it’s a quick way to say hi whenever there’s a free moment.
The free Eyejot accounts let you make unlimited 1 minute videos and your messages are retained for a month. The recipient can download the videos to their computer if they would like and subscribe to their messages with iTunes/RSS. The recipient receives a message and when they click to see the video, they are sent to the Eyejot website. There are different packages available, but for our purposes, the free version is more than enough. It’s flash-based, so Adobe Flash Player is the only additional install required for everything to work (it’s usually installed for other reasons already). I’m sure there are other video emailing services out there. I just happened to find this one and with its ease of use, no one has had any troubles using it.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Results of the 1st bus ride...
Well, we did it... On Saturday, Anthony and I successfully navigated at least a small portion of the Las Vegas public transportation system. It's not really a system I guess, more of a collection of bus routes. When I hear system, I think of things like what the San Francisco Bay area has to offer... buses, trollies, trains, and even ferries. Ok, so the ferries are a bit too much for Vegas, but this community is seriously lacking in a useful and realistic alternative for most of the car-reliant Las Vegans. But I digress...
Our trip wasn't too bad. The buses were surprisingly clean and actually not very crowded. The stops themselves, however, leave a lot to be desired. The entire trip didn't take too long, but there was a lot of walking between stops. Too much walking, in my opinion, to make the use of public transportation a reasonable alternative on a daily basis. I can see myself using my bike in conjunction with the bus, but it will be difficult for Anthony until he loses his training wheels.
We did meet some very nice people. Even a group of teenagers were joking around with Anthony. The groups of people we saw on the bus were definitely better than those I had pictured in my mind that would ride the bus. Now I'm not saying that some people didn't have eccentricities, but I did feel safe and that's what I was worried about with this project.
I only had to make one 911 call... seriously! A woman waiting at one of the bus stops with us handed me her phone and asked me to call 911 as she doubled over in pain. The ambulance came about 5 minutes later and they loaded her up. I'm guessing she's probably ok, but we had to catch our next bus, so I didn't follow up.
I will put together a bus-riding bag with essential tools, however. #1: Three or four bottles of water. The waiting and the walking makes one a bit thirsty! Plus, even though it's October, it's still pretty warm here in Vegas! #2: Hand wipes AND hand sanitizer. Anthony couldn't help himself. He apparently had to touch everything, including the ground, the trash can, the dirty bench... I disinfected him periodically throughout and immediately when we got home. Plus, we both jumped in the shower after we walked in the door. #3: Bus maps and schedule. These really came in handy and I don't see me memorizing the bus schedule anytime soon! #4: Anthony entertainment. Next time, I will ensure that the PSP is charged up... #5: Plastic bags. Apparently, you have to cover wheels to skateboards and scooters (which we took for our journey this time) with plastic bags. This is supposed to stop one from riding up and down the aisle and keep the bus cleaner I guess.
Overall, not a bad experience. One I wouldn't mind doing again. I did notice that I had more time to sit and talk with Anthony and it was a bit more of a relaxing way to travel. I felt a little out of control as far as timing everything, but it was nice not having to concentrate on driving and fighting traffic. I may be more inclined to use a bus now that I know more about it all. I do believe that they need more routes created and more buses added to the current routes to make the program more successful. I've started my campaign of getting more routes by my house. The RTC website says they base their routes off of the requests from the public. Well, I can and will be persistent!
Our trip wasn't too bad. The buses were surprisingly clean and actually not very crowded. The stops themselves, however, leave a lot to be desired. The entire trip didn't take too long, but there was a lot of walking between stops. Too much walking, in my opinion, to make the use of public transportation a reasonable alternative on a daily basis. I can see myself using my bike in conjunction with the bus, but it will be difficult for Anthony until he loses his training wheels.
We did meet some very nice people. Even a group of teenagers were joking around with Anthony. The groups of people we saw on the bus were definitely better than those I had pictured in my mind that would ride the bus. Now I'm not saying that some people didn't have eccentricities, but I did feel safe and that's what I was worried about with this project.
I only had to make one 911 call... seriously! A woman waiting at one of the bus stops with us handed me her phone and asked me to call 911 as she doubled over in pain. The ambulance came about 5 minutes later and they loaded her up. I'm guessing she's probably ok, but we had to catch our next bus, so I didn't follow up.
I will put together a bus-riding bag with essential tools, however. #1: Three or four bottles of water. The waiting and the walking makes one a bit thirsty! Plus, even though it's October, it's still pretty warm here in Vegas! #2: Hand wipes AND hand sanitizer. Anthony couldn't help himself. He apparently had to touch everything, including the ground, the trash can, the dirty bench... I disinfected him periodically throughout and immediately when we got home. Plus, we both jumped in the shower after we walked in the door. #3: Bus maps and schedule. These really came in handy and I don't see me memorizing the bus schedule anytime soon! #4: Anthony entertainment. Next time, I will ensure that the PSP is charged up... #5: Plastic bags. Apparently, you have to cover wheels to skateboards and scooters (which we took for our journey this time) with plastic bags. This is supposed to stop one from riding up and down the aisle and keep the bus cleaner I guess.
Overall, not a bad experience. One I wouldn't mind doing again. I did notice that I had more time to sit and talk with Anthony and it was a bit more of a relaxing way to travel. I felt a little out of control as far as timing everything, but it was nice not having to concentrate on driving and fighting traffic. I may be more inclined to use a bus now that I know more about it all. I do believe that they need more routes created and more buses added to the current routes to make the program more successful. I've started my campaign of getting more routes by my house. The RTC website says they base their routes off of the requests from the public. Well, I can and will be persistent!
Random Reviews #5
Internet-based business - Netflix
Well, I've signed up for Netflix again. I've heard and read in various other blogs so much about how they've changed and you're able to watch a lot of stuff instantly. So far, I'm impressed. I signed up for the $8.99 plan... 1 DVD at a time, unlimited DVDs per month, and unlimited internet viewing.
Overall, I'd give the whole process a 3 1/2 out of 5. There was quite a bit of updating and installing I had to do on both of my computers to start viewing because it seems I don't use the Windows software enough to know it was all a bit behind. Also, it seems that only Internet Explorer can be used to view stuff. I'm a huge Firefox fan, so I do find it inconvenient that the software is not compatible for multiple browsers. I haven't tried to use my iBook G4 laptop yet, but I suspect it won't work.
There isn't quite as much TV content available as I had thought, though I was pleased to see some CBS, NBC, and Discovery Channel content I can't seem to locate elsewhere. The good part about it is the wide variety of movies they have available for instant viewing. I'm impressed with the range from new releases to older stuff I might not have seen. Anthony had a friend sleep over last night and they really enjoyed the fact they had so many children/family movies for their viewing pleasure.
Using Netflix in conjunction with some of the network-specific sites (abc.com, nbc.com, etc.) and Hulu, I think we'll be good to go on TV content!
Well, I've signed up for Netflix again. I've heard and read in various other blogs so much about how they've changed and you're able to watch a lot of stuff instantly. So far, I'm impressed. I signed up for the $8.99 plan... 1 DVD at a time, unlimited DVDs per month, and unlimited internet viewing.
Overall, I'd give the whole process a 3 1/2 out of 5. There was quite a bit of updating and installing I had to do on both of my computers to start viewing because it seems I don't use the Windows software enough to know it was all a bit behind. Also, it seems that only Internet Explorer can be used to view stuff. I'm a huge Firefox fan, so I do find it inconvenient that the software is not compatible for multiple browsers. I haven't tried to use my iBook G4 laptop yet, but I suspect it won't work.
There isn't quite as much TV content available as I had thought, though I was pleased to see some CBS, NBC, and Discovery Channel content I can't seem to locate elsewhere. The good part about it is the wide variety of movies they have available for instant viewing. I'm impressed with the range from new releases to older stuff I might not have seen. Anthony had a friend sleep over last night and they really enjoyed the fact they had so many children/family movies for their viewing pleasure.
Using Netflix in conjunction with some of the network-specific sites (abc.com, nbc.com, etc.) and Hulu, I think we'll be good to go on TV content!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Random Reviews #4
Music - Andy Mckee
Check this guy out! His name is Andy Mckee. I was surfing around YouTube and came across this guy. It's like candy for your ears. I usually don't care for instrumentals, but this guy is melodiously mesmerizing.
UPDATE 28 Oct 08: For some reason, the video isn't working. So, I highly recommend you check out his multiple YouTube videos, starting with "Drifting".
Check this guy out! His name is Andy Mckee. I was surfing around YouTube and came across this guy. It's like candy for your ears. I usually don't care for instrumentals, but this guy is melodiously mesmerizing.
UPDATE 28 Oct 08: For some reason, the video isn't working. So, I highly recommend you check out his multiple YouTube videos, starting with "Drifting".
Are YOU up to the challenge?
So I was sitting around last night thinking about all the "what if" questions I could ponder at one time. Most of them were answered with "You're screwed" or "That would suck!" But there were a couple that I honestly would like to figure out the legitimate answer. The first question was: "How would I get from point A to point B to point C and back again if my damned truck broke down?" Quick emergency answer would be to call my friends. Since this would probably be ok only for a couple of days, I really need a back up plan. We'll save the next "what if" question for another day.
So my first new project... navigate my way from my house to work and back using the Las Vegas public transportation system! This is crazy for two reasons... #1) The closest bus stop is about 2 1/2-3 miles away and #2) I have a five-year-old that is not as concerned with timeliness as I think he should be and this will probably wreak havoc on a bus schedule.
I know that I am very lucky. I do have reliable transportation to get me where I need to go. There are quite a few people that don't have that luxury. Maybe one day, I won't either. Though I'm not hoping for that, it's always good to be prepared! My Eagle Scout brother taught me that (Sharpie Boy!) Anyways, this "project" will hopefully save me money in gas, be environmentally conscious ('cause that's the IN thing and polar bears are running out of ice because humans are selfish bastards), and will be an enlightening experience for both me and Anthony.
My project will hopefully begin Thursday. Scouting out the route today though tells me I may want to try this on a Saturday first. The bus stops don't seem to be well marked and my novice non-bus-riding self may need a bit of practice before I end up in Green Valley or Henderson by accident. My plan is to drive to my son's school, ditch the truck, then move on to the nearest bus stop. This eliminates one of the bus stops between so I'll only be going from point B to point C and back. If I determine that the bus isn't too bad and my son won't be forever traumatized with the whole experience, we will try the point A to point B to point C scenario.
I challenge you to ask yourself a couple of legitimate "what if"s and answer those questions honestly. Let us all know what you come up with because we all benefit from the collective wisdom everyone has to offer! (I should've stopped after the first glass of wine!)
UPDATE THURSDAY 16 OCT 08: I did not ride the bus today as first planned. Figured it would be better that my first attempt to navigate Las Vegas public transportation would be better received if time wasn't a huge concern. I'm sure that if I were to get hopelessly lost would make for great fodder for some serious good-natured teasing amongst my understanding coworkers, it's probably best to do this on a weekend or a day off. My new plan is for Saturday... I'll let you know!
So my first new project... navigate my way from my house to work and back using the Las Vegas public transportation system! This is crazy for two reasons... #1) The closest bus stop is about 2 1/2-3 miles away and #2) I have a five-year-old that is not as concerned with timeliness as I think he should be and this will probably wreak havoc on a bus schedule.
I know that I am very lucky. I do have reliable transportation to get me where I need to go. There are quite a few people that don't have that luxury. Maybe one day, I won't either. Though I'm not hoping for that, it's always good to be prepared! My Eagle Scout brother taught me that (Sharpie Boy!) Anyways, this "project" will hopefully save me money in gas, be environmentally conscious ('cause that's the IN thing and polar bears are running out of ice because humans are selfish bastards), and will be an enlightening experience for both me and Anthony.
My project will hopefully begin Thursday. Scouting out the route today though tells me I may want to try this on a Saturday first. The bus stops don't seem to be well marked and my novice non-bus-riding self may need a bit of practice before I end up in Green Valley or Henderson by accident. My plan is to drive to my son's school, ditch the truck, then move on to the nearest bus stop. This eliminates one of the bus stops between so I'll only be going from point B to point C and back. If I determine that the bus isn't too bad and my son won't be forever traumatized with the whole experience, we will try the point A to point B to point C scenario.
I challenge you to ask yourself a couple of legitimate "what if"s and answer those questions honestly. Let us all know what you come up with because we all benefit from the collective wisdom everyone has to offer! (I should've stopped after the first glass of wine!)
UPDATE THURSDAY 16 OCT 08: I did not ride the bus today as first planned. Figured it would be better that my first attempt to navigate Las Vegas public transportation would be better received if time wasn't a huge concern. I'm sure that if I were to get hopelessly lost would make for great fodder for some serious good-natured teasing amongst my understanding coworkers, it's probably best to do this on a weekend or a day off. My new plan is for Saturday... I'll let you know!
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