So, I've been using Windows Vista Business edition for about 2 weeks now. The laptop I use at work doesn't support the video card, thus I can't see Aero Glass. Well, it keeps me from becoming jaded with the pretty graphics, right?
What I like about Vista:
• It's pretty. Even without Aero running, everything is crisper and all menus, etc are very high resolution. Looks great on an LCD screen.
• Folder browsing - It's easier once you get the hang of it. I am mixed on this. Navigation is pretty cool, since you can click on any part of the file path to drill back into a specific folder, even in the middle of the path. Think of a shopping site where you can narrow down your searches, then go back and click on a broader topic to widen your search again. However, the dropdown doesn't support your drive list by default. You get recent places you've been instead. A little annoying. Clicking on "Computer" in the left panel gets you to all your shared drives.
• CD burning - It's easier. Nothing more to say about that
• ZIP files - Imagine this, you can actually CREATE ZIP files now. Something XP should have had out of the box. Duh.
• User migration - It's done within the OS now, but you can still use the user migration tool (easier for mass configurations anyhow). But, if you are a home user, this will be a nice feature, provided you didn't have a system crash on the machine you are importing settings from.
• File sharing - If you turn it on, simple file sharing now really uses the "Shared" account settings for easy access to files you want people to see. Think of it as putting files into your peer to peer sharing directory with something like Kazaa. Users can browse the files. It's an easy way to transfer stuff back and forth with people, and great for multi-user workstations.
• Program level access - When futzed with, this will allow programs to run in an elevated user lever (i.e. higher than "User") for stupidly coded software that used to require full admin access to launch. These are softwares that administrators hate. Hate! Now, at least, I can have something launch at a heightened level without intervention.
Oh, and the screen snippit tool is pretty cool. Easier screenshot handling (you can crop on the fly, highlight windows/regions, etc). No more need for SnagIt!
What I hate about Vista:
• User Access Control - Holy hell. You get asked for every thing you do. I turned off the User Access Control right away. This can be GPO'd, and registry edited to kill. Wow, it stinks. I am an advanced OS user, I don't need to be questioned when I want to change my IP address. I realize this is good for so many reasons, but I hate it. Even with this shut off, running executables asks you if you really want to (for certain types). You know, if I launch a virus or malware on my PC, I can fix it, so I generally don't care about these security settings. In a work environment, sure, but at home? Hell no.
• Administration - It now takes about 2-3 more clicks to get me where I need to go for administration of users and system settings. Getting to the network connections panel is cumbersome. Even finding "add/remove programs" takes some time until you see it at the top of a dialog box.
• Value - 90% of what I am seeing isn't going to be used by the general home user. Even at the business level, most of the "cool stuff" will either be shut off or just unused. I don't want users to be able to pull RSS feeds to their desktops. I don't wants to throw Internet widgets ("gadgets" they call them) that constantly ping away at some remote service all day long. That will all be disabled.
More later as I fumble through Vista. I've also got Office 2007 running. I'm not a power Office user, but so far, I really like the new interface. The larger panels with logical grouping mirrors of a lot of the Photoshop suite (I think they are called palettes, I still call them panels). Outlook 2007 is really slick. More on Office later as well.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Moving...
The DH is moving/has moved. If you see this message, then you found me! If not, well, enjoy seeing a stagnant blog, since that old (Adelphia) page won't be updated anymore!
Since TimeWarner bought Adelphia in our area, I imagine within a certain amount of time the Adelphia servers will cease to exist. Since the URL would change, why not just move now? Also, it's incredibly lame to stick with your ISP's given space for a high profile page such as this!
So, we're on Genglo now, the home domain for my wife's businesses, and for whatever dreamable thing I decide to put here.
Whee.
Since TimeWarner bought Adelphia in our area, I imagine within a certain amount of time the Adelphia servers will cease to exist. Since the URL would change, why not just move now? Also, it's incredibly lame to stick with your ISP's given space for a high profile page such as this!
So, we're on Genglo now, the home domain for my wife's businesses, and for whatever dreamable thing I decide to put here.
Whee.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Moonspell/Katatonia/Daylight Dies
Last night was the Moonspell/Katatonia show at Peabody's. I was pleasantly surprised that the opening bands sounded good. At the SYL show last year, there were a bunch of really terrible bands before them.
At this show, the local opener was Dark Arena. They sounded pretty good overall. The singer was decent and I think if the sound quality was a little better, people would have gotten into them more. I think they only had time for 3 or 4 songs, but it was enough to get things going a bit.
Next up was Daylight Dies. I read a little about them on the Web before the show. I was eager to hear them as they are categorized as 'doom metal'. That description is fairly accurate, maybe doomdeath, since the singer is a growler. The sound quality for DD was quite good for Peabody's and I enjoyed the classic doomish guitars, with low and heavy chords. Will definitely have to check them out. I read that they've toured with Katatonia in Europe - totally cool for a US band realitively early in their career!
Katatonia took the stage around 9:15. I honestly haven't listened to them too much, but I did recognize a good deal of the songs from 'The Great Cold Distance' since we had recently purchased the CD. Their guitar sound seemed a little thin, possibly too distorted at times. I realize this is part of their sound, but it was difficult to discern all the instruments (yeah, and I know the acoustics in there aren't the best). Anyhow, it was a good set of recent material from TGCD, Viva and a few other tracks thrown in from other albums. I will probably have to listen to TGCD a little more and maybe check out Viva to appreciate the reviews these CDs have gotten.
Moonspell got on around 9:45, maybe a little earlier. I discovered Moonspell from a guy in Sweden some years ago, and became intrigued by their dark and somewhat gothic sound. They released a few albums that were a bit different ('Sin-Pecado', 'Darkness and Hope'), but the latest one - 'Memorial' - is simply killer. They played a bunch of tunes off of it and an equal amount of older stuff. The crowd really got into 'Wolfheart' and 'Vampiria'. They played one track I hadn't heard (or noticed) before, but it sounded great. Their performance and sound was exceptional for the venue. We stood dead center and it was awesome. I never thought I'd get to see these guys and really hope their experience in Cleveland was positive. They really put on a good show and looked very professional. Their appearance, with light amounts of black makeup was fitting for the time of year (Halloween).
All in all, it was an excellent show. Every band was worth seeing and I look forward to seeing them all again soon.
Here is a list of tracks played. Katatonia was kind enough to announce their songs for me, which is great since I wouldn't have been able to pick them out :)
Katatonia:
Leaders
Soil's Song
Deliberation
Had to leave
Deadhouse
Ghost of the Sun
Criminals
July
My twin
Evidence
Murder
Moonspell:
In Memoriam
Finisterra
Memnto mori
Blood tells
Opium
Wolfshade
Alma mater
Proliferation
Upon the Blood of Men
Nocturna (i think)
Vampiria
Full Moon Madness
From Lowering Skies
Mephisto
Capricorn at Her Feet
Thanks for coming! Come back to the US soon!!
At this show, the local opener was Dark Arena. They sounded pretty good overall. The singer was decent and I think if the sound quality was a little better, people would have gotten into them more. I think they only had time for 3 or 4 songs, but it was enough to get things going a bit.
Next up was Daylight Dies. I read a little about them on the Web before the show. I was eager to hear them as they are categorized as 'doom metal'. That description is fairly accurate, maybe doomdeath, since the singer is a growler. The sound quality for DD was quite good for Peabody's and I enjoyed the classic doomish guitars, with low and heavy chords. Will definitely have to check them out. I read that they've toured with Katatonia in Europe - totally cool for a US band realitively early in their career!
Katatonia took the stage around 9:15. I honestly haven't listened to them too much, but I did recognize a good deal of the songs from 'The Great Cold Distance' since we had recently purchased the CD. Their guitar sound seemed a little thin, possibly too distorted at times. I realize this is part of their sound, but it was difficult to discern all the instruments (yeah, and I know the acoustics in there aren't the best). Anyhow, it was a good set of recent material from TGCD, Viva and a few other tracks thrown in from other albums. I will probably have to listen to TGCD a little more and maybe check out Viva to appreciate the reviews these CDs have gotten.
Moonspell got on around 9:45, maybe a little earlier. I discovered Moonspell from a guy in Sweden some years ago, and became intrigued by their dark and somewhat gothic sound. They released a few albums that were a bit different ('Sin-Pecado', 'Darkness and Hope'), but the latest one - 'Memorial' - is simply killer. They played a bunch of tunes off of it and an equal amount of older stuff. The crowd really got into 'Wolfheart' and 'Vampiria'. They played one track I hadn't heard (or noticed) before, but it sounded great. Their performance and sound was exceptional for the venue. We stood dead center and it was awesome. I never thought I'd get to see these guys and really hope their experience in Cleveland was positive. They really put on a good show and looked very professional. Their appearance, with light amounts of black makeup was fitting for the time of year (Halloween).
All in all, it was an excellent show. Every band was worth seeing and I look forward to seeing them all again soon.
Here is a list of tracks played. Katatonia was kind enough to announce their songs for me, which is great since I wouldn't have been able to pick them out :)
Katatonia:
Leaders
Soil's Song
Deliberation
Had to leave
Deadhouse
Ghost of the Sun
Criminals
July
My twin
Evidence
Murder
Moonspell:
In Memoriam
Finisterra
Memnto mori
Blood tells
Opium
Wolfshade
Alma mater
Proliferation
Upon the Blood of Men
Nocturna (i think)
Vampiria
Full Moon Madness
From Lowering Skies
Mephisto
Capricorn at Her Feet
Thanks for coming! Come back to the US soon!!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Bands, Tours, and Shows Oh My!
We've scheduled a few shows recently, some for bands that aren't here often, or it's their first time. It's good to see the virtual American doors opening up for such cool European bands.
Tomorrow is Moonspell and Katatonia. I am not sure if either band has been here before, if so, not more than a few times. It's at Peabody's.
Next month, it's Blind Guardian and Leaves' Eyes. BG has been in the US before, but Leaves' is totally new. Leaves' Eyes is the "new" band featuring Liv Kristine from Theatre of Tragedy.
In December, it's In Flames, Soilwork (who we've seen before), and Lacuna Coil! It's great to get to see LC outside of Ozzfest. Last year's OF simply had too many nu-metal and metalcore (crap) bands for us to attend. Unfortunately, there are a few good bands that we miss because of this (LC, Voivod, etc..) but not now!
NP:
My Dying Bride - A Line of Deathless Kings (2006)
(yes, mp3s, but it comes out next week and I will own it for sure). This is one is a doom classic, already. A must-have.
Draconian - The Burning Halo (2006)
I was never too excited about this band before, but this recent album has raised them up to stand next to some of the best doom/gothic metal bands. Without trying to categorize, fans of MDB, Tristania, Epica, etc, will likely enjoy Draconian.
Moonspell - Memorial (2006)
I found Moonspell years ago when I discovered this awesome Euro metal scene (Netherlands, Sweden, etc) where gothic metal reigned supreme. I really enjoyed Moonspell's vampiric and somewhat pagan vibe. For a few albums, they strayed from this formula to produce material that was a little less metal and honestly, less interesting. 'Memorial' is a return to the heavy and dark feel of 'Wolfheart'. It rocks from end to end. I am so excited about seeing these guys tomorrow! Thanks to Julie for buying this for me for Sweetest Day - a sweet, dark gift!
.... and rumor has it (more than rumor actually) that Solitude Aeturnus is about to unlease their LONG awaiting new album very soon - called 'Alone'. These guys are regarded as one of the masters of classic doom metal. They sit at the top with MDB, Candlemass, and even Black Sabbath. Must... have...
So yeah.. MDB, come to the US and grab SA for your tourmates. It will be a show for the ages.
Tomorrow is Moonspell and Katatonia. I am not sure if either band has been here before, if so, not more than a few times. It's at Peabody's.
Next month, it's Blind Guardian and Leaves' Eyes. BG has been in the US before, but Leaves' is totally new. Leaves' Eyes is the "new" band featuring Liv Kristine from Theatre of Tragedy.
In December, it's In Flames, Soilwork (who we've seen before), and Lacuna Coil! It's great to get to see LC outside of Ozzfest. Last year's OF simply had too many nu-metal and metalcore (crap) bands for us to attend. Unfortunately, there are a few good bands that we miss because of this (LC, Voivod, etc..) but not now!
NP:
My Dying Bride - A Line of Deathless Kings (2006)
(yes, mp3s, but it comes out next week and I will own it for sure). This is one is a doom classic, already. A must-have.
Draconian - The Burning Halo (2006)
I was never too excited about this band before, but this recent album has raised them up to stand next to some of the best doom/gothic metal bands. Without trying to categorize, fans of MDB, Tristania, Epica, etc, will likely enjoy Draconian.
Moonspell - Memorial (2006)
I found Moonspell years ago when I discovered this awesome Euro metal scene (Netherlands, Sweden, etc) where gothic metal reigned supreme. I really enjoyed Moonspell's vampiric and somewhat pagan vibe. For a few albums, they strayed from this formula to produce material that was a little less metal and honestly, less interesting. 'Memorial' is a return to the heavy and dark feel of 'Wolfheart'. It rocks from end to end. I am so excited about seeing these guys tomorrow! Thanks to Julie for buying this for me for Sweetest Day - a sweet, dark gift!
.... and rumor has it (more than rumor actually) that Solitude Aeturnus is about to unlease their LONG awaiting new album very soon - called 'Alone'. These guys are regarded as one of the masters of classic doom metal. They sit at the top with MDB, Candlemass, and even Black Sabbath. Must... have...
So yeah.. MDB, come to the US and grab SA for your tourmates. It will be a show for the ages.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
WoWzers
We're playing WoW.
Kael'Thas - PvE (Alliance) as Langevin (Druid), Draynor (Warrior) & Shrpocket (Mage)
Gul'Dan - PvP (Horde) as Devy (Priest)
I am also dabbling with RPPVP on the Venture Co. server. Not sure if I am up to the ubergeek RP arena, but I honestly haven't spent any real time in there.
Playing WoW makes me miss some of my EQ characters. I miss Ayreon probably the most, simply because a plate-wearing halfling cleric does not exist in WoW....
But, I was able to recreate Draynor as a dwarven warrior (his original class from EQ - he was a shaman in EQ2), and he dies and does the same boneheaded things the original incarnation did! Warrior are actually kick ass classes in WoW. It's refreshing.
Druids are simply.. awesome. I can do all the things I used to do in EQ except port, which isn't too bad to give up. They can tank, dps, heal, nuke. And they do each of the aspects fairly well.
Well.. not a whole much else.. the kids are playing too, which is just hilarious. It's a WoWhold here...
Kael'Thas - PvE (Alliance) as Langevin (Druid), Draynor (Warrior) & Shrpocket (Mage)
Gul'Dan - PvP (Horde) as Devy (Priest)
I am also dabbling with RPPVP on the Venture Co. server. Not sure if I am up to the ubergeek RP arena, but I honestly haven't spent any real time in there.
Playing WoW makes me miss some of my EQ characters. I miss Ayreon probably the most, simply because a plate-wearing halfling cleric does not exist in WoW....
But, I was able to recreate Draynor as a dwarven warrior (his original class from EQ - he was a shaman in EQ2), and he dies and does the same boneheaded things the original incarnation did! Warrior are actually kick ass classes in WoW. It's refreshing.
Druids are simply.. awesome. I can do all the things I used to do in EQ except port, which isn't too bad to give up. They can tank, dps, heal, nuke. And they do each of the aspects fairly well.
Well.. not a whole much else.. the kids are playing too, which is just hilarious. It's a WoWhold here...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Nails Driven Home
Last night was my first official NIN concert, as well as my son's first concert ever. I'm not totally sure why I waited 15+ years to see them, and I'm much less of a fan than I used to be in the mid-90's. Their music has changed a bit, but last night I remembered why I was drawn to it all in the first place. It was an excellent show. I didn't think they sounded as well as they should have, especially being at Blossom (a place created for accoustics). However, it was a rockin' good time.
I found a setlist earlier yesterday to get a sneak peek at what they would play, and they ended up playing an alternative list, with about 70% of the songs that were on mine. Here's the list, as far as I can recall.. My Blackberry died before leaving for the show, so I didn't have my usual method of jotting down setlist order... this is from memory:
Somewhat Damaged
You Know What You Are
Terrible Lie
March of the Pigs
Something I Can Never Have
Closer
Non-Entity
(The other non-release new track)
Wish
Burn
Gave Up
Help Me I Am in Hell
Hurt
Only
La Mer
Into the Void
The Big Come Down
Down In It
Suck
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like A Hole
The order in the middle is definitely wrong. This list wasn't nearly as good as the one I had hope to hear. For one, I've heard Hurt live so many times that I wasn't excited to know it was in my show, however it was moving with the ENTIRE crowd singing it. My list didn't have Suck, Hurt, the second "new" track, or Something I Can Never Have. In their places were: The Wretched, Reptile, Get Down Make Love, and Sin. I like all those four better than the replacements.
As usual, I am with most of the Internet crowd when I say I would much rather have heard Last in place of either of the other two Broken tracks (except Wish of course). Happiness in Slavery would have been godly. I don't think i've ever heard that live, and apparently Last has never been played live at all.
The light show was pretty cool. There was a series of panels set up behing the stage (much like the DVD displays) with full motion video and effects dancing across them during the show. They had an unfolding cage-like gate that came down periodically that contained rows of tiny LEDs or maybe bulbs. Often this display matched the one n the panels, just in a very geeky computer-like shadow. The display during the instrumental Help Me.. was particularly cool.
I noticed one of the tour shirts had the NIN log on the back and a list of dates in old Atari font. I believe it was, anyhow. I knew Trent was a geek from way back, and the dated look of the shirt made it a must buy. However, I noticed it too late as I had already bought my shirt. There were a few elements on the shirts that had this old computer look to them. Very cool.
Anyhow, the show was definitely a good time. There was a horrendous storm coming in as we approached Blossom, however it cleared by the time we parked. Getting out was rather humorous. We got stuck in the mud as the grassy lots had turned to swamplands with the downpour. I managed to break free and then got out to help another soul that got his car stuck behind us. When we got home, the coverage of mud on my front end was classic. I tried to hose it off this morning, but it looks hideous. I'll have to seek out a car wash at lunch.
I think Lance had a good time and it was a good intro to his concert-going career. He probably heard a little too many vulgar words, and I thought this after re-listening to much of the setlist in my car, but he is 14 now. It's not like he hasn't heard a lot of it by now. It was a good father and son event. Going to concerts all these years, it never once crossed my mind that one day I'd be going with my children. It was very, very cool. I have a new concert buddy. Hopefully I can keep him away from the rap music!
I found a setlist earlier yesterday to get a sneak peek at what they would play, and they ended up playing an alternative list, with about 70% of the songs that were on mine. Here's the list, as far as I can recall.. My Blackberry died before leaving for the show, so I didn't have my usual method of jotting down setlist order... this is from memory:
Somewhat Damaged
You Know What You Are
Terrible Lie
March of the Pigs
Something I Can Never Have
Closer
Non-Entity
(The other non-release new track)
Wish
Burn
Gave Up
Help Me I Am in Hell
Hurt
Only
La Mer
Into the Void
The Big Come Down
Down In It
Suck
The Hand That Feeds
Head Like A Hole
The order in the middle is definitely wrong. This list wasn't nearly as good as the one I had hope to hear. For one, I've heard Hurt live so many times that I wasn't excited to know it was in my show, however it was moving with the ENTIRE crowd singing it. My list didn't have Suck, Hurt, the second "new" track, or Something I Can Never Have. In their places were: The Wretched, Reptile, Get Down Make Love, and Sin. I like all those four better than the replacements.
As usual, I am with most of the Internet crowd when I say I would much rather have heard Last in place of either of the other two Broken tracks (except Wish of course). Happiness in Slavery would have been godly. I don't think i've ever heard that live, and apparently Last has never been played live at all.
The light show was pretty cool. There was a series of panels set up behing the stage (much like the DVD displays) with full motion video and effects dancing across them during the show. They had an unfolding cage-like gate that came down periodically that contained rows of tiny LEDs or maybe bulbs. Often this display matched the one n the panels, just in a very geeky computer-like shadow. The display during the instrumental Help Me.. was particularly cool.
I noticed one of the tour shirts had the NIN log on the back and a list of dates in old Atari font. I believe it was, anyhow. I knew Trent was a geek from way back, and the dated look of the shirt made it a must buy. However, I noticed it too late as I had already bought my shirt. There were a few elements on the shirts that had this old computer look to them. Very cool.
Anyhow, the show was definitely a good time. There was a horrendous storm coming in as we approached Blossom, however it cleared by the time we parked. Getting out was rather humorous. We got stuck in the mud as the grassy lots had turned to swamplands with the downpour. I managed to break free and then got out to help another soul that got his car stuck behind us. When we got home, the coverage of mud on my front end was classic. I tried to hose it off this morning, but it looks hideous. I'll have to seek out a car wash at lunch.
I think Lance had a good time and it was a good intro to his concert-going career. He probably heard a little too many vulgar words, and I thought this after re-listening to much of the setlist in my car, but he is 14 now. It's not like he hasn't heard a lot of it by now. It was a good father and son event. Going to concerts all these years, it never once crossed my mind that one day I'd be going with my children. It was very, very cool. I have a new concert buddy. Hopefully I can keep him away from the rap music!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Goodbye
I'm sorry to report that Cupcake, the infamous key stealing, plastic fetish, super climbing, bathroom trashing ferret has left us.
Cupcake was #1, the first, the alpha. Because of her, we all entered a new world of friends and have since saved a good handful from lives of hardships. Here, they all have friends and caring parents. Ok, so the dog isn't one of their friends... Anyhow, I've known for a while that these were likely the last of her days. She'd been spending a lot of time snuggling and sleeping. What was funny was that if plastic was nearby, she'd perk up just to take a bite of it. I'll never understand the plastic thing with her. I can't think of any reason, besides fun, that would drive an animal to want to actually eat plastic materials. The best part of this is, we have numerous items with the "Cuppy was here!" marks on them. One look at our card table, various computer mice, game controllers, and a few unfortunate remote controls will reveal the legacy of Cupcake.
We're all trying to deal with the fact that she isn't here. Well, she is, but not in the form that we're used to. She lies in the Hall of Heroes with Grover, Betty, and Bubbles. I don't know how we could ever leave this house with so many of our friends buried nearby. This has been a rough year for us and the Gentile Animal Kingdom.
There aren't any words to describe how much she will be missed, and is already. I called her my Sweetie Heart, because she was. We all have hilarious memories of our past friends, and Cupcake is no different. We love you Cuppy!
Cupcake was #1, the first, the alpha. Because of her, we all entered a new world of friends and have since saved a good handful from lives of hardships. Here, they all have friends and caring parents. Ok, so the dog isn't one of their friends... Anyhow, I've known for a while that these were likely the last of her days. She'd been spending a lot of time snuggling and sleeping. What was funny was that if plastic was nearby, she'd perk up just to take a bite of it. I'll never understand the plastic thing with her. I can't think of any reason, besides fun, that would drive an animal to want to actually eat plastic materials. The best part of this is, we have numerous items with the "Cuppy was here!" marks on them. One look at our card table, various computer mice, game controllers, and a few unfortunate remote controls will reveal the legacy of Cupcake.
We're all trying to deal with the fact that she isn't here. Well, she is, but not in the form that we're used to. She lies in the Hall of Heroes with Grover, Betty, and Bubbles. I don't know how we could ever leave this house with so many of our friends buried nearby. This has been a rough year for us and the Gentile Animal Kingdom.
There aren't any words to describe how much she will be missed, and is already. I called her my Sweetie Heart, because she was. We all have hilarious memories of our past friends, and Cupcake is no different. We love you Cuppy!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Fuzzy Wuzzies
I don't know if I have mentioned before that we have a lot of ferrets. In August of 2001 we ended up purchasing a ferret from a local "exotic" pet store. My daughter named her Cupcake, after a mini stuffed bear that she was fond of. Over time, our love for Cupcake led us to get more ferrets, house rescues, and become much more involved in learning about the little critters.
In the last two years, we've had a few older friends that we've rescued or gotten from a local shelter. A pair we got from a local guy that was moving, named Charlie and Darwin, were our first official rescues. They were destined for the local shelter (Ferrets Unlimited), but we simply couldn't give them up. We renamed Darwin to Grover, and Charlie to Bubbles. To make a long story short, Bubbles wasn't with us for long (she had lymphoma and adrenal disease), and Grover left us in March of 2005. Both were exceptional friends. Another ferret, from FU, was Betty (originally named Ms. Sebastian - I think I misspelled that). She, too, passed in time. She was likely 12 years old or more.
Today, we have eight fuzzies. Three more were rescues - two from a very POORLY MAINTAINED pet store (they were adults that were given up), and another from a neighbor who's teenage owner wanted to give her up. So, Romeo and Cocoa (I think it was Cocoa) becaome Telly and Oscar. Fancypants kept her name because she was so boisterous that no other name was fitting. We usually just call her Fancy.
The other five are long term friends - Cupcake, Daisy, Burt and Ernie were the original fab four that we'd had since 2001 and 2002. Princess Buttercup was our first shelter friend from FU, who is likely 6-7 years old at this point.
Due to the short life span of ferrets, and a slew of terrible diseases they can get, owners end up in a constant state of despair, especially when they own multiple ferrets of varying ages. What happens is, every 6-12 months, another ferret begins the inevitable decline of health. Currently, our oldest friend, in terms of companionship, is sick. Cupcake, one of the sweetest friends I've ever known, is quickly deteriorating.
Cupcake has graced the pages of Julie's Flickr site and our various blogs, Web sites, screensavers, and character profile icons for many years.
I don't know how much longer Cuppy will be with us. It's hard to accept that any friend of this kind is at that point in their lives. It's difficult when you can't explain to them what's going on and why these big humans can't do anything for you. Owning ferrets is a very rewarding relationship. They are unique creatures with more personality than other pets that I have had. But, it's not without heartbreak.
This is one of my favorite pictures of Cupcake:
Hopefully she'll be OK.
In the last two years, we've had a few older friends that we've rescued or gotten from a local shelter. A pair we got from a local guy that was moving, named Charlie and Darwin, were our first official rescues. They were destined for the local shelter (Ferrets Unlimited), but we simply couldn't give them up. We renamed Darwin to Grover, and Charlie to Bubbles. To make a long story short, Bubbles wasn't with us for long (she had lymphoma and adrenal disease), and Grover left us in March of 2005. Both were exceptional friends. Another ferret, from FU, was Betty (originally named Ms. Sebastian - I think I misspelled that). She, too, passed in time. She was likely 12 years old or more.
Today, we have eight fuzzies. Three more were rescues - two from a very POORLY MAINTAINED pet store (they were adults that were given up), and another from a neighbor who's teenage owner wanted to give her up. So, Romeo and Cocoa (I think it was Cocoa) becaome Telly and Oscar. Fancypants kept her name because she was so boisterous that no other name was fitting. We usually just call her Fancy.
The other five are long term friends - Cupcake, Daisy, Burt and Ernie were the original fab four that we'd had since 2001 and 2002. Princess Buttercup was our first shelter friend from FU, who is likely 6-7 years old at this point.
Due to the short life span of ferrets, and a slew of terrible diseases they can get, owners end up in a constant state of despair, especially when they own multiple ferrets of varying ages. What happens is, every 6-12 months, another ferret begins the inevitable decline of health. Currently, our oldest friend, in terms of companionship, is sick. Cupcake, one of the sweetest friends I've ever known, is quickly deteriorating.
Cupcake has graced the pages of Julie's Flickr site and our various blogs, Web sites, screensavers, and character profile icons for many years.
I don't know how much longer Cuppy will be with us. It's hard to accept that any friend of this kind is at that point in their lives. It's difficult when you can't explain to them what's going on and why these big humans can't do anything for you. Owning ferrets is a very rewarding relationship. They are unique creatures with more personality than other pets that I have had. But, it's not without heartbreak.
This is one of my favorite pictures of Cupcake:
Hopefully she'll be OK.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
WOWzers
Nothing much to report. Summer begins (for some people!), school, work, and life continues.
I passed another MS exam (70-297) on Tuesday the 30th of May. It was a month later than planned, but it's done. Onward into new territory. Two tests left (for this year). Although, after these two, I'll be an MCSE finally. Something I should have had years ago, but I let it slack.
We're (Julie and I) playing WoW. We're taking it at a leisurely pace, since we honestly don't have the time to really become a slave to it. The kids and I got it for her for Mother's Day, along with some other fun stuff.
I'm in my second to last trimester of college. I graduate, if all goes well, this December. It's a little later than planned, but it really hasn't changed anything. So long as it's done. After that, who knows. I will enjoy some time off. Julie has around two more sessions after me, so by this time next year we should both be in good shape.
Lance and I joined an adult/youth bowling league. It's pretty funny. There are some really good bowlers in it. We have the second highest handicap of any team! Hopefully we'll improve. I've already begun to see my bowling improve. We're having fun and that's all that counts.
That is all. I think. Yeah, it is.
I passed another MS exam (70-297) on Tuesday the 30th of May. It was a month later than planned, but it's done. Onward into new territory. Two tests left (for this year). Although, after these two, I'll be an MCSE finally. Something I should have had years ago, but I let it slack.
We're (Julie and I) playing WoW. We're taking it at a leisurely pace, since we honestly don't have the time to really become a slave to it. The kids and I got it for her for Mother's Day, along with some other fun stuff.
I'm in my second to last trimester of college. I graduate, if all goes well, this December. It's a little later than planned, but it really hasn't changed anything. So long as it's done. After that, who knows. I will enjoy some time off. Julie has around two more sessions after me, so by this time next year we should both be in good shape.
Lance and I joined an adult/youth bowling league. It's pretty funny. There are some really good bowlers in it. We have the second highest handicap of any team! Hopefully we'll improve. I've already begun to see my bowling improve. We're having fun and that's all that counts.
That is all. I think. Yeah, it is.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
There is no butter
I am just making this post so I can meet my once a month quota for a personal blog.
I really have nothing interesting to say.
I really have nothing interesting to say.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Back on Track?
Well, it's been 1.5 years since I took my last Microsoft exam. For a long time, I put off continuing with the program for various reasons. One of the biggest reasons was the fact that my next exam, the 70-216, was probably one of the hardest. I committed myself to a 3-week time window from the point that I scheduled the exam date. That put me into cram mode, where I forced myself to poor over the gigantic text books and test question library that I had available.
I passed the 70-216 today. Yeah, it's the Windows 2000 network infrastructure exam, nothing incredibly new, but since I was halfway through the 2000 track, it seemed logical to continue. It wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. A lot of the questions required a lot of thought to work through, but logic and knowledge rules the test. With knowledge and a good sense of problem solving, it is passable. I was mostly surprised by my score (870).
Strengthened with this victory, I now head into new territory. Next up is the Windows 2003 Active Directory Design test. I've never taken an MS design exam before (they consist of large case studies) but I am refueled and committed to finish this beast within the next two months.
I passed the 70-216 today. Yeah, it's the Windows 2000 network infrastructure exam, nothing incredibly new, but since I was halfway through the 2000 track, it seemed logical to continue. It wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. A lot of the questions required a lot of thought to work through, but logic and knowledge rules the test. With knowledge and a good sense of problem solving, it is passable. I was mostly surprised by my score (870).
Strengthened with this victory, I now head into new territory. Next up is the Windows 2003 Active Directory Design test. I've never taken an MS design exam before (they consist of large case studies) but I am refueled and committed to finish this beast within the next two months.
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