They
They
Friday, December 31, 2010
Farewell, Kodachrome
The last rolls have been or are being developed. Gone is the longest lived film brand. Over 70 years. Wow.
Theygive gave us those nice bright colors
Theygive gave us the greens of summers
Makes Made you feel all the world's a sunny day
They
They
Thursday, December 30, 2010
From Twitter 12-29-2010
- 17:32:12: @ChevronWP7 Might be brain dead question, but if I remove App from phone, will ringtones also be removed?
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Well that worked quite nicely!
Aikidomayland found a great deal on a Canon 18-200. Found out it had a quirk.. a rather well known quirk.
Len Creep. It's not a problem if shooting while being hand held, but if I want to do some long exposures skyward, or straight down, lens creep becomes a serious issue.
I did a bit of web searching and found several references to a quick rather cheap fix. It worked.
A wide rubberband is all it took.
Close look:
Pointing the camera straight up, lock off, and it stays where I put it. It causes just enough friction/resistance to keep the lens position at both ends of the zoom and all places in between.
Len Creep. It's not a problem if shooting while being hand held, but if I want to do some long exposures skyward, or straight down, lens creep becomes a serious issue.
I did a bit of web searching and found several references to a quick rather cheap fix. It worked.
A wide rubberband is all it took.
Close look:
Pointing the camera straight up, lock off, and it stays where I put it. It causes just enough friction/resistance to keep the lens position at both ends of the zoom and all places in between.
Monday, December 27, 2010
From Twitter 12-26-2010
- 00:48:06: Great time atMeegan&Daggles. Turkey was perfection. Even mom in law liked it! :D
- 13:13:16: Note to self: No matter how tired/how late you get home, put the pool cover on. Or put it on before you head out.
- 13:13:47: @SyfyUpdate This sucks, as it was just starting to become interesting again.
- 15:37:51: My 18-200 Canon lens suffers from Lens Creep. Trying to find a very small rubberband to fix it.
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I survived the holidays.. so far
Last night was good. Was nice, although a bit tense (due to her being anxious) it was good to have Wing's mom there with all of us.
Small lesson learned: no matter how tired, or how late we get home, the pool gets covered. I ended up spending about 2 hrs skimming the leaves/blossoms/twigs off the top, vacuuming the bottom, and cleaning out the water filters/pumps.
Loki almost ceased to exist this morning. After getting to bed at 1am, being woken up by persistent 9 kilo (20lb) of cat at 5am.. no. I ended out passing out around 6pm, although I didn't want to. Managed to get up in less than an hour. So now, I'm dog tired. Gonna drag my sorry self to bed. Night all!
Small lesson learned: no matter how tired, or how late we get home, the pool gets covered. I ended up spending about 2 hrs skimming the leaves/blossoms/twigs off the top, vacuuming the bottom, and cleaning out the water filters/pumps.
Loki almost ceased to exist this morning. After getting to bed at 1am, being woken up by persistent 9 kilo (20lb) of cat at 5am.. no. I ended out passing out around 6pm, although I didn't want to. Managed to get up in less than an hour. So now, I'm dog tired. Gonna drag my sorry self to bed. Night all!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
From Twitter 12-25-2010
- 13:49:15: Pterydactyl err turkey in oven. Making both brown rice and bread stuffing. Already hot here. Seriously thinking about pool
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Friday, December 24, 2010
The Inventive Engineering continues
The pool vacuum I got didn't quite fit with the current pool fixtures. After about an hour of scrounging, and a bit of examination and inventive thinking, the pool vacuum works fine.
So, two water filters running side by side (two intakes, one outflow from a T Junction) and a rigged pool vacuum. Aikidomayland keeps asking me how I can do this. He is a linear thinking, whereas I'm a lateral thinker. I knew what was needed so created a reasonable fascimile. *takes a bow* Unfortunately, jumping to the solution is why I was really bad at having to do long form algebra in highschool. I looked at equation, knew the answer, but couldn't write it out. Oh well
Oh yeah, 90f (30c) is easier to deal with when you have a big cool puddle of crystal clear water. *contented sigh*
So, two water filters running side by side (two intakes, one outflow from a T Junction) and a rigged pool vacuum. Aikidomayland keeps asking me how I can do this. He is a linear thinking, whereas I'm a lateral thinker. I knew what was needed so created a reasonable fascimile. *takes a bow* Unfortunately, jumping to the solution is why I was really bad at having to do long form algebra in highschool. I looked at equation, knew the answer, but couldn't write it out. Oh well
Oh yeah, 90f (30c) is easier to deal with when you have a big cool puddle of crystal clear water. *contented sigh*
May your holidays be good for you, your family, friends & loved ones
Be safe, be warm, and make merry, people!
From Twitter 12-23-2010
- 17:36:59: Might only be 2ft deep and 8 ft diameter, but it's enough to beat the heat.
- 18:34:52: @ariaflame It will take a crowbar to get you back out of it!
- 18:40:25: Once more unto the breach. Wing wants round 2 with Perth City at night photos. This time he *is* bringing L lens.
- 19:36:48: Gorgeous sunset tonight. not as windy. Should make for sharper pics
- 20:52:44: @ariaflame well that sucks. Not to worry. Hotter fri&sat.
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Alan and I saved about $100 today
Water pump for pool fliter almost neglible flow. Even with proper chemicals (chlorine) the water was getting dirty, mozzies, and a kinda algae on the bottom of the pool.
I never throw anything away if it still works. The old pool had a leak and we replaced it with this new one. But I kept all the hardware.
So, I rigged up something. I used the old water pump to run in tandem with the new one, so there is 2 intakes and one outflow Working great now, filters are actually ... well filtering.
Only down side.. will go through filters a bit faster, but if they are rinsed on daily basis, they will last a goodly time.
I never throw anything away if it still works. The old pool had a leak and we replaced it with this new one. But I kept all the hardware.
So, I rigged up something. I used the old water pump to run in tandem with the new one, so there is 2 intakes and one outflow Working great now, filters are actually ... well filtering.
Only down side.. will go through filters a bit faster, but if they are rinsed on daily basis, they will last a goodly time.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Anyone else melting?
After a few cool rainy days, this sudden jump in temperature is a bit much. I know it's hot, because Keito is spread out on the stone floor, and Loki has shoved the bathmat into a corner so he can stretch out on the tiles.
From Twitter 12-22-2010
- 17:15:00: Tom and I have created a monster. Wing really enthused by photography. Going to take cityscape shots, maybe from foreshore, or Kings Park.
- 17:15:27: @angriest I just bring Wing along. Works wonders.
- 21:28:13: Full moon rising over Perth. Got great shots. Wing isn't taking advice. Oh well.
- 21:37:22: @stephbg Could very well be.
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
From Twitter 12-21-2010
- 09:24:51: Created XAP w/Wp7Chevron, deployed with SDK tools. Ringtone is Pinky&TheBrain. Nerds rule!
- 09:29:58: @TrudiCanavan Gee, guess we are sharing it.
- 11:20:52: ChevronWP7 - ChevronWP7 custom ringtone manager: http://disq.us/vh1as
- 23:29:12: Bruises&bumps really making selves known. Pain meds&warmth for me 2nite.
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
From Twitter 12-20-2010
- 07:35:18: Torn contact lens in eye worse than eyelash in eye. Left eye looks like Xmas ornament. Red/white and Green.
- 08:34:45: @resa_challender thanks. A normal saline rinse&cool cloth fixed it up fairly well.
- 21:03:16: A bit bruised&battered, but damned lucky I didn't land the wrong way. Last thing needed is cracked spine implant.
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Monday, December 20, 2010
I knew I should have stayed in bed
Day started off with Loki being a pest to Aikidomayland , to the point of biting him on the foot because Loki just had to go outside!
I got up, put my contacts in. Right one, no problem. Left one.. somehow without noticing, I had torn the lens. I put it in, and instant OMIGODMYEYEITCHES, 10 times worse than if an eyelash fell in. Managed to get it out by virtue of using normal saline and flushing it and the torn bit out. Eye looked like holiday ornament: Red, white, green.
Later on this morning: I noticed the pool cover was flipped back a bit (I told Alan that just tucking it under wouldn't do the trick, and thought he had listened and tied it down tight). Since it was raining and windy, I went out to go put it back and tie it down. About three steps from my objective my foot slid on the ground cover, and down I went..hard. I partially landed on/in the pool, thereby dumping all the leaf filled rain water that had accumulated on it into the pool, and partially on the bricks in a rather wrenching twist. I got up, fixed the pool cover (nothing short of cannon fire wakes Alan up) removed cartridge from water filter, rinsed it out. Replaced it, and bled out the air, all the while getting thoroughly soaked.
I hobbled into the house. Headed to my room to shuck off soggy jeans, and other clothes, grabbed fluffy terrycloth bathrobe.
Now that it's been a few hours, everything from my shoulders down hurts. Ahhh crap.
I got up, put my contacts in. Right one, no problem. Left one.. somehow without noticing, I had torn the lens. I put it in, and instant OMIGODMYEYEITCHES, 10 times worse than if an eyelash fell in. Managed to get it out by virtue of using normal saline and flushing it and the torn bit out. Eye looked like holiday ornament: Red, white, green.
Later on this morning: I noticed the pool cover was flipped back a bit (I told Alan that just tucking it under wouldn't do the trick, and thought he had listened and tied it down tight). Since it was raining and windy, I went out to go put it back and tie it down. About three steps from my objective my foot slid on the ground cover, and down I went..hard. I partially landed on/in the pool, thereby dumping all the leaf filled rain water that had accumulated on it into the pool, and partially on the bricks in a rather wrenching twist. I got up, fixed the pool cover (nothing short of cannon fire wakes Alan up) removed cartridge from water filter, rinsed it out. Replaced it, and bled out the air, all the while getting thoroughly soaked.
I hobbled into the house. Headed to my room to shuck off soggy jeans, and other clothes, grabbed fluffy terrycloth bathrobe.
Now that it's been a few hours, everything from my shoulders down hurts. Ahhh crap.
System and gadget snobbery
You run across it every day. Mac user slams PC user, Android user swears iPhone users are idiots, it just goes on and on.
I use a PC by choice. I have in the past used a Mac, and Amiga and PC. My computer of choice is a PC. If you have an old Amiga, I might want to come over and look lovingly at it, and if you have a Mac and it does what you want, fine by me. But do not sit there and infer I am a mental case for not wanting a Mac.
I didn't like iPods for their proprietary format (yes, I know that's been changed). I preferred (and still do) mp3s that I could listen to on whatever device I wanted to use.
Onto phones/handheld devices. I have never been an 'iPhile'. My Treo (from the earlier 270 thru to the 680) did everything I wanted, was stable and very sturdy. I didn't have to 'jailbreak' it and programs were small, stable, functional and inexpensive. I like/liked my Treo 680 (phone function is having fits, but still works as PDA), but I had to get a new phone. Palm Pre didn't show up here, so I had to do a bit of shopping for something else.
Yeah, the Android is all right, but *shrug* yeah whatever. iPhone.. not a big fan of something that is the adult "Tickle Me Elmo" buying frenzy, but mostly because of having two glass faces (don't care how it's tempered glass.. it's still glass). I got to goof around with one, but wasn't really impressed.
I decided on a W7P, the LG C900 to be exact. Is it perfect? No. Can't stand the default ringtones, and I am not conversant enough with MS SDK to change them. Also, unlike my Treo, I can't use my Audible Audiobooks on it, unless I ummm convince them to be MP3s instead, but I will be one of the beta testers for then W7P Audible players when it's available for testing.
Overall, happy with it, though, especially when I hear/read that there will be a Kindle app for it in the near future.
I use a PC by choice. I have in the past used a Mac, and Amiga and PC. My computer of choice is a PC. If you have an old Amiga, I might want to come over and look lovingly at it, and if you have a Mac and it does what you want, fine by me. But do not sit there and infer I am a mental case for not wanting a Mac.
I didn't like iPods for their proprietary format (yes, I know that's been changed). I preferred (and still do) mp3s that I could listen to on whatever device I wanted to use.
Onto phones/handheld devices. I have never been an 'iPhile'. My Treo (from the earlier 270 thru to the 680) did everything I wanted, was stable and very sturdy. I didn't have to 'jailbreak' it and programs were small, stable, functional and inexpensive. I like/liked my Treo 680 (phone function is having fits, but still works as PDA), but I had to get a new phone. Palm Pre didn't show up here, so I had to do a bit of shopping for something else.
Yeah, the Android is all right, but *shrug* yeah whatever. iPhone.. not a big fan of something that is the adult "Tickle Me Elmo" buying frenzy, but mostly because of having two glass faces (don't care how it's tempered glass.. it's still glass). I got to goof around with one, but wasn't really impressed.
I decided on a W7P, the LG C900 to be exact. Is it perfect? No. Can't stand the default ringtones, and I am not conversant enough with MS SDK to change them. Also, unlike my Treo, I can't use my Audible Audiobooks on it, unless I ummm convince them to be MP3s instead, but I will be one of the beta testers for then W7P Audible players when it's available for testing.
Overall, happy with it, though, especially when I hear/read that there will be a Kindle app for it in the near future.
I thought tech was supposed to make life easier
I tried to RTFM for my new phone, but if anyone here is old enough to remember this, you'll know what I mean. The manual is like looking at one of those itty bitty books that you used to get in a box of CrackerJacks. Even good sighted son said "Forget it!".
I have managed to muddle through and have it set up with only a few hiccups along the way.
Typing of Life and Tech: Saw "TRON: Legacy". Hooah! Dayam it was good. Would have been better if we didn't have the flock of teens behind us yakking so loud that mild mannered Aikidomayland went to management to complain (Even mellow Alan was tempted to tell them to STFU). Kids were politely,yet firmly told to STFU or leave. Maybe not STFU, but "There have been complaints. Your choices are keep it down, or please leave."
What was even more amazing, was when getting popcorn and soda, starting talking about the original TRON movie. "Oh, was that some sort of prequel?" :o
Told him to go rent a copy of TRON, but try not to giggle too much at the old tech, then come back to see TRON: Legacy.
I have managed to muddle through and have it set up with only a few hiccups along the way.
Typing of Life and Tech: Saw "TRON: Legacy". Hooah! Dayam it was good. Would have been better if we didn't have the flock of teens behind us yakking so loud that mild mannered Aikidomayland went to management to complain (Even mellow Alan was tempted to tell them to STFU). Kids were politely,yet firmly told to STFU or leave. Maybe not STFU, but "There have been complaints. Your choices are keep it down, or please leave."
What was even more amazing, was when getting popcorn and soda, starting talking about the original TRON movie. "Oh, was that some sort of prequel?" :o
Told him to go rent a copy of TRON, but try not to giggle too much at the old tech, then come back to see TRON: Legacy.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
My left eye must be very interesting
My right eye keeps trying to stare at it. I'm so tired, it's all I can do to stay awake until late enough so I don't get up at 4 am. Fresh air, sunshine, a bit of a walk around Matilda Bay photographing kite surfers. Unfortunately, the wind wasn't strong or steady enough for many of the surfers bagged it and left.
I like my new phone. It's quick sending messages, and doing what I want. However, the default ringtones and choices for ringtones sucks, and not in the good happy smiley way. I have to use SDK tools to see if I can import something better that way,butnot right now. I don't trust myself to not screw something up and brick my phone.
Ok, I'm rambling.. down time has arrived.
I like my new phone. It's quick sending messages, and doing what I want. However, the default ringtones and choices for ringtones sucks, and not in the good happy smiley way. I have to use SDK tools to see if I can import something better that way,butnot right now. I don't trust myself to not screw something up and brick my phone.
Ok, I'm rambling.. down time has arrived.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
As my grandmother used to say..
I had to go around my a$$hole to get to my elbow!
I have a slightly dated but still functional iPaq Pocket PC. I wanted to sync my contacts data with my Win7 desktop. Couldn't set up to do it via bluetooth, as the 5 seconds I am given to tap in the pairing code isn't enough time, and Windows 7 refuses to recognize/install drivers for such a dated device. And before anyone starts to give me advice on how to do it, trust me, I have been working on this for weeks, so don't bother saying "try this" or "try that". Been there, done that, cussed like an Army Drill Instructor.
So, what I ended up doing was download ActiveSync 4.5 for XP install it on my XP Pro laptop. Synced device there. Opened Outlook contacts, exported them as a comma separated Windows file, saved it in a shared directory, then opened Outlook on the Win7 desktop, selected import, and successfully ported my contacts.
I have a slightly dated but still functional iPaq Pocket PC. I wanted to sync my contacts data with my Win7 desktop. Couldn't set up to do it via bluetooth, as the 5 seconds I am given to tap in the pairing code isn't enough time, and Windows 7 refuses to recognize/install drivers for such a dated device. And before anyone starts to give me advice on how to do it, trust me, I have been working on this for weeks, so don't bother saying "try this" or "try that". Been there, done that, cussed like an Army Drill Instructor.
So, what I ended up doing was download ActiveSync 4.5 for XP install it on my XP Pro laptop. Synced device there. Opened Outlook contacts, exported them as a comma separated Windows file, saved it in a shared directory, then opened Outlook on the Win7 desktop, selected import, and successfully ported my contacts.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wild kingdom in the back yard
Must have new neighbors, or the old neighbors adopted a new cat. And said new cat doesn't understand where his yard starts and ends. Yesterday, I had to break up a incipient cat fight between Loki and said cat.
I guess he didn't learn.
This morning about 2 mins after letting Keito and Loki out into the back yard, we hear this gawd awful yowling, snarling and growling. Keito and Loki chased interloper up and over the back fence, again. Caught in the moment, they kept growling and posturing at each other, so had to break their concentration.
Here's hoping that this stray cat didn't like being double teamed and stays the hell out!
I guess he didn't learn.
This morning about 2 mins after letting Keito and Loki out into the back yard, we hear this gawd awful yowling, snarling and growling. Keito and Loki chased interloper up and over the back fence, again. Caught in the moment, they kept growling and posturing at each other, so had to break their concentration.
Here's hoping that this stray cat didn't like being double teamed and stays the hell out!
From Twitter 12-15-2010
- 08:40:05: Up at 6:30 and feel like I need to sleep again. Been like this for the past week.
- 11:30:18: Sir Loki the Brave faced off w/neighbors cat in our back yard. Now know what stray was killing birds at night when our cats are in.
- 16:22:51: Have to be more careful about how low I drop caloric intake. Almost fainted again.
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
From Twitter 12-13-2010
- 13:32:42: Call me again& I will tell you more than we're on the NO CALL list. Fair warning:I've made 20yr Marine vet blush.
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Monday, December 13, 2010
Something I noticed when at the concert
Even when one of the band members gestured for the audience to get up and dance/groove/have fun, many of the concert goers just sat in the horribly uncomfortable plastic chairs. Why? Just because they paid for the chair didn't mean they were glued to the damned thing!
Then they complained that others were standing up. The woman behind me started yanking on the woman sitting next to me when she stood up, demanding she sit down. She turned around and told Grinch to stand up. Grinch #2 right behind her crossed her arms and threatened to sic security on her. She said go right ahead. Then the woman behind me yanked really hard on the woman next to me, and I turned to her and said "You do realise that's assault, don't you?"
Sitting down during a live rock concert is blasphemous in my opinion, especially when the band is trying to get the audience up on their feet. What a bunch of lumps! I got up, along with many others, and danced, clapped and cheered. I know how to behave at a rock concert.
They got many standing ovations from the 'awake' audience members.
Then they complained that others were standing up. The woman behind me started yanking on the woman sitting next to me when she stood up, demanding she sit down. She turned around and told Grinch to stand up. Grinch #2 right behind her crossed her arms and threatened to sic security on her. She said go right ahead. Then the woman behind me yanked really hard on the woman next to me, and I turned to her and said "You do realise that's assault, don't you?"
Sitting down during a live rock concert is blasphemous in my opinion, especially when the band is trying to get the audience up on their feet. What a bunch of lumps! I got up, along with many others, and danced, clapped and cheered. I know how to behave at a rock concert.
They got many standing ovations from the 'awake' audience members.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wow, what a night last night
Actually, the past few nights have been late lights, and early risings, but last night was great.
The Eagles played at the NIB Stadium. Some slightly silly person asked me why would I bother to go 'see oldies play and not Justin Beiber?' (insert gagging noises). I answered with one word.. "Talent".
40 yrs, and they are even better musicians, singers, performers, artists now than they were when I first saw them.
Here's some great photos taken by both me and Aikidomayland with our little point and shoots.
It was an amazing night. There were a few 'Grinches' in the audience, but we ignored them. :)
I will say this again, should they come around Perth again, I will go.
The Eagles played at the NIB Stadium. Some slightly silly person asked me why would I bother to go 'see oldies play and not Justin Beiber?' (insert gagging noises). I answered with one word.. "Talent".
40 yrs, and they are even better musicians, singers, performers, artists now than they were when I first saw them.
Here's some great photos taken by both me and Aikidomayland with our little point and shoots.
It was an amazing night. There were a few 'Grinches' in the audience, but we ignored them. :)
I will say this again, should they come around Perth again, I will go.
From Twitter 12-11-2010
- 18:26:34: Don't mind occasional tech assist.Tired of ppl using me for free repair/tech service, then complain when I can't fix problem they caused.
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Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Nighttime Photography
Aikidomayland and I are going to meet up with Greg the good photography instructor to get some nighttime photography in. Aikidomayland is very interested night photography and this is a good way. Just a group of shutterbugs touring Perth on foot.
From Twitter 12-09-2010
- 06:09:50: First sip of fresh brewed coffee... I live!
- 07:53:55: Chest thumping FAUX NOISE GOP mouthpieces going on about Assange commiting treason. Assange isn't an American, you fewking bunch of idiots!
- 14:06:21: Z5610 home w/new mainboard&video card. Acer didn't send USB card. Morons. Jye will order&install. Moving data/game files to external drive.
- 17:09:40: So far so good.Have only done minor resizing/retouching of a few photographs.No GSOD.Alan says I should crank up task lvl, see what happens.
- 21:17:40: Wing is getting more&more comfortable w/60D. Taking amazing pics.
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Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Acer Z5610 Update
Called JH Computer Services to get an update on the computer. Not only were they courteous, but concise. Mainboard and video card have been replaced, and Jye has it running to test it. I told Ewan that I would get the GSODs when working with any graphics editing programs (Photoshop, Corel, Twistedbrush) so Jye will be testing that next. Should all go well, will be delivered back to me tomorrow! Woo hoo!
So, any and all of you Acer users local to me have a problem with your Acer computer, take it to JH Computer Services. No BS, and great customer service.
On an aside, I am glad I have the old acer up and running. Funny, I have been using all the above mentioned software, and nary a problem. Slower, true, but no crashes or GSODs.
So, any and all of you Acer users local to me have a problem with your Acer computer, take it to JH Computer Services. No BS, and great customer service.
On an aside, I am glad I have the old acer up and running. Funny, I have been using all the above mentioned software, and nary a problem. Slower, true, but no crashes or GSODs.
Tree gets another reprieve
The big beautiful gum tree in front of our house has been declared healthy and sound, and not near any wires. That means the tree is safe from the chainsaw and wood chipper. :D Should it ever be given 'the ax' (pun intended), I will be requesting the mulched tree to be deposited in my front yard. Put a layer of that next to the orange tree in the back yard, and on the upper level to help with weed control.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Cleaning in installments
I think makers of household cleaning appliances (mops, vacuum cleaners etc) have got to get it thru their heads that not all people who are using these products are but 5'4" tall. Right now, it feels as if someone has their knee in the middle of my back, and that's only from vacuuming one room! Ouch. I either need a chiropractor, a physio-terrorist, or therapeutic massage.
Much thanks to Alan and Un-son, Robin for moving my potted avocado tree into the shade. Turns out they need to be kept shaded until they are about my height. At least it was moved before the sun damaged it too badly.
Aikidomayland will be back home in a few days. I swear I have spoken to him more on the phone while he's been in Zambia, than I did when he was home! I keep telling him there is no need to call every day, I'm not going to melt or fall apart while he is away. If there is a problem I will send a text message. Oh well.
Much thanks to Alan and Un-son, Robin for moving my potted avocado tree into the shade. Turns out they need to be kept shaded until they are about my height. At least it was moved before the sun damaged it too badly.
Aikidomayland will be back home in a few days. I swear I have spoken to him more on the phone while he's been in Zambia, than I did when he was home! I keep telling him there is no need to call every day, I'm not going to melt or fall apart while he is away. If there is a problem I will send a text message. Oh well.
Of tech and Nerd
Annoyed by audio constantly being out of sync when I used Sansa Media Converter, I set out to find something to fix this problem. I emailed Sansa (chirping crickets). I checked the Sansa forums, and the AnythingButIpod forums. Nada.
On a whim, I typed "RockBox Sansa e200 series v2" into Google. My inner nerd jumped for joy when I saw that RockBox has indeed come out with its bootloader for the e280v2. I installed it. I ran my avis through WinFF, copied them over, and voila! they played and the audio was in perfect sync.
Rockbox install did say I might not be able to use my Audible audio books. And that was right. Even though the directory is there, the RB shell doesn't 'see' them.
That led to another search. Something to umm convince my Audible audio books to play on RockBoxed player. Success! Converting a few over as I type.
My inner nerd is much pleased.
On a whim, I typed "RockBox Sansa e200 series v2" into Google. My inner nerd jumped for joy when I saw that RockBox has indeed come out with its bootloader for the e280v2. I installed it. I ran my avis through WinFF, copied them over, and voila! they played and the audio was in perfect sync.
Rockbox install did say I might not be able to use my Audible audio books. And that was right. Even though the directory is there, the RB shell doesn't 'see' them.
That led to another search. Something to umm convince my Audible audio books to play on RockBoxed player. Success! Converting a few over as I type.
My inner nerd is much pleased.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Out with the old and expired
Went through the wallet, checked expiration dates, and destroyed out of date medical, credit, and shopping cards. Used chicken scissors to hack the beejeebus out them. Bisected the magnetic strips, then cut them into even smaller pieces. Shredded, shaved, and then scattered the bits into different bins for disposal over the next few weeks.
Wing, my beloved bean counter, accountant, who has stated time and time again he has no artistry, no creativity, is a crappy photographer.. well just saying something doesn't make it true. He will be posting them on his blog and on Flickr. :) I'll let you be the judges.
Wing, my beloved bean counter, accountant, who has stated time and time again he has no artistry, no creativity, is a crappy photographer.. well just saying something doesn't make it true. He will be posting them on his blog and on Flickr. :) I'll let you be the judges.
Long productive day
I asked hale and healthy males of the house, several times, to get the leaf vacuum/mulcher busy and clean up the front yard and nothing coming of it. Then I just asked one of them to get it out for me.
When that didn't happen, I signed up for the USS OMYFEWKINGACHINGBACK, and did it myself. I used it on the front area, and no more dried purple flowers from the Jacaranda tree, and gum leaves have been vacuumed, mulched and distributed on the front yard. Smells pretty good, too.
After a well deserved (and needed) shower, I sat down and put some 2011 calendars together. Bengals (as in pedigree cats), Big Cats (Lions and tigers, no bears! But cheetahs!), Aussie Birds, and Exotic Animals.
Gallery
When that didn't happen, I signed up for the USS OMYFEWKINGACHINGBACK, and did it myself. I used it on the front area, and no more dried purple flowers from the Jacaranda tree, and gum leaves have been vacuumed, mulched and distributed on the front yard. Smells pretty good, too.
After a well deserved (and needed) shower, I sat down and put some 2011 calendars together. Bengals (as in pedigree cats), Big Cats (Lions and tigers, no bears! But cheetahs!), Aussie Birds, and Exotic Animals.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
From Twitter 12-03-2010
- 12:24:58: Hey Acer.. this is not some noob you were dealing with. Also not the type to take crap. *insert evil cackle here*
- 12:26:24: @angriest Oh lordy... you are in for a plethora of porn spam for the word d*ck. Here's hoping for literature because of Melville instead!
- 13:46:06: Acer repair tech came, packed up machine, looked at 1st work order, shook head. Said they deal/w lots of angry customers cuz of Acers BS.
Tweets copied by twittinesis.com
Friday, December 3, 2010
Dear Acer.. up yours
Just when you thought they couldn't get any dumber (not to worry, there is a happy ending).
As I had blogged about, Acer finally got it through their noggin' that it's a video chipset issue, not software, so sent the parts to local to me authorized Acer Repair to arrange for an onsite repair.
Too bad they didn't mention that the All in one TouchScreens aren't eligible for onsite repair, that they have to go into the shop for it. So, the parts did arrive Wednesday, but with nothing about 'contact customer and advise the parts arrive and arrange for repairs'.
So, not knowing this, started pacing and getting a bit annoyed... again. I go to the Acer site, and find the authorized Acer repair, and I called. I said "Hello, my name is Sandra, and I have a strange request, but please hear me out." He did. Parts did arrive Wednesday, and I have made arrangements for the Tech to come here, pick up the machine, bring it back to the shop, swap out the mainboard and the video card, fix the USB port and return it to me. All this was done in under 10 minutes.
Here is the letter/email I sent to Acer, for your enjoyment. I have to admit, I enjoyed ripping into them.
To: E********u@acer.com.au
RE: Nevermind
I discovered who the 'authorised repair/parts' is, and I called them. Turns out there is no, I repeat *no*, onsite service for the Touchscreens systems. I had a nice long conversation with the tech there, who didn't talk down to me, and it seems no one from your office bothered to put "please call to advise customer when parts arrived to schedule repair" which took me all of 7 seconds to type out there. If someone had, I would have been informed on Wednesday when the parts arrived and had my machine picked up by JH Computer Services.
Arrangements have been made by me for the tech to come here, pack the Z5610, and take it in for a mainboard/video card swap and to check the USB port. That was arranged in under 10 minutes. Much better than the 11 months of chasing my tail as I did with Acer Helpdesk.
I don't know what is passing for customer service these days, but all I can say is that since the day I worked for OneByte Computers, it's gone downhill fast. Your left hand has no idea what your right hand is doing, and it's ruining, if not ruined Acer's reputation. With the advent of the internet, blogging, Twitter and a myriad of other instant reviews of products and services, one would think you at Acer would up your game to stay golden in such a competitive market. Sadly, you haven't.
I do thank you for extending my warranty an extra 18 (12 months told to me by WyCliffe and another 6 months via helpdesk communication). That will at least cover the 11 months of headaches and run around that has been given to me.
Regards
Sandra Chung, I.P.A.
As I had blogged about, Acer finally got it through their noggin' that it's a video chipset issue, not software, so sent the parts to local to me authorized Acer Repair to arrange for an onsite repair.
Too bad they didn't mention that the All in one TouchScreens aren't eligible for onsite repair, that they have to go into the shop for it. So, the parts did arrive Wednesday, but with nothing about 'contact customer and advise the parts arrive and arrange for repairs'.
So, not knowing this, started pacing and getting a bit annoyed... again. I go to the Acer site, and find the authorized Acer repair, and I called. I said "Hello, my name is Sandra, and I have a strange request, but please hear me out." He did. Parts did arrive Wednesday, and I have made arrangements for the Tech to come here, pick up the machine, bring it back to the shop, swap out the mainboard and the video card, fix the USB port and return it to me. All this was done in under 10 minutes.
Here is the letter/email I sent to Acer, for your enjoyment. I have to admit, I enjoyed ripping into them.
To: E********u@acer.com.au
RE: Nevermind
I discovered who the 'authorised repair/parts' is, and I called them. Turns out there is no, I repeat *no*, onsite service for the Touchscreens systems. I had a nice long conversation with the tech there, who didn't talk down to me, and it seems no one from your office bothered to put "please call to advise customer when parts arrived to schedule repair" which took me all of 7 seconds to type out there. If someone had, I would have been informed on Wednesday when the parts arrived and had my machine picked up by JH Computer Services.
Arrangements have been made by me for the tech to come here, pack the Z5610, and take it in for a mainboard/video card swap and to check the USB port. That was arranged in under 10 minutes. Much better than the 11 months of chasing my tail as I did with Acer Helpdesk.
I don't know what is passing for customer service these days, but all I can say is that since the day I worked for OneByte Computers, it's gone downhill fast. Your left hand has no idea what your right hand is doing, and it's ruining, if not ruined Acer's reputation. With the advent of the internet, blogging, Twitter and a myriad of other instant reviews of products and services, one would think you at Acer would up your game to stay golden in such a competitive market. Sadly, you haven't.
I do thank you for extending my warranty an extra 18 (12 months told to me by WyCliffe and another 6 months via helpdesk communication). That will at least cover the 11 months of headaches and run around that has been given to me.
Regards
Sandra Chung, I.P.A.
*Yawn*
Feel tired and worn today. Not cooking tonight. Just don't feel like it.
Take out, early night, and hopefully no Loki getting me up at 5:30 tomorrow morning.
Take out, early night, and hopefully no Loki getting me up at 5:30 tomorrow morning.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Furry alarm clock went off at O'cat-thirty
I think the fires south of us had the fur kids a bit on edge. If I could smell the smoke that strongly, and taste ash in the air, it had to have been 10 times worse for them.
I took the opportunity get get in an early shower, take care of potted trees before it gets hot, and to get caught up on some artwork I had been planning on doing. Into abstracts right now, don't really know why. Just am.
Have been on a 'check and chuck' mission in the house. It's amazing how much junk accumulates. Biggest problem is boxes. We recycle so well, that we fill the recycle bin long before it's due to for pick up/ I break down boxes so they take up less room, but still so many of them. The pool had 4 boxes (the two boxes in the big box was a bit overboard, if you ask me). I have saved one box for the fur kids to play in.
Have been seeing more and more Red-Collared Lorikeets around here. I even managed to get a great photo of two juveniles!
I took the opportunity get get in an early shower, take care of potted trees before it gets hot, and to get caught up on some artwork I had been planning on doing. Into abstracts right now, don't really know why. Just am.
Have been on a 'check and chuck' mission in the house. It's amazing how much junk accumulates. Biggest problem is boxes. We recycle so well, that we fill the recycle bin long before it's due to for pick up/ I break down boxes so they take up less room, but still so many of them. The pool had 4 boxes (the two boxes in the big box was a bit overboard, if you ask me). I have saved one box for the fur kids to play in.
Have been seeing more and more Red-Collared Lorikeets around here. I even managed to get a great photo of two juveniles!
From Twitter 12-01-2010
- 08:25:03: Funny watching GOPs segue to other subject asked if Airhead Palin's qualified to be president. They know she isn't but won't say it publicly
- 09:23:24: @chriscolfer What did you do that was so terrible? Cross against the light? :)
- 22:39:36: Visited Sodahead. System Mechanic Pro Malware/Virus popped up a warning. How interesting, yes?
Tweets copied by twittinesis.com
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Dealing with a moping cat
Ziggy is miffed. Her human, Aikidomayland , is away on a business trip, and she isn't happy.
Not only is she off her feed a bit, she has been 'showing her unhappiness by .. umm... missing the litter box on purpose. Thank goodness for stone floors. *sigh*
Not only is she off her feed a bit, she has been 'showing her unhappiness by .. umm... missing the litter box on purpose. Thank goodness for stone floors. *sigh*
My version of a silver lining.
Alan and I spent 45 mins setting up the pool yesterday. So much for the "Sets up in 20 minutes!".
This morning when I woke up by way of Furry Alarm Clock (aka Loki) my right leg was aching something terrible.
My silver lining: left leg has limited sensation, so is only wobbly and weak, no pain.
This morning when I woke up by way of Furry Alarm Clock (aka Loki) my right leg was aching something terrible.
My silver lining: left leg has limited sensation, so is only wobbly and weak, no pain.
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