Hmm... I'm thinking I need a Cube of Power too.
Tonight I'm going to run off to hopefully appease the camping craving I've had for a while. YAY!!!!
Current Brainstorms
Friday, January 31, 2003
Hmm... I'm thinking I need a Cube of Power too.
Tonight I'm going to run off to hopefully appease the camping craving I've had for a while. YAY!!!!
Hmm... I'm thinking I need a Cube of Power too.
Tonight I'm going to run off to hopefully appease the camping craving I've had for a while. YAY!!!!
9:57 AM Posted by Big Dave | 0 Thoughts
Thursday, January 30, 2003
I'm trying to think of something worth while to comment on. Since my friend Josh requested the specs on my home theatre machine, I thought I would provide that.
AMD K7 1.3 GHz
192 MB Memory
1 - 40 GB HD for System and data
1 - 70 GB HD dedicated to Digital VCR files
ATI Radeon All-In-Wonder 8500 DV
Hercules Fortissimo II
1 - DVD player
1 - CD-RW drive
All-In-Wonder - The video card comes with input/output ports for composite video, S-Video, and stereo. It also comes with a fire-wire port. I'm very excited about that, but I don't have anything to use it with yet. Along with the card, a RF remote control is included which can act as a mouse and plugs into a USB port. The card comes with software including Digital VCR, TV-Listings, DVD Player, and ULead VideoStudio. I've discovered that recording on the highest quality causes problems when I play it back. Instead I record using a little less than DVD quality. The output of a one hour show is a 2.8 GB file in a proprietary format that can later be converted into whatever you want. I tried going directly into MPEG, but the MPEG player would get confused when I fast forwarded through the commercials and leave me with the deliberate feeling that I was watching an old kung fu movie.
Sound Card - The video card features analog, digital, and optical input and output. Very nice for audiophiles
5:14 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
I'm trying to think of something worth while to comment on. Since my friend Josh requested the specs on my home theatre machine, I thought I would provide that.
AMD K7 1.3 GHz
192 MB Memory
1 - 40 GB HD for System and data
1 - 70 GB HD dedicated to Digital VCR files
ATI Radeon All-In-Wonder 8500 DV
Hercules Fortissimo II
1 - DVD player
1 - CD-RW drive
All-In-Wonder - The video card comes with input/output ports for composite video, S-Video, and stereo. It also comes with a fire-wire port. I'm very excited about that, but I don't have anything to use it with yet. Along with the card, a RF remote control is included which can act as a mouse and plugs into a USB port. The card comes with software including Digital VCR, TV-Listings, DVD Player, and ULead VideoStudio. I've discovered that recording on the highest quality causes problems when I play it back. Instead I record using a little less than DVD quality. The output of a one hour show is a 2.8 GB file in a proprietary format that can later be converted into whatever you want. I tried going directly into MPEG, but the MPEG player would get confused when I fast forwarded through the commercials and leave me with the deliberate feeling that I was watching an old kung fu movie.
Sound Card - The video card features analog, digital, and optical input and output. Very nice for audiophiles
5:14 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
My mom sent me this today. Google search on legos.
Last night I got to play with a new toy. I have set up a mini Home Theatre PC featuring a Digital VCR. Something like a Tivo for those that are familiar with that concept. I had a lot of fun fiddling with it, but I am having some issues with it. When I play back the video and fast forward through commercials, the sound falls about a second behind the video. Highly annoying. So I'm going to continue playing with all of that. I do have an optical output on my sound card that I would like to connect to my stereo. The only problem with that is that the fiber optic cables are really expensive. So far I've only watched a couple of things. I recorded Clone High on MTV. While I really enjoyed the show, the sound makes it annoying enough not to really use until I figure that out. It's like watching a foreign film with really bad dubbing.
Speaking of which, I really like Clone High. It's a cartoon based in a secret government high school with famous people who have come back as clones. Including JFK, Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Ghandi, and Vincent Van Gogh. Very edgy and very smart. So of course I don't expect it to last.
12:00 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
My mom sent me this today. Google search on legos.
Last night I got to play with a new toy. I have set up a mini Home Theatre PC featuring a Digital VCR. Something like a Tivo for those that are familiar with that concept. I had a lot of fun fiddling with it, but I am having some issues with it. When I play back the video and fast forward through commercials, the sound falls about a second behind the video. Highly annoying. So I'm going to continue playing with all of that. I do have an optical output on my sound card that I would like to connect to my stereo. The only problem with that is that the fiber optic cables are really expensive. So far I've only watched a couple of things. I recorded Clone High on MTV. While I really enjoyed the show, the sound makes it annoying enough not to really use until I figure that out. It's like watching a foreign film with really bad dubbing.
Speaking of which, I really like Clone High. It's a cartoon based in a secret government high school with famous people who have come back as clones. Including JFK, Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Ghandi, and Vincent Van Gogh. Very edgy and very smart. So of course I don't expect it to last.
12:00 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Monday, January 27, 2003
Sigh... I'm back at work, drinking some coffee, and still trying to get going again. It's not like I didn't get plenty of sleep last night. I just can't get going this morning.
I was cheering for the Raiders yesterday. I guess you can see how far that got. They got crushed. I watched the game with the youth group. It was on two large screens with the sound system that powers the praise band. Not bad if I do say so myself.
I really enjoyed the commercials. There are several that stood out in my mind, but I was salivating over the previews for the new Matrix movies and The HULK.
9:52 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Sigh... I'm back at work, drinking some coffee, and still trying to get going again. It's not like I didn't get plenty of sleep last night. I just can't get going this morning.
I was cheering for the Raiders yesterday. I guess you can see how far that got. They got crushed. I watched the game with the youth group. It was on two large screens with the sound system that powers the praise band. Not bad if I do say so myself.
I really enjoyed the commercials. There are several that stood out in my mind, but I was salivating over the previews for the new Matrix movies and The HULK.
9:52 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
Link via Josh: Game Development program at SMU
1:02 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Link via Josh: Game Development program at SMU
1:02 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Sunday, January 19, 2003
It's a curse to think too much.
This weekend I have acquired book 10 of the Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan. I will add it to my ever increasing stack of books that I want to read.
I'm really in a foul mood. For several reasons. One of which is I have work I need to get done so I'm procrastinating while I'm sitting at work. I still have a lot to do and really don't appreciate having to dedicate my weekend to something just to stay on schedule. Especially when that schedule was disrupted by my boss when he didn't do what he said he was going to do b/c he was working on another problem.
I just want to stand on top of my desk and yell in my best Cartman impersonation, "Screw you guys!"
1:34 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
It's a curse to think too much.
This weekend I have acquired book 10 of the Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan. I will add it to my ever increasing stack of books that I want to read.
I'm really in a foul mood. For several reasons. One of which is I have work I need to get done so I'm procrastinating while I'm sitting at work. I still have a lot to do and really don't appreciate having to dedicate my weekend to something just to stay on schedule. Especially when that schedule was disrupted by my boss when he didn't do what he said he was going to do b/c he was working on another problem.
I just want to stand on top of my desk and yell in my best Cartman impersonation, "Screw you guys!"
1:34 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Thursday, January 16, 2003
It's bitter cold out today. It's only 34F, but winds of 20-30 mph, it feels like a very cold 22F. Of course the cold morning is the morning I have to stop and get gas. Speaking of which, I don't think these ads have run down here, but there are a series of television spots that condemn drivers of SUVs as terrorist supporters. "Where's the logic?" you may ask. That's a very valid question.
The environmentalists' stance is thus:
SUVs require more gas than typical cars
Gas is refined oil.
Oil is typically imported from the Middle East
The Middle East fund terrorist organizations.
By this logic, we should arrest all bus drivers, truck drivers, and airline pilot in America immediately, since they give more money to terrorists than anyone else. I love it when people use flawed logic to support their ridiculous claims. Let's see if we can play 6 degrees of terrorist separation shall we?
1. The Middle East isn't the only producer of oil. Mexico has the approximate production capabilities of over half of the Middle East. The US has it's own oil reserves, but we can't touch it because of the same environmentalists.
2. Not all of the Middle Eastern states support terrorism. Though individuals within that country may choose to do so. Just like people in the US who actually send their money directly to terrorist organizations.
3. I can't believe I'm even analyzing such a ridiculous argument.
This morning I also stopped at the vet's to check on Oreo. He has had to stay since Tuesday. He was doing much better and would eat when I got there. Apparently he hadn't been eating. He still has his catheter in and must stay until tomorrow night or Saturday morning.
9:19 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
It's bitter cold out today. It's only 34F, but winds of 20-30 mph, it feels like a very cold 22F. Of course the cold morning is the morning I have to stop and get gas. Speaking of which, I don't think these ads have run down here, but there are a series of television spots that condemn drivers of SUVs as terrorist supporters. "Where's the logic?" you may ask. That's a very valid question.
The environmentalists' stance is thus:
SUVs require more gas than typical cars
Gas is refined oil.
Oil is typically imported from the Middle East
The Middle East fund terrorist organizations.
By this logic, we should arrest all bus drivers, truck drivers, and airline pilot in America immediately, since they give more money to terrorists than anyone else. I love it when people use flawed logic to support their ridiculous claims. Let's see if we can play 6 degrees of terrorist separation shall we?
1. The Middle East isn't the only producer of oil. Mexico has the approximate production capabilities of over half of the Middle East. The US has it's own oil reserves, but we can't touch it because of the same environmentalists.
2. Not all of the Middle Eastern states support terrorism. Though individuals within that country may choose to do so. Just like people in the US who actually send their money directly to terrorist organizations.
3. I can't believe I'm even analyzing such a ridiculous argument.
This morning I also stopped at the vet's to check on Oreo. He has had to stay since Tuesday. He was doing much better and would eat when I got there. Apparently he hadn't been eating. He still has his catheter in and must stay until tomorrow night or Saturday morning.
9:19 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Looking for something to do this weekend that appeals to the kid in you? How about a children's movie festival? But you might have to slip over to see the Dallas Symphony play, "The Songs of Mister Rogers." You think I'm joking? Nope. Check it out.
Or maybe something artsy
If you're in to Christian music, two of my favorite bands are playing Saturday night in Grand Prairie. Newsboys and Superchick with Zoegirl.
Sheesh. There's a lot going on this weekend. Unfortunately I can't remember what my schedule is supposed to be.
8:40 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Looking for something to do this weekend that appeals to the kid in you? How about a children's movie festival? But you might have to slip over to see the Dallas Symphony play, "The Songs of Mister Rogers." You think I'm joking? Nope. Check it out.
Or maybe something artsy
If you're in to Christian music, two of my favorite bands are playing Saturday night in Grand Prairie. Newsboys and Superchick with Zoegirl.
Sheesh. There's a lot going on this weekend. Unfortunately I can't remember what my schedule is supposed to be.
8:40 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Build your own Home Theatre PC
Hmm... I have an extra computer. I'm considering doing something like this. I already have the DVD player installed. It would just take a new video card.
12:27 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Build your own Home Theatre PC
Hmm... I have an extra computer. I'm considering doing something like this. I already have the DVD player installed. It would just take a new video card.
12:27 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
I took my cat Oreo in to the vet this morning. When I described the symptoms the lady suspected it might be a urinary tract infection. I know that can be treated by antibiotics. I'm hoping that's all it is and Oreo gets to feeling better soon. He sure wasn't happy to go to the vet's this morning. I wish they would call so I could have some idea.
Update: I called the vet a few moments ago. Dr. Grey came on the phone and told me about Oreo's condition. Apparently due the the magnesium in his diet, Oreo has developed crystals in his bladder that have become a plug in his urinary tract. If he can't pass it by this afternoon they'll have to give him a catheter and keep him for a couple of days. It'll be expensive, but I'm not going to tell them not to do it.
He and Ash will both have to go on a special diet. And no more treats. Ash isn't going to like that very much.
9:40 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Update: I called the vet a few moments ago. Dr. Grey came on the phone and told me about Oreo's condition. Apparently due the the magnesium in his diet, Oreo has developed crystals in his bladder that have become a plug in his urinary tract. If he can't pass it by this afternoon they'll have to give him a catheter and keep him for a couple of days. It'll be expensive, but I'm not going to tell them not to do it.
He and Ash will both have to go on a special diet. And no more treats. Ash isn't going to like that very much.
9:40 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Monday, January 13, 2003
Well... It's definitely Monday. I had a pretty good weekend, but I'm very run down today. I guess I tried to do to much yesterday. I drove to church in the snow. Went to the Dallas Symphony that afternoon and then went to Youth with only a stop to change clothes. And there we played dodge ball. I just need a weekend to recover from my weekend.
The snow was very odd yesterday. It didn't stick around. It would have been nice to have it freeze up. I was hoping I'd be able to work from home today. Of course the one issue with that is I'm bad about being productive when I'm at home.
Still trying to get over not quite being sick. I'm ready for the crud to either make me really sick so I'll quit trying to do stuff or go away in general.
12:05 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Well... It's definitely Monday. I had a pretty good weekend, but I'm very run down today. I guess I tried to do to much yesterday. I drove to church in the snow. Went to the Dallas Symphony that afternoon and then went to Youth with only a stop to change clothes. And there we played dodge ball. I just need a weekend to recover from my weekend.
The snow was very odd yesterday. It didn't stick around. It would have been nice to have it freeze up. I was hoping I'd be able to work from home today. Of course the one issue with that is I'm bad about being productive when I'm at home.
Still trying to get over not quite being sick. I'm ready for the crud to either make me really sick so I'll quit trying to do stuff or go away in general.
12:05 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Friday, January 10, 2003
Well... I was going to try and put down my thoughts. This week has been absolutely chaotic. Wednesday all the wheels came off at work. A new report I wrote needed some verification from the client and they didn't get back to us until they needed it yesterday. So I spent all day firefighting when I was supposed to be working on something else. When my boss came back to ask about the something else, he seemed surprised it wasn't done. Oh well... It's done now and I still have plenty left to do along the same lines.
On top of all of this I have been struggling not to get sick. I have an ugly cough with a funky voice that's deeper than it normally is and am generally feeling run down. I went to bed early last night and woke up feeling a lot better.
I get to play bachelor for part of the weekend Desiree is playing for a wedding on Saturday so I have tonight and most of tomorrow to myself. I thought about going camping tonight, but I decided that probably wouldn't be the best thing to do since I'm trying to avoid getting sick. I do need to go to the grocery store and get my hair cut. My cabinets and refrigerator have been cleaned out for a couple of weeks now. I've used up all the scratch stuff making weird concoctions with whatever was left. Maybe I'll make dinner Saturday night. That would be nice.
Wednesday I was really thinking about several things. My mind got to wondering and reflecting. Especially after hearing about the horrific abuse inflicted by a woman in New Jersey on her nephews. When I got home on Wednesday, I just didn't have the energy to talk about it.
What really defines sane. What drives people insane? Where is that switch that gets thrown that causes people to loose any aspect of human compassion. People do such horrible things to each other. America has an odd fascination with the macabre. Look at some of the more popular shows on television. CSI and CSI:Miami are great examples, but they are mysteries which can be explained away. Now take for example American Idol. One of the main reasons that show has become popular is Simon. Simon is the pompous, cruel, english judge who has been crushing the dreams of many young singers. And America loves it. Now these are just three examples, but you can see the same type of thing playing out in everyday life. The DC snipers, Columbine, mothers killing their children are all better known examples of the same symptom. And then what happens. They try to blame someone else. It's the media's fault for what they show on TV. It's because of the hormones It's the parents fault. I don't buy it. Maybe they just needed a hug. I wonder if that would have made them rethink what they were doing. Perhaps someone else said it best. What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
9:10 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Well... I was going to try and put down my thoughts. This week has been absolutely chaotic. Wednesday all the wheels came off at work. A new report I wrote needed some verification from the client and they didn't get back to us until they needed it yesterday. So I spent all day firefighting when I was supposed to be working on something else. When my boss came back to ask about the something else, he seemed surprised it wasn't done. Oh well... It's done now and I still have plenty left to do along the same lines.
On top of all of this I have been struggling not to get sick. I have an ugly cough with a funky voice that's deeper than it normally is and am generally feeling run down. I went to bed early last night and woke up feeling a lot better.
I get to play bachelor for part of the weekend Desiree is playing for a wedding on Saturday so I have tonight and most of tomorrow to myself. I thought about going camping tonight, but I decided that probably wouldn't be the best thing to do since I'm trying to avoid getting sick. I do need to go to the grocery store and get my hair cut. My cabinets and refrigerator have been cleaned out for a couple of weeks now. I've used up all the scratch stuff making weird concoctions with whatever was left. Maybe I'll make dinner Saturday night. That would be nice.
Wednesday I was really thinking about several things. My mind got to wondering and reflecting. Especially after hearing about the horrific abuse inflicted by a woman in New Jersey on her nephews. When I got home on Wednesday, I just didn't have the energy to talk about it.
What really defines sane. What drives people insane? Where is that switch that gets thrown that causes people to loose any aspect of human compassion. People do such horrible things to each other. America has an odd fascination with the macabre. Look at some of the more popular shows on television. CSI and CSI:Miami are great examples, but they are mysteries which can be explained away. Now take for example American Idol. One of the main reasons that show has become popular is Simon. Simon is the pompous, cruel, english judge who has been crushing the dreams of many young singers. And America loves it. Now these are just three examples, but you can see the same type of thing playing out in everyday life. The DC snipers, Columbine, mothers killing their children are all better known examples of the same symptom. And then what happens. They try to blame someone else. It's the media's fault for what they show on TV. It's because of the hormones It's the parents fault. I don't buy it. Maybe they just needed a hug. I wonder if that would have made them rethink what they were doing. Perhaps someone else said it best. What the world needs now is love, sweet love.
9:10 AM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
It's a MAD, MAD, MAD world.
News at 11
5:24 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
It's a MAD, MAD, MAD world.
News at 11
5:24 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
Friday, January 03, 2003
I'm in a remarkably good mood today. We have met our goals for next Monday. Tonight I'm going to North Main Barbeque in Euless. It's a little hole-in-the-wall type restraunt that is an all-you-can-eat barbeque. I've never been, but people keep raving about it. I'm going with the youth councelors from my church since one of our number is moving to Houston with her job.
I'm ready for the weekend. I don't know what I have done to be so tired this week, but I really want some down time.
2:43 PM Posted by Big Dave
| 0 Thoughts
I'm in a remarkably good mood today. We have met our goals for next Monday. Tonight I'm going to North Main Barbeque in Euless. It's a little hole-in-the-wall type restraunt that is an all-you-can-eat barbeque. I've never been, but people keep raving about it. I'm going with the youth councelors from my church since one of our number is moving to Houston with her job.
I'm ready for the weekend. I don't know what I have done to be so tired this week, but I really want some down time.
