Republicans and Democrats are playing a high stakes game of chicken. The Republicans are refusing to fund ObamaCare and the Democrats are refusing to accept any budget that excludes funding for ObamaCare. The deadline for this situation is tomorrow, October 1, 2013, and, as of this precise moment (10:49 AM on 9/30/2013), I'm not sure what is going to happen with this situation.
I know that my situation tonight is taking Alex to drum lessons - his last one until after basketball season! - then to open gym at West, and somehow catching WWE Raw. I know Megan works tonight (as well as Wednesday).
I would like to work on the conversion projects since tomorrow is 10/1 and I'd like to hit a higher number because I know that there are several duplicates (or the potential for duplicates based upon some searches for *(2)*.mp3 so when the batch file says: 62019 File(s) 523,486,363,004 bytes, I'm not entirely convinced I've crossed safely into the 62000 range.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Put to Sleep
Two things got put to sleep over the weekend. First, I am very happy today because the camper has been pulled from Ketelsen's to Zhwingle. There were no flat tires or other issues related to the physical pulling of the camper. Because we pull the camper very few times, it is often an intimidating task to approach. For example, we hooked the camper to the truck less than a dozen times - closer to 6 - and two of those would be when we pulled from our spot to behind the office and then back from behind the office to the spot we were in for our two months in Elkader.Whatever the number of times we hooked up, the camper is now safely stored indoors in Zhwingle and we will not see it for 7 months.
After we dropped off the camper, we went to my sister-in-law's house for lunch. I spent part of my time with my nephew and the rest of the time with Alex as we attempted to find Uncle Ike's in Dubuque. Unfortunately, the Garmin has the old address of Uncle Ike's and we did not make it to the store prior to 4:15 Mass at Holy Ghost. That turned out okay because I didn't really need anything at the store anyways.
The rest of the weekend was spent in Balltown. I couldn't get a good Euchre hand and if I had 4 hearts and a Ace of clubs, Louie made it Spades. We went to Breitbach's for breakfast on Sunday.
When we got home, Alex had confirmation class from 4:15 - 5:30, though he got let out late. After I dropped him off, I mowed 95% of the yard and, upon returning home, I mowed the last 5%. We got pizza from Pizza Hut for supper.
The other thing that got put to sleep was the series "Breaking Bad" that I think ended on a very good note. I liked how the story of Walter White got tied up nicely. Walter White transformed completely from mild mannered scientist to criminal mastermind. He had the opportunity to take out Jesse and he didn't. Where is Jesse now? I have no idea.
Almost immediately after Breaking Bad ended, I went to bed. I was exhausted. My head hit pillow and I was out.
After we dropped off the camper, we went to my sister-in-law's house for lunch. I spent part of my time with my nephew and the rest of the time with Alex as we attempted to find Uncle Ike's in Dubuque. Unfortunately, the Garmin has the old address of Uncle Ike's and we did not make it to the store prior to 4:15 Mass at Holy Ghost. That turned out okay because I didn't really need anything at the store anyways.
The rest of the weekend was spent in Balltown. I couldn't get a good Euchre hand and if I had 4 hearts and a Ace of clubs, Louie made it Spades. We went to Breitbach's for breakfast on Sunday.
When we got home, Alex had confirmation class from 4:15 - 5:30, though he got let out late. After I dropped him off, I mowed 95% of the yard and, upon returning home, I mowed the last 5%. We got pizza from Pizza Hut for supper.
The other thing that got put to sleep was the series "Breaking Bad" that I think ended on a very good note. I liked how the story of Walter White got tied up nicely. Walter White transformed completely from mild mannered scientist to criminal mastermind. He had the opportunity to take out Jesse and he didn't. Where is Jesse now? I have no idea.
Almost immediately after Breaking Bad ended, I went to bed. I was exhausted. My head hit pillow and I was out.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Saxon
By my guess, there were probably 150 people that came to see the tour that rolled into Spicolli's in Waterloo, IA, but for those 150 people, seeing Saxon play in an intimate club setting was certainly worth every penny of a ticket.
The Unity, Halycon Way, and Fozzy warmed up for Saxon. Each band had high points. After slaying through their original songs, The Unity ended their short set with a note-for-note worship of Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast" as the approving crowd roared. Next up was Halycon Way who rocked the stage with their material, including the excellent "Web of Lies". Following them came Fozzy, led by WWE superstar Chris Jericho and his charisma. Songs like "She's My Addiction" and "Sin and Bones" were highlights of their set.
But the highest point of the night was actually when legendary heavy metal band Saxon came to the stage with the sole intention of satisfying the crowd that did find out they were going to be in town. The fact is that Spicolli's is a long way from the festivals and hundreds of thousands of fans that routinely attend metal festivals to see bills that often include Saxon. You couldn't tell that by the energy and authority with which lead vocalist Biff Byford commanded the cramped stage. Byford told us that Saxon has played in front of 100,000 people and in front of 100 people and as long as there was an audience, they would continue to play. That makes me hope that they will return to my area prior to calling it a day.
Essentially, Byford directs traffic by being the only one to address the crowd directly. His vocals didn't sound strained and his stage presence was precise. I didn't get the feeling that he was on auto-pilot because of the small stage and the small crowd. Instead, Byford made light of the situation and said that they weren't going to play an encore because there was no place to go so they would just keep playing. Original guitarist Paul Quinn, guitarist Doug Scarratt, and bassist Nibbs Carter put drummer Nigel Glockler through his paces with the fast tempos that came song after song. The band achieved instant respect from the first measure with the musicianship that came out of the PA system.
And to be clear, Saxon is "required listening" if you want to speak intelligently about the genre. Only after absorbing the attitude described in their classic songs like "Denim and Leather," "Motorcycle Man," and "Princess of the Night" can you appreciate the modern heavy metal bands like Metallica, like Lamb of God, like Avenged Sevenfold, who, in some capacity, can be traced back to Saxon's discography that began with their self-titled debut in 1979. After 16 songs, Saxon left the stage but I don't recall if Byford promised to return to Waterloo in the future.
The Unity, Halycon Way, and Fozzy warmed up for Saxon. Each band had high points. After slaying through their original songs, The Unity ended their short set with a note-for-note worship of Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast" as the approving crowd roared. Next up was Halycon Way who rocked the stage with their material, including the excellent "Web of Lies". Following them came Fozzy, led by WWE superstar Chris Jericho and his charisma. Songs like "She's My Addiction" and "Sin and Bones" were highlights of their set.
But the highest point of the night was actually when legendary heavy metal band Saxon came to the stage with the sole intention of satisfying the crowd that did find out they were going to be in town. The fact is that Spicolli's is a long way from the festivals and hundreds of thousands of fans that routinely attend metal festivals to see bills that often include Saxon. You couldn't tell that by the energy and authority with which lead vocalist Biff Byford commanded the cramped stage. Byford told us that Saxon has played in front of 100,000 people and in front of 100 people and as long as there was an audience, they would continue to play. That makes me hope that they will return to my area prior to calling it a day.
Essentially, Byford directs traffic by being the only one to address the crowd directly. His vocals didn't sound strained and his stage presence was precise. I didn't get the feeling that he was on auto-pilot because of the small stage and the small crowd. Instead, Byford made light of the situation and said that they weren't going to play an encore because there was no place to go so they would just keep playing. Original guitarist Paul Quinn, guitarist Doug Scarratt, and bassist Nibbs Carter put drummer Nigel Glockler through his paces with the fast tempos that came song after song. The band achieved instant respect from the first measure with the musicianship that came out of the PA system.
And to be clear, Saxon is "required listening" if you want to speak intelligently about the genre. Only after absorbing the attitude described in their classic songs like "Denim and Leather," "Motorcycle Man," and "Princess of the Night" can you appreciate the modern heavy metal bands like Metallica, like Lamb of God, like Avenged Sevenfold, who, in some capacity, can be traced back to Saxon's discography that began with their self-titled debut in 1979. After 16 songs, Saxon left the stage but I don't recall if Byford promised to return to Waterloo in the future.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Rocking: Saxon Last Night, Lou's Classic Ride Tonight
What a great show last night! I can certainly understand why Metallica liked listening to Saxon. I was impressed. I have started a draft of my review and will need to get that submitted soon. I got home at 1 AM and was up at 6 AM. If the show wasn't great, I'd say I was too old. Great conversation to and from Waterloo with Kevin.
Tonight is LCR rehearsal @ 8 PM. We are going to work on 5 new songs (in alpha order)
Tonight is LCR rehearsal @ 8 PM. We are going to work on 5 new songs (in alpha order)
- I Think You Know What I Mean
- Paranoid
- Rock and Roll All Night
- Rocky Mountain Way
- Wanted Dead or Alive
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Meeting James Hetfield, 1000 removed
I pulled into the Kum & Go on Burlington Street in Iowa City today to get gas and in my conversation with the clerk, I found out he met James Hetfield (vocalist / guitarist of Metallica) at a Joan Jett concert in San Marin, CA. I asked the clerk if he was as cool as he seems and the clerk said, "He was very cool."
So now, I know someone that has talked to James Hetfield. Next step - interviewing him when Metallica comes to Iowa! <grin>
So now, I know someone that has talked to James Hetfield. Next step - interviewing him when Metallica comes to Iowa! <grin>
Monday, September 23, 2013
Lars is Making Me Go
My love for all things Metallica has not wavered over the years. Sure, I like Bayside just as much - my longtime friends are stunned I would write such blasphemy - but now, in September 2013, Metallica is making me travel to Waterloo to see a concert. The headliner is Saxon and the opening band is Fozzy, which has WWE wrestler Chris Jericho as their lead vocalist.
Confession: I don't know a single Saxon song. I can't hum a single riff or recite a single lyric. What does any of this have to do with Metallica? Well, per a video - maybe the "Cliff 'Em All" VHS tape - Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich stated that he was influenced by Saxon. Lars said it so it must be true. Here's the Top Ten list of their songs, but I truly have no idea if there are other songs that should be replacing the ones on the list.
I'm going mainly because it's an excuse to be with my friend Kevin. I worked with Kevin years ago and we have been friends since 1998. He lives in Marion and we don't hang out nearly enough. We've seen Slayer in Davenport, went to Memphis in May 2007 and Opeth / Katatoniz in Minneapolis. We also went to see Shinedown / Three Days Grace / P.O.D. on 2/1/2013. We had lunch on 8/1/2013 and talked about life. I'm anxious to hear how life is nowadays for him.
Confession: I don't know a single Saxon song. I can't hum a single riff or recite a single lyric. What does any of this have to do with Metallica? Well, per a video - maybe the "Cliff 'Em All" VHS tape - Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich stated that he was influenced by Saxon. Lars said it so it must be true. Here's the Top Ten list of their songs, but I truly have no idea if there are other songs that should be replacing the ones on the list.
I'm going mainly because it's an excuse to be with my friend Kevin. I worked with Kevin years ago and we have been friends since 1998. He lives in Marion and we don't hang out nearly enough. We've seen Slayer in Davenport, went to Memphis in May 2007 and Opeth / Katatoniz in Minneapolis. We also went to see Shinedown / Three Days Grace / P.O.D. on 2/1/2013. We had lunch on 8/1/2013 and talked about life. I'm anxious to hear how life is nowadays for him.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Houses passes stopgap budget that defunds Obamacare
The House passed a short-term spending plan Friday morning that would continue funding government operations through mid-December and withhold funding for President Obama’s signature health-care law, the opening salvo in what promises to be a contentious 10 days of debate on Capitol Hill over extending government operations by only three months.
The legislation would fund federal agencies at an annualized rate of more than $986 billion but would also leave in place automatic spending cuts known as sequestration, set to take effect in January. It would include language to prohibit any funding going to implementing the health-care law and, additionally, authorize the Treasury to pay some bills and not others in the event that no deal is reached in October on increasing the debt limit.
Lawmakers voted 230 to 189 to send the stopgap funding measure to the Senate, where Democrats vow to strip the health-care provisions from the bill and send it back to the House.
Congress must pass a new short-term budget agreement by Sept. 30 or risk shutting down the federal government.
Read more!
The legislation would fund federal agencies at an annualized rate of more than $986 billion but would also leave in place automatic spending cuts known as sequestration, set to take effect in January. It would include language to prohibit any funding going to implementing the health-care law and, additionally, authorize the Treasury to pay some bills and not others in the event that no deal is reached in October on increasing the debt limit.
Lawmakers voted 230 to 189 to send the stopgap funding measure to the Senate, where Democrats vow to strip the health-care provisions from the bill and send it back to the House.
Congress must pass a new short-term budget agreement by Sept. 30 or risk shutting down the federal government.
Read more!
Tell Them No
I really thought I had posted this earlier, like early August, but apparently I did not. I think it is worth including.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 9:47 AM
Subject: RE: a RoboHelp/html question
Thanks... that analogy to editing software code is EXACTLY the ammunition I was looking for.
Plus, the whole business of structuring/linking topics and tying everything in to the TOC and index is pretty mind-bending... Not for the faint of heart.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 10:35 AM
To: 'TECHWR-L'
Subject: RE: a RoboHelp/html question
No. Tell them no. Then, tell them no again.
If they want changes made to the content, they can email you and you will incorporate their edits into the content. Put a feedback link at the bottom of every HTML file that sends feedback directly to you. I had fancy code that would include the HTML file name the feedback was sent from in the email. Just make sure you indicate that the documentation feedback email address is not for reporting bugs or issues with the software.
Think of your help file as software code. Would they be allowed to make "edits" to the software code? Probably not. Same idea here. Say you have a standard like using "Go to" as the phrase to begin a sentence that tells the user navigation, like "Go to Menu1 > Menu2." And they "edit" the text to say "Access Menu1 > Menu2." Who now has the source files - you or your customer? Who reconciles your content to your style guide? What if your corporate style is to follow the MS Manual and they make edits that do not conform with it? And then, when you get asked to send an updated version of your help file, all their "edits" get lost because you have the source files and you do not have their edits. Also, who owns your help file? Your company does. Check with your legal department about if the client can edit source files.
In my opinion and based upon what I've been through with different situations, this is a very slippery slope and it will get bad for you very quickly.
All that said, technically, yes, the client can decompile the CHM file, edit the HTML with Notepad / Dreamweaver, and then recompile. They wouldn't use MS WinHelp as that is a different help format though.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 9:06 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: a RoboHelp/html question
I'm using RoboHelp 7 to convert source content into html and to compile a .chm file for context-sensitive help.
A customer wants to know if there is a way for them to edit individual .html files without using RoboHelp.
In theory, could they use Microsoft WinHelp (or some other app) to make changes and generate new .chm files, or would that cause all kinds of problems with formatting, hyperlinks, etc ?
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 9:47 AM
Subject: RE: a RoboHelp/html question
Thanks... that analogy to editing software code is EXACTLY the ammunition I was looking for.
Plus, the whole business of structuring/linking topics and tying everything in to the TOC and index is pretty mind-bending... Not for the faint of heart.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 10:35 AM
To: 'TECHWR-L'
Subject: RE: a RoboHelp/html question
No. Tell them no. Then, tell them no again.
If they want changes made to the content, they can email you and you will incorporate their edits into the content. Put a feedback link at the bottom of every HTML file that sends feedback directly to you. I had fancy code that would include the HTML file name the feedback was sent from in the email. Just make sure you indicate that the documentation feedback email address is not for reporting bugs or issues with the software.
Think of your help file as software code. Would they be allowed to make "edits" to the software code? Probably not. Same idea here. Say you have a standard like using "Go to" as the phrase to begin a sentence that tells the user navigation, like "Go to Menu1 > Menu2." And they "edit" the text to say "Access Menu1 > Menu2." Who now has the source files - you or your customer? Who reconciles your content to your style guide? What if your corporate style is to follow the MS Manual and they make edits that do not conform with it? And then, when you get asked to send an updated version of your help file, all their "edits" get lost because you have the source files and you do not have their edits. Also, who owns your help file? Your company does. Check with your legal department about if the client can edit source files.
In my opinion and based upon what I've been through with different situations, this is a very slippery slope and it will get bad for you very quickly.
All that said, technically, yes, the client can decompile the CHM file, edit the HTML with Notepad / Dreamweaver, and then recompile. They wouldn't use MS WinHelp as that is a different help format though.
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 9:06 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: a RoboHelp/html question
I'm using RoboHelp 7 to convert source content into html and to compile a .chm file for context-sensitive help.
A customer wants to know if there is a way for them to edit individual .html files without using RoboHelp.
In theory, could they use Microsoft WinHelp (or some other app) to make changes and generate new .chm files, or would that cause all kinds of problems with formatting, hyperlinks, etc ?
Challenge Accepted!
Caused a minor stir with my post on Facebook after reading this article about a guy who had 9000 CDs. I need to carefully consider which of my CDs would even be eligible to sell. I'm thinking that the majority of my CDs are 1) promos from record companies so, technically, not mine, and 2) CD-Rs, which have no value. The rest are what I would consider "regular purchases" at a store or garage sale or given to me (thinking of one time Brian Gravel bought a CD, hated it, and gave it to me, but I can't recall which one off the top of my head).
I did go to http://www.musicmagpie.com/ and scanned the Gilmore Girls season 3 DVD box we have. It's worth $3.07 so, I'm guessing, it would take a lot more to make it worth my while. Still, if I had 10 videos worth $3.07, that's (come on, do the math in your head, not with a calculator) $30.07 more in my pocket. And if I had 100 CDs/videos, that would be (come on, it's a multiple of 10) $300.07. And I'm pretty sure I have at least 100 CDs/videos I can get rid of in exchange for $ in my pocket. Hmmm. I may have to find some time on Sunday to sort through this.
It won't be on Saturday, though, as Alex and I are going to the Iowa / Western MI football game at Kinnick. Margaret Rainey gave us their tickets so the plan is to leave our house @ 7:30, hop on the Hawkeye Express train, go to the rec building to wait for the drumline to walk over to Kinnick. Our seats are in Section 3 and that's near where the drumline plays so maybe we won't return to the rec building after their warmup since we'll be right at the entrance to the stadium that we need to be at. Go Hawks!
It won't be on Saturday, though, as Alex and I are going to the Iowa / Western MI football game at Kinnick. Margaret Rainey gave us their tickets so the plan is to leave our house @ 7:30, hop on the Hawkeye Express train, go to the rec building to wait for the drumline to walk over to Kinnick. Our seats are in Section 3 and that's near where the drumline plays so maybe we won't return to the rec building after their warmup since we'll be right at the entrance to the stadium that we need to be at. Go Hawks!
Staples Tech Support
Continuing the theme of trying to get the PCs from Elkader working, I talked to South Slope tech support about why the WXP box I have is not able to see my wireless network. He told me the issue is that I need to get a wireless adapter and plug it into my USB drive so that it will see my wireless network. That led me to Wal-Mart.com, bestbuy.com, and then, finally, Staples.com, where I saw a popup window that asked if I wanted to chat. What I wrote below is an accurate description of my situation.
This is an automated email sent from the Staples Live Chat department. The following information is a log of your session. Please save the log for your records.
Your session ID for this chat is 5238825. | ||
Time
|
Details
| |
09/19/2013 08:47:40PM
|
System: "Welcome to Staples Live Chat. We will be with you shortly."
| |
09/19/2013 08:47:42PM
|
System: "For security purposes, please do not send credit card information through chat. Should credit information be required for a transaction, a Staples associate will contact you by phone for the required information."
| |
09/19/2013 08:47:48PM
|
Session Started with Agent (Amijeet G.)
| |
09/19/2013 08:47:51PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Hello Paul, my name is Amijeet. Thank you for contacting Staples Live Support. You will receive a transcript of this chat via email at the <br>conclusion of this session. How can I help you today?"
| |
09/19/2013 08:48:34PM
|
Paul: "I bought a Windows XP machine from a library."
| |
09/19/2013 08:48:53PM
| ||
09/19/2013 08:48:54PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Okay,"
| |
09/19/2013 08:49:00PM
|
Paul: "and I don't know which one I need"
| |
09/19/2013 08:49:20PM
|
Paul: "I only paid $25 for the PC, a keyboard, a mouse, and a flatscreen monitor"
| |
09/19/2013 08:49:31PM
|
Paul: "I don't want to invest a lot more"
| |
09/19/2013 08:49:50PM
|
Paul: "this is going to be a PC for my high school-age son and daughter to use"
| |
09/19/2013 08:50:06PM
|
Paul: "I already have a wireless network set up"
| |
09/19/2013 08:50:23PM
|
Paul: "& I'm using a separate laptop to talk to you noow"
| |
09/19/2013 08:50:29PM
|
Paul: "now (not noow)"
| |
09/19/2013 08:50:38PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Great either one will work with windows XP laptop."
| |
09/19/2013 08:51:05PM
|
Paul: "It's a Desktop PC, not laptop - has Windows XP Home Edition installed"
| |
09/19/2013 08:51:29PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Yes, with desktop as well."
| |
09/19/2013 08:52:36PM
|
Paul: "and is it as simple as put the "thing" in the USB drive and run a CD to install?"
| |
09/19/2013 08:52:54PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Yes, it is so simple."
| |
09/19/2013 08:54:22PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "I would be more than happy to remain on chat with you while you complete your online order in case you have any additional questions."
| |
09/19/2013 08:56:26PM
| ||
09/19/2013 08:56:44PM
|
Paul: "So, my guess is that N600 is faster than a N300?"
| |
09/19/2013 08:57:23PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Correct."
| |
09/19/2013 08:57:37PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "It is faster."
| |
09/19/2013 08:59:20PM
|
Paul: "Thank you for your help. I have to think about how important it is to have a fast connection. Like I said, the $50 adapter is twice what I paid for the actual box."
| |
09/19/2013 08:59:49PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "I understand."
| |
09/19/2013 08:59:53PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Is there any thing else I can help you with?"
| |
09/19/2013 09:01:09PM
|
Paul: "do you happen to know where you go into WXP to specify which user profile is the default? This beast has a "All" profile, with limited access, and a "exec" profile, with full access."
| |
09/19/2013 09:01:52PM
|
Paul: "If you don't, that's okay."
| |
09/19/2013 09:02:14PM
|
Paul: "might be outside the scope of your role as Staples Tech Support..."
| |
09/19/2013 09:02:34PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Do you know which one is administrative account?"
| |
09/19/2013 09:02:40PM
|
Paul: "exec"
| |
09/19/2013 09:03:00PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Then only this account has all the access."
| |
09/19/2013 09:03:10PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "No other account."
| |
09/19/2013 09:03:38PM
|
Paul: "just found it"
| |
09/19/2013 09:03:48PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Excellent!"
| |
09/19/2013 09:03:50PM
|
Paul: "Control Panel > User Accounts"
| |
09/19/2013 09:04:03PM
|
Paul: ""Change the way users log on or off"
| |
09/19/2013 09:05:09PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "That is the only one feature you need other main features as well."
| |
09/19/2013 09:05:38PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "you need the rights to install the drivers."
| |
09/19/2013 09:05:51PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Or permission."
| |
09/19/2013 09:06:49PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "Thank you for choosing Staples Live Support. There will be a short survey at the end of this chat session. Please take a moment to complete it, as we value your opinion. Have a wonderful day."
| |
09/19/2013 09:07:27PM
|
Paul: "okay - I have more research to do. I have a "exec" account with "Computer admin" and I just changed the "all" account to "Computer admin" - think I'll combine them or create a new one"
| |
09/19/2013 09:07:31PM
|
Paul: "thanks for your time"
| |
09/19/2013 09:08:07PM
|
Agent (Amijeet G.): "You are welcome."
| |
09/19/2013 09:08:10PM
|
Check Customer Status
| |
09/19/2013 09:08:42PM
|
Session Ended
| |
09/19/2013 09:08:42PM
|
Session Ended after Check Customer Status
| |
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Conversion Update & Know Your Customers
Briefly:
- 61260 File(s) 499,371,379,388 bytes
- Know Your Customers:
A disappointed salesman of Coca Cola returns from his Middle East assignment.
A friend asked, "Why weren't you successful with the Arabs?"
The salesman explained
"When I got posted in the Middle East , I was very confident that I would make a good sales pitch as Cola is virtually unknown there. But, I had a problem I didn't know to speak Arabic. So, I planned to convey the message through three posters...
First poster: A man lying in the hot desert sand...totally exhausted and fainting.
Second poster: The man is drinking our Cola.
Third poster: Our man is now totally refreshed.
And Then these posters were pasted all over the place
"Then that should have worked!" said the friend.
"The hell it should have!? said the salesman. “I didn't realize that Arabs read from right to left"
Why I wish I had $6000 Cash in Hand
I am not rich and I discover that every time I look at Ludwig Vistalites on Craigslist. Why would I do that in the first place?
That's a good story.
I own a Ludwig Vistalite drumset. It is the only drumset I've ever owned. My parents bought it for me in 1983 (I think). The circumstances surrounding this purchase was that when I went to Harding Junior High, Max Northrup was the band instructor. There was 3rd period and 4th period band. All 7th graders were placed into 3rd period band and then, if you were a "good" musician, you were "promoted" to 4th period band when you were in 8th grade.
Except for me. I began 8th grade as a member of 3rd period band. I remember Mr. Northrup stating that if you got a C in band, you should investigate Mr. Quiano's "fine vocal program" as an alternative. In plain English, a C should be considered a F and you should get out.
Not being the sharpest tool in the box, I didn't quit band. I remember quickly becoming the 'lead' percussionist in 4th period band. I also remember that I wanted a drumset (what teenage drummer doesn't?). The arrangement / deal was made that if I was in 4th period band, my parents would purchase a drumset.
As background, there was a guy named Tim DeKlerk that came to Harding that year. Tim was a year older than me and he was a drummer. He was in 4th hour band. He got kicked out of 4th hour band for, allegedly, throwing peanuts at Mr. Northrup. He got dropped from the class, I got "promoted" and before long, my parents and I were shopping for a drumset. I remember that the three of us looked at several drumsets. I remember Todd Philpott's family was selling Todd's older brother's drumset - I think it was a Tama 5 piece - but we didn't buy it.
Ultimately, my parents purchased the Ludwig set I still have and I used to be able to point out what house we bought it from. I don't remember what was paid, but I do remember from the first time I saw it, I was in love. The clear shells, the fact that there was a boom stand with a splash cymbal, the fact that there were two crashes in addition to the splash, the fact that it had only a single mounted tom and two floor toms, the fact that it just looked phenomenal. If time hasn't corrupted my memory of the purchase, the former owner played drums in a polka band.
Before I learned that I owned a Ludwig Vistalite set and that Ludwig had stopped making them, I did not treat my drums like collectibles. It has only been over the last 20 years that I have truly appreciated what my parents did for me. I like to search Craigslist and ebay for Ludwig Vistalites, just to see what the market price of my drumset is. Sometimes, I am blown away by what I see. For example, this drumset is on Craigslist and the asking price is $6000 - and they want "cash only." This is the entire text of the ad:
Cash only please!
This is a like new 9 piece Ludwig Vistalite Jellybean kit. Comes with lights, than can light from 1 to all 9 drums( only 5 piece shown in pic) and the very best travel bags that Ludwig makes. All included
These drums have never left the bags. Awesome drum kit. NOT SOLD IN SEPARATE PIECES!! Only a few of these even produced.
Serious buyers call or text 314-504-8252 before 9 PM central to discuss purchase. Will not separate.
No cymbals or stands come with this kit, however the entire hardware pack is available for purchase at a separate price.
Make a reasonable offer, but this price is pretty close.
Thanks for looking.
Cash Only Please!
I would purchase this drumset if I had $6000 cash in hand. And, for what it's worth, this is the link to this ad, which is probably dead: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/msg/4061578349.html
That's a good story.
I own a Ludwig Vistalite drumset. It is the only drumset I've ever owned. My parents bought it for me in 1983 (I think). The circumstances surrounding this purchase was that when I went to Harding Junior High, Max Northrup was the band instructor. There was 3rd period and 4th period band. All 7th graders were placed into 3rd period band and then, if you were a "good" musician, you were "promoted" to 4th period band when you were in 8th grade.
Except for me. I began 8th grade as a member of 3rd period band. I remember Mr. Northrup stating that if you got a C in band, you should investigate Mr. Quiano's "fine vocal program" as an alternative. In plain English, a C should be considered a F and you should get out.
Not being the sharpest tool in the box, I didn't quit band. I remember quickly becoming the 'lead' percussionist in 4th period band. I also remember that I wanted a drumset (what teenage drummer doesn't?). The arrangement / deal was made that if I was in 4th period band, my parents would purchase a drumset.
As background, there was a guy named Tim DeKlerk that came to Harding that year. Tim was a year older than me and he was a drummer. He was in 4th hour band. He got kicked out of 4th hour band for, allegedly, throwing peanuts at Mr. Northrup. He got dropped from the class, I got "promoted" and before long, my parents and I were shopping for a drumset. I remember that the three of us looked at several drumsets. I remember Todd Philpott's family was selling Todd's older brother's drumset - I think it was a Tama 5 piece - but we didn't buy it.
Ultimately, my parents purchased the Ludwig set I still have and I used to be able to point out what house we bought it from. I don't remember what was paid, but I do remember from the first time I saw it, I was in love. The clear shells, the fact that there was a boom stand with a splash cymbal, the fact that there were two crashes in addition to the splash, the fact that it had only a single mounted tom and two floor toms, the fact that it just looked phenomenal. If time hasn't corrupted my memory of the purchase, the former owner played drums in a polka band.
Before I learned that I owned a Ludwig Vistalite set and that Ludwig had stopped making them, I did not treat my drums like collectibles. It has only been over the last 20 years that I have truly appreciated what my parents did for me. I like to search Craigslist and ebay for Ludwig Vistalites, just to see what the market price of my drumset is. Sometimes, I am blown away by what I see. For example, this drumset is on Craigslist and the asking price is $6000 - and they want "cash only." This is the entire text of the ad:
Ludwig Jellybean 9 Piece set w/lights and bags - $6000 (St Louis County)
Cash only please!
This is a like new 9 piece Ludwig Vistalite Jellybean kit. Comes with lights, than can light from 1 to all 9 drums( only 5 piece shown in pic) and the very best travel bags that Ludwig makes. All included
These drums have never left the bags. Awesome drum kit. NOT SOLD IN SEPARATE PIECES!! Only a few of these even produced.
Serious buyers call or text 314-504-8252 before 9 PM central to discuss purchase. Will not separate.
No cymbals or stands come with this kit, however the entire hardware pack is available for purchase at a separate price.
Make a reasonable offer, but this price is pretty close.
Thanks for looking.
Cash Only Please!
I would purchase this drumset if I had $6000 cash in hand. And, for what it's worth, this is the link to this ad, which is probably dead: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/msg/4061578349.html
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Nebraska Coach Makes Eddie Murphy Blush
It came out on Friday, September 13, 2013, that in 2011, the Nebraska football coach criticized the fans. You should not listen unless you can tolerate the f-bomb because the man was clearly upset. In this story about where he feels free to vent his frustrations remarks, Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz reminds us all that we live in a digital age. More on that in a moment.
First, though, I remember when Eddie Murphy swore and when watching "Delirious" was 'a big deal' in 7th or 8th grade. I was not old enough to watch a rated R DVD, but there I was, laughing when I watched him on HBO. Recently, I purchased the DVD and I still laugh when he talks about life and his use of the f-bomb is really funny. I still hold that concert, that movie, up on a pedestal as good comedy.
I think I used to swear more when I was younger. I don't hear myself saying curse words nearly as much as I used to and I think that's awesome. I also think in a lot of ways, I am in such a better place than where I have been in the past. I love my wife. I love my kids. I love my job. I play drums in a band. I am working on some known character flaws in an effort to improve who I am in this world.
Back to the point about living in a digital age. When Alex and I went to Shinedown in August 2013, it seemed like everyone had a phone and was taking video or pictures during the concert. Showing my age, I remember when it was a big thing to get bootleg concert recordings. I remember buying a cassette for $5 of the Dokken concert I attended in 1986 and I remember using my father's portable cassette recorder to record other concerts. I remember an usher giving me the stink eye during a concert because she saw me using it. Bands, in general, used to be able to control how their music was presented in the sense that if they hit a wrong note or missed a cue during a concert, chances are their mistake wouldn't be released to the masses. I know that bootleg recordings have always been around, but in this digital age, there's a sense of entitlement among people that if you pay money for a concert ticket and you have a phone that can take video or pictures, you are able to do so because you paid to see the band. The counter argument is that, no, you don't have that right because all you paid for was to see the concert, not capture it digitally.
Some bands have embraced this digital age. My favorite band, Metallica, has a website livemetallica.com where you can purchase MP3s of any of their shows. They found a way to generate revenue and, somewhat, control the way their band is presented. Of course, searching for "Metallica full show" on youtube.com yields a lot of results. Technically, you could then use a youtube-to-MP3 converter and end up with a MP3 of the video.
Back to the football story, the Nebraska coach will probably not get fired as he has apologized for his comments. Did he really need to apologize for what he thought was a private conversation? I don't know the answer. I think it is right for him to apologize. I also think it is not right to use that type of language.
First, though, I remember when Eddie Murphy swore and when watching "Delirious" was 'a big deal' in 7th or 8th grade. I was not old enough to watch a rated R DVD, but there I was, laughing when I watched him on HBO. Recently, I purchased the DVD and I still laugh when he talks about life and his use of the f-bomb is really funny. I still hold that concert, that movie, up on a pedestal as good comedy.
I think I used to swear more when I was younger. I don't hear myself saying curse words nearly as much as I used to and I think that's awesome. I also think in a lot of ways, I am in such a better place than where I have been in the past. I love my wife. I love my kids. I love my job. I play drums in a band. I am working on some known character flaws in an effort to improve who I am in this world.
Back to the point about living in a digital age. When Alex and I went to Shinedown in August 2013, it seemed like everyone had a phone and was taking video or pictures during the concert. Showing my age, I remember when it was a big thing to get bootleg concert recordings. I remember buying a cassette for $5 of the Dokken concert I attended in 1986 and I remember using my father's portable cassette recorder to record other concerts. I remember an usher giving me the stink eye during a concert because she saw me using it. Bands, in general, used to be able to control how their music was presented in the sense that if they hit a wrong note or missed a cue during a concert, chances are their mistake wouldn't be released to the masses. I know that bootleg recordings have always been around, but in this digital age, there's a sense of entitlement among people that if you pay money for a concert ticket and you have a phone that can take video or pictures, you are able to do so because you paid to see the band. The counter argument is that, no, you don't have that right because all you paid for was to see the concert, not capture it digitally.
Some bands have embraced this digital age. My favorite band, Metallica, has a website livemetallica.com where you can purchase MP3s of any of their shows. They found a way to generate revenue and, somewhat, control the way their band is presented. Of course, searching for "Metallica full show" on youtube.com yields a lot of results. Technically, you could then use a youtube-to-MP3 converter and end up with a MP3 of the video.
Back to the football story, the Nebraska coach will probably not get fired as he has apologized for his comments. Did he really need to apologize for what he thought was a private conversation? I don't know the answer. I think it is right for him to apologize. I also think it is not right to use that type of language.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)