Another Wedding

Our youngest is getting married Saturday. They are having a small, simple ceremony in our back yard-just 50 or 60 close friends. The last 4 or 5 weeks we have been slowly rebuilding our deck


Here's my Beautiful Wife Sunday 6-8 just after we finished the major part of the project. The area around the house was pretty simple...just take off the old top boards and replace them with new ones. Luckily the framing underneath was still in really good shape but the top boards were weathered to a dull gray and after sitting in the Texas weather since @ 1985, despite being genuine redwood and being stained & sealed every few years, had begun to splinter and the ends rot to the point they would not hold nails anymore.

The area where she's sitting is the new part, nearly doubling the size of the deck. This area had been in limbo for some time. We had planned various things from grass (really a tough area with blazing sun half the day and heavy shade the rest of the time) to a rock garden to Jazmin beds with a cobbled walkway down to the stairs. I think her idea of extending the deck was perfect. Maintenance will be simpler. The tough thing was building the framing and getting everything level.

Since we have a huge back yard I will be taking tomorrow off to work a little magic with the help of Mr. Snapper. Dumped a boatload of Miracle Grow on it last night so it should be pretty perky by Saturday. Kind of excited to see the end result. We've done a ton of small touches since these pics 11 days ago, plus a few strings of soft white lights and some Tiki torches should create quite a scene around twilight. I'll post more later.

Quote Of The Day

"When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized that the Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me."

-- John Howard, past Olympian, ultracyclist, and Ironman Triathlon world champ

Priceless--still

[UPDATE: Decided to re-post this from last August. With the way gas prices are headed this is a little more poignant]


4 years of college to get a degree in engineering so you can figure out how to build something like this: at least $100,000


Construction cost: $$$Hundreds of Millions$$$


Us paying $4.00 a gallon for gasoline so they can ski in the desert: Priceless.

Yes, this is real.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Down and Back

Edge is dead.

Long live Celtic Knot

New Element Added To The Periodic Table

Research has led to the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every action with which it comes into contact.

A minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second to take from four days to four years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2-6 years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.

In fact, Governmentium' s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes. This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

Beast's Lair...

Been a while since my last computer talk. At the end of February my wonderful boss let me replace the POS (not Point Of Sale...you get my drift) system I had with an XPS 420. Since I often have as many as 8 web pages, 3+ spreadsheets, 2 email clients and IM all going at once I was sick of the old system (P-4, 1.6 GHz, 512 MB ram) locking up under load and desperate to try two monitors. After this one arrived I bought a new 24" for home and brought the extra one to add to the new system. Here's the Beast's work cave:

It's been a good system overall. Here's the specs:

XPS 420
3 GB RAM
Core 2 Duo E8500 @ 3.16 GHz
ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro w/ 256MB
300 GB hard drive

Raw speed is awesome...makes me wonder how much better it would be with XP but Vista was the only choice. Don't get me wrong, Vista is pretty and slick but some of the new stuff left me wondering "now why in the world would they change that?"...like why does it now take an extra step to get to display properties? ...for that matter why did they split the display properties window with it's tabs into a web page with icons? ...and why when you attach a file to a message using Windows Mail (OE7) does the button at the bottom of the box say 'Open' when on all previous versions of Outlook Express it says 'Attach'? ...I could go on and on but it's more evidence to me that programmers don't spend enough time in the real world talking to real people about how they really use computers before they design things.

While I'm on bad stuff: the video driver has an annoying habit of failing every few days causing the system to uncontrollably reboot. Did this the first day out of the box. Doesn't matter if it's one monitor or two, fancy or simple background, with or without sidebar. Sometimes it will go days and work fine, sometimes it will crap out several times in one day. Upgraded to a new driver from ATI just after I got it, same problem. ATI just came out with another new one Wednesday...so far so good. On the plus side hardware wise I can plug in any brand of MP3 player or Camera and Vista handles it, so far, with no fuss and no special 3rd party software.

On the plus side Vista does keep better tabs on your files and has a vastly improved search feature. The Documents window (old Windows Explorer) is much more informative. It's easier to customize your view and column needs based on what your looking for. Pictures and music are easier to access. I'm mainly stoked about the speed, though. I can have a dozen things open and active, PC-Cilin kicks in a scan and I don't even notice it. This system isn't that much more powerful than my year-old XPS 410 running XP at home. I can't tell much difference in single app performance from one to the other but Vista really shines at multi-tasking. It's supposed to make better use of multi-core processors and as far as I can tell it works as advertised.

Before I got this I read horror stories about people being pestered to the point of suicide by the security warning. For me the solution was simple: Firewall, Auto Update & Malware Protection all on; User Account Control OFF! and let the 3rd party Security do it's job. No more pestering. In fact, no more annoying than XP.

So what's the verdict?
Hardware compatibility: overall a C- (I would have expected this if I upgraded an XP system but, for cryin' out loud! They (MS, Dell, ATI) have had over a year to get together on this! Pull your heads out, guys! Oh-by the way: SP1 didn't do a thing. No problems but no help either.

Aesthetics: B (Vista is really nice looking--Sidebar and Sideshow are neat little toys but not very practical--but some of the change-for-the-sake-of-change stuff and the lack of thinking things through hold it back)

Performance: A+ (the overall system really screams...I never dreamed I could work my helter-skelter way and have a computer keep up with me. I spank it and it says "That all you've got, big boy?"...my kind of computer!)

Overall Grade: B+ to A- (the graphics driver thing would bother me more if I were doing heavy video or gaming, but for what I need at work my main appetite is well fed)

My recommendation, for what it's worth: if your going to get a PC with Vista, go ahead but go full boar on the hardware. I skimped on the graphics and sound because I don't expect to do any gaming or heavy multimedia stuff here but now I wish I had gone the extra for a top end video card. BTW: PC-Cilin kicks Norton's and McAfee's butt for usability and politeness...it has none of their in-your-face look-at-me-or-I'll-lock-up-your-computer arrogance. It also caught a couple of things in email and file archives that I transferred over from the old system that Norton had missed. AND-two monitors ROCK!!! You couldn't pay me to go back to one monitor!

The overall system works great for me. I went light on audio/sound, middle of the road on graphics and upped processor and RAM. It really paid off. The only thing I might do is upgrade the graphics card if I keep having trouble with this one...plus this card only has one DVI and one VGA port. I'd like to get one with two DVI's.

Oh...that's my Beautiful Wife just over the top of the monitor. Yes, my wife and I work together. How can I stand it, you ask? Quite well, thank you very much, but...that's another post.

Memorial Day

I can't say it any better than this...

To those who protect our freedom
Thank You.

Update

Had the sonogram on Friday and an appointment with the urologist yesterday.

First the good news: no evidence of cancer, tumors, swelling or anything drastic.

The bad news: after being manipulated, poked, prodded, pulled, twisted, squeezed and shaken (but not stirred) I'm hurting worse than ever. Wouldn't mind so much except it wasn't even enjoyable (I know...I know, girls, my wife already told me 'now you know what I have to go through for a mammogram!')

I have what is called a hydrocele but the unusual thing, the doc said, was there is no swelling or fluid buildup that he can detect. He put me on a week of antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory just in case there's some infection there. Have to sit in a hot bath for 15 minutes each night...hate that because the meds won't allow beer. Also I have to wear a supporter or compression shorts/cycling shorts each day to relieve pressure. At least my wife likes my butt in compression shorts.

I'm thankful that it wasn't any more serious. He said it could be the result of an injury...wonder if this is because of Edge's challenge a few weeks back? Could Commando's freedom and openness have unforeseen side effects? Probably not.

Now for 'What Grinds My Gears'
Received a prescription for Naprozen and Doxycycline. Have to take one of each twice a day. The Naproxen says 'take with food or milk'. The Doxycycline says 'take no milk, dairy products, calcium, magnesium or iron withing 2 hours'.

OK

Next, the drug information sheet that came with the Doxycycline (the one htat says no dairy products or calcium) says 'while taking this medication the following oral supplements are suggested: calcium, iron, magnesium...'

OK

Also, when the doctor came in he asked me when the symptoms started. As I began to explain he cut me off and asked another question. It was then I realized he wasn't listening to me but was looking down, answering yes/no drill-down questions on a touch screen device. At first I thought 'WTH' then I just sat back, shut up & answered his questions. Are we all doomed? Has modern medicine been reduced to a technical flow chart? Can we survive much longer?

"I'm from the Government...I'm here to help you"

[This joke reminds me of the ultimate oxymoron I saw on a sign one day at the city water department: "City of Irving Department of Customer Service"]

A Department of Water representative stopped at a farm and talked with an old farmer. He told the farmer, 'I need to inspect your farm for your water allocation.'

The old farmer said, 'OK , but don't go in that field over there.'

The Water representative said, 'Mister, I have the authority of the Government with me. See this card? This card means I am allowed to go WHEREVER I WISH, no questions asked or answered. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?'

The old farmer nodded politely and went about his farm chores. Later, the old farmer heard loud screams and saw the Water Rep running for the fence and close behind was the farmer's huge-horned prize bull. The bull was gaining on the Water Rep with every step. The Rep was clearly terrified, so the old farmer immediately threw down his tools, ran to the fence and shouted out.....

'Your card! Your card! Show him your card!'

It's That Time Of Year

Time to belly up to the exam table, assume the position and drop trou...

Had my annual physical this morning. My doctor isn't as attractive as the young lady above but I do go to a female doctor. My philosophy: if that procedure is going to be performed on me once a year it's going to be done by a woman (some of my friends laugh and say 'ah...small hands'. Nope, nothing to do with small hands, Sparky, it's more basic than that. Edge and Russ can probably figure out what I'm talkin' about).

Everything went well except, just a couple of things I have to work on. Cholesterol was 125...still really good but Triglycerides were too high. Too many carbs...going to have to lay off the Vito's Pizza. Also been having a bit of an issue with the 'boys' the last couple of months. Been having a twinge now and then from one side. Everything was OK as far as I could tell but the pain started suddenly back in March and hasn't gotten any worse or any better. Lifing or not lifting weights doesn't affect it any nor does riding or not riding the bike. When the Doc checked Lefty and asked me if there was any pain all was well. When she checked Righty I almost went through the roof...problem isolated. She said that since there wasn't any swelling or fluid buildup and both were the same size that it might be a mild hernia. I am scheduled for an ultrasound Friday...keep you posted.

I did learn, guys, that we are supposed to check the boys like women do their self-breast-exam. We are supposed to make sure they are both the same size (or at least not changing in size), there are no lumps on them or in the sack & check for sensitivity, pain and fluid buildup. Any change needs to be checked out immediately. Gee...doctor's permission to play with yourself.

Hmm...seeing how as men and women both have these self-exams they are supposed to do that couples should schedule a time to get together and help each other out...just a suggestion. Doctors orders.

Joke Of Tthe Day

From my Brother In Law...

A fellow was getting ready to tee off on the first hole when a second golfer approached and asked if he could join him. The first golfer said that he usually played alone, but agreed to the twosome.

After two holes they were even. The second guy said, "We're about evenly matched. How about playing for five bucks a hole?"

The first fellow said that he wasn't much for betting, but agreed to the terms. The second guy then won the remaining sixteen holes with ease.

As they were walking off number eighteen and while counting his $80, the second guy confessed that he was the pro at a neighboring course and liked to pick on suckers.

The first fellow revealed that he was the preacher at the First Baptist Church.

The golf pro got all flustered and apologetic, offering to return the money.

The Preacher said, "No, you won fair and square and I was foolish to bet with you. Keep your winnings."

The pro said, "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

The Preacher answered, "Well, you could come to Services on Sunday and make a donation. And if you want to bring your mother and father along, I'll marry them."

The Inevitable

Sometimes you just see something coming...

I Took The Challenge

Last week Edge issued a challenge and I took him up on it.

Seven days of Commando.

My report: not bad. On the plus side there's less time getting dressed (one less thing to worry about), less laundry. On the downside I didn't really like working out commando...too many thing left up in the air (except bike riding which is done commando anyway when you wear cycling shorts)




Oh...by the way, Jeff, I even went commando to church. I don't have the same worry you do, not being on the stage.

Why Women Are the Way They Are

Received this from my Beautiful Wife...this explains so much...

We started to "bud" in our blouses at 9 or 10 years old, only to find that anything that came in contact with those tender, blooming buds hurt so bad it brought us to tears. So came the ridiculously uncomfortable training bra contraption that the boys in school would snap until we had calluses on our backs.

Next, we get our periods in our early to mid-teens (or sooner). Along with those budding boobs, we get bloated, we get cramped, we got the hormone crankies, had to wear little mattresses between our legs or insert tubular, packed cotton rods in places we didn't even know we had.

Our next little rite of passage was having sex for the first time which was about as much fun as having a ramrod push your uterus through your nostrils (IF he did it right and didn't end up with his little cart before his horse), leaving us to wonder what all the fuss was about.

Then it was off to Motherhood where we learned to live on dry crackers and water for a few months so we didn't spend the entire day leaning over Brother John. Of course, amazing creatures that we are (and we are), we learned to live with the growing little angels inside us steadily kicking our innards night and day making us wonder if we were preparing to have Rosemary's Baby.

Our once flat bellies looked like we swallowed a whole watermelon and we peed our pants every time we sneezed. When the big moment arrived, the dam in our blessed Nether Regions invariably burst right in the middle of the mall and we had to waddle, with our big cartoon feet, moaning in pain all the way to the ER.

Then it was huff and puff and beg to die while the OB says, "Please stop screaming, Mrs. Hearmeroar. Calm down and push. Just one more good push" (more like 10), warranting a strong, well-deserved impulse to punch the %$#*@*#!* hubby and doctor square in the nose for making us cram a wiggling, mushroom-headed 10 pound bowling ball through a keyhole.

After that, it was time to raise those angels only to find that when all that "cute" wears off, the beautiful little darlings morphed into walking, jabbering, wet, gooey, snot-blowing, life-sucking little poop machines.

Then come their "Teen Years." Need I say more?

When the kids are almost grown, we women hit our voracious sexual prime in our early 40's - while hubby had his somewhere around his 18th birthday.

So we progress into the grand finale: "The Menopause years", the Grandmother of all womanhood. It's either take HRT and chance cancer in those now seasoned "buds" or the aforementioned Nether Regions, or, sweat like a hog in July, wash your sheets and pillowcases daily and bite the head off anything that moves.

Now, you ask WHY women seem to be more spiteful than men, when men get off so easy, INCLUDING the icing on life's cake: being able to pee in the woods without soaking their socks...

So, while I love being a woman, "Womanhood" would make the Great Gandhi a tad crabby. You think women are the "weaker sex?" Yeah right. Bite me.

...Don't mince words, dear, tell me what you REALLY think...

Spring

Spring. All the trees here are out here except the Pecans...they are the last to drop in the fall and last to come out in the spring. The Live Oaks are about half way through their shed and bloom. I'm probably about 2 weeks away from getting back to my normal Saturday mowing routine.


One of the first signs that winter was about over was the running of the Dayton 500 in mid February. Now the Nascar season is well under way, the cycling season has started, basketball & hockey are about to start their 3-month playoff run and baseball is here. What is the deal with baseball? I know that many of you love the game but it has never floated my boat. I tried several times as a kid to play on a team but I could never get passionate about it. Same with basketball. Since they didn't follow the faster/farther/stronger-than-the-other-guy formula I just couldn't get into them.

I have always been a fan of more physical sports like football & rugby and less main stream sports like track & field, skiing (all the Olympic sports, really), weightlifting (particularly the Strong Man competitions) and lately pro cycling. When Jerry By-God Jones bought the cowboys and fired Tom Landry back in '89 he ruined football for me so that left the lesser known. Pro cycling is very interesting. It's like auto racing, track, and regular team sport all rolled into one. There are races of one day all the way up to 3 weeks, races against other teams, other individuals and races against the clock. I like auto racing too. I usually try to catch part or all of the Nascar races. I'm a Dale Jr./Tony Stewart/Kevin Harvick fan.

But no matter how hard I try I just can't get into baseball. I've gone to Ranger games, even sat in the luxury boxes, but no-luck. I love the history and the stories & movies (the Babe Ruth Story and Major League are two of my all time favorites) but to sit down and watch a game...I'd rather have a hangnail pulled. Or go mow the grass.

The only time I really enjoyed the game was my Sophomore year in college. We formed a rag-tag intramural team (emphasis on rag). Since I didn't have much experience I was relegated to catcher. The intramural league was chock full of ex-jocks who took games more seriously than classes and playing catcher I got the chance to see that, on occasion, softball can be a contact sport. I am proud to say that during the entire season I never lost a home plate show down. We did pretty good...wound up going to the final round of the playoffs. After that spring I never had another opportunity to get into it.

Question 1: for those of you who love baseball, what is the appeal to you? what do you love about it?

Question 2: what are some less-mainstream or off beat sports that you are a fan of?