A green machine.....

The principle of "greening" your home computer does not cross the mind of some, and the people it does cross do not quite know where to start. Well a company called Verdiem is making this easier, a whole lot easier. They have launched a power management software that is free. Yep, I said F..R..E..E.. Free! So now there is really no good reason we can not help keep our power bills lower and help the environment at the same time. I have included an excerpt from an article relating to this program. See below.

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Verdiem this week uneveiled Edison, a free version of its Surveyor energy management software, designed to "bring PC energy management to the masses."

As part of the launch, Verdiem and Microsoft are touting the software as a way for individual computers to play a role in the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, which aims to reduce the overall emissions from global IT by 54 million tons in the next two years.

";PCs are the hidden energy hogs of the home and most users have no idea that they are needlessly throwing away 80 percent of their PC's energy," said Kevin Klustner, Verdiem's President and CEO. "If just 1 percent of all PCs used Edison we could potentially reduce environmental impacts by 7 billion pounds of CO2, which is equal to taking more than a half million cars off the road."

Verdiem is hoping to reach that 1 percent of the global PC population -- an estimated 10 million machines -- in the next year, by offering Edison software for free. The program is a slimmed-down version of Surveyor, Verdiem's corporate-level energy-management software, but gives Windows users control over when the software kicks in, and how much energy they want their computers to save.

The software is available for free from http://verdiem.com/edison.

I have been using this freeware for approximately 3 months and absolutely love it. I work at a computer store servicing all sorts of machines and networks which take me away from my desk numerous times during the day. After 5 min. of absenteeism my computer powers down and waits patiently for me to return. Try it out. I think you will enjoy it.

This ain't no joke......

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I absolutely love this video. The fact is that everyone has "issues". It just seems like the politicians have more than others. Their issues change constantly also. Instead of labeling yourself Democrat or Republican this election year, step back, take a hard look, and be an "Educated American Voter". Why where a sign on your chest that groups you into a "gang" when you do not need to. That is unless you enjoy the gang mentality that we presently call American Politics. There were very few Republicans that wanted to see McCain be the candidate, but they will all vote McCain or (R) because to them he is the only choice. This also is true for all of the Democrats that think Obama is more Hussein than American, and those who stood behind Hillary to the end. They thought Barrack was a spawn of hell. They will all go out and vote "Obama for change" or (D). One has to look at the other options. Like who is going to be the Candidates' Vices. These V.P.s has a true chance at running the country. McCain is old and "spotty", and Obama is a definite assassination attempt waiting to happen. So I think this may be the first election that the American people will be voting for the best Vice President. We shall see.....

thee_Dave.....

I have recently been hooked onto the Dave Ramsey Show. I listen to it whenever and wherever possible. I know he really is not telling you anything revolutionary, but he keeps financial information front of mind. Check out his show at www.daveramsey.com. I think you will like what you hear. He is a breath of fresh air in a world of economical drought and moral plight. Hope all is going well for everyone, and make it a great day!

A nice reprieve......

Tonight I relished in music performed by a friend. I was at Riley's Irish Pub, and John McLellan was there. John leads a group called the Clintons. I went to school with John a long bit ago, and after years of wandering, my wife and I met up with him again about 7 yrs ago. Ever since we have been big Clintons supporters. We enjoy their music and the transitions they have had. Each transition lending its own unique style to the band. Check them out if you have not heard of them. Buy a CD if you feel you want. It is all good. This is coming from a person who believes that all music is wonderful.
Anyways, back to work. At one point tonight, I leaned back against the bar, closed my eyes, listened, and my mind raced back to 6 or 7 yrs ago at the Helena Music Festival . Back when it was actually good. Last band was the Clintons. They jammed the whole night. THe crowd was eating every musical morsel that came out of their speakers. 10 pm rolled up to quickly, and we all knew that the Police were soon to arrive. They decided to rip off one more extended "What is our name....The Clintons" jam song. As they kicked out the first note, it began down pouring rain. Hard, Heavy, Large rain. Straight down. The crowd just stayed and danced harder. Jumping, wiggling, moving about. Then they did show. Those noise ordinance enforcers. They had to shut the power down to get the show to stop. Good for them, The Clintons that is.
I was abruptly brought back into reality. Smashing of glass, a bar fight trying to be picked. A guy minding his own business getting accosted. Out the drunken idiots go. I booted the whole party. More on this later...............I must go to bed.

....to be continued...

Music....

Music is what has brought people together for ages. It evokes feelings one never thought they had or never seen coming. It fills the soul and moves the spirit. Music has been used to unwind, rewind, take a journey, invigorate battles, and bring about peace. Music is all around you. It is perception.
A noisy hail storm or percussionist on a roof. A howling breeze or a wayward drifting woodwind. A branch scratching at a window or nature's first deejay. A clanking train or a paradiddle. Music is noise, music is clatter, music can grate, and music can sooth.
I work a couple nights a week at Riley's Irish Pub in Helena. I work on Thursdays which lay host to a traditional Irish Band, and on Saturdays where talented individuals showcase their genre, in their unique way. I had the pleasure of listening to a very talented individual, in my eyes anyway, last night. His name was Greg Grant. Greg plays around with the genre of music I feel is easiest to listen to. Long story short though, I liked him enough to buy the Cd and add it to my nightly playlist that I pound keys to deep into the morning. I will visit his website; www.alteredstaterecords.com tonight. He and his friend, I am sorry I forgot your name, were very friendly and I enjoyed the chat after the set was over. They are good people, producing good music, in a good way. I wish them the best in their travels around. Refocusing, I would like to voice how pleased I am that I have the ability to see such widespread genres or interpretation of said genres on a weekly basis. I would like to give props to Jim and Deb for keeping the music seen local and free.

Italiano.......

I was able to attend my first ever live opera this weekend. The opera was Elixir of Love by Donizetti.

The Elixir of Love
Synopsis

ACT One
Scene 1

Nemorino, a shy and simple young farmer is in love with Adina, a wealthy country girl. But Adina is willful, and his offers of love are constantly rejected. Adina is seated apart from a group of harvesters, reading, and Nemorino wonders how he could possibly win her love since she is so wonderful and much better than him. She has just come across the legend of the potion which bound Tristan and Isolde with undying love and reads it aloud to amuse the others.

At this point a drum is heard, and a platoon of soldiers enters, headed by the dashing and bombastic Sergeant Belcore. Belcore at once begins to woo Adina, and in spite of his self-assurance and arrogance, she is flattered; however, to his hasty proposal of marriage she answers that she would like a little time to think it over. Nemorino, naturally, is very jealous and when everyone else leaves, he begs Adina to return his love, but in vain; she prefers to remain fancy free.

Scene 2

Dr. Dulcamara, a picturesque and loquacious quack, arrives on the village square, and, before the assembled villagers, he sings the praises of his wonderful remedy, guaranteed to cure all ills. The naive Nemorino is impressed and asks whether he also sells the love potion of Queen Isolde. Naturally Dulcamara obliges him, but warns him that the potion will take effect only after twenty-four hours -- which will give him enough time to leave the village -- and that no one must know about it. Nemorino is now so pleased and sure of himself that Adina is surprised to find him in a cheerful and confident mood; he assures her that his heart will be cured within one day. In a fit of pique, she then tells Belcore that she will marry him in six days' time. Nemorino is not worried; he knows that tomorrow she will fall at his feet. But a message reached Belcore with an order to leave the village in the morning, so Adina agrees to marry him that very day. Nemorino is now desperate, but his entreaties to Adina to postpone the wedding for just one day are all in vain. She invites everyone to the marriage feast, and they all mock the distraught Nemorino.

ACT Two
Scene 1

The marriage feast in anticipation of the wedding is in progress at Adina's farm and Dulcamara is among the guests. When the notary arrives, Adina hesitates to sign the marriage contract, as Nemorino is not there and her vengeance would not be complete without him. As the company goes off elsewhere, he enters and finding Dulcamara alone, asks for help. Dulcamara prescribes another dose of his remedy, but Nemorino has no more money. The doctor gives him a quarter of an hour to find it. Belcore now enters and persuades Nemorino to enlist in his platoon if he wants money, commenting to himself with glee that to enlist one's own rival is quite a clever stroke. Nemorino accepts in the hope of winning Adina's love before having to leave.

Scene 2

The news is spreading throughout the village that Nemorino's rich uncle has died, leaving him sole heir. All the village girls surround with attention the unwitting youth, who, in his simplicity, believes this to be the effect of the potion. Adina is astonished at his popularity, and so is Dulcamara, who tells her about the potion. She is deeply moved, especially when she hears that Nemorino has sold his freedom for her. She realizes that she is, in fact, in love with him. Nemorino notices that she is weakening and is delighted. When Adina comes back with the enlistment papers, which she has just bought from Belcore, she admits to Nemorino that she loves him; and when Dulcamara lets slip the news he has just heard about the legacy, Nemorino's happiness is complete. Dulcamara, of course, attributes all his fortune to his own magic elixir, and the villagers rush to buy it. Finally everyone except Belcore blesses him as he triumphantly leaves the village.

It was very well done, and had subtitles going throughout. I am not wholly up on Italian so I appreciated this very much. The opera music was performed by the Helena Symphony. The conductor Allan R. Scott makes it look easy. He delicately manipulated his musicians into playing absolutely amazing. I went with my wife, her cousin, and a good friend of mine. All of us are looking forward to "The Symphony Under the Stars" out at Carroll. It is July 19th, and that happens to be my son's birthday. I tip my cup to a great weekend amongst friends and family. Monday sure looks a lot worse when you have such a great weekend.
Till next time........Pavarotti - Una Furtiva Lagrima


and a personal favorite......Pavarotti - Nessun Dorma

To plastic or not to plastic?......

So plastics have been in the news a lot lately. Chemical leaching, links to cancer, child defects, hormonal issues, etc.... I personally have tossed my Nalgene bottle. It was a blue one with a couple of stickers on it: The Clintons band and Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Beat to heck and back twice. Has seen many a mile in my hands, strapped to a back pack, or rolling around in the floorboard of my jeep. It has been with me for 4 yrs+ and I had to off my old friend today. R.I.P. Mr. Little Nalgene Bottle.
Do I believe in all this plastic "nonsense" you ask. I say yes. We live in a world where parents are on the verge of bringing back diseases we know as 99.9% extinct due to some ravings about vaccinations in children. What I have to say about the vaccine issue is repeat the first study's findings and lets call it a day. I believe that we will see more and more of these reports coming out: http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSN0425071020080107 . I think it takes one person running down the hall to yell fire and partially evacuate a building.
"Partially" due to the fact that all of us are not set to flight before fight. We hear someone yell "FIRE!". We become alarmed. We look around at people running away, jumping out of windows, and starting to yell "FIRE!" themselves. We then notice no smoke. No burning smell. Where the heck is the campfire? No fire alarms. No sprinklers going off. WTH? Why would people be running and yelling if there was no fire? I think it is due to the fact some people are truly that naive in their beliefs that everyone is honest and true. The other fact is a lot of people want to be the "man in charge". The person in the know. The "important" one. Self-importance is a trait found regularly in people that strain for reassurance in what ever they do. I am guilty of lapsing into vicious cycles of self-importance from time to time. "S" will look at me and tell me that I do not know all that the world does not, and that I need to be a little more humble in my "opinions" on certain subject matters. I of course argue that she does not know what she is talking about, and reserve myself to act more tolerable.
Back to plastics.... I think they make a great bumper to a car, mud fenders for a mountain bike, and Aglet on a pair of shoelaces. At the same time, most things man made are dangerous to some point or extent. We are HUMAN for Pete's sake. That is why we use that excuse all the time. "It is okay man, you cannot win every time, I mean you are human!" I love it. The irony of it all. Long blog short though, I will go through my plastics this week and do some filing into file "13r"(recyclable garbage) of a lot I am afraid. I think that the person responsible for bringing this to light should be awarded their own 90% plastic American made automobile to drive around.....
Until next time, be well, be swell, and don't be afraid to say What the hell?.........

4:00 A.M. ......

That is right. It is 4 am where I sit right now. I just was able to watch the Helena Bighorns win the Cascade Cup. This is the 3rd cup in 4 years for the Bighorns. That is definitely props to Coach Scott Cunningham and the owners of the Bighorns. I would also love to give a huge shout out to Thee Pat Sassano! He is prolly the most overworked bastage of them all. He is a great guy. What happened over this season you ask? You didn't.?. C'mon now you wanna hear....

• I introduced a friend to live hockey and the sport has a new fanatic. Love havin' you at the games Tech. So does "S", "P", and "H". Thanks for the whiskey, beer, and what not.
  
• I enjoy being around sports and sporting events. These kids are trying to make it somewhere. That is more than most are doing. Keep setting those goals and going after them guys.
• Never judge the book by its cover. So many times I thought FTW towards some of these kids. Yet they ALL seem to impress you at some time or another.
• P loves being in and around the guys. He yearns for it. That is better than video games I guess.
  
• Give people the benefit of the doubt and never expect more than you should from people.
• If you cannot do something.....don't. The attempt is only disappointing in the end. Do what you can when you can. What else can someone expect.
• Who cares what people think or act like. You cannot control someone else. Do what YOU enjoy. F**K them people. They know who they are. That is why they act that way.
• Go to bed before 4:20 a.m.
• It is 4:15 a.m...........I am flippin the switch.....
  

Spring is around the corner.

As I sit here at my newly purchased "titanic" of a desk, I anxiously await spring to finally arrive. We here in Helena have been teased and beaten into submission by good ol' Mom Natural. She recently gave us a tantalizing few days 45+ degree weather. T-SHIRTS ANYBODY? What happened today you ask? I look up from a computer and notice a bright, sun filled, snow shower getting in the way of my views of spring. Welcome to Montana. A place where the weather can change faster then Gov. Spitzer's job title.....sorry bad joke. Speaking of the Governor.....another time maybe. Back to Spring.
I think Mother dearest has locked Spring in a closet and gave the key to the ever mischievous Winter. Where is big brother Summer at? Spring needs freed! I have a yard to clean, flower beds to plant, garden spots to build, hikes to go on, barbeque's to cook, friends to hang with, a mountain bike to ride, daylight needing burned dammit! I like spending my time in the back yard with my little guy. Cramped in an office building is where I am imprisoned for 9 hrs a day. I need Spring to rejuvenate.....to play. Poetic isn't it? I see my life moving forward for my family and I. A good friend is having a great time. My decision to stay with the afore mentioned company panned out. Classes to become more learned are on the way. Relatives may be moving closer. Others moving farther away. Is this a bad thing? No not really. I just had my first Margarita of the season. Yummmmm! I sit here enthralled.
I am enthralled for my friends. I am optimistic in my job setting. I am definitely what my title says right now: 1 wife. 2 kids. Lovin' Life.
Only you can let yourself have a bad day. Go out there and make it a great one!

A conundrum of sorts.....

I am sure I completely misspelled the title. I am not known for my English. Actually, most of the world is not known for their English anymore. We are melting...... I digressed.
I am writing today to kind of talk through some issues I have. Like the issue of Mom and Pop companies, or the issue of working for "Mom&Pops". People want to complain about big business all the time. Big business ruined the American way, big business hurts the small guy, blah bah blah. What big business does is drive competitive wages, drive competitive pricing, and drives the economy. I recently got into an argument with a relative. This relative refused to go to Starbucks with the comment of supporting local. So I asked who employs more people. The local yokels or Starbucks? Relatives reply was that Starbucks money doesn't stay here. I disagreed. I asked who she thought donated more to the community. Local or Starbucks? The fact is this....
Big business is a "good" evil if you will. It is able to provide more benefits for its employees than small businesses. Retirement, health care, paid vacations, etc... What small business should take advantage of is work environment, flexible scheduling, and family type atmosphere. Most do not though, and that is why they cannot hold good employees. I am at this such fork in my road. I do not dislike my employer, at the same time I do not like the pay. I know....I know. Just go ask for what I want. Well that is set into motion. Within 30 days I will be better paid. Albeit by this current employer or myself. The latter is scary, but realistic as it comes. I still live in an area where customer service is a leverage tool, and I like providing it. So we will wait and see. Till next time....
Work hard, but live life for your family and friends.

Living Large.....

Yes...I just said that. I am a white guy living in "redneck" central. I have a loving lovely wife who never gets the praise she deserves. Albeit from her family or her job. She is a dedicated mother and one hell of a hard worker that no average bloke like me deserves. Yet I wake up every morning to her and sometimes I take that for granted. I vow from this day forward to change that. So the birth of the blogging "Rook" begins.

I have had the "call sign" of "thee_rook" for many a year now. I came to it from the fact that I was new (a rookie) to most games I picked up playing, and my love for the game of chess. I would consider chess the original first person shooter of all time. Mano v. mano. No excuses.......except that you just plain SUCK. Reality always comes crashing down doesn't it. Its like Monday morning. No matter how long you put off sleep on Sunday night....it hits you square in the face screaming, "Up, Up ,Up, its a great day for Up!" Snooze! I need a snooze button here!

I find this to be a slightly liberating feeling. This blogging. I can talk to myself under the guise of blogging without looking like the Nut-Job standing at the bus stop. You know who I am talking about. It may be some of you reading this. If it is.....I mean nothing personal....Oh ...and I live really close to where the Uni-bomber lived. Stay away. We have enough whackos here. A good friend of mine has been blogging for some time now, and I always looked to it as a possible release of ranting...venting...raw emotion without bothering my wife with such trivial issues. She works hard enough. She shouldn't have to "work" to be around me. I never want her to feel I am just another job she has to get through. I will change my dear.....this I promise.

I digress. Just wait....that is what blogging is about. Emotions, thoughts, ramblings, forsight, hind sight, epiphanies, the highs, the lows, the Human Nature. We like to speak. We like to complain. We want people to know I just had to listen to their crap with a splitting head-ache do to lack of sleep and a projectile vomiting child. I mean really....how could their speeding ticket they received for trying to run school children over at 45 m.p.h. at 8:00 a.m. justify more of my time. GO....AWAY. I just took my reality tylenol, and the bottle said it makes ALL pains and aches go away. How come you are still here....lol. Only if we all had a miracle pill.

What I have learned in the last year:
-Life is definitely not fair
If only everyone was blessed with such a great family as I.
-Bad things do happen.
Open your freaking eyes. Hopefully it will save you a concussion.
-Everything takes longer than expected
With diligence all will turn out o-kay.
-Being a parent should NEVER be taken lightly
You never know what kind of "trade" show they may go to at age 13 without solid guidence.
-Blogging is still wierd
It is like "streaking" the internet with naked emotions hanging out everywhere!


Viva LA_MERC.....those who are in the know....know.

Till my next install........Peace and wellness. If I wronged you forgive me. I would do it for myself. Just wait I have. *jk* Love to my wife, children, and friends. You all keep me going everyday.