The world of computer service......

It is definitely a "come at you from all angles" world of repair and service. Everything from my keyboard doesn't work to I downloaded Antivirus2009 and now my computer is hosed. They all have the same thing in common. 2-10 yrs of not backed up family photos, wedding photos, or critical company data. I love and loathe how people start freaking out when they do not understand what just went, why it went on, and the fact that loaning the critical work laptop to the teenage son/daughter is not a good idea. Just needed to vent for a second. I apologize. I really do enjoy my job from the angle that it is changing everyday. Different people.....different problems.......different fixes. Keeps me on my toes.

After some time away.......

I have neglected what was becoming one place for me to express my opinions. A place where I can say what I want, when I want, and not have to worry about getting in trouble. A lot has happened to me in the last few months and I will get to all that in later posts. The real reason for me coming here today was to say I am still alive and that I will again start blogging. I think I like doing this. I am more "green" minded than I used to be, and want to look at some green gadgetry. There is never a reason one should not do it as green as possible. No matter what it is your doing. I may have have been steered this direction by my those adorable smiles my son and daughter flash at me daily, or the fact that we are all gonna meet our "maker" one day. We are mortal, and we should be concerned with what we leave for our children, our neighbor's children, and all the other children we may not know. It is not their fault how they are raised, but it is our fault on how we act as adults.

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......

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

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.