Author: z3r0gap5

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Backups.

Distrowatch is still around, so is Gparted. And I’m mentioning this because a custom build, and a “deal” gaming PC remain dormant in my computer room. Linux Mint appears to be the winner in the most user friendly Linux operating system (believe it’s an ubuntu/Debian flavor of Linux). It reminds me of PCLinuxOS from years ago. NOTE: PCLinuxOS is back!

The question is, what do you do with two pretty damn nice pcs, after you realize a laptop is more than enough for your needs?

A: Backup (Windows)
A: Backup (Linux, for recovery purposes)

Gimp, Audacity, and even many competing video editors are always nice when proprietary software has issues…hell, many times, they are great alternatives.

Currently running Linux Mint on one of these PC’s, but very surprised to learn PCLinuxOS is back. Might have to check it out.

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Walmart (+)

Same products, cheaper prices, excellent service. You know what? I rarely, nearly refuse, to promote products or services. But, let me tell you what, Walmart, yes Walmart, is making a very strong case to be a lead competitor against Amazon. If not over take them. The main advantage, brick and mortar stores, facilitating faster shipping and better service (even with groceries and pharmacy).

I did a pickup order the other week, and my car died in the parking lot. Weather, and the fact that my battery hasn’t been changed for quite a few years, probably the culprits. The staff at the store could not have been more helpful. Offering to jump the car (for free), the auto department quick to help out with any future needs which might ensue. A young kid, skipped out to the car with me, couldn’t have been more happy about the weather, and jumped my wagon.

W+, Walmart’s answer to Prime, has been awesome. Grocery delivery for free (within reasonable expectation, usually same day). A shipping option, for free, for non-perishable items, typically same day also. And all this with other perks and a ton of savings.

No shame in this Walmart shopper.

(produce, as far as fresh vegetables, fruit, rice, beans, etc all competively priced also… just a great experience)

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Distractions.

As the news continues to be dismal, isn’t it time for distraction? Like, A LOT of distraction? In the second hour of war coverage the other day, newscasters were covering the economic side.

They were going through the numbers and costs of the current actions in the Middle East. I am no jeanyis, but I imagine you could purchase many copies of “Jungle Fever” (Wesley Snipes/Annabella Sciorra) for the price of one Tomahawk missile. Not to mention, some forbidden sweet snacks. Oreos (that vanilla layer between chocolate cookies). Wouldn’t it be great to switch over to some old favorites, and get away from the war coverage?

OTA channels are notorious for picking up old movies, and every once in awhile, you find great ones.

So some suggestions (if anyone is paying attention):

Edit: My God! I forgot A Bronx Tale!!!

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Bette Midler

In an earlier post, the subject of athletes and musicians was mentioned. But what about actors/actresses as musicians? Cher, Aaliyah, Jared Leto, Will Smith, almost way too many to mention. “Entertainer” is already in the toolbox, so I imagine it’s not difficult to make the transition.

I was enjoying “Just Wright”, featured on the Bounce network the other day. A nice love story starring Queen Latifah and Common (the rapper). Ms Latifah plays a physical therapist tasked with rehabilitating Common (an NBA star). She gets entangled in a love triangle, which provides both humor and drama, making the movie very entertaining. The two hit it off, challenging each other often. Opposing mindsets seem to work for both motivation and relationship. Will Latifah win a new job? Will Common be fully healed, both mentally and physically, and lead his team to victory? Will love prevail? You’ll have to watch for yourself.

It would be difficult to post about acting/music without mentioning Patrick Swayze. And Bette Midler.

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Political Music

Joan Baez? Woody Guthrie? Springsteen? Marvin Gaye ? Anybody know any other songs from Mr. Marvin? On the verge of another war, are more political tunes imminent? SOAD, BSF, Metallica?

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the media. And if a new, brave, band like the legends of yesterday appear again.

Time will tell. And by time, I’m thinking of Saddam Hussein. And the other Middle East adventures our nation has become involved in.

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Tones.

So, I’ve been enjoying listening to music through some M-Audio AV-40s for a very long time. Love them. They were originally purchased as studio monitors, when my friends and I were creating music. Later, I created some music of my own (solo), but that’s besides the point. What is the point? If you can get your hands on a working set of these, buy them. Get them used, mine show no signs of failing (built very well). In layman’s terms, they are bookshelf AC powered monitors (speakers), and they crush any currently listed speakers in the same category. Highs, mids, lows, volume, bass, treble. Color, response time. They’re good. They’re very good.

You know that bass…that bass that just growls? A combination of a significantly tuned down guitar complimented by a bass drum or bass guitar? The sounds that make “earthquake” (shake the earth), transitions sound fantastic? Or hanging lows hum, like in this gem:

These speakers make it all sound great, and obviously are highly recommended. Other great songs by this band? Get Adrenaline, best album, in my opinion.

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Alright.

Was going through a bunch of old disks today. USB drives. Doing some cleanup, and realized life has been pretty damn awesome. Mostly, because of music, but also because of technology. Media has provided the incentive to be curious about technology. And since the late 90’s/early 00’s, motivated and inspired to research and learn.

The trip to New Jersey, to see the Fire (for like the 10th time). North, south, central areas of the state…simply travelling for concerts. The bluegrass state, for the “Initial” fests.

Golf trips, also inspired by media reviews; golfnow. Trips to the upper Midwest and southern states.

The very early days of my own computer/technology introductions…Gateway, Encarta.

Research before my favorite vacation (as a kid). The trip to Alcatraz, Oakland, Monterey, CA.

It continues to be fun.

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’tis the Season

Some times you go along to get along, and that has been the case with me at this time of year. Seafood, Fridays (no meat). And often this forces one to get creative. Shrimp (fried or scampi?), fish (grilled, baked, fried…breaded or no?). Grilled cheese?

As you get older you understand two important life lessons.

  • An egg salad sandwich is simply deviled eggs in between two pieces of bread.
  • Tarter sauce is simply mayonnaise mixed with pickle relish (add lemon juice if you like).

However, I’m going to revisit something I used to eat years ago. I almost forgot how it tastes. Yes, it seems like decades since I’ve tasted tuna. So, very early today I whipped up a salad. Cracked pepper, hard boiled egg, tuna, green peppers, salt, mayo, onions, a hint of garlic. And let me tell you what, I just may be born again. Delicious. Invigorating

What’s next? Probably clam.

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Antennas.

“Cut the cord”, cable, etc has been a practice occurring for the last two decades. Some of us like to catch the occasional sporting broadcast, so that’s become more difficult. But, services like Sling are beginning to offer some nice options including one day subscriptions for $5. Much less than a price for a ticket to one game (if you’re in the vicinity).

The other thing is, OTA (antenna) channels just have much more to offer than they did years ago. Crisp, clear, digital picture through simple rabbit ears, if set up right. Right now, I’m getting two Bounce networks, and that’s worth the price for the antenna alone. The movies and shows are great! Add to that, ION network (and X-Files on occasion), and it’s a no brainer.

So don’t break out the popcorn, break out the peanuts! In the shell, the ones you have to crack to open. Like at the game. You pay peanuts, we eat peanuts, we love living off of peanuts!

Yo P-Nut, Beat that thang!

In addition, local coverage pertaining to news, weather, updates seem to be more accessible/relaiable through antenna access. (especially during outages).

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Salem

Strolling through the mall was fun as a kid. The food court provided a plethora of options. Pizza, tacos, burgers, chicken. Cinnamon rolls, ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cake…if you weren’t diabetic (assholes). In the ’90s, there were typically at least two competing record stores inside a mall. At the moment, I’m only remembering NRM.

You would also see competing fashions and cultures. Located across from the Abercrombie store, an urban merchant (struggling to get established, somehow). And going in and out of those stores were people wearing Kani, Pelle, Skidz, then the opposite on the alternate side of the mall.

The middle carts or “shops in the center” of mall halls were always interesting. Sunglasses, supplements, jewelry, cosmetics.

One day, my brother and I noticed someone resembling a face we just saw on a cd we bought. Shopping at one of the carts in the middle of the mall. No doubt, he was shocked to learn we recognized him… in Ohio. He didn’t know we were down with BDP also.

We knew what to call him.