Dragging...

Man, today is lasting for ever! I am ready for this week to be over. No plans on tap for this weekend, just going to take it easy.

Next weekend is GA/FLA weekend. Coming soon will be a great post on everything that is, relating to the GA/FLA extravaganza.

I'm bored... Do you know what an ellipses is? A series of dots (...) following a break in a sentence. My pet peeve is when people use them wrong. You're supposed to use only three dots (...). Now you know, and knowing is half the battle....................... (not like that!)

Who wants to have a cookout this weekend? So, you live in NY, I don't care, come on down. I hope the weather is conducive for outdoor evening activities this weekend. Wilma better not screw things up. Talk about outta left field that one. TS Wilma turned into a Cat. 5 hurricane over night, breaking records for the lowest barometric pressure ever recorded... in the 800's.

Alright, I'm going home for lunch to my ummmmm tasty ham sandwich and two rowdy dogs. Wow, an interesting day. I fancy a bike ride later, we'll see.

Momentary Memories

I have this love for the outdoors. Everything outdoors. Things that I've never even done, like ice climbing, I still love. I fantasize about getting trapped on a desert island and having to survive (I would be fine until my chapstick ran out). One of my earliest memories is camping. I went to Laurel S. Walker State Park (Georgia) and I was probably 4. I had the coolest felt Indian Jones style hat with a green down vest to complete my ensemble. It was winter time which meant fire time. Their is something ingrained in all boys, carrying through adulthood might I add, that totally infatuates us with fire. Man, my favorite thing to do was light a stick on fire and spell my name in the air with smoke. Oh, or light little mini-fires all around only to get yelled at for almost starting a forrest fire. Fire was great, but it never beat out the S'mores. I was king of S'mores (and you could tell).

As I grew up my love for camping didn't die, just the opportunity to go did. Don't get me wrong, I still make it outdoors as often as I can, but somethings just change. Don't you just wish sometimes that you could go back to that time when you were learning things still? Learning how to light a lantern, or start a fire, or pitch a tent (refrain from the jokes please), or chop firewood? I did, but then I found something that kind of cured it... teaching others.

The first time I took my wife (then my girlfriend) camping was an experience to say the least. I don't think she understood that blow dryers and jewelry weren't proper camping equipment. "Yes, you can cook baked beans right from the can." "Yes, you use the bathroom right there." "No, there is nothing outside the tent." But, in her defense, she is a great camper now. Teaching her how to do all the things I once was taught gave me one of the greatest satisfactions I've known. Despite the number of times we've slept in the tiny car, as opposed to the big tent because, "Something moved outside" ("No shit, this is the woods!"), she is great to camp with.

I guess the point I am feebly attempting to make here is this. Often times we find ourselves yearning for the past. A taste of it, or maybe to relive "the good ole' times". Instead of reminiscing, you should relate; relate your experiences, lessons learned, to those around you. Give others a piece of what you cherish so much. In an essence, spread the memory. By spreading it, you preserve it.

More to further my habit

I like beer... a connoisseur of it, not a drink-till-I-can't-pee-standing-up kind of way. This invention is wonderful... I might be making one this weekend if I get some time. It is a beer cooler that holds a pilsner and keeps you beer nice and cold. Combine a coaster with a frig and tada!

Also, if you like Vodka, but can't afford that high price of Grey Goose, check this out. I've read about a lot of people who filter cheap vodka and get much better quality out of it. It's basically a glorified Brita filter. It might be worth a shot (no pun intended).

I promise, I'm not obsessed with drinking.

Hump Day

Good morning readers. Today is already Wednesday. I seem to be having a quick week so far... is it just me? I have a lot of friends traveling out of town this week, so maybe so. If you are interested, their is a company now making a three-headed tap with a foot pump for kegs. Get yours today!

Here's a female's poem:
I Want a man that's handsome, smart and strong
One who loves to listen long,
One who thinks before he speaks,
One who'll call, not wait for weeks.
I want him to be gainfully employed,
And when I spend his cash, he not be annoyed.
Pulls out my chair and opens my door,
Massages my back and begs to do more.
Oh! For a man that makes love to my mind, and knows what
to answer to "how big is my behind?" I want this man to love me to no end, And always be my very best friend.

Here's a male's poem:
I want a deaf-mute nymphomaniac with huge boobs who owns a Liquor store and a bass boat. I know this doesn't rhyme and I don't give a shit.

Intellectual conversation starter

Here's something I have been interested in for a long time: Intellectual Property Rights. Now, I'll start with a quick definition. Intellectual property is a legal entitlement which sometimes attaches to the expressed form of an idea, or to some other intangible subject matter; an idea, a theory, a concept, a design, a piece of property that someone has put time and effort into that is not tangible. Examples are logos, movies, songs, articles and a lot more. Why is it interesting? Think of it this way... Some one comes to me and asks me to design a brochure for their new company. I brainstorm and come up with this great brochure. A couple of months later someone else comes up and wants a brochure. Do I use the same layout? Does the previous client own that layout? Does he own any part of it? Sure, he provided me with the text (maybe) and the content, but I made it. So, who owns it? Who gets the rights to it? A musician writes a couple of songs and a record company picks her up and cuts a record deal and spends thousands on marketing her new album. Who owns the music? Yeah, she wrote the song, but if it wasn't for the record company, she wouldn't have made it.

Last week Apple released the new iPod that plays video. Along with it they released a new version of iTunes that can download TV Shows as well for 2 bucks a pop. Many shows, like The Desperate Housewives can be downloaded and played on your iPod now. Cast members, like Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria are pissed. ABC and Apple are making all the money from this business venture on the behalf of the hard working actors and actresses. They all get cuts from the DVD sales, why not downloads as well?

Due to the digital age, intellectual property rights has become a huge concern to many people and industries. It is the force driving the RIAA and MPAA lawsuits. They both say that they own the rights to the music and movies. If you buy a CD legitimately, shouldn't you be allowed to burn copies of it? The RIAA goes as far as to say that when you buy a CD you only have the right to listen to the music, not your friends. You can not digitize it (put it on your computer). If you buy a DVD, you can not burn a copy and send it to your friend... even though you bought it. Is this right? You paid your dues... you own that.

Just something to think about... allow your brain to work a bit. You'd be amazed what will happen (and hurt).

Spoiled brats get what they deserve

It's about time someone puts a stop to the spoiled pastimes of the stuck-up wealthy. A HS principal in New York canceled prom because he was just fed up with all the money that was put into it for post and pre-game parties by the students (read: spoiling parents). $20, 000 for a room after the dance? Come on! Whatever happened to the Relax Inn? $35 for a heart-shape bed with mirrors everywhere... now that's style!

Actually, I don't agree entirely with the principals decision. He could have taken action a different way.

My Morning

Good morning! What do you wake up to? Me, I wake up to this. I thought I'd rub it in a little bit. I took the day off and left Thursday for Nashville, Tennessee for the Vanderbilt/Georgia game (my brother-in-law plays for Vandy). We stopped over night at my family cabin in the North Georgia mountains. I always have a hard time deciding if I am most content on St. Simons or in the mountains. I absolutely love the mountains, and if I had my way I would live in a cabin in the mountains in the middle of nowhere... yeah, and an ocean view. Have a great weekend.

Friday Fact (sort of): The Jiffy

Ahhh, the Jiffy. If you are from St. Simons Island, you know what I am talking about. Non-natives, read on... because we will not cease from calling all gas station, convenience stores and quickmarts "The Jiffy". Food from a Jiffy is "Jiffy Food." It's so easier than saying, "Honey, I need to run up to Bubba's Quick Mart Circle K for a gallon of milk." We have all been there. You go away for college for the first time and your hanging out with all of your new college friends. You casually drop how you need to stop by a Jiffy and get some gas. See, they all understand what you are talking about, but have never heard it called that. This is the reason "Jiffy" is here to stay.

I have done a little research on this matter, and have close to nothing to show for it. The Jiffy-Huntly Food Store was on St. Simons until the earl 90's. There was one across from Brogen's North, and maybe another, but I can't remember. I remember walking from my childhood home in Glynn Haven with 50 cents and so much built-up excitement about what kind of candy I was going to get. It took me close to 15 minutes each time to decide (usually the redhots or lemon drops). Did you know that kids growing up still call it The Jiffy? Freshmen in HS, born before there was a Jiffy, call it Jiffy. This is great. The name and legend lives on!

This saddens me. I can't seem to find anything substantial on the Jiffy. I know there is one somewhere in Alabama.... road trip anyone? We must preserve the memory of the Jiffy. Please, adopt this name if you haven't already. I promise, it's much easier on the palette than my wife's spinach souffle. See you at the Jiffy!

Boobs that play music

Really, what could be better? Boobs that play music. What will they think of next? It's a good idea. If something, like silicon, is going to be permanently implanted into a human, why not give it another function besides cosmetic? How about motors that make them move? Lightbulbs so your headlights really would shine? How about guns like in Austin Powers... "She's got smoke coming from her Jibblies!" Ohh, I know... a mini-freezer implant for breast-feeding mothers so their "milk-shake would better than yours!".

Apple's new Duds, again

So yesterday Apple released even more equipment. 5 Weeks ago they released the iPod Nano and sold 1 million units in the first week. Yesterday Apple released a new iPod, the normal size one. This one is the coolest I think. It plays music, photos and videos. It is thinner and has more memory, for the same price. They're getting better and better.

They also released the new iMac. This is their basic computer, but not basic at all. It is a power house. Very nice systems. If you are looking into getting a new computer soon, strongly consider a Mac. Things have changed now and you no longer have to really worry about the Windows/Mac compatibility issues.

Momentary Memories

I remember sitting on a plane waiting to take off for the British Virgin Islands reading with tears in my eyes. It was The Beloved Invader by Eugenia Price that grabbed my heart and broke it. The second story in the St. Simons Trilogy; it's hardly just about our little island. A tale of love, coming of age and death all wrapped up into a literary tale based on the history of our island.

The tree was 200 years old. It saw the rebuild of Christ Church. Maybe it saw the desecration of it. How many weddings, how many funerals, how many baptisms? It fell Friday afternoon due to the rain caused by TS Tammy. I can not let this tree go to chips. Two afternoons were spent chopping and collecting it's fallen wood. The memories and spirits will live on in bonfires, cookouts and cold winter days in my hearth.

It wasn't just a tree. It was a Water Oak. Very similar to Live Oaks, they dominate our island and have provided wood for houses, food, boats, furniture, etc. for centuries. Many memories are still to come from our fallen friend.

Harry Potter in the real world, vol. 2

The magic clock found in the Weasley's house in the famous Harry Potter books is now becoming a reality. The clock "magically" tells where each member of the house is at any given time. Microsoft is building a clock that does the same thing, but instead of using spells, it uses GPS tracking and cellphone service.

Cell insurance sucks

The BIGGEST waste of money on the market for 90% of cellphone users. The insurance you buy when you get a cell phone. The UK seems to believe so as well. It's only good for people who have very high-end cells. Basically, they make you pay a very high deductible and aren't required to give you the exact same phone in return, just something of equal value. BS, I claimed one once and got back a lesser quality phone. I remember being with Cellular One in high school (I had a phone in HS, but didn't ride my bike while talking!). I lost my phone once and called them. They overnighted me the exact same phone and I received it the next day... for NO charge. Where is service like that nowadays?

Bye Bye Blackberry?

NTP, a company that helped develop the email program that Research In Motion (RIM) uses on their Blackberrys just won a lawsuit that might cripple the email service for thousands of Blackberry users nation-wide. The 'Crackberry' is a device that many business folk use to send and receive email while away from there desk. It is also a cellphone, personal organizer and web browser. This might be a huge problem for many companies, like Sea Island who buy all of there execs one. I just have to laugh at this... HA! Modern Tech: 1, Sea Island: 0

Attempted (and failed) Theology

For the past six months I have been picking my way through the Old Testament in an attempt to reread the bible, being of an age that I feel more adept to understand it. I keep coming across the same question in my mind and with each turn of the page, hope to find the answer. Why is the God of the Old Testament so different than that of the New Testament?

If you too have ever pondered this question, don't get excited. I don't know. All I have is some ideas. I unfortunately never took a course in theology during school, but I would like to think that one does not need that sort of training to answer questions raised by The Bible.

Maybe the God of the OT represented the Logos of God. Logos is the word for 'word'... but more than just 'word', it's more of an image, standard, law, etc. There had to be a stern, strict, disciplining God of the OT for there to be a New Testament. The Lord of the New Testament is kind, loving, caring... and seems less strict and stern compared to that of the OT (not saying He wasn't kind, loving, caring in the OT). The OT God built the premise of law and what was right and wrong, and to do that one has to be stern at times.

This is something just to ponder on. Chew on it for awhile. I personally just confused myself even more. I guess I'm looking for a distinct point of difference between the God of the OT and that of the NT. But then, that would mean God would have had to change... And that doesn't happen does it.

This just in...

I've heard several rumors lately of new business coming to the Golden Isles area and I thought I would share the extent of what I know with you all. Keep in mind that they are rumors, so don't get mad if you still have to leave the island for waffle fries.

Yes, I've heard Chick-Fil-A is coming. Between the Waffle House and CVS. In the Winn-Dixie parking lot rumor has it that we are getting a Starbucks, Quiznos Subs, Cold Stone Creamery and Moes. At the end of the causeway we are getting a Caraba's Italian restaurant. At the foot of the new Jekyll Island bridge apparently a whole shopping complex, much like the new one in Jacksonville at St. John's. I've also heard maybe a Wendy's on the Island. We'll see...

I'm definitely most excited about the Chick-Fil-A. That place is going to do great on the island. Any others y'all might know? Post them below.

School system flooded with bad ideas

I just heard that they canceled school today at Glynn Academy because of the rain from TS Tammy. Big damn deal! When we went to HS we got wet. Who cares if it's raining? If it was going to rain, I put my duck boots on and brought my raincoat. OK, not everybody has a rain coat, I understand. A trash bag with a hole for you head works just as well. The admin wonders why these kids are so behind. You take them out of school at the drop of a hat. Perdue will cancel school if he gets gas and the Glynn County School System will cancel if some yells at a teacher.... "Oh no, terroristic threat!" Simply ridiculous!

Say Cheese!

Canon has developed this new software that they are going to be building into their digital cameras called Smile Shot. The camera will only take a picture of a person if they are smiling. Something in it recognizes a smile and only allows it to take the photo when that happens. This sounds like a BAD idea. Expect to smile a lot more some time next year.

Pardon my slackness...

With the rain and moving into a new office islandprofilin' has been suffering a bit. I promise to have some good stuff coming your way next week, including the return of LOST recaps and the Friday Fact. Thank you all again for wasting your time here. Good day to you all.

Friday Foto

Coozies
March 24, 2005
10 sec. @ f-3 @ ISO 200

It's funny how a picture can induce memories. Coozies, or Village Creek Landing as some call it, is one of my favorite places on St. Simons. I have been through a lot out there, from fights to kisses, from good boating times to BAD boating times. There is always a breeze and the smell of the marsh is as pungent as anyplace I know. Coozies' plays host to a number of weekend warriors come Saturday morning, me being one of them.

This photo was taken on a full moon back in March. I set my tripod up, opened the shutter and then ran around into the frame, sat on the bench and fired my flash.

Old School Freight Train

Who is your current favorite artist/band/duo? I have been hooked on Old School Freight Train. Odd name, I know. It is not jam-band. They have all the instruments of a bluegrass group, but are not bluegrass. Imagine folk mixed with Paris-style street jazz and this is what you get. They just released their new CD Run. I really like their rendition of Stevie Wonder's hit, "Superstition". I strongly recommend trying to get your hands on this (anyway you can) because it is a great listen. If I wasn't given this CD, I would have probably bought it. There, I said it... See, I do buy music on occasion!

Post your current favorite artist/band/duo and give a brief description of the genre. New music is like a breath of fresh air!

Daryl and John had it right

I was driving to work this morning and on came "Rich Girl" by Hall and Oats on the radio. Man, did they hit that song right on the nose. Not only is it a great song, musically, harmoniously and catchy... it rings home to so many girls (and guys) that I know. It's basically about a girl that is spoiled beyond the point of worry. Their view on reality is warped. They treat others bad because they can't feel pain because 'daddy' spoils them. Daddy isn't necessarily her father, just the spoiler, perhaps a husband. Never heard of the song, go download it (ha!).

Rich Girl, words and music by Daryl Hall and John Oats
You're a rich girl, and you've gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway You can rely on the old man's money You can rely on the old man's money It's a bitch girl but it's gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway Say money but it won't get you too far, Get you too far

And don't you know, don't you know That it's wrong to take what is given you So far gone, on your own You can get along if you try to be strong But you'll never be strong

'Cause You're a rich girl, and you've gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway You can rely on the old man's money You can rely on the old man's money It's a bitch girl and it's gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway Say money but it won't get you too far, Get you too far

High and dry, out of the rain It's so easy to hurt others when you can't feel pain And don't you know that a love can't grow 'Cause there's too much to give, 'cause you'd rather live For the thrill of it all, oh

You're a rich girl, and you've gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway You can rely on the old man's money You can rely on the old man's money It's a bitch girl and it's gone too far 'Cause you know it don't matter anyway Say money but it won't get you too far, Say money but it won't get you too far, Say money but it won't get you too far, Get you too far And you say You can rely on the old man's money You can rely on the old man's money You're a rich girl, a rich girl Oh, you're a rich bitch girl yeah Say money but it won't get you too far, Oh, get ya too far

True Love

Now, I love gadgets... all kinds, especially ones that are aesthetically pleasing... like the iPod. However, I have been feeling guilty lately by my friend's, beyond platonic, obsession with her new iPod. I helped her install the whole shebang and it was true love shortly after. I told her how to get music from other people to fill that 20 gigabytes worth of space... (anything to help beat the system!). This, I have done. But what I haven't done is traveled all over the state in search of music... It's like she's on a music fix.... must have more mp3's! I certainly commend you my friend. If only we all had the same love for current technology, this would be a happier world.

Citizen Reported Media

Thanks to blogs and podcasts, now you too can be a journalist, really. A new epidemic is out there and it's called Citizen Reported Media. It is exactly that. People with or without any formal journalistic training reporting on things that happen or they find interesting. CNN is already pushing this. Think of it this way. Who better to report what was happening in New Orleans than the people that were there? The Janet Jackson Nipple-slip was written about on blogs the minute after it happened. Someone Ti-Vo'd the clip and posted it almost immediately and BAM!, instant exposure (no pun intended). When the bombs went off in London a couple of months ago, how do you think the media got information that fast? Pictures were taken from camera phones and posted on the web. People wrote blog entries almost immediately after that happened. Do you think a newsroom works that fast? They have so much red-tape to go through before publishing. Sites like Cyber Journalist really showcase what's going on. If you think that's neat, you'll really like ComVu's Pocket Caster. This little baby enables you to shoot video and broadcast it right to the internet all from the palm of your hand. Talk about creepy. You will never know if someone is filming you for, say, a what not to wear special for posting on their blog later that night. Better dress nice!

Something else I hate

16 year-olds that drive nicer cars than most adults. Man, this really fumes me. I think it is absolutely ridiculous when a parent buys a new car for a 16-year-old driver. Give them a hand me down, or buy them an old '89 Ford Bronco, but come on... why buy them a 40k dollar BWM to only watch it tear up from learning to drive, High School parking lots and bitch attacks from the girl you just pissed off. If you have the ability to buy your kid a nice car, by all means, do it. Just wait until they graduate. At least at 18 they have two years of driving under their belt and are a little bit more responsible.

Unfortunately, my words won't hit the streets of St. Simons and the rest of the country, and even if they did, it wouldn't change the rides that roll in with the each batch of 16 year-olds. I'll admit, I wanted a nice car when I turned 16. But in retrospect, I am glad I didn't get one. It helps me appreciate that nicety... when ever it comes.

So, if you do buy your kid a super nice car at the ripe old age of 16, the least you can do is tell them a couple things.

1. The diesel fuel pump doesn't fit in your Audi fuel tank for a reason.
2. Park doesn't work that great when your car is moving.
3. The radio is for the enjoyment of those in your car, not those in the car behind, beside and in front of you.
4. Stickers are tasteful in moderation...
5. That button in the middle of the steering wheel is not a musical instrument.

Hungry?

Just piss off Beverly Lee Cambell. Only in Smyrna, Georgia do people use chicken wings as weapons. That's a perfectly good waste of some hot wings. At least give the cop some ranch sauce.

Monday morning linkage

Good morning to all. I thought I would start the week off with a couple of good links to broaden your knowledge. Have a great week.

•• Ever heard of a hydrofoil? Some people water ski by them. This guy attached them to his kayak and has called it a flyak. Pretty cool, but I bet it takes a LOT of muscle to get this thing going.

• Thinking about getting an iPod? Wait a little bit longer. Their are rumors that Apple is going to be updating the iPod. The 5th Generation iPod is rumored to play video, be smaller in size and bigger in disk size. Remember, if you plan to buy one, tell the Apple store you are a student or school employee (even if you're not) and get 15% off. Works online and in Apple stores.

Double Jack on the rocks

Why can't life be as simple as a whiskey drink? Nothing too elaborate. Nothing to pretentious. Just a straight, basic liquour served cold. Late Saturday night I had an epiphany. I believe it was a step to a greater cause. I'm in a metamorphic stage in my life right now between the person I have settled on being, and the person I know I can/supposed to be. My epiphany came as a step closer to this change.

Have you ever just wanted more out of your life? I am a religious man, but this is not what I am talking about. Lately, meaning in the past year, I have been seeking more. More discipline, better health, more maturity, more control. Are these things even seekable? So far on my journey I have become less tolerable. For me, this is a good thing. I am very patient, passive and anti-confrontational type person. I pride myself in this, but have learned that it can bite me in the ass on occasion.

Petty drama annoys me. Who cares if so-in-so just kissed so-in-so (or fell asleep at their house...hehe). Life is a little bit more important than who's mad at whom.

Now, as my drink has melted away to that swirly-colored water that I have seen often before, I leave you with this bit of personal advice that hatched from my Saturday night epiphany: Figure out what you want out of life. Instead of telling yourself you need it, killing yourself to get it... tell yourself that you want to do it. That you can do it because you have the power, desire, drive to do it.

Friday Foto

Corona Shot
Canon 10D
1/2000 sec. @ f4.5 @ ISO 1600 w/flash

Yes, there is a story behind every picture. I know, you may be wondering what kind of smart idea involved a gun and beer. I had my friend line the shot up with his .22 pistol as I sat ready with my camera. It took several shots to get it just right (damn that wasted beer). I even captured the bullet in one frame. This was my favorite. Obviously the colors have been altered in Photoshop for dramatic effect. Have a great Friday.

Age limit for cellphones?

Here's what I think. You don't need a cellphone until you are driving. Care to argue? We (generation x) survived didn't we? I didn't get a cellphone until I turned 16. If something bad were to happen and you needed to call, someone around you would have a phone. I was in the store the other day (granted it was Walmart) and I saw this little miss priss who couldn't have been more than 11 talking on her pink, rhinestone-encrusted cellphone. She was like, "I my God Johnny didn't say that to you!" I couldn't help myself and responded as I walked by, "Sho 'nuff girl, he did!" Needless to say, I got the look, coupled with a loud tooth suck. Kids and cellphones are a bad idea... if you need further evidence, check this story out.

Ho Ho Ho

This should get you into the holiday spirit, because the weather is NOT.

Shame on me

I thought this was a joke at first when I saw the picture. But nope, this dude's legit. High School senior Bobby Martin is a football player who's really short. He's short because he has no legs. He was born without them. He doesn't let this slow him down. He was a 2nd place wrestler in 8th grade, he gets around school on a skateboard, jumping up stairs faster than most people walk them. You have to see the pictures.

LOST 2/2 Recap

Each week (hopefully) I will post a sort of 'recap' on the show. If you are reading this, I take it you have watched the show the night before, so I will not go into detail about what happened... just point out some observations and theories from collected sources.

In last night's episode of Lost, we moved forth chronologically only about 5 hours. Do you remember seeing that symbol on Desmond's shirt, on all the food products, on the wall and even on the shark's tail? It was the symbol for Dharma. Dharma is what Buddhists believe to be the base of everything perfect and holy. The law, so to say. How about the coded joke that Desmond asked Locke, "What did one snowman say to the other?". This was obviously supposed to be a code that "the one" will know the answer to. Now, it gets weird. Remember back to last season. Hurley told that same joke on the island. He got it from the guy at the mental institute... what it, that guy was "the one"... but now Hurley knows everything he knew so he might be "the one". All very peculiar.

LOST is making me mad!!

(This is Kelly) OOOhhh, i knew they were going to start pulling this. As soon as the show gets really popular they start dragging out the story line. Sorry, just needed to vent. UGH!!

Saved by the Bell: A brief history

Before you judge me, or anybody, for watching Saved by the Bell try to think back to your childhood. As most things, my memories of Saved by the Bell aren't about the 'quality' of the show, but rather the Saturday mornings spent as a kid with no worries and no responsibilities.


Well, here it is. The answers you have been waiting for. First, let me start off my talking a little bit about Saved By The Bell (SbtB). SbtB originally started as a pilot for NBC titled Good Morning Miss Bliss (GMMB). This pilot had no of the original cast members, and actually including Jaleel White (Steve Urkeal from Family Matters). NBC passed on the idea to run it and Disney picked it up running 13 episodes. GMMB on Disney had Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris, Dustin Diamond as Screech Powers, Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle and Dennis Haskins as Mr. Belding... all the familar characters. However, confusing to a lot of fans, these 'middle-school' years were set at JFK Junior High in Indianapolis. After they graduated Junior High, NBC took it back, changed the name, moved it to California and introduced Mario Lopez as Slater, Tiffani Amber-Thiessen as Kelly and Elizabeth Berkley as Jessie. Now we have the whole crew. The HS years of SbtB raised a lot of questions. Zack talks about a 2-year relationship with Kelly in the first episode of SbtB, but she was never mentioned in GMMB. Zack and Jessie, according to SbtB, were friends since 1st grade. Where was she in GMMB? No one knows. My theory is this. Producers of GMMB did not anticipate the show to do as well as it did, so they had to introduce characters and give them history.

Now, I am not going to go into the Malibu Sands episodes nor am I going to talk about any of the TV movies. If you have any questions about those, feel free to ask though. SbtB ran for the four years of Highschool. However, halfway through 12th Grade, Kelly and Jessie decided to leave the show to pursue other opportunities. They had already filmed the HS graduation episode so they decided to jet. The producers struggled to fill the gap, thus developing a new transfer student named Tori (Leanna Creel). Instead of writing into the script that Kelly and Jessie left, they wrote around it. The viewer was supposed to think that during the episode you were watching, Kelly and Jessie were just in another class or gone. Yeah, we didn't think that at all.

Well after that they went on to Saved by the Bell: The College Years. Slater, Zack and Screech all were part of the original cast. Well, into the first season, Kelly decided she wanted in again and conveniently 'transferred' to California University to be close to Zack. After 19 episode of SbtB:tCY NBC cancelled the show but decided to let producer Peter Engel tie up some loose ends, thus the TV Movie Saved by the Bell: The Wedding (Zack and Kelly's, you moron).

Here's a couple of dates that will make you feel really old:
Good Morning Miss Bliss pilot on NBC: 1987
GMMB on Disney: winter '98 - spring '99
Saved by the Bell, the original series: debuted NBC on August 20, 1989
Tori years: '92 - '93
College Years Pilot: September 7, 1993
The Wedding: October 7th, 1994

One blog purpose fulfilled

One of my many purposes of beginning a blog is this: to educate the masses on information that I find pertinet to leading a successful life, in a way that even the simplest of beings can understand. I feel that that goal was met today.

As I have posted before, I recently installed a site tracker. One function of this service enables me to see how people have accessed my blog. For instance, if you go to a search engine and type something in and then click on a link that happens to be mine, I know about it. That is exactly what happened today when a chap (or chapette?) in England searched for ways to avoid the RIAA while using Limewire. He/she clicked through to my post about that very thing. Whether it taught him/her anything I don't know. But that's not what's important to me. It's the open source of the matter. The fact that I can share information in a searchable way with people I don't even know in other countries. I find that simply fascinating.

Harry Potter in the real world

"I know what that is... it's an invisibility cloak! Those are really rare!"

RIAA needs anger management

Ha! I hope they get so pissed that they leave town (in a manner of speaking). Here's what's going down in layman's terms. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a big bad bully. They are the ones that have been slapping lawsuits on the individual's that own the IP addresses that file sharing has been discovered on. I say it like that because the lawsuit is for the owner of the IP address, say the father, not the son's weird computer geek friend that actually partook in the downloading on their computer... get it? That's the flaw in their combat strategy. Colleges, where most downloading takes place, are hardly touched. How can you sue a college for something like that? Instead, soccer moms get the bill for their twelve-year-old's download of Modest Mouse. And a bill it is, sometimes as high as $19k. I have a friend that has a friend that got slapped with a lawsuit... so it can happen to you. (I'll give you a hint of how to avoid getting caught later.)

This brings us to the next problem. Everybody, including the RIAA, thought pay-per-download services like iTunes were the answer. 99 cents gets you a song. Not bad. However, the RIAA is playing the name blaming game again. See, they just can't cope with the fact that record sales are never going to be where they used to be. They blame everybody, but have the prices dropped on them? Not enough to make it worth the while. Now, they are blaming Apple. The RIAA wants Apple to up the prices on their iTune downloads. Apple's Steve Jobs called them "the greedy record labels."

I am all for supporting an artist you like. Buying a CD of theirs is just not the way to do it. They make close to NOTHING on the album sale. The record label gets the most. If you want to support an artist, go to their concert, give them free advertising by tattooing their name on your forehead, or start a blog in their honor.

Now, since I am not a forum for the advocating of illegal activities, even those as controversial (read: stupid) as peer to peer file transfer (file downloading) I can not tell you how to avoid getting caught. I can not tell you that if you use a program such as LimeWire or KaZaA that you should not share music (uploading). I can tell you that the only way the RIAA can 'catch' you is when you are downloading or uploading, but I shouldn't tell you that you should download sporadically to avoid being caught. Also, if you have a question regarding this subject, post it in the comment section, and I won't get back to you.

Small talk

I feel like it's been awhile since I just sat down and had a little chat with y'all. After all, you are my faithful readers and I should pay you more respect than a couple of links a day. But, links are fun. They broaden your knowledge of both the world and the internet. For instance, here's a link to a guy that found 10 Billion dollars worth of gold on the famous Robinson Crusoe Island... with a robot. Now, doesn't that leave you filling content and fulfilled? Surely if a guy can find that kind of booty with a glorified metal detector, you can work up a tiny trickle of excitement every time you see a new post.

You guys have really made me proud. At the beginning of last week I installed a site counter on my blog. This basically counts the number of people that visit my site. Since last week their have been 310 visits to my site. Virtual beers all around! Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Coming this week to a blog near you

The mysteries and confusions that circle around that little known era in Saved By The Bell history known as "The Tori Years". Questions will be answered, lives will be saved and you will once again be able to sleep peacefully. Publishing sometime this week, right here... stay tuned.

It's Monday

Ahhh Mondays... why is it I hate you so? While my wife lays nestled under the covers thanks to Perdue, I sit sipping my tea and typing to you. The weekend was great. Out Friday night, boating Saturday, house projects Sunday. You know what one of my favorite things about fall is? Fall festivals. Man oh man... you can't get much better than that. We have a good bit on St. Simons and the surrounding area. My favorite takes place in north Georgia though. The Georiga Apple Festival, held on the 2nd and 3rd weekends in October, is just superb. They have all the makings of a good fall festival. German and southern food, petting zoo, classic car show, bluegrass, vendors and lots of apple desserts. Another one of my favorites is the St. Simons Elementary Fall Festival. More for nostalgic reasons, I love this one. Spaghetti dinner, Dolphin Day Race, carnival-like booths and prizes. Fun for the whole family! Now, if we could only get the fall weather to get here, we'd be in business.

No School Monday/Tuesday

In an effort to save on gas consumption, Georgia Governor Sunny Purdue cancelled all public schools Monday and Tuesday. What does this mean? My wife has no excuse for turning in early tonight! Yeah for the governor.

Manual labor

Some people hate it, some people love it. I'm covered in little pieces of glass right now, after spending the morning tearing down insulation in our new office building (did you know that insulation is made up of tiny pieces of glass... you shouldn't let your dogs eat it). I love my current job, one of the best jobs I have ever had. But there is something about putting some pants and shoes on and busting your ass on a little manual labor. Yard work, construction, chopping wood, making the bed. Does this make me sound like one of those people who likes pain.... what is it called? Something about sweating and getting dirty. Call me crazy.

In other news, what are everybody's plans for the weekend? Anybody doing anything worth posting?

Potpourri for Friday

Today is Friday! Here's a couple little bits of info that will probably just dull your senses:

I don't like when people post anonymously. But when you take the time to fill out the name field, try writing that can semi-identify you. I had a commenter that a couple of days ago called "purple nurple". I know now who it is and know that the comments were in good fun, so here they are:

On A who's reading poll:
hehe....is gay. I'm surprised Bum doesn't do it. hehe is also the sound goat made between the sheets with sunkist. You guys know that there are places to eat lunch on SSI right?

On Fruit or Vege...:
bum, i know in my heart that you're a freaking fruit!

On Live Plasma:
bum, the list of swords you are swallowing is whats getting longer.

On The Intriguing Type:
kelly better watch out. i really have no desire to ever be intrigued.

On The Randomness of a Hook-up:
bum, you might be the biggest cigarette I've ever seen.

I need one of these. Wouldn't it make life easier? This is just cracks me up! Have a good day y'all.

Friday Fact: The Story of Ebo's Landing

Ebo's Landing- Dee Williams

They arrived in Savannah, Georgia from south Nigeria, located in west Africa. Slaves, purchased sometime in the early 1800's, to help with the plantations of southern Georgia. They were part of the Igbo (pronounced with a silent 'G') tribe. Two families from St. Simons bought a boat load of the slaves and had them shipped down the coast on a ship named Morovia. The Ebo people never had a boat, never needed to know how to swim. On the way into the island, the ship captain's slave was the first to go. Not allowing his life to succumb to that of slavery, he jumped into the Dunbar River, meeting his fate at the bottom of the silt-covered tributary.

Then came the chanting. Emitting from the single voice of the Ebo chief, their new profession of faith, "The sea brought me, the sea will bring me home." One by one the tribe chimed in until the chorus could be heard throughout the landing. "The sea brought me, the sea will bring me home."

The slaves were chained to each other, wrist to wrist, ankle to ankle. Single file they were lead off the boat and when on shore, turned following their chief, and marched into the dark waters of the Dunbar. Dragging each other, one by one, down into the water. Following the same fate as Odysseus's mother in Homer's The Odyssey, the sea brought them home.

Some say at night, if you listen carefully, you can still here the rattling of the chains set to the melodic chant of, "The sea brought me, the sea will bring me home."

RFID Update

If you are a nerd like me and enjoyed the post about RFID I made a couple of days ago, you should check this out. This guys wrote a paper on all the loop holes RFID has. Very interesting.

Interesting invention

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS, cot death) is the leading cause of death for infants ages one month to one year old. What happens is the baby just stops breathing while sleeping. I could not possibly imagine worrying every time my baby (when I have one... well, not me, but Kelly) went to sleep that he/she might not wake up. Talk about paranoia.

That is why I will be buying a Respisense. About the size of a thing of dental floss, this is the first product that monitors the breathing of a baby and then vibrates if it notices a 20 second period in which breathing does not occur. The vibrate motor is the same thing that is in you cellphone. It also emits an audible alarm to notify the nearest person.

You are all probably wondering why in the hell I am posting about baby stuff. I just thought it was interesting that's all... nothing else!

LOST 2/1 Recap

Each week (hopefully) I will post a sort of 'recap' on the show. If you are reading this, I take it you have watched the show the night before, so I will not go into detail about what happened... just point out some observations and theories from collected sources.

The numbers, 4815162342, show up in some form everywhere in this episode. On the bottle of medicine that Desmond injects it reads CR-4-81516-23 42. On the graffiti on the wall when Jack is walking down the tunnel, the number 108 is on the wall. Add 4-81516-23 42 all up and you get 108.

When something is quarantined, it's usually on the outside of the cage, notifying all that what's inside is quarantined. Perhaps, the island is what's quarantined and Desmond is the one being notified of its condition. Perhaps there is a disease of some sort on the island and what ever he is injecting is the antidote.

When Shannon thinks she sees Walt in the woods, he says, "Don't push the button... the button is bad."

That's about it. Post more if you found it.

LOST ROCKS!!!

(this is Kelly) OH my GOSH!!! I just have to say that LOST is the BEST show since The Golden Girls!!!! I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight! Feel free to post your theories...

Your personal TV Guide

I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I do like the occasional good show. LOST, season two, premiers tonight. This is a great show. It took home a good bit of Emmys the other night as well. ABC, tonight at 9 p.m. e.s.t. At 8 p.m. they will be showing a recap of last season. Never heard of it? Think of an adult version of The Lord of the Flies.

Of course, my favorite show of all times is MacGuyver. You just can't beat that! Although, I could never get that bomb to detonate with the rubber band. I like Alias, have been an avid fan since the first episode. Although one of my favorite single episodes of any show is the Christmas episode of Saved By The Bell. The one where Zack and the gang work at the mall. Man, that is such a classic. They just don't make television like that anymore!

Two things to make you smarter

Seeing as how we are all on this never ending quest for the unobtainable source of all knowledge, I am providing you with two bits of information-mana to further your journey to Nirvana. Absorb it!

1). EV-DO. You should familiarize yourself with this term. It will become the new Wi-Fi. Differing though, because it is broadband internet service through cellular towers, versus wireless through little antenni in homes and coffee shops. What's this mean? Internet will soon be EVERYWHERE. It has a 50 mile range from each cellular tower. It's only in big cities right now.

2) The Origin of band names. OK, so maybe this won't draw you closer to the meaning of life, but this kind of information will definitely get you some chickies. For instance:

You: "Hey baby, did you know that 'N SYNC's band name was formed from the last letters of each of their names?"
Chickie: "Ooohhhh, how about you take me home. Let's tell this bartender 'Bye, Bye, Bye'. 'It's Gonna be me' and you tonight. 'No strings attached'!"

Should this have gone in the Bad Joke post?

Good Morning!

Yes, it might be raining, but that doesn't mean we can't all be chipper. Do you get you in the mood this morning, I'm going to tell a joke. I like bad jokes. Does anyone else? They have to have a particularly dull punchline to really be good. And we're off:

Where does a fish keep his money? A river bank.
Why is it good to fish under bridges when it's raining? The fish don't like to get wet.
Have you heard about the new corduroy pillows? They're making headlines!
What do flies wear on the feet? Shoos.
What's Mary short for? She's got no legs.
What do you feed an invisible cat? Evaporated milk.
Mrs. Bigger just had a baby. Which one was bigger? The baby, it was just a little Bigger!

Now, everybody needs to post their favorite 'bad' joke. Keep in mind they need to be clean!

Google, much more than you asked for

Who uses Google? I use Google. It's the only search engine I use. I don't know if you realize how big Google is... not the search engine, but the capabilities of it. For instance, did you know that Google can help you decipher that ebonic phrase that generally follows, "Welcome to McDonalds"? Can't decide where you should buy your next Harry Potter book? Check out Froogle, a site that only searches retailers. Listed below are a few other services that you probably don't know Google offers:

Google Print: search books that have been scanned.
Google Images: search for any image imaginable on the web...
Google Maps: if you need a definition, stop reading. (try clicking the 'satellite' and 'hybrid' buttons at the top right of the map!)
Google Sets: this creates sets of like things from a few that you type in... try it with bands, brands, tv shows, etc.
Google Blog Search: Searches the text in all blogs. Go ahead, try it... see if anybody has blogged about you.

Looking for more? Check it all out here.

Food for thought: RFID

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It is a way of storing and retrieving data from RFID Tags, which are little things that can be used in all sorts of things. Basically, you have a receiver that picks up a RFID tag in the area and can tell you where it is, what it is, what information it has... Whatever it has been programmed to do.

Mastercard is planning on rolling out 4 million credit cards that have RFID tags built in so you no longer have to swipe your card. But, the store you shop at has to have the thing that can scan it. What about ecommerce? What about hackers? I personally think anything based on radio frequencies is pretty simplistic.

RFID tags are used in such items as: anti-theft tags in stores, school kids and even humans. My vote? BAD IDEA!

Momentary Memories

'Momentary Memories' is a short article based on a particular nostalgic feeling that we can all in, some way, hopefully relate to. Due to the random nature of nostalgia this post itself will be in random occurrence.

I was probably 7, maybe 8. It was one of those rare times growing up where my sister and I weren't bickering about something. It was late September, the tourists had all left and it was ice cream time. Their used to be a great ice cream parlor in the Village on St. Simons Island named Clifford's. Wall to wall ice cream. I remember I couldn't see over the counters. I knew it was ice cream time when Dad brought out the yellow tape cassette of Jimmy Buffet's Songs You Know By Heart. We'd pile in the car and drive the 5 miles down Frederica Road towards the village, all the while singing with the windows down. I remember the first time I got a cone. True love... the most efficient devise imaginable. We'd eat the ice cream, walk the pier and peer into the shops. This was before the Village was grown up. You know, I often wish I could go back there. Have someone drive me to Clifford's (it still be there) playing "A Pirate Looks at Forty" and buy me an ice cream. But you know what I've come to realize? It's not the ice cream that made the memory. It's the innocence of childhood. The lack of responsibility. The naivety of the world. If some one could swirl that up and put it in a cone, they'd make millions.

Comment worthy of posting

"Geez, the man likes the shoes. I think you need to lay off of him. You don't have to wear them. Ben, if you want to wear them around me then that is fine and I will not make fun of you."

Spoken like a true friend, thanks man.

Potpourri

A guy at Georgia Tech has developed a way to block you from taking a picture with a camera phone. Pretty interesting in seeing how in 2004 digital camera phones outsold digital cameras 4-1.

Have you ever eaten at a Fox's Pizza Den? Did you know that it was a chain? I didn't. Regardless, it is some very good pizza. In the St. Simons area, head over to downtown Brunswick... right here. If you are a wackjob and don't like pizza, they also have great salads and sandwiches, so their.

A little aside, I am very disappointed in you my readers. I have gotten some very unpleasant comments on how ugly my new shoes are. Shame on you. No, I will not give them to my dog, and fortunately, I don't think they will suit me well up my butt. So, I'm wearing them regardless if you still want to be my friends or not! Ha!

Go ahead, laugh if you want to...

I have been introduced to one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I have ever put on. I admit, I am a shoe connoisseur. Never been big on tennis shoes, but clogs, sandals, boots and boat shoes... I've tried them all. I have my favorites, and the Croc is definitely one of them. Ladies, they come in every style imaginable. Men, they don't smell after a while because they are made of a non-absorbent type of rubber. The large amount of ventilation holes helps provide adequate ventilation for your piggies. They are lighter than my Rainbow sandals and I would venture to say more comfortable (although I will never trade those babies!). At $30 MSRP you can't beat the price. I personally purchased the khaki one's. I've heard that the new shine that is on them wears and lends itself to a nice worn, buffed in look in a couple of weeks wear. Don't laugh until you try a pair on. If you are looking for a place to buy in the St. Simons area, check out South East Adventure Outfitters in the village.

The Randomness of a 'Hook-Up'

In the constraints of this article, I will define a 'hook-up' as follows: a period of no more than 36 hours in which two people have an above platonic attraction to each other that allows for some sort of unforeseen physical connection to take place. Now, let me define this further due to the nature and course of this article. In saying 'physical connection' I mean anything from the holding of hands to full-blown horizontal polka. Some may disagree with my definition of 'hook-up', but for this particular article I find this to be the best choice.

Now, before continuing on, if you haven't read my last post The Intriguing Type I suggest you go back and read it now. I believe that this is where most (not all, as I will discuss later) start. Unfortunately, some 'hook-ups' are with people that we rather not believe ourselves to have spent time with. These are the people that are reading this and saying, "This guy's got it all wrong." See, the can't admit to what they have done, so agreeing with me would be like admittance. And as we all know, admittance is the first step to acceptance.

It all starts with an attraction. More than likely physical, but can be an attraction of interest or need. See most, but not all, hook-ups happen while intoxicated. I don't believe that your sense for detecting physical attraction in another blurs the more you drink. I believe that what you base attraction on changes. No longer are you attracted to the tall, dark type... Rather your attracted to the one that can fulfill your needs. Of course, all of this happens in your subconscious, so you have very little control of it. It's not that your qualifications in another lower, it's that your wants bypass your needs.

In reference to my last article, aren't we usually attracted to people we are intrigued by? Not always. But this attraction isn't necessarily physical... it's more of a desire to know more. In essence, this is what a hook-up is. A desire for a little more than what you are currently getting. Not all hook-ups are bad. We learn from all of them, good or bad, but we also take something away as well (sometimes, more than we bargained for).

And then we get to the exception... (isn't their always one?) Their comes a point when one person becomes unfortunately so inebriated that their conscious and subconscious decision making process becomes temporarily extinct. They then return to an animal-like nature in which right from wrong is not even fathomable.

To wrap up, my point is this. I believe that a hook-up is in some way, shape or form a fulfillment to the wants and/or needs of the participant(s). Is this bad? Not entirely. Do I mean this in a your-just-an-empty-and-needy-person type of way? Not at all. We've all been there, and will be there. It's just something to think about.

Thanks to my two good friends who helped thaw my temporary writers block and produce this article... You know who you are!

The Intriguing type

Have you ever met someone that just intrigues you? I can count on one hand the people in my life that have left an intriguing impression. Webster defines intrigue as: arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate. That is partially it. I think these people strike deeper than that though. It is not a romantic feeling by any means. More of a yearning to know more. Wanting to become closer with. Also, one thing I must point out about these "intriguers" is that they are not just female. I have met men that I have been intrigued by.

After an encounter with this type of person, I feel odd. Odd meaning unsettled, apart from the norm... Not in a bad way. I look forward to this kind of encounter. It arouses the deep need and love for close friendship in me, something that I have always treasured.

I know... All you out there who know me are now re-evaluating your relationship with me. "This guy's a psycho." I assure you I am not. I am just compassionate.

Live Plasma

If you at all like music or movies, and like me, are in the constant search for new material, you must check this site out. At Live Plasma you enter the name of a band or movie and up pops several similar bands and titles. The data is based on similar interests, characteristics and other like criteria. The closer the resulting name is to the one you entered, the more similar it is. I had an awesome professor in college that showed me this, and I just now was reintroduced to it.
Finally, I can find another band that sounds like Ozomatli!

Friday Foto

Well, I decided if I can't think of an interesting fact to enlighten you with, I will try to wow your senses with a photo... Hence, The Friday Foto.

Tug Boat
Canon 10d 1/125 Sec @ f-6.7 @ ISO 100

This photo was taken on August 29, 2005. I anchored my boat about two miles away from this beached beauty on Little St. Simons. I couldn't pull right up to it because of the waves from the ocean side. They can be treacherous on this side of the island if you are not careful. Guinevere came with me and she had a blast... Running and chasing birds.

Woman's desires= ?

I have been trying for a long time now to decipher the differences between a man and a woman. Without going into the true heart of a man (and avoiding the obvious differences between the two), here's what I have come up with for a woman.

She is complex. Way more so than men are. The desires of her heart burn hotter and longer than those of a mans. She longs to be sought. Longs to feel beautiful. Longs to be desired... And may never be fulfilled. She herself may not even know what her heart wants.

Have you ever wondered why woman like romance stories? They have a yearning in their deepest desires to be fought after, loved and won. By no means am attempting to belittle her. Men, on the other hand, have a desire to fight for, win and sweep away. They go hand in hand. God did not just create these two hearts on a whim.

Why do I write this? I believe all men need to know what a woman's heart is made of, so very few do. And I certainly do not claim to know at all. I don't think any woman really knows either. It's a thing of beauty but confusion. Compassion but determination. Solidity but adventurous. It's the pinacle of contradiction.

Fruit or Vege...

The tomato is both, depending on who you ask. Scientifically speaking it is a fruit. Developed from the ovaries of a flower, the tomato contains seeds. Culinarily (is that a word?) speaking it is a vegetable. Most fruits are cooked in a "sweet" way to preserve the savoryness of the flavor.

So their you go. It depends on who you ask I guess. You are now enlightened, no matter how you pronounce it.

A who's reading Poll

OK... just for fun. I'd like to take a tally of everyone who is actually reading this blog. All you have to do is hit the little pencil below this post to ad a comment. You can comment as anonymous, just put your name in the comment. I'll let y'all know how it goes. Thanks!
-ben

Just Ramblin'

So, I don't really have anything to write about right now. I've been trying to think of a good thing to post about for tomorrow's Friday Fact... and so far, no luck. It may not become a weekly thing. We'll see. If you have any suggestions, fell free to comment on them.

Knucklehead

I'm not one for animal cruelity, but this is hilarious.
BTW, Knucklehead was my hamster's name.

Podcast update

About a week ago Apple filed for a trademark on the name iPodcast. This is pretty crappy news to all the people who have been podcasting long before Apple picked up on it. Granted Apple's iTunes is one of the largest directories of podcasts (with a 1,000 being added every day), but come on, do you gotta steal the name?

Podcasting 101: An intro course

Ever heard the term Podcasting? No? Well, I am here to familiarize you with things of this nature. And if you do know what it is, you should still read.

Due to the massive growth of the iPod and thousands of other digital audio players (DAP) the average human can now have anywhere from 1 to 10,000 songs on his/her person at any given time. That's about 667 CD's worth of music! This revolution pushed the mobility of media further than the Sony Walkman could have ever done. The best thing about a DAP is that you can manage you content through a computer, constantly changing it and updating it. But music is just a beginning. What about audio books? They are also in the familiar format of MP3 so now, instead of carrying all 60 CD's worth of Harry Potter audio books, just put them on your DAP.

Now, on to Podcasting. Podcasting is basically audio articles. Somebody with something to same gets on their computer and records it. Now, with that, you have a lot of wackjobs out there recording about their encounter with Zyphorg, the human liaison from planet Fupa. But, their are also VERY good podcasts from very reputable sources. Don't have time to watch or read the news? Download any one of thousands of podcasts relating to recent news stories. Interested in some very obscure hobby such as World of Warcraft Mods? Download the daily podcast. The best thing about podcasts is that they are free. All you need is a computer. You click the one you want, wait until it downloads and listen right off your computer or put it on your DAP. The Podcast directory is a very helpful resource that combines a large selection of some of the most popular podcasts. Check it out.

Now, why does this matter and why is it worth writing about? I shall pose this question. Have you noticed how media is changing? It used to be, supply and receive. Channels supply content, we take it in. Now, we demand what we want, either bypassing the 'channel' or not, and take it in. With DVR (digital video recording, i.e. TiVo) you can save any show in a digital format. Other people, who have other channels, trade these shows on the internet. Don't have HBO, no problem, go to the internet. No longer are we subject to whatever is on the tube or in the magazines in the waiting room at the dentist's office. The whole world is at our fingertips.

'Dog' food

Here's a funny invention...

A machine that zaps your dog with infrared waves of some sort to dry it off in a flash. That dog in the pic looks REAL happy. It reminds me of Bugs Bunny taking a bath in a pot of water while Elmer Fudd throws in carrots and potatoes. If you really want to read more about it, you can.

Is it me, or is their something seriously wrong with this being invented in Korea? PETA would have a grand time with this one.

Momentary Memories

On Friday I posted an article titled The Friday Fact that I plan to publish weekly. I am trying to bring some organization to this blog so that you as a read can have something to (hopefully) look forward to... hence "Momentary Memories." This will be a short article based on a particular nostalgic feeling that we can all hopefully relate to. Due to the random nature of nostalgia this post itself will be random.

Before I even get out of bed in the morning I know that it's here. Something in the sounds (or lack thereof) from outside, or maybe the smells or color of the light coming through the bedroom window. It happened this past Saturday morning. I woke to that familiar collection of signs. I threw on my shorts but not my shirt... If I was right I wanted to be shirtless. I climbed downstairs and peaked out the window for one last look before opening the door and... YES! It was cold outside.

Ophelia has brought us some cold weather. I know, it won't last long, probably gone tomorrow. But it was just enough to excite the feelings that come from fall/winter. Fall on St. Simons brings backyard barbecues and oyster roasts. Football and parties. A quite island, ours for the taking once again. I think out of all the memory-inducing sensations (i.e. smell, taste, etc.) to me weather has to be the strongest. Cold weather reminds me of friendships, camping, outdoors and love all wrapped up in some of the best times I've ever had.

Cold weather, you may be gone for a couple more weeks, but you'll be back. And when you return I shall hug you with my fleece-covered self.

My love affair with Paula Deen

Mrs. Paula Deen stole my heart... and my stomach.

Saturday I ventured up to Savannah for day trip solely to eat at acclaimed chef Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady and Sons. If you are not familiar with Paula Deen (don't worry I wasn't either) you will henceforth be familiarized. She is a white-haired, slightly overset (probably from all the butter), middle aged goddess of southern cuisine. She hosts a very popular cooking show on The Food Network brandishing the phrase, "Hey Y'All!" Nothing could have prepared me to the food, or the wait.

Arriving at noon put as eating at 2:30 p.m. My posse and I decided a nice walk in downtown Savannah would be just the thing to work up an appetite for fried-chicken and cornbread. After two hours of more drinking than walking (you can carry beer on the streets in Savannah!) we were ready to eat.

The food was amazing*. The nap on the car ride home, even better.


*Fact officially derived after three plates of testing from the buffet.

iPod battery issue

In response to two comments posted about the life of an iPod battery I am taking the time to explain the issue here now. Like all rechargeable batteries you can have duds... Ones that will only hold a charge for a short time or ones that are fine and then all the sudden just "die". Here's what happened to the second generation of iPods. Many (read: thousands) of them held up to their "10 hours of playing time" as advertised until a little over a year then they dropped drastically to like 30 minutes. Coincidently the free one year warranty is now expired thus leaving you with an inadequate iPod. You could send it back to Apple and pay 100 bucks plus shipping BOTH ways to CA and they would fix it. Changing a battery in an iPod is not as easy as a TV clicker or cellphone.

People got mad at this, filed a lawsuit and won. If you can now prove that you purchased a 2nd generation iPod within a certain time frame and your battery is faulty Apple will replace it for free no matter how long ago it was. It can all be read about here.

My first iPod was a 2nd generation and I can personally attest to the crappyness of the battery life. After about 13 months it drained down to about 45 minutes. Unfortunately I can not find any of the necessary documentation needed for the claim. I received a 4th generation as a gift and that battery life is outstanding. Apparently the only iPods to have battery problems were the 2nd Gen's and Apple is eating it now.

If you are having problems with your iPod battery and want to try your hand at replacing the battery yourself (which I plan to do soon) check this site out.

Friday Fact: Hurricanes

Starting today, I will post an interesting (at least to me) fact some how relating to St. Simons or the surrounding area every Friday. Cleverly, it will be titled The Friday Fact. If you ever have a question about something that you would like me to research and post about, just ask!

Did you know the coast of Georgia has not been hit by a Hurricane since October 2, 1898? I can not find a name for this hurricane, so I believe it was before they had the naming system. The hurricane of 1898 was about the same force of the 1989 Hurricane Hugo (Category 4) that brushed us. We have had some close encounters, from brushes to back door entries (this is when a hurricane comes across land rather than ocean... like from the Gulf) but as far as actually landfalling hurricanes, we have hardly seen anything.

In 1898, the hurricane left Brunswick under 4 feet of water (which sounds like nothing compared to Katrina's damage). It killed 149 people and brought a 16 foot storm surge through Downtown Brunswick. Question: What lies just east of Brunswick? St. Simons! If a 16 foot wave hit the mainland, what happened to St. Simons?

Check out this site for some other information. According to statistics, we are due for another landfalling hurricane at the end of the 2006 hurricane season.

Athen's Finest

The original post titled "Athen's Finest" has been temporarily removed due to the request of my friend. He and the other victims of the corrupt Athens PD are filing lawsuit and want to keep it quite for a little bit. He promised to give me word as soon as possible letting me know when I can re-post. We want the world to know!

To clarify for all, I removed the post as a favor to my friend because he asked. Their is no actual legal implications against me posting about actions under lawsuit unless the judge has applied a gag order... Which in this case, has not happened. But my point is this, If I am to ever write anything that is offensive, personal, etc. to you as a reader simply request that I remove it. I will, unless it is unjust... Which in that case, I'm sorry!

Big day for Apple

If you are into gadgets and like Apple, you knew today was a red-letter day for the California company. Today they released the iPod Nano. Taking the place of the iPod Mini, it utilizes flash media instead of a mini-hardrive. This enables it to be a LOT smaller. It has a color screen and also comes in black, as well as white. $199 isn't bad for 4 gigs of space (about 700 songs), and if your a student or a teacher, it's even cheaper. Too bad I just bought two of those things in the past 3 months for gifts.


In conjunction with Motorola, Apple released an iTunes enabled phone, the Motorola ROKR E1. My two cents? This is a waste of money, worse then the iPod Shuffle. Who knows how much they will charge. It holds 100 songs and can play them like a regular iPod. You can download the songs straight on the go for 2 bucks a pop... Get real! That's why God created P2P (read: Lime Wire)! HA!

In other news, for you muggles.. you can download all the Harry Potter books on iTunes now, for a total price of $100 cheaper then the regular price. AND, you can also get a limited engraved Hogwarts Crest iPod... Kelly, NO!!!

A Cardinal from the island

Adam Wainwright, our beloved baseball player who graduated from Glynn Academy in 2000 is now a professional ball player... big time. Last night (At least I think it was) he was picked up by the St. Louis Cardinals. For Adam, that means better game, fast times and of course, more money. For others, that means no more drunken highschool trips to watch him play in the minors in Orlando, and then talk about it for years to come. (I love y'all, just sorry I couldn't have been there!)

FREE wireless internet

It's about time! St. Simons (and parts of Brunswick) now have free Wi-Fi. Apparently it has been up for a good part of the summer, but this is the first I've heard of it. A big boo-ya to places like McDonalds and Monkey Love on the Island who were trying to charge for it! The Wi-Fi areas include: the village, Redfern Village, East Beach and the Frederica North shopping center (Harris Teeter). For more info go here. So, for all you out there with wi-fi enabled laptops, go get you some!

Another tax?

I heard this morning on the news that Bush is toying with the idea of adding another tax on all Americans. This one would be a disaster tax. Some states, like Florida, already have one in effect but have been pushing for years to get the federal government to adopt it so we can all help fix places like LA and MS. Personally I do not object to this simply because I live in a place where such a tax would be a Godsend if we were to have a hurricane. Now I have not read anymore into this other than what I heard on the TV, but my questions are: What will be taxed and how much. Let's tax emergency supplies and plywood, right? Or even better, how about gas... Ha!

Insomniac attack

Quarter to three and can't sleep. The last day of my three-day weekend will now be tainted by the side-effects of sleep deprivation. It has turned out to be a great weekend. Went out Friday night with Kelly to Bonefish. I regret to say it - due to it not being local - but that place is one of our favorites on the island. The price-quality-atmosphere ratio is perfectly balanced. Plus the happy hour rocks taking my rum and cokes down to two bucks until 7 p.m. THERE, I said something in a non-complainitive tone about a restaurant on the Island. Whoever made that last comment can now eat it... Just kidding Anonymous.
Which brings me to a request. I encourage all to post comments if you so desire. It makes me feel good to see people are actually reading. But seeing how cathartic this has become for me, I wouldn't stop if no one was actually out there. But, if you do post a comment, please include your name so I know who to blame or thank. That is, unless you want to be left anonymous, to which I can understand.
Perhaps sleep is coming on me now. My thoughts are getting slightly cloudy and the type is looking a little blurry. I'll leave you all with a "cute" photo taken Friday evening.

Ignorance is NOT bliss

This is from Kelly (Ben's wife): Sweet Mamas is on my list. What is up with the pork pops? 1/3 the size of the original for the same price isn't cutting it folks. SM is my favorite breakfast spot, but lately I've been hitting up Mckie D's instead. Why pay double for pork pops and leave hungry? Stop cheaping out.

Kanye West needs to finish high school and then, maybe, perhaps he will be educated enough to have something profound to say. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Check it out, I just

Check it out, I just sent this post from cell! I can even send photos. You'll get some fast breaking news now, that is, when I find some. -cell

Umm, dirty rice

At work we are designing a cook book for the owners of a local restaurant, Barbara Jean's. My favorite thing there is the Dirty Rice. It's brown rice with sausage, chicken, veges, etc. The recipe is in the book... Xeroxer, here I come!

Today is Friday, thank God. A three-day weekend couldn't have come soon enough. I am going to bump up the content on this blog. It will not always be a rambling of what is going on in my life. I will add interesting links, good articles and lot's of pictures... I love photography, all angles of it. So, be on the look out for some good reads in the future.

For now, here are two links to my favorite blogs... I will direct you this way in the near future for some good linkage. Engadget, a blog about technology and its effects in society. Digital Photography blog... can you guess what this is about? I have entered a couple of photos for their "Photo of the Day" contest. Be assured you will know if I get one of the coveted spots.

Gas prices break plans

Well, I originally had no plans for this weekend. Labor day was going to be full of anything BUT labor. Then I received word that a close family member passed away in the Atlanta area this past Tuesday. My cousin and his wife, who are currently with the Peace Corps (check out his site... Grant, you should have made a blog!) are actually being flown up by the PC for the funeral and the weekend. Well I was planning on going to see them and be with the fam, but gas prices slashed that. Unfortunately I have a job that I like because of the work, not the pay... If you can even call it pay. I say 'unfortunately', but in realty, I am so glad to have a job I like. Working somewhere you loathe is a nightmare.

So, now I am looking forward, once again, to a relaxing weekend of R&R. I am sure I will be asked multiple times by my loving wife to "Please tile the kitchen when you get a minute." As if this is a job I can do between beers.

I must pay tribute to my good buddy Matt. Happy Birthday man. Sorry the Academy has turned cooler than a Fanny-pack. I know you must long for those summer nights down here where we did nothing and loved every second of it. It'll get better, and if it doesn't, you can always quit... No? Well, it's worth a shot!

To all the folks getting together at the cabin this week, Kelly and I send our love... We'll miss being there.
-B

Clue, perhaps

I ordered a pizza last night from Brogen's North.. the South End pizza is one of the best around. However, lately they have been really skimping out and making it very thin. I would like a little something between the cardboard and the cheese.

I heard talk at the bar of a red-hatch back, and now the same talk is on islanddrama.com. Can I be getting close to the author? The man was talking to the bar tender in a secretive sort-of way. I thought something looked fishy. The man even handed him a letter, or something similar, to proof. More on this when I get it...

very hungry

Luckily I am eating lunch today with some friends at Gnat's. I overlook the fact that I have the privileges to go out and be with friends. One pointed out to me in an email that we (all living here on St. Simons) are very lucky. Of course, I know this. But can you imagine what Katrina would have done to us? Their would literally be NO more Island. Hell, the highest point is 13 feet above sea level. One wave... So, to all my friends, y'all are great. Let's hope our little nook here on the east coast stays safe. Fried pickles can't get here soon enough!