Ttp XXI -Powered by 'Geeks gone WILD'

[Trevor Schell]

WELCOME TO TTP XXI
Powered by 'Geeks gone WILD'

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6165&stc=1

Remember!,,Everybody is Welcome to hang out and talk about absolutely
nothing at all, or if you wish , you can talk about something. :P
We have a group of guys that spend a good amount of time here and have
developed some relationships that have created support
amoungst each other during both the good times and the not so good times.
Whatever you have on mind be sure to share it with us, as that is what keeps TTP going.
This is the 21rst installment and there is no sign of it slowing down.
So , come on in and join in on the conversation.
We always enjoy new visitors and do encourage everyone to stick around.!!
Also , We have Bing here as co/moderator with Trevor.
Plus a big Thanks to Doug for hosting the TTP Chapters on the HTG!!

Have Fun!!!
That's what it is all about.

TTP's type of WILD!!
http://shop.girlsgonewild.com/images/product/girls-shorts-blue.jpg http://shop.girlsgonewild.com/images/product/hat-lightblue.jpg

[Trevor Schell]

Ok!!

I am open to any suggestions on what we should name the 21rst Chapter of TTP..
Let's hear some ideas.!

[Lex]

opk!

How about Top Down TTP! All tops down. hehe.

[Kevin P]

How about the "No Stinkin' Saabs Thread"... as in my car ain't no stinkin' Saab! :B

Or TTP XXI - Powered by Audi! :kissrings:

[Chris D]

By Audi is okay with me... cool stuff for Kev!

[Lex]

here's an original powered by people. :)

[dyazdani]

Tops down could get interesting...

[Lex]

actually that was a reference to Trevor getting the Vert out about now.

[GregoriusM]

Hey kids!

Trev: I didn't know you were sick. I'm glad you're feeling somewhat better.

Same to anyone else who was sick and I missed it!

Hopefully I'll have more participation in the new Top Secret "Name Withheld For Security Reasons" TTP XXI !!! :B

[dyazdani]

actually that was a reference to Trevor getting the Vert out about now.

Oh, it could have lots of "other" references as well...

[taz13]

Oh, it could have lots of "other" references as well...
And you are suggesting?????????

:rofl:




BLUE JAYS 8 RED SOX 1

[Nick M]

Dooby Dooby Doo.

Interesting that BMW is now letting up on it's previous forced induction bashing with the new staged turbo straight six. It looks pretty nice too. I think it's pricing will be the determining factor on how well it does.

I'm still unsure of what to buy for a new vehicle, but the list is short.
-----
Taz - The Red Sox had a tough time yesterday thats for sure, but we're still in first place!

Red Sox 11-7
Baltimore 11-8
Toronto 9-7
New York 8-8
Tampa Bay 8-10

So long as Yankee's lose and we don't lose as bad as 'em then I'm happy! :B

[aud19]

So Top Down TTP means that every flip pic must include a topless hottie then....? :B :yesnod: :P

How about TTP - Powered by a bunch of chatty goofballs :lol:

Lovely weekend here, it was gorgeous yesterday, gorgeous today and apparently the weather report is gorgeous for the forseeable future! :sn

Definitely a little sore today though, HARD yardwork all yesterday... got a good work out though! Now I have to see if my body can handle washing my filthy car in a bit :lol:

:later:

[aud19]

Oh and Kev, where's those stats?!?! :p:

I'm pretty sure Danish has this one in the bag ;)

[Trevor Schell]

Good Title Trevor!!:yesnod:

:T :T :T

[aud19]

Good Title Trevor!!:yesnod:

:T :T :T

I like my two ideas better :p:

[Kevin P]

Stats will come later. We were up late last night, I need a nap. :tired:

I like the new theme though... but when I first saw it, I thought it referred to that new Disney animated movie that just came out.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6165&stc=1

[Trevor Schell]

I like my two ideas better :p:

Then Jason, Your the Goofball! :alol:
As for the topless thing..I agree..Friday 9pm can be topless
girly night for you! :T
With one restriction..The toplessness would have to be covered up,,
So I guess it would not really be topless then would it..But you could pretend that it's topless.
It's called imagination! :B

:p: :p: :p:

[Trevor Schell]

Kevin..
I added your Beaver with Tail ;)
photo to the title.

Actually, we might see that Movie while in Disney World this week.
We were talking about going to some movies in the evening before
closure to some of the nights..
Ice Age and Wild would be 2 we would like to see providing there
is a theater in Disney World.

We fly out Wednesday morning.

[Shane Martin]

Ice Age is a fox movie. Not sure it will be playing in Disneyworld.

For a title I'd think it would be appropriate to name it after the summer being it's just starting.

or we could go with TTP "powered by the weapons of mass destruction" :)

[Trevor Schell]

Or Powered by Dougs new Pipe!
:alol:

[Chris D]

So Top Down TTP means that every flip pic must include a topless hottie then....? :B :yesnod: :P

Oooooooh, sounds nice. (of course, I'd get in trouble, checking it from a government computer when I'm flying overseas)

[ht_addict]

How about, "Time to get a life thread :rofl: ". You guys spend too much time here.

[Kevin P]

How about "TTP XXI - Geeks Gone Wild?" :rofl:

[RobP]

How about "TTP XXI - Geeks Gone Wild?" :rofl:

:lol: I like that one.

[Kevin P]

Updated TTP Statistics (http://www.htguide.com/forum/ttpstats.htm) are up.

TOP 5: Jason led the pack with 19 flips, Danish came in 2nd at 16, followed by Chris "Flyboy" D at 13, despite his frequent overseas travels, and then Lex/Doug at 11 and Paul at 10.

Me? I tied for last with 1 flip this last chapter. And it was an accidental flip too, back in January. And of course, my flip pic was an Audi!

[Chris D]

How about "TTP XXI - Geeks Gone Wild?" :rofl:

Yes, I think that's what it should be!

Wow, I'm surprised about the flips. Sometimes I logged on, from wherever--Europe, the desert, etc, and just found a flip waiting. Sometimes you get lucky, I guess.

[Trevor Schell]

How about, "Time to get a life thread :rofl: ". You guys spend too much time here.

HT Addict, you don't spend too much time here.
Take that! ;s@

:scratchhead:

[dyazdani]

TOP 5: Jason led the pack with 19 flips, Danish came in 2nd at 16, followed by Chris "Flyboy" D at 13, despite his frequent overseas travels, and then Lex/Doug at 11 and Paul at 10.

Cool, I think if I won then I would be considered a loser. Now I'm just second loser :T

[Lex]

Geeks gone wild? hahaha, you must be talking about Mats.

Doug

[dyazdani]

I think Geeks Gone Wild is pretty funny too...

[Trevor Schell]

OK!!

Geeks gone Wild it will be!!

[Trevor Schell]

We..

[Trevor Schell]

Are..

[Trevor Schell]

Geeks!

[Trevor Schell]

Illegal Flip!!

Here is the Countdown Calander I made for
the Girls. They fill in each day with pictures and coloring.
Their pretty excited with only 3 sleeps left until
we fly out to Disney World.

http://members.shaw.ca/ttp/disneycountdown.jpg

[RobP]

Perfect name!

[Kevin P]

Oh Trevor, Trevor, Trevor... not the way to start a new TTP... foul on the first flip! :frypan: :tomato: :nutkick:

I like that my Geeks Gone Wild idea stuck though. ;)

And I hereby present Jason Fox, one of the wildest geeks to ever grace a comic strip:

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/ft/2006/ft060424.gif

[Lex]

I think we should give him the boot.

http://www.carmanallen.com/images/stitched.jpg

[Nick M]

Monday Monday... la la la la... :java:

Off to the haypile for some :Z

[aud19]

Monday Monday... la la la la... :java:

I couldn't have said it better myself....uugggh :thud:

I do like the new TTP name though! :B :lol:

I REALLY didn't think I had that many flips last round 8O I thought for sure Danish was going to smoke me!.... :scratchhead: I must have got them all at the begining that go round :lol:

Trev I already knew I was a goofball :p: :lol:

[Lex]

Trev got the BOOT, HAHAHAHAHa, laugh a$$ holes...

Doug

[aud19]

Bad day Doug.....?

:lol:

[RobP]

Trev got the BOOT, HAHAHAHAHa, laugh a$$ holes...

Doug

8O :rofl: :rofl: 8O ............... :W

[Chris D]

Yes, back to the grind. Gonna go hit the gym. http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/body-builder.gif http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/body-builder2.gif So I don't look like this anymore
http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/fat-man.gif

Foxtrot is still my favorite... own all the books. Just bought the latest one last week. http://www.planetsmilies.com/avatars/zcartoons/zcartoons0038.gif http://www.planetsmilies.com/avatars/zcartoons/zcartoons0034.gif http://www.planetsmilies.com/avatars/zcartoons/zcartoons0033.gif http://www.planetsmilies.com/avatars/zcartoons/zcartoons0041.gif http://www.planetsmilies.com/avatars/zcartoons/zcartoons0028.gif http://www.planetsmilies.com/avatars/zcartoons/zcartoons0003.gif

[RobP]

:laughat: :roflmao:

Maybe you could do a little DDR for fitness. :lol:

http://members.aol.com/soundgravy/dance.gif

[Lex]

it was actually ok then, now it's went to crap. my day, and then some.

Kimberly left tonight to go to her Mom's, took Kiwi, apparently, I'm just such a difficult Dad. Well, she loaded me up with a 250.00 cell phone bill this month, and I went ballistic. We'd already had some problems, Kimberly acting like a butt because she wants to go to Florida to live. I've told her under no condition will I support a move to Florida, no way. Not for summer, not for school.

So, she's trying to con her Mother into helping her again, well, this time, it's all on Beverly, cause I am not going to come bailing her out again. But tonight, I'm just in a really bad way.

[dyazdani]

Sorry to hear that, Doug.

Cell phones can get out of hand easily, it's happened to me several times.

[aud19]

That sucks Doug :( Sounds like your little girl needs to grow up and that isn't going to be easy on any of you.....

[Lex]

well, she's headed back for tonight, apparently her bed is not setup over there. who knows when she will be gone, but I've done said, she goes to FLA, it's not on my insurance and I am not paying her cell bill.

[cuda65]

Sorry to hear you are going through rough times, Doug.

[Chris D]

Maybe you could do a little DDR for fitness.

DDR? Don't know that one.

Sorry to hear about the latest Kim troubles, Doug.

[Chris D]

This is really interesting, a national chart of gas prices. Who would have thought that the northern Rocky Mountain states would have the best prices?

http://www.gasbuddy.com/gb_gastemperaturemap.aspx

[RobP]

Ahhh another night of sleep deprivation... :gah:


DDR? Don't know that one.


Its the game in the picture that I posted, you try to keep up with the game by matching its dance steps. Of course the picture was meant to be funny with Jim Carrey dancing on it. (Its not funny if I have to explain it :lol: :W )


Doug, I hope things work out for you, thats a tough situation.

[Chris D]

Ah, I'm familiar with the game, having seen it in movies, but just don't know what DDR stands for. :)

Some great hockey going on! The Colorado Avalanche were big underdogs, but have just taken the 1st two games in Dallas. Great overtime win tonight.
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/nhl.gif http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/nhl_checking.gif http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/nhl_crash.gif http://smilies.sofrayt.com/^/aiw/nhl_fight.gif

[Kevin P]

AFAIK, DDR stands for "double-data-rate", as in DDR memory for PCs. :)

Maybe it means you have to dance twice as fast to get a good workout? :lol:

[dyazdani]

reinforcing the TTP title, eh Kevin?

[RobP]

DDR Means Dance, Dance Revolution. They actually have places down here where people do it in groups for excercise. Its made for kids, but when you see adults do it it is rather funny.

[GregoriusM]

Hang in there, Doug! :T

[Nick M]

Mornin'
-----
Some schools have actually budgeted physical education dollars for playstations along with big tv's and DDR mats. My younger sisters love it (they do it at home and in the arcades). Talk about a brilliant design... merging video games with actual exercise.
-----
Doug - Good luck on the homefront man. Stick to yer' guns!
-----
I bought the first season of the X-Files on DVD. Damn-it, now I have to waste time to watch 'em all... :lol:
-----
Porterhouse steaks on sale fer' $4.79/lb at the store this morning. I guess I'll be the cook at work tonight. :drool:

Feelay Imemanignon is up to $15.99/lb here! Jeese! Must have 93 Octane in it er' sumthin... :B

EDIT: THATS IT! All those Texan cows have gotten into the oil supply! That explains the increase of fuel costs, and increase in beef prices! I'll have to stock up on beef jerky to burn next year... :T

[Kevin P]

Y'know Nick, if they could just capture the emissions from those Texan cows, natural gas prices would plummet! :fart:

Hope things work out for you and your daughter Doug. Is she 21 yet? It might be time to cut her loose, if she is.

That DDR thing looks cool. Exercise in your home theater! Too bad I have 2 left feet, otherwise I would consider one for the exercise.

What does DDR run on? Playstation 2? Xbox? PC? Atari 2600? :lol:

[Chris D]

DDR Means Dance, Dance Revolution. They actually have places down here where people do it in groups for excercise. Its made for kids, but when you see adults do it it is rather funny.

Aha! Hmm... maybe we all could buy one each, then hook up a webcam, then play them on a server, with the video feeds hooked up to our displays in split screen, so we all can compete against each other real time. :rofl: Hey, we're geeks, aren't we?

[Kevin P]

Aha! Hmm... maybe we all could buy one each, then hook up a webcam, then play them on a server, with the video feeds hooked up to our displays in split screen, so we all can compete against each other real time. :rofl: Hey, we're geeks, aren't we?:rofl: is right... at least that's what you would do if you saw me dancing, or at least making an attempt at something roughly resembling dancing. :) I AM a geek, after all... it even says so in my signature! :B

[cuda65]

I know you can use DDR with Playstation and XBox. I don't know about the rest. Both of my kids have done it at school for gym as Nick had mentioned. It looks like a good workout for someone who can dance. White boys like me look real stupid doing it. :oops:

[Kevin P]

http://www.ddrgame.com/

Looks like they have versions for PS, PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, and a standalone version that just plugs into your TV. They have several editions of the game, mostly for PS2. They also have some other games like Ping-Pong.

[Paul Wu]

Wow I didn't know there were so many different versions of DDR! I have it for my PS1 and it is a workout.

Don't worry about not being a dancer, it has nothing to do with dancing. It is about matching the graphics with the foot pads. That's the main challenge. After that it is about memorizing the pattern for each song. After you have all the songs memorized, you can then do all the fancy stuff. I'm still at the matching the graphic and timing the footpad.

I am so bogged down with yearend stuff, it's just crazy! There's going to be some long nights.

On a side note, I got a call last week about that position I that I was interested in, we played a bit of telephone tag and we will be talking again at 11:30am today. I figure this would be some good experience, as the process is going through an executive search firm.

I beleive I am one of the better candidates and am expecting an in person interview as well.

[aud19]

Look at you guys! Bunch of geeks talking about DDR :roll: :lol: :p:

Well my allergies are sure out in full force today... :confused: But the weather sure is nice :sn

I haven't had time to watch as much playoff hockey as I'd like so far. I hear the Montreal/Carolina series is quite exciting hockey as well but so far I've only caught a bit of the Calgary/Anaheim series.

:later:

[Paul Wu]

Flip time?

[Paul Wu]

Going for it.

[Paul Wu]

one more

[Paul Wu]

Flip!

This was so cute from the previous page I thought I'd show it again. I can remember getting so excited when I went to Disneyland! Now I need to plan a trip to DisneyWorld!

http://members.shaw.ca/ttp/disneycountdown.jpg

I might use the same countdown calender. :)

Just one more day!

Fine

Porsche 911 Turbo
with Varibable Turbine Geometry (VTG)

http://www.porsche.com/all/masterwerk/assets/downloads/wallpapers/3_800x600.jpg

[dyazdani]

Using someone else's flip pic? Trev should :frypan:

[aud19]

One more sleep!!!! :banana:

[RobP]

Aha! Hmm... maybe we all could buy one each, then hook up a webcam, then play them on a server, with the video feeds hooked up to our displays in split screen, so we all can compete against each other real time. :rofl: Hey, we're geeks, aren't we?


:rofl:

I think if anyone seen me dancing they may call for medical help fearing that I was going into some sort of convulsive shock. :lol:

[Kevin P]

Me too Robert... unless DDR has easy ones like the hokey pokey :dance: or the macaroni. :dancenana: ;)

[RobP]

Me too Robert... unless DDR has easy ones like the hokey pokey or the macaroni. ;) :dancenana:

:lol: I just pictured that. :lol:

[RobP]

Here is a video to help those of us who are rhythmically challenged. :p:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=h4_etO2Y2sc&search=white%20guys%20dancing

[aud19]

If only we could all afford 911's :P :drool:

[Paul Wu]

Well my call went well. I will probably be in a face to face with the head hunters the week of May 8th, which works well with my schedule. And probably a further interview the following week. So we shall see what happens.

[Kevin P]

Variable Turbine Geometry, bah! I'm waiting for Variable Body Geometry, aka VBG, aka the Morph-Mobile. This car, constructed from Terminator-grade liquid metal, can morph into a variety of shapes and sizes at the push of a button. Commuting to work? Push a button, car morphs into a comfortable yet economical car. Helping a friend move? Push a button, car morphs into a pickup truck. Doing some off-roading? Push a button, car morphs into a Jeep Wrangler. Want to have some fun in the sun? Morph into a 2-seater convertible. Just blew by a cop at 20+ over the speed limit? Morph on the fly to a different size/shape/color car and they'll never find you (remember to slow down!)

I'd be the first on the lot to buy one of those! :)

[aud19]

You could probably buy 20 911's for the price of that car though Kev :lol:

Good luck on the job Paul! :T

[Paul Wu]

Variable Turbine Geometry, bah! I'm waiting for Variable Body Geometry, aka VBG, aka the Morph-Mobile. This car, constructed from Terminator-grade liquid metal, can morph into a variety of shapes and sizes at the push of a button. Commuting to work? Push a button, car morphs into a comfortable yet economical car. Helping a friend move? Push a button, car morphs into a pickup truck. Doing some off-roading? Push a button, car morphs into a Jeep Wrangler. Want to have some fun in the sun? Morph into a 2-seater convertible. Just blew by a cop at 20+ over the speed limit? Morph on the fly to a different size/shape/color car and they'll never find you (remember to slow down!)

I'd be the first on the lot to buy one of those! :)

I almost could have used that morph mobil today. I was in the car pool lane, legaly with my wife and friend. Just dropping them of to the set, and I'm going at a very good clip. I notice a car behind me and I'm the kind of person that wants to stay in front, and not give the person behind any reason to be pissed off that I'm going too slow. So I speed up a bit. Well, in a couple of seconds I hear a siren, I look at the oposite lane, don't see anything, and then I see this SUV with the reds and blues behind me. I go rats, and I pull over to the next lane, fully intending to move myself to the shoulder and pay the price. Luckily the guy just drove past me and kept going. :) So I was a happy camper.

BTW, only 20 mph over the limit is blowing by a cop? Don't people normally go that speed as a daily routine? ;)

[aud19]

I had some idiot in front of me this morning trying to merge in to traffic that's going at least 100kph doing about 80kph. You want to try and kill yourself buddy that's fine with me but when I'm behind you I'd rather not get smoked from behind by someone going almost 1.5X your speed. NOW MOVE YOUR BUTT! :M

[Shane Martin]

Doug,
I know it is tough but it's time for this to happen. I think while it sucks she would move it would be the best thing for her. I think she'd grow up faster than if she was being sheltered at home.

Stay strong because you will be tested. You've broke before so you might break again. It's time.

[Trevor Schell]

Hi Guys! :later:

Just have to pack up some final stuff and then
we are ready to go.
We have to be at the Airport by 4:30am tomorrow morning.

Have a great week everybody!!:T

[Chris D]

Paul: I'll keep you in my prayers about the new position. I'm also at that time where I'm looking for a new position, and hoping for the best, so I know what you're going through.

Jason: I hear you with the allergies. I get spring allergies, and sometimes they're okay, sometimes they're horrible. I used to take a nasal steroid at the beginning of the allergy season to fight them, but I've been doing pretty good for the last few years, so I've just been gutting it out.

As far as hockey goes, you're right! Some very exciting play. I'd definitely like to see Calgary win this round. it looked like Detroit was back to the invincible juggernaut days, and I thought they'd sweep at least the first two rounds. But their series is 1-1 right now, so who knows?

Trev: Alright! :T You guys have the best of time, and let us know details when you come back! I'm sure you'll have pictures to share, too.

Doug: Keep your chin up!

Robert: OMG, that video was just WAYYYYY, WAYYYYY too funny. Thanks for sharing!

[RobP]

Trevor, have a safe trip, and most of all have lots of fun!

[Chris D]

Was just lookin' at Magnepans tonight. Someday... someday...

http://www.magnepan.com/img/models/MG36_01.jpg

[Kevin P]

Mornin' folks...

Paul, good luck with the new position. That was a close one with the cop. Time to get a V1. I've lost count of how many times mine has saved my rear. It's funny, I have a 4 mile city commute and I see more traps on average than a friend of mine who has a 15-odd mile highway commute to another town. Although my V1 was quiet this morning, my route to work is one of the PD's favorite places to play laser tag.

Trev: have a fun trip!

Chris: Ooh, Maggiepans! :) Maybe you should check out MLs too. :B

[dyazdani]

I had some cheap maggies for a while, they were pretty nice.

[dyazdani]

I had some cheap maggies for a while, they were pretty nice.

Actually, I still have some maggies for my rear channels...

[RobP]

:coffee: Good Morning Guys.

I have always wanted a pair of Maggies or ML's. I dont know what it is about them, maybe just because they are "out of the box" when it comes to speaker design. Ahhh... Too many speakers, not enough room........ :lol:

[Shane Martin]

Oddly I haven't had the need for a radar detector. I guess that's what I get for doing the speed limit ;)

Trevor,
Enjoy Disneyworld!

Jason,
Sorry about your coach getting canned. I would mention the hockey team I follow but they will draft first next year. I'm no fan of them but I do follow their progress or lackthereof this year

[Chris D]

Did anybody stay up and watch the end of the Detroit/Edmonton game? What a thriller in 2 OT! How cool would it be if the Oilers won this series? I think they're a better team than they've ended up in the past few years.

[Chris D]

Here's a funny waste of 30 seconds:

http://ualuealuealeuale.ytmnd.com/

Vincent posted this elsewhere this morning.

[cuda65]

Chris: Holy crazyness Batman

[Kevin P]

Oddly I haven't had the need for a radar detector. I guess that's what I get for doing the speed limit ;)If you "do the speed limit" on the highway around here, people honk at you and pass you like you're standing still. ;)

But then our highway speed limits max out at 65 around here, isn't it like 70 or 75 down where you are? A lot more reasonable IMHO.

And BTW, even if you don't speed often, a RD can still be useful. What's ironic is, the only two times I was ever pulled over for speeding, I wasn't actually speeding. In the first instance, the cop clocked a speeding car and then mistakenly pulled me over (I had pulled out from a side street behind the speeding car, and I hadn't even reached the speed limit yet when the cop pulled up behind me). My RD kept both of us honest in that instance. The second time, I wasn't using a detector but I also know I wasn't going as fast as the cop was claiming. Fortunately he didn't give me a ticket. After that I've religiously used a detector, and haven't had as much as a dirty look from a cop since.

[Shane Martin]

But then our highway speed limits max out at 65 around here, isn't it like 70 or 75 down where you are? A lot more reasonable IMHO.
65 on the freeway in town. 70 on the 2 lane highways out of town and the interstate(namely i-40). 75 on the toll roads. You got to pay to go fast.

65 is plenty fast in town on the freeway.

[Kevin P]

Must be nice. 65 is the max around here, even in the sticks, toll or no toll. And in/around town, 55, even though some of the highways are 4 or 5 lanes wide EACH direction. As Sammy Hagar once said, "I can't get my car out of 2nd gear!" ;)

Of course, when you get on the highway, you find 2 types of people: those who do the speed limit (or lower), and those who are doing 15 over. Makes using the cruise control (at any speed) nearly impossible. Of course, the worst is when one of the below-speed-limit pokeys decides to hog the passing lane.

I have to wonder if more people are sticking to the speed limit now that gas is pushing $3/gallon. States, cities and towns that rely on speeding ticket revenue might find themselves falling short this year.

Oh yeah, there's another reason to have a radar detector: because it's a cool electronic toy that beeps with lights and buttons and we're geeks! :B

[Lex]

you will find that your dirty looks increase going from a Saturn to an Audi A4. Your just more under the spotlight.

thanks for all your empathy, comments and so on for me guys. Kimberly is back home, for how long I don't know. But I am not caving on what I said.

[Kevin P]

Well, there's one of the reasons I opted for a dark colored A4, rather than a bright red coupe. :) Of course at 3+/gallon I can't afford to speed anymore. :(

Stand your ground Doug. If you cave, she'll take full advantage of it, this time and next time too. Best of luck to you and her. Is she 21 yet?

[Lex]

not quite 21, but I won't kick her out of my house even if she is 21, I couldn't be that cruel. But I don't have to pay stuff if she voluntarily leaves either. That, I can make perfectly clear.

She does have to work, or be in school while at home, but she can live there a while longer doing either then someday, naturally, she'll move on her on.

[dyazdani]

Maybe

[dyazdani]

my computer

[dyazdani]

will let me

[dyazdani]

Flip it?

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/images/module/gallery/237.jpg

[aud19]

Danish, where'd you find that picture of my living room and who are those people in it?!?! 8O

:B

Have a fun and safe trip Trev and family :later:

Well you' guys are lucky the fastest our highways get around town is 100kph (60mph) and even then a lot of them are 60kph, 70kph, 80kph and 90kph in the busier areas :confused: :evil: To even get up to 110kph I think we need to get on the Coquihalla Highway WAY, WAY out of town :roll: Maybe Paul knows of somewhere closer around here....?

Stick to your guns Doug!!! :T

I only made it a bit through the first OT lastnight Chris, after having EXTREMELY dry, itchy eyes and staring at a monitor for 9+ hours yesterday, me and my eyes were just too tired to stay up any longer.

[dyazdani]

Danish, where'd you find that picture of my living room and who are those people in it?!?! 8O


I want to know how they got the Summits in a wireless version...

[aud19]

Didn't you hear about Doug's new line of "Invisible Cat's"....?

:rofl:

[Paul Wu]

Well you' guys are lucky the fastest our highways get around town is 100kph (60mph) and even then a lot of them are 60kph, 70kph, 80kph and 90kph in the busier areas :confused: :evil: To even get up to 110kph I think we need to get on the Coquihalla Highway WAY, WAY out of town :roll: Maybe Paul knows of somewhere closer around here....?



The only other place with a 110 kph posted limit is the Island Highway, that's a nice highway. Though I did shawdow some car doing much faster than 110kph, think american units. But you would need to take a ferry over to Vancouver Island just to drive it.

Everything around here is as Jason said, I just came back on the Number 1, with a posted limit of 90kph, hardly anyone goes that speed. Most are doing 100 as a minimum, the average is now closer to 110 kph. That is assuming no accidents and off peak hours. When its rush hour, like any major city, forget the speed limit, and watch the car in front. Speed up, then hit the brakes.

Didn't you hear about Doug's new line of "Invisible Cat's"....?


Yeah, don't you see the cables? It's clear as day! Why do you think he has such a smile on his face? It's not the speakers, that thing can't do anything without cables.

[taz13]

Here is a good one

A man appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates.

"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked.

"Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered. "Once, on a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon a gang of high-testosterone bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen".

"So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground." I yelled, "Now, back off!! Or you'll answer to me!"

St. Peter was impressed: "When did this happen?"

"Just a couple minutes ago"

[dyazdani]

:roflmao:

[Paul Wu]

Here's one I just got in the email thing.



The husband leans over and asks his wife, "Do you remember the first time

we had sex together over fifty years a go? We went behind this very tavern

where you leaned against the back fence and I made love to you."

"Yes, she says, "I remember it well"

"Ok," he says, "How about taking a stroll around there again and we can do

it for old time's sake?"

"Oh Charlie, you old devil, that sounds like a crazy, but very good idea!"

There's a police officer sitting in the next booth listening to all this,

and having a chuckle to himself. He thinks, "I've got to see these two

old-timers having sex against a fence. I'll just keep an eye on them so

there's no trouble." So he follows them.

They walk haltingly along, leaning on each other for support, aided by

walking sticks. Finally they get to the back of the tavern and make their

way to the fence.

The old lady lifts her skirt and the old man drops his trousers. As she

leans against the fence, the old man moves in.

Suddenly they erupt into the most furious sex that the watching policeman

has ever seen. This goes on for about ten minutes. Finally, they both

collapse panting on the ground. The policeman is amazed. He thinks he has

learned something about life that he didn't know.

After about half an hour of lying on the ground recovering, the old couple

struggle to their feet and put their clothes back on.

The Policeman, still watching thinks, this was truly amazing. I've got to

ask them what their secret is.

As the couple passes, he says to them, "Excuse me, but that was something

else. You must've had a fantastic sex life together. Is there some sort of

secret to this?"

The old man says, "Fifty years ago that wasn't an electric fence."

[aud19]

Aaaah yes the island highway ;) A 2 hour ferry ride plus the time to get to, wait in lines etc isn't what I'd call real close though :lol:... We'll just have to drive to Montana :twisted:

PS...this is quickly turning in to another week I can't wait to be over! :confused:

[ht_addict]

Just got me a new little toy to mess around with.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/images/prod_assets/top_product_heads/1192_header.jpg

Now I have to learn its features so I can take some pictures like this :E ;x(

http://sportsbybrooks.com/MPthumb1834.jpg

And for you Denise fans :boobies:

http://sportsbybrooks.com/MPthumb1329.jpg

[Lex]

nice looking camera, what lens did you get?

I have a Nikon D200 myself, and more glass than you would think I'd need.

Doug

[ht_addict]

nice looking camera, what lens did you get?

I have a Nikon D200 myself, and more glass than you would think I'd need.

Doug

Actually the kit comes with a:

Zuiko Digital 14-45mm(F3.5/5.6)

http://www.olympusamerica.com/e1/e1_img/accessories/1140_14_45mm.jpg

and Zuiko Digital 40-150mm(f3.5-4.5) lens

http://www.olympusamerica.com/e1/e1_img/accessories/1140_40_150mm.jpg

[Chris D]

uh... yeah... nice looking... "camera". Right. :)

OMG, Paul, that was the funniest joke I've heard in quite some time. I'll remember that one for sure.

[Nick M]

Mornin' http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/morning.gif

Nice looking Camera!
I can't believe how much prices have come down on cameras. You can get new 5mp cameras with 4x optical zoom for $200. That's unbelieveable.

I also saw an 8mp cameras with 12x optical zoom for $600. It even features a gyroscopically controlled lens that shifts to counteract jittery hands.

Granted these aren't SLR's, but those are pretty powerful cameras with fairly advanced technology for a few Benjamins!

Four years ago I paid $1000 for my 5mp 5x Optical Zoom Sony F-707. I have about $1000 worth of extra batteries, memory sticks, filters, and accessories too. It's amazing how fast electronics improve (and depreciate!).

[cuda65]

Morning everyone.

Nice camera.

[Nick M]

Off to ZZZzzz... :Z

[aud19]

Nice looking Olympus HT Addict! :T I had one of their models on my short list when I was looking a couple years ago. They went to a propietary battery back though, so I went with a Fuji instead :lol:

Slow like molasses... in the arctic... on a perfectly flat, level surface in here today 8O

[Lex]

actually, my first digital camera was an Olympus, and it took nice photos for a 640 X 480 pixel camera. It had great optics, even then.

Doug

[dyazdani]

actually, my first digital camera was an Olympus, and it took nice photos for a 640 X 480 pixel camera. It had great optics, even then.

Doug

Mine too...

[aud19]

That molasses isn't moving much faster guys...... :lol:

[dyazdani]

It's not as warm where you are located...

[Stoney]

Have you guys seen this? Supposedly it is all real, no CGI.
www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/honda.php

[Stoney]

Can't vouch for the truth of this, I received it as an unsolicited
forwarded e-mail.

> And you thought those people that set up roomfuls of dominos to knock
>over were amazing...
>
>There are no computer graphics or digital tricks in the film. Everything
>you see really happened in real time exactly as you see it.
>
>The film took 606 takes. On the first 605 takes, something, usually very
>minor, didn't work. They would then have to set the whole thing up
>again. The crew spent weeks shooting night and day. By the time it was
>over, they were ready to change professions.
>
>The film cost six million dollars and took three months to complete
>including full engineering of the sequence. In addition, it's two
>minutes long so every time Honda airs the film on British television,
>they're shelling out enough dough to keep any one of us in clover for a
>lifetime.
>
>However, it is fast becoming the most downloaded advertisement in
>Internet history.
>
>Honda executives figure the ad will soon pay for itself simply in "free
>viewings" (Honda isn't paying a dime to have you watch this
>commercial!).
>
>When the ad was pitched to senior executives, they signed off on it
>immediately without any hesitation - including the costs.
>
>There are six and only six hand-made Honda Accords in the world. To the
>horror of Honda engineers, the filmmakers disassembled two of them to
>make the film. Everything you see in the film (aside from the walls,
>floor, ramp, and complete Honda Accord) is parts from those two cars.
>The voiceover is Garrison Keillor. When the ad was shown to Honda
>executives, they liked it and commented on how amazing computer graphics
>have gotten. They fell off their chairs when they found out it was for
>real. Oh. and about those funky windshield wipers. On the new Accords,
>the windshield wipers have water sensors and are designed to start doing
>their thing automatically as soon as they become wet. It looks a bit
>weird in the commercial.

[aud19]

That's an oldie but still a goody Stoney :T :D

[Stoney]

I'm not surprised that I'm behind the times. I saw it for the first time today.

[aud19]

It's new to you then ;) ...You should work for NBC :D :rofl:

[Snap]

Hi fellas! :later: got a few minutes this morning to say hi!

Chris: been out to the sand box lately?

Doug: Sorry to hear about the home front issues.

I sure hope that all is going well with every one.

[cuda65]

Morning all and Happy Friday! :T

[Shane Martin]

Took some HT pics last night but they came out awful. I really need a new camera. My wife has a newer compact Sony 4mp camera but I hate it.

Then again the pictures are likely my fault. I suck at taking pictures. One of these days I'll earn the nuances of my camera which is a Minolta 3.4 mp camera.

[aud19]

Wow! Three posts since I was on last night! You guys are on fire!!! 8O :roll:

Where the H-E-double-hockey-sticks is everyone?!?! :lol:

Hey Snap :later:

Happy Friday Cuda :T

Shane, so far I've found you just have to use the darn thing a lot. Practice and experiment a LOT and you'll improve. I've gotten a lot better myself than when I first got our camera but even still I'd love to take a photography course at some point (time/money permitting :roll: ). Picking up a book or two at your library (or reading on the net) hasn't hurt either ;)

[Lex]

Shane, quality indoor pictures are very difficult to take. First, the aperture settings aren't generally low enough to allow enough light without a flash, unless you can put on a tri-pod and increase exposure time to let more light in to the shutter. Alternately, flashing everything means you get nothing as far as imagery is concerned, and you get nasty flash reflections off stainless and glass. To get good HT pics really requires an SLR camera with the right lens for the job. Proper lighting alone requires a high level degree, lol.

So, it's not so much the photographer, as it is the equipment. So, don't beat yourself up to bad. :)

[aud19]

To add to what Doug said (which is all pretty dang true) without all that equipment/lighting knowledge etc don't expect your pics to look like they're out of a sleek interior design magazine (ie: Danish's flip pic) ...and don't worry, we're not expecting that either ;)

[dyazdani]

Hey wait

[dyazdani]

Maybe

[dyazdani]

Another

[dyazdani]

Flip!

New toy maybe??

http://www.projectorpeople.com/SLIS/pimages/XLarge/20229.jpg

[aud19]

You get'n a new PJ Danish? :P

[Shane Martin]

Camera guys,
Any books/sites with tricks you can recommend?

Or shall I start up a thread in the photography forum?

[Lex]

Well, yes, there are lots of sites and books, but you'll be encouraged to get a DSLR type camera, not to shoot with your little point and shoot. Entry for these is 600 and up, you can get a decent Nikon outfit for under 1000. But then lenses that shoot the very best in low light conditions can also cost over a grand, starting out. So, it's a slippery slope. Me, I needed a hobby outside of A/V, and something for my years coming up where I can't golf all the time (like now) due to either to much sun, or physical reasons. (aching knees, etc...)

So, for me, photography is my new hobby, so I am not afraid to put some coin into it. Like many things, I went to the extreme starting out. I just got sucked into it, and wow, it's a money pit for sure. I spent 212 this week, on a used carbon fiber monopod, and an another Lowepro bag. There are more things on my list, macro flash assembly, Canon D500 close up lens for my 70-200mm VR lens, and the list goes on.

There's already a thread on DSLRs, but if you just have questions, Andrew may be able to help, so try the forum. From there, it depends whether you go Nikon or Canon, or even Olympus. Truly, Nikon and Canon are the two big hitters now.

[dyazdani]

I might get a PJ. Someone is supposed to buy my bike, so I'll spend some of the money on HT upgrades.

(I need some additional CATs as well) :T

[aud19]

Or shall I start up a thread in the photography forum?

I'd say yes. I'm sure Andrew and others can point you in the right direction for general photography tips/resources that will be helpful with even your current gear.

...unless you also want to spend a bunch on upgrades :twisted: :W :B

[Lex]

yes, but there are inherent limitations with micro systems. Well, the 5700 or higher Nikon offers some flexibility and is not a true DSLR, and yeah, sure, some people can squeeze performance out of small rigs with practice. It truly just depends what you want. If you have no desire to learn photography, you may just wish to hire someone to shoot your images, a budget pro.

[Lex]

I was not happy today. My Team lead, sent out a new list of on call phone numbers for this system for the next 2 weeks, first, a system I know nothing about and have not been trained on. why should I be called on it? not until I am trained.

Next, she issued my cell number on the list from an email for an in house directory last May. Well, there is a big difference between an in house directory and being on call. When on call, IMO, the employer should furnish all communication tools necessary, cell, beeper, whatever and if I am to log in from home, they should pay ISP fees too or provide a laptop with dialup and account. we did get a small bonus in December for the project we worked OT on for the last 2 years. But it was a token reward really. Appreciated, sure, but not a continuous income thing.

I've watched as people around me were given opportunites, as people possibly with green cards only come in, work 2 years, and then get the promotion that I've been wanting for 12 years. Why should I give away the farm and make myself available X 24? If you can't reach me at home or at the office, then I don't want to be reached, that's my take, unless you want to pay me for my call time, and provide the tools necessary to do the job.

I went to my team lead and challenged her giving my cell number out. I told her that was my personal cell, not business and she had no call to give that to clients. I'm at home enough if you need me, you can call me there. She sent a new corrected list out, which of course is like trying to close the barn door after the animals are out, lot of good.

I just basically won't be carrying it with me when I want to relax, not having that hanging over me every day. Not gonna do it, and never get what I want. I'm soon to be the senior person on our team. Treat me like it, then I will absorb the responsibility, but not until then.

I'm not buying that argument you do the work first, then get the opportunity. i've been there and done whatever was thrown at me, and got nothing in the past.

yeah, I got a job, for that I am thankful. but if you want me to be a pro 24 hours a day, treat me like one, don't avoid every time it's time to reward 18 year veterans.

I know it looked bad to the director, that doug didn't want to share his cell number with clients, but I really don't care. They don't pay for it directly, it's not for their use. I don't need work running up my cell bill where I have limited minutes on my nickel! Not with gas 3 bucks a gallon and a daughter that runs it up already.

[aud19]

Shitty deal Doug. Just try and do your job the best you can and let everything else (the bull$h1t) fall in to the periphery. I've been trying to do that more and more myself. It's not worth worrying over all the garbage :)

As for the photo's, sure there's limits to your average point and shooter, but there's general photography tips that work for everybody. Like getting horizons in "thirds" (top or bottom), tips for utilizing natural lighting, fill flash etc. Some people may not want to spend mega bucks on gear and still want decent point and shoot pics..... though I doubt anybody here will fit that particular mold :B

[Paul Wu]

Lex: Man that's a crappy deal. I just wonder about all those bonehead moves. Good that you stood up and said what's what. A long time ago I had a pager, but that was supplied from work. It ended up being more used personally, but the one time I did get a call, it was for a system that was not in my area. I was able to help them and eventually directed them to the right dept.

A nice sunny day here today. I just pickedup another 2G SD card for $66! Man these memory prices are dropping fast. I bought 2 1G SD cards earlier this month for $40 each. I have pretty much settled on SD cards as the standard portable memory chip for our gadgets. So far so good. We don't own anything that takes anything else. We have an older camera that takes CF, but we don't use it anymore.

We have auditors coming in next week, so if you thought I was scarce already, don't exepect to see me around at all. Well, that's what I say, but we shall see. So much still to do and I'm drowning in paper.

[Shane Martin]

IIRC Bing has a simple point and shoot Canon. If he can take good pics, I can learn.

I'll start up another thread.

[RobP]

Doug, that is a real crappy situation there, Good to see you stand your ground, if you let someone walk on you once, they will run over you every chance they get.

[RobP]

Hey, I wonder if Trevor is wearing a Mickey Mouse hat yet? :lol:

[Chris D]

Don't you love business bureaucracy? :(

Flying a checkride tonight - a local trainer with NVG operations. Our checkrides are pretty robust, with transition work, (takeoff and landings, from both visual and instrument patterns) air refueling, and a low level. Have the "ground evaluation", too, where you talk about various general knowledge subjects.

Unfortunately, I still can't show you guys a finished product picture of my kitchen and bathroom granite countertops!!! :M The agreement we had with the granite company was that, for the kitchen backsplash, they'd cut tiles of the same granite counters into 12" long, 4" high strips, and that I'd install them myself. Well, they have delayed bringing the backsplash tiles now 5 times, so I still don't have them, almost 2 weeks later. Everything else is finished, but I can't put everything back on my counters until it's fully done. Time for me to call and raise some more hell.

[aud19]

Hey, I wonder if Trevor is wearing a Mickey Mouse hat yet? :lol:

Knowing Trevor, he probably bought the whole costume :rofl:

[RobP]

Knowing Trevor, he probably bought the whole costume :rofl:

:rofl:

[aud19]

G'night all and have a good weekend! :D

Click the thumbnail to enlarge :yesnod:
http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpnCLvPC_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58233)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpyOTmcj_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58234)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpdg64Ha_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58235)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpwCpo3i_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58236)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpXy0oMI_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58237)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpaJjxxL_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58238)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpiO3TyM_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58239)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/php2Edn2V_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58240)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/php0adUSd_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58241)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpQxlhyF_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58242)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpGHZKyd_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58243)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpyi8WeS_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58244)http://www.imagegravy.com/myImages/2122/phpANBX2D_thumb.jpg (http://www.imagegravy.com/gallery/imageDetails.php?image=58245)

[dyazdani]

My dad is getting is getting one of these - 50" plasma, pretty nice...

http://www2.panasonic.com/static//LargerPhoto/TH-50PX60U_L_Angle.jpg

[Lex]

Bing shoots a Nikon 5700 now...

Doug

[Lex]

thanks guys for seeing my situation. Well, I used to work on payroll, and we were provided a beeper/cell for call ins, it was a on call kit so to speak, while they didn't pay my dial up then either, we had access to 1 account for a while. But it's bull to expect me to provide my personal stuff for the University. Heck, it's large enough they can afford to provide us with what we need to do our job, if not, they have a problem. frankly, I'll say this on the weekend and then delete it, if our director wasn't such a tight a$$ with his budget, it would be no problem, we'd all have ISP accounts/ a cell per team, etc...

[dyazdani]

Doug, you're not alone. Things are that way all over, budgets are tight, pressure is on to save money YOY. You can only cut so far, but we try to push further.

Our maintenance budget at work used to be around $90-100 million a few years back. We are now running around $60 million and struggle to maintain what we have. Things are getting better but it takes a long time to recover.

You just have to do your best and do what you know to be right - let the rest fall where it may. I wouldn't like my personal cell to be broadcast either though FWIW.

[Lex]

well, it's not only my personal cell but my business phone, that's not exactly just my phone. I know they don't care about my business, but I do, and I have to reserve my minutes for it. Frankly, around a University, they always have money for what they want to have it for, it's just never the people that have been there forever, like me. My director truly hates my guts, so it's never going to be easy for me, and he's not going anywhere either likely. Would I if I was making a 100G a year? Doubtful.

He's never liked me, but he really can't touch me as long as I do my work. But then that don't mean I have to open my entire personal life to them either. If he wants to pay me for it, then fine, otherwise not gonna happen.

I have a fairly pesimistic view of things at this stage. Frankly, after I get 20 years in, I am lible to do most anything. I may find something else to do, if the market allows it. I always thought maybe my business would take off, but honestly, it seems to be moving backwards, or not at all of late, so that dream may be fizzling some. I don't intend to go anywhere as yet, but at the same time, I have to be realistic on my expected growth levels.

[dyazdani]

I haven't had time to mess with my business much, work is taking up all my time. I'm looking at other options, maybe something will materialize in a month or two.

[Lex]

in case you ever wondered about some spam-

http://www.spamdailynews.com

interesting articles, and hey some of these spammers do go to jail!

[Chris D]

Just passed my checkride. Yay. :) It's 3:30 AM, but I don't really feel like going to bed yet. I just got King Kong from Netflix. Maybe I'll get started on that bad boy.

[Nick M]

Mornin'! http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/morning.gif

IT'S THE WEEKEND! ;b>
-----
Doug - Man, between work and home issues you just can't seem to get away! I say take a trip to some island in the South Pacific for a couple weeks. Drink tourist drinks all days (the ones with the fruit, rum, & umbrellas), lay on the beach, and hire some native women to fan you and feed you grapes and... :yesnod:
-----
Jason - I can see Trevor getting arrested right now for arguing with the Air Marshall about why he can't bring the 94" tall Tigger on board the plane even though he bought it a ticket!
-----
Chris - Congrats on your checkride! Is that something you do to maintain your type rating in the C17?
-----
Danish - Those 50" Panny's are awesome. I was looking at the commerical version without speakers when shopping for my display. I almost bought one, but went with a front projector instead. Of course you could just pull a Kevin and get the Panny and the projector... :lol:

I too considered the Panasonic PJ, but went with the Sanyo PLV-Z3.
-----
Picked up season 2 of the X-Files to go along with Season 1. I can't believe they have nine seasons out on DVD - at almost $40 a pop! X-Files and MacGyver are about the only two shows I've ever enjoyed enough to purchase on DVD. Really they're more of an expensive ticket for a bit o' nostalgia, as after watching them once i'll probably not not watch them again. They'll be passed on to my future heirs. :T

I'm just going to lounge about today and be a bum. I'll be working 68hrs/wk for at least the next two weeks. My boss is getting a hip replacement done, and I'm picking up some of the slack until he gets back. He says 2wks, but I think that's very optimistic. More dough for the Audi/Jeep fund! :-y

[Trevor Schell]

Hi Guys! :later:

Posting from Orlando Florida.
We are having the time of our lives right now. :yesnod:
This place is amazing! :T

Iwill try to upload some pictures if I can.
I have already taken over 700 shots.:E

Our room wasn't ready when we got here, so they upgraded us
to a room costing $132 more per night than what we paid.
We are facing the beach and have a view of the Disney Castle
Magic Kingdom from our room. We can see the fireworks each night from our
room.
The pool here is open to midnight.:T

[Trevor Schell]

It doesn't look like I can access my e-mail or webspace from hee, so I can't upload
any pictures right now.

One thing though,,I am using my Canon 20D Digital SLR
for picture taking..
I notice some spots, about 4 that are on every picture in the same spot.
I cleaned my lense both sides , but the spots are still there.
It's got to be something inside the camera..Any idea how to
clean,,Thoughts?

[Lex]

it may be on the mirror Trevor. possibly examine inside camera to see if you see anything on the mirror, you might take to a photo shop if there is one, or just go to Best Buy and get a new camera, you know you want to, Nikon D200 baby! :)

have fun.

[dyazdani]

Danish - Those 50" Panny's are awesome. I was looking at the commerical version without speakers when shopping for my display. I almost bought one, but went with a front projector instead. Of course you could just pull a Kevin and get the Panny and the projector... :lol:

I too considered the Panasonic PJ, but went with the Sanyo PLV-Z3.


He was considering the Pioneer 50" as well, but it is $1500 more and the Panny got better reviews I think. The Pioneer does look better though.

I am tossing up the Z4 and the Panny PJ - have to sell my bike first!

[aud19]

He was considering the Pioneer 50" as well, but it is $1500 more and the Panny got better reviews I think. The Pioneer does look better though.

I am tossing up the Z4 and the Panny PJ - have to sell my bike first!

Generally tha Panny's get better reviews for their PQ/value. The Pioneers are superior displays as you said.... but are they $1500'ish superior.....? ;)

Sounds like you guys are having a great time Trev :T :later:

Congrats Chris! :D

:later: everybody

[aud19]

Oh, and not one comment on the blonde!?!?!?! :E 8O Where's Greg when you need him?! :B

Setting someone up........... ;)

[aud19]

Hellloooo....

Well I'm going to go look at some new shoes today... considering these bad boys here:

http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/60311EW_RDBR.jpg
http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/50314EW_BKCC.jpg
http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/4296EW_BWXV.jpg

[Lex]

yuck on the last pair, thumbs up on the first pair color and all.

[dyazdani]

Jason, I have the pair in the middle - they are very nice and not too $$$. I wanted the brown and the black but they were out of my size in the brown :(

[Lex]

I don't know, I guess I like the first 2 pairs about equal. Who makes these?

look, I backed into a flip.

my last ones were a cross between these I guess, not sure why the company doesn't have my pair on their web site, but they were supposed to be new this year:

they look a little like both pairs I guess, but not quite as rugged as the top ones, but maybe not as smooth as bottom (those are hunting shoes), but have a sole more like the bottom ones, but different. I actually have 2 pair the same, so I rotate, I wear one one day, the other the next. It is best to let your shoes dry out a day between wears. The shoes will last longer, as if you wear a pair every day, the threads never dry out, and thus rot sooner, probably stink sooner too, lol.




http://www.mephisto.com/Mephisto/Images/produits/chaussure2/grandes/BARRACUDA%20751-351.gif

http://www.mephisto.com/Mephisto/Images/produits/chaussure2/grandes/PANEZIO_1751.gif
Graphic content: Actual ones
http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6231&stc=1
http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6232

[dyazdani]

look, I backed into a flip.

Yeah, I almost backed into a foul!

[dyazdani]

My parents are now looking at a 55" Hitachi plasma. They didn't like the picture as much on the Panny...

My roof is leaking around a skylight :evil: guess I'll get some roofing goop next time I'm at WalMart.

[Lex]

skylights can be a real pain they say. Never had one myself. Goodluck with it.

[Chris D]

Doug, that's funny... I thought I was in for a weekend hottie treat when I moused over your pictures to find... OLD SHOES! :)

Jason, those were some... "stimulating" pictures! Are those all the same girl? They looked different to me.

Hi Guys! :later:

Posting from Orlando Florida.
We are having the time of our lives right now. :yesnod:
This place is amazing! :T
Trev, that is so great that you guys are having fun. You guys have the times of your life out there! Really have some good family time!

I can see Trevor getting arrested right now for arguing with the Air Marshall about why he can't bring the 94" tall Tigger on board the plane even though he bought it a ticket!
Heheeee... and I can see Trev buying his stuffed Tigger a separate ticket, too. First class, of course. :)

Chris - Congrats on your checkride! Is that something you do to maintain your type rating in the C17?


Yes... I'm not sure what part of it is for the FAA and what is for the Air Force. In general, all AF regs and procedures are sub-sets of the FAA. (which is in turn a subset of ICAO, in general) So every Air Force pilot has an annual checkride. I do know that in order to maintain an instrument rating, you have to have a checkride, but we require more items than just instrument procedures. You have a time window in which you have to complete your checkride, and I think it's like 12-16 months since your last check. So in general, I drag my feet and usually get mine at the end of my window so that I don't have them as often. The only downside of doing it that way, though, is that anytime that you are "in phase" for a checkride you can get a no-notice, which sucks, because you haven't prepared or studied at all. You have to make sure your flight pubs are all up to date, too, which in the C-17 specifically is really tough because for some reason our aircraft gurus change our pubs all the freakin' time. Every 2 weeks or so we get some reg that has been republished, or a procedure change. It also makes it tough to stay proficient in flying when they change all the time.

When I was in the C-21 (learjet) my last assignment, we just had one annual checkride in which we did everything. In the C-17, they split it up into two. The biggest reason is that we can't practice things in the C-17 that we could in the C-21, like aircraft emergencies, including engine failures. In the C-21, we'd simulate an engine failure and leave one at idle. In the C-17, we have to practice all emergencies in the simulator. Because our sims are so realistic, it actually becomes better training than pretending in the airplane, because we can make an engine "actually" explode in the sim, or drop the weather to minimums, or have flight controls fail, or whatever. That's the only place we can really practice stuff like Cat II ILS approaches, too. (you know what those are, right?) So the C-17 sim is cool because it is so incredibly lifelike. But the bummer is that you have two checkrides every year, not just one. For me, I've got my checkrides spaced out pretty good now, so I only have to worry about one once every 9 months or so.

The simulator check is focused on aircraft systems, instrument procedures, and emergency procedures. (it's so lifelike that sometimes at the end of an emergency you'll be shaking from the tension and adrenaline) The flight check, that I had last night, is focused on mission employment. So we simulate, as best we can in po-dunk rural Washington state, that we're flying into a combat environment. The situation would be that we're taking off heavy weight with a lot of combat cargo, so we can't take as much fuel, and we have to hit a tanker to air refuel after takeoff. Then we drop down and do a tactical descent into a low-level route, simulating that we're flying through a combat environment in which we're trying to stay low to the ground to hide from the bad guys. (300 feet above the ground and at 300 knots--about 300 mph) Then at the end of the low-level, we do a tactical arrival of some sort that minimizes our exposure to a bad guy threat to do an "assault landing". This is a specialty of the C-17, in that we can land an extremely large and heavy airplane on smaller runways than many SMALL airplanes. (in comparison, in the tiny C-21 learjet, I had to have at least 6,000 feet of runway) We do our training at Moses Lake in eastern Washington, where we land on a runway that's only 90 feet wide and 3500 feet long. It is INTENSE. Oh yes, and last night, we did all of that on Night Vision Goggles! (except the air refueling, which we just do in the dark) :)

Ah, I've gotten rambling about flying again. :T

[ht_addict]

It doesn't look like I can access my e-mail or webspace from hee, so I can't upload
any pictures right now.

One thing though,,I am using my Canon 20D Digital SLR
for picture taking..
I notice some spots, about 4 that are on every picture in the same spot.
I cleaned my lense both sides , but the spots are still there.
It's got to be something inside the camera..Any idea how to
clean,,Thoughts?


Could be dust on the CCD especially if your changing lenses. My new Olympus E500 has a dust protection mechanism inside to prevent just this. If it is dust on the CCD you'll have to take it in for a service. Are they dark spots?

[Lex]

lol Chris, gotcha. That was my intent, lol. The shoes aren't that old, but they are comfy. :)

Well, I was sitting at my desk, probably had just moved a little bit, shifting around and such and ca-wam! next thing I knew I was laying in the floor. My office leather chair broke off at the pedestal base, and dougie go boom, rode that sucker down in a blaze of glory though, I was sitting side ways still in the chair after she hit bottom. IT did hurt a little bit, but worst of all, my good old chair is gone. I liked that chair. :(

you can clean CCDs yourself if you know what your doing with Nikons, or pay like 35 bucks at a nikon dealer.

[RobP]

My parents are now looking at a 55" Hitachi plasma. They didn't like the picture as much on the Panny...

My roof is leaking around a skylight :evil: guess I'll get some roofing goop next time I'm at WalMart.


Go to your Hardware store and look for some stuff called Weather Watch, this stuff is awsome for sealing skylights , windows etc.. When I did my kitchen addition I installed 2 skylights and used that stuff around the flanges, they havent leaked yet.

[dyazdani]

Well, my parents ended up with a 50" Samsung plasma today. I'll have to head up there and check it out one weekend.

[Chris D]

Had a family day today, took Abby bowling for the first time. They have a little metal ramp that you can push up to the lane and set the ball in, and then the kid pushes it down the ramp to shoot at the pins. She seemed to have fun. Stopped at a Thai food restaraunt on the way home. Good food.

[Trevor Schell]

Could be dust on the CCD especially if your changing lenses. My new Olympus E500 has a dust protection mechanism inside to prevent just this. If it is dust on the CCD you'll have to take it in for a service. Are they dark spots?

Yes , the spots are dark, so it must be on the CCD.
I think I will just get a new camera in the near future.
I am not having much luck with this SLR stuff.


HaHa! Guys on the Tigger riding on the plane. :)

[Trevor Schell]

Our resort , the Polynesian Resort is an awesome place to stay in itself.
We could actually spend the week right here and not bother
going to all the theme parks.
We feel like we are in Hawaii while staying here. It is that good.
Tonight , we went to a Luaha (Sp?)
It was pretty awesome. The food was incredible..Chicken and Ribs, all you can
eat. The entertainment was top notch. :T

This afternoon we went to the Animal Kingdom Park..
Seen lots of Wildlife. Took lots of pictures. We have to return to finish it as
we ran out of time before we could get through all the attractions.

Tomorrow the Magic Kingdom is open till 1 AM for those as the resort only,
so that is where we will be.

Monday , we plan to take in Epcot Center.

We already went to MGN Studio earlier in the week as well as the Downtown MarketPlace.
If time permits , we will go to the Waterpark tomorrow too.

Here is the Pool at the Polynesian Resort.
http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wdw/images2003/nonlanguagespecific/resorts/del/PY/rec/REC_Poly.jpg
It's open til midnight each night..Last night we were in the pool till midnight.:T

[Chris D]

I wasted several minutes of my life searching this site, but here's some more funny ones:

http://spreadmystaplerandflyaway.ytmnd.com/

http://vaderfortune.ytmnd.com/

http://lohanfacial.ytmnd.com/

http://timetraveler.ytmnd.com/

[Lex]

I guess either nobody reads what I write, or having an office chair break in half throwing your a$$ on the floor is just run of the mill stuff? You think your friends care. Maybe Office Depot will care tomorrow, I hope so...

Trevor, you just have to get the right SLR gear, and you have to treat it like SLR gear.

[dyazdani]

I've never seen that happen... I did see a guy lean back in a rolling chair, he got a couple of the wheels off the ground and flipped over. Looked like he was in slo-mo for a while :rofl:

[dyazdani]

I guess this is the one they got...

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/enlarged/sam/EC.SAM.HPS5053.JPG

[Lex]

well, yeah, I've leaned back and fell or about fell before, but this time, there was no expecting it, it was just WHAM, this sucker is going down. I did fall to one side, and fortunately, it was the side where there was no table in my direct line of flight. I fell fairly cleanly on my side and the chair's arm, and really rode it down. What else could I do?

I'll shoot a pic tomorrow of the assembly that broke. I Should sue the manufacturer. It's like a U shaped bracket, that the chair bolt fits into and attaches to the base, so I guess it's the part that takes all the stress.

[RobP]

Let me guess Doug, the weld broke where the U-shape cup meets the bottom support? :confused: I have had two office chairs do that to me in the past couple years, both times I was sitting in them, I have looked all around at different stores and they all seem to have that same style of construction. :M

[Lex]

You are exactly right Robert. By the time you realize what is happening, your in the floor. It broke off flush. I'm thinking it's probably been half loose for a while now maybe, and the last little bit breaks.

I wonder if HON chairs are made that way? They are quite a bit more expensive than the rest.

I'm going to look this afternoon, starting at Office Depot, then probably Staples if I don't find one there.

Doug

[Nick M]

Mornin'
-----
Chris - Landing a C17 at night on a 3500' strip... sounds pretty intense! :E
I liked the Vader/Wheel of Fortune animation. :lol:
-----
Lex - Sounds like a bummer! (terrible pun... :roll: )
-----
Danish - Now you just need to get one!
-----
Trevor - I'm definetly a fan of point n' shoots. While the SLR's are awesome for pro's, you can still get some pretty good shots with the upper-tier point n' shoots.

Here is the unit I was looking at just the other day. I still get by fine with my old 5MP/5x Sony, but this unit looks awesome...

Panasonic DMC-FZ30
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2006/133/h133FZ30K-o_hood.jpeg

Pretty good for us amateurs at $650!
With a 1GB SD Card you're looking at just over $700.

8 Megapixels
12x Optical Zoom (35-420mm Equivalent)
Gyroscopic Image Stabilizer
Manual Focus/Aperture/Shutter Speed
2" Rear LCD (folding storage)
Included Lens Hood/USB Cable/Battery Pack
Uses SD Memory

You can still take some good shots without a pro camera. Here are a couple heavily compressed shots (from 2560x1920) I took with my old Sony. All I used was my point n' shoot with a thread-on Polarized Filter and manual settings. I have some of these as 8x10 prints, and they look great.

Olympic National Park, WA
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/18b.jpg

Japanese Tea Gardens, San Francisco
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/25b.jpg

Mesa Verde National Park, CO
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/10b.jpg

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
http://mysite.verizon.net/nicholasmosher/6b.jpg

[dyazdani]

Nick, I guy I know has the previous model Lumix. He is a pro and likes it very much. They are a good buy for the money.

I'd like a 50" plasma, I don't think stores trade in rocks anymore though.

[dyazdani]

I have had two office chairs do that to me in the past couple years, both times I was sitting in them, I have looked all around at different stores and they all seem to have that same style of construction. :M

You guys are tough on chairs...

[Nick M]

Danish - I purchased my Sanyo PLV-Z3 projector from VisualApex last summer. They are excellent to deal with and have a direct 800 number for support. They have the Panasonic TH-50PHD8UK 1366x768 50" Plasma for $2,795+shipping. For someone with a seperate audio setup and cable box, this is an excellent deal. The cabinet is beautifully clean because there are no speakers or tuner. So long as you have diamonds, I'm sure they'd take rocks in trade!
http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma_details.asp?chPartNumber=TH-50PHD8UK&MFR=Panasonic

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvpics/plasmatv/panasonic_th50phd8uk.jpg

I hate talking about gadgets. Now I've got the jonesing for a new camera and plasma... :B

[Nick M]

I ended up spending some money this week.

I ordered a 35kBTU single burner mini-stove from China for Eastern-Asian cooking. It runs off either a plumbed line or portable propane tank. I've been looking for a high-powered gas stove for a long time. Considering that top of the line Commercial Viking Ranges only put out 27.5kBTU, this baby shold give me the breath I'm looking for. Can't wait to get it...

I also ordered a hand-hammered round-bottom carbon-steel Pao-Style wok to replace my cantonese flat bottom jobber.
-----
Been looking at Jeep Rubicons again. I think I'm going to wait until the '07 Rubicon comes out before deciding on a vehicle. Guess I have to make some repairs on old-betsy so she'll pass inspection next month... :roll:

[Shane Martin]

Jason,
Speaking of the first pair, I bought some just a few weeks ago at a local discount place. I think I paid $40 for them. Try to find a DSW in your town. Don't pay retail for them.

[RobP]

You guys are tough on chairs...


Probably means Im on my duff too much. :lol:

[Lex]

Yeah, at 230+ I do put some stress on a chair frame. Not sure what Robert weighs. My weight ballooned this last year with thyroid problems I was 210 to 215.

But it's still no excuse for crappy designs, not designed to hold a 200+ pound man. I'm going to call the manufacturer of this chair and see if they have an updated design piece to fix this chair, even though I bought a new one today. I'll fix for a backup since I not only purchase my chair for here, but for my office too. I could no longer sit in the cheap piece of crap they gave me at the office and took my own high back leather chair in last year when I went back to my office. We had a decent chair when off site, but not on my return. They were the worst chairs ever. I've still got mine, it stays as a backup. I'm sure the big boss isn't crazy about me having a chair I can lean back in, but that's tough stuff. My chair is nicer than his, haha. his looks like the 99 buck leather chair. Mine was a 250 model about 3 years ago. I actually bought that chair 2 years before it was put together. What happened, I got it to take either my old one or that one to the office, and then got word of the temporary transfer that lasted 2 years, so it sat in my garage boxed up for 2 years. Finally upon my return to the office, I slapped it together.

My new chair sits pretty good, just wish it reclined back just a little bit more.

small picture of it:

http://www.officedepot.com/pictures/SK/MD/927472_sk_md.jpg

Frankly, I'd have been as happy with a black chair with black plastic trim, but this one has wood, and just happened to be the most comfortable.

I considered a strange alternative chair from Storehouse, it was a floor demo though, no more new stock, she discounted it, it sat pretty well, but was a bit constraining in width, so I passed. It was like microfiber, and breathable fabric, pretty cool with a adjustable neck support thing. At 265 discounted, ,it seemed a bit much for a chair who knows how old it was.

[Lex]

Nick, that's a nice panasonic, and nice images you took. It's true, you don't have to have a great rig to take some nice shots, but that last 10% of quality can cost a lot.

[RobP]

Yeah, at 230+ I do put some stress on a chair frame. Not sure what Robert weighs. My weight ballooned this last year with thyroid problems I was 210 to 215.
.

Im a fairly big guy, im 6' 4 and weigh in around 260, things are not made well enough for big guys, I had my home theatre furniture made to fit me so I was comfortable and didnt look like Gulliver sitting in it. Office chairs though are another story.

[Chris D]

Wow, Robert, you actually had your theater chairs made to fit you? Cool.

Doug, I've had several office chairs break on me, too. If I could buy any chair that I know will last me, I'd go with Recaro's office chairs--I posted pictures of them a couple months ago when I bought the Recaro kid car seat.

Nick, wow, are those really your pictures? Nice! :T I grew up in Colorado, and still consider that my home, so I especially loved the CO pictures.

[Lex]

I forgot all about those Chris. Who had them? The problem is too though, buying something you can't sit in first is a tough commitment.

[Chris D]

If you go to Recaro's website, they show the model line for Recaro, and then you can search for a dealer near you. When I bought my kid car seat at a local dealer, they had Recaro office chairs too, so I tried them out in person. Top notch! The only thing is, you pay $$$.

http://www.recaro-nao.com/index_frames.html

http://www.ergonomicofficechairs.com/recaro-office-chair.asp?categoryID=59

http://www.ergonomicofficechairs.com/images/EOC_Sport_111405_5.jpg

[Chris D]

Setting

[Chris D]

somebody

[Chris D]

up for a flip

[Lex]

so how much do you figure, 2500?


35,000 projector! 8O

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/373170.jpg
Panasonic PT-D7700U SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) 3 Chip DLP Multimedia Projector, 7000 ANSI Lumens, 48.5 lb (22 kg), Lens Not Included - White Cabinet

Mfr# PTD7700U • B&H# PAPTD7700U
Doug

[Chris D]

Ummmm... not sure. For some reason, I'm remember a sale price of something like $600-1000 for the Recaro office chairs.

Cool stuff in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Lots of overtimes, and good hockey, too. How cool would it be if Calgary, Colorado, and Edmonton all made it to the next round from the NW division!

[Chris D]

Nice projector! I noticed that 1080p projectors are now under $10,000. Cool... I'll wait another 2 years, probably, and then get one.

Well, the guys brought the backsplash granite tiles (finally) on Saturday for the kitchen countertops, but they had forgotten to polish the edges on the end pieces. :M So... I STILL don't have all the tiles to finish my kitchen, and they STILL haven't figured out the "air gap" issue for the dishwasher, so I still don't have a working dishwasher.

Just had a Smirnoff Ice. Time to go mow the lawn! ;)

[RobP]

Wow, Robert, you actually had your theater chairs made to fit you? Cool.

Well it was a large couch and two chairs, it actually was not much more than going out and ordering a model off the floor at Thomasville Furniture. I had them overstuffed with coils, memory foam, and down filled cushions, very comfy. The bad thing is that when you sit to watch a movie, you want to fall asleep. :lol:

Here is a pic of a sign I made for my HT entrance. Now if I could only get the HT done. :lol:
http://members.aol.com/soundgravy/silence.jpg

[RobP]

http://www.ergonomicofficechairs.com/images/EOC_Sport_111405_5.jpg

Now I like that Chair! I could sport that. 8)

[Kevin P]

Evening folks... have been too busy to post here the past few days, so hope to get caught up...

Doug, too bad about the chair. Good to know you didn't get hurt. Hopefully my chair won't do that.

Nice cameras, guys. Nick, those pics are great! I should get one of those polarized filters for my Sony 5 MP. My last film camera was a SLR but I used it mainly for taking snapshots, so I went with a compact non-SLR digital. Less stuff to carry around, but it still can take decent pics.

[Shane Martin]

I noticed that 1080p projectors are now under $10,000.
YOu can buy a brand new Sony Ruby for about $7k now.

[Lex]

I dunno, seems a bit big for you Robert.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6246

[dyazdani]

Well, the guys brought the backsplash granite tiles (finally) on Saturday for the kitchen countertops, but they had forgotten to polish the edges on the end pieces. :M So... I STILL don't have all the tiles to finish my kitchen, and they STILL haven't figured out the "air gap" issue for the dishwasher, so I still don't have a working dishwasher.

What air gap issue? Dishwashers aren't the toughest things to install...

[RobP]

I dunno, seems a bit big for you Robert.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6246


:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: ;x( :T

That.. was a good one doug! :rofl:

[Lex]

lol, I had a vision, and the vision came true. :) I accidentally cut into his ankle and had to rebuild it, bionic of course. :)

Doug

[Lex]

pardon the pun, but it doesn't seem like it's been a seemless installation Chris. I wish you better luck getting things ironed out.

[Chris D]

I dunno, seems a bit big for you Robert.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/attachment.php4?attachmentid=6246

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAA.... good one! :rofl:

Robert, I like the picture you made for your theater!

Dan- we had this thing from when the house was built, that the drain from the dishwasher went up to a vent in the sink to spill out any overflow before it connected to the sewer. When I had a plumber reconnect my disposal and drains after we put in new sinks (long story) he told us that the vent is actually required by Washington State code now. It's called an "air gap". Well, the issue we're having with ours is that the drain comes up to the underside of the sink and pokes through a hole, and then the actual vent screws onto the top of the sink, onto the drain threads. Since we have the new granite countertop, it's so thick that it only leaves a few threads on the drain part sticking up for the vent to clamp onto, and it leaks. So we haven't been able to use our dishwasher for 2 weeks now since the granite was installed. The granite company says that they've never run into this before, but I don't know why this should be a new thing, since they do this for a living. The plumber says he found a longer "air gap" assembly that would work with the thicker countertop, but it's $175.00. So the granite company says they're looking into options as far as what to do, such as grind down the underside of the countertop so it's thinner for the air gap to be installed. Since it's required by law, I just want it done right.

Guys, maybe I should take more interest in the camera discussion. Assuming that Home Theater Builder Magazine gets back up to speed and actually publishes some magazines, :roll: I'll need to take some good finished photos of my theater. My digital camera has been doing well for most of my magazine articles, but I really need to have some good finished pictures, and I noticed that I'm having troubles getting pictures to turn out right of my finished interior, especially since it's so dark. I think I read you guys mentioning that an "SLR" camera works better for that. Could you give me a basic primer on what an SLR is, and whether I should look into it or not?

[Paul Wu]

Hey guys, just posting from work.

I am so frazzelled right now. I propably won't be getting much sleep this week. Where's the smiley with the blood shot eyes. :coffee: This will just have to do. I've still got a case of energy drinks that will get a lot of use this week.

[Lex]

Chris, the advantages of using an SLR camera are several fold, and maybe we should cover in the photo area:
1. control of the camera.
2. is the ability to use fast glass.
3. the quality of the glass.
4. image resolution.

The other thing that is a whole nuther subject is lighting. Lighting with professional grade gear is somewhat of an art form/science combined. For best results, you will be using a tri-pod, fairly fast glass (low aperture number follows lens description, and some well positioned lights. Like a 28-70mm 2.8 zoom. the 2.8 refers to a wide open aperture setting, where the max light gets to the shutter. Set at 2.8, we refer to that as wide open shutter. Lenses go all the way down to 1.2, but those are rare. 1.4 and 1.8 are more standard, but still $$$ in Nikon.

There are also what we call prime lenses and zoom lenses. Primes have a fixed focal length, but tend to be faster. Zooms that are among the faster, get more expensive as they get longer. Like anything else, there are compromises that can be made to get 90% of the quality, but at a lot less money. That last 10% costs a lot.

There are possibilities to rent some lenses though, as well, for temporary shoots.

[cuda65]

Robert: That sign looks great!

Doug: Sorry to hear about your chair. Glad you didn't get hurt. Hope your new chair holds up okay.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

[Lex]

that is a cool sign Robert.

Thanks Doug! I called the distributor/manufacturer today, and while she said the warranty was 5 years, I said, well even outside warranty a chair is not supposed to break in half. She also admitted the new part has been modified. So, we'll see, I'm pushing for a new part to fix it, I may or may not get it. At least I got real people at a toll free number anyway and she was nice. So, we'll see.

[dyazdani]

Chris,

Is this the kind of air gap they are using?
http://www.plumbingworld.com/images/airgap-chrome.jpg
So you are saying that it just doesn't stick through the counter enough to screw on the top?

FYI - You probably already know this but they are used so that if you stop up your sink and it fills with water it can't flow back into your dishwasher.

[dyazdani]

Nick: They have some All Clad on sale at cooking.com if you're in the mood...

[Paul Wu]

And so it begins! We have auditors in the house!

Here is a very important Virus warning:

There is a dangerous virus being passed electronically, orally and by hand. This virus is called Worm-Overload-Recreational-Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from any of your colleagues, your boss or anyone else via any means DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK, put your jacket on and take two good friends to the nearest pub. Purchase the antidote known as Work-Isolator-Neutralizer-Extractor (WINE). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system. You should forward this warning to 5 friends. If you do not have 5 friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

Update: After extensive testing it has been concluded that Best-Equivalent-Extractor-Remedy (BEER) may be substituted for WINE but may require a more generous application.

[dyazdani]

Yesterday evening's project... bought a new micro-hood and put it in. Installation wasn't too bad, had to wire up a new outlet in the cupboard. The old hood had wire going directly to it, the new ones have a standard plug.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/dyazdani/MicroHood.jpg

[aud19]

Wow I have some catching up to do! You guys finally decided to do some posting! :lol:

Helped my brother move yesterday then came home and mowed, put 8 HEAVY bags of yard waste out for our yard waste pickup, put a bunch of crap out of the garage put for spring cleanup and then vacuumed the whole house. And my allergies are killing me (likely from cutting the grass).... I need a rest :thud:

Yikes on the chair Doug! 8O And funny photo-shop there! :rofl:

The sign turned out GREAT Robert :T :banana:

Chris, yeah it's the same girl ;) and cool info on your checkride! :E :T

I didn't get the shoes I posted (store didn't have my size/colour I wanted) but I did get a pair of these:

http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/60306_BRN.jpg

and I'm going to order some/all of these:

(These slip-on ones are REALLY comfortable almost like slippers in dress shoe clothing!)
http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/60374_FUDN.jpg

http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/60371_BLK.jpg

http://shop.skechers.com/shop/productimages/largeImages/60311_RDBR.jpg

Paul, stay sane buddy :T

Jazz and I are having problems sadly :confused: :( Seems she want move back to her old area. And I don't want/can't afford to move at all at least right now. With her being off work for a long time with her back combined with the not great job-market in her field I've been stuck paying all the mortgage and about 90% of the bills for the last two years and have no money to move. Plus she wants to move somewhere that's more expensive, argualbly less safe (higher insurance rates) and further from my job (with my 15 year old car I already can't afford to fix). Not to mention I just don't like the area. I've tried compromising saying we could consider moving somewhere else WE'LL ALL BE HAPPY if she's that unhappy here (though I'd prefer waiting until we're more financially stable) even if I can't REALLY afford it but she won't have anything but her old area and THIS SUMMER it seems.... :confused: I dunno... it just seems like maybe we want too many different things.... it's all the more a shame because I do still REALLY lover her. I just don't know what to do anymore....

[aud19]

so how much do you figure, 2500?


35,000 projector! 8O

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/373170.jpg

Doug

DLP PJ manufacturers REALLY have to do better than this. As Shane mentioned you can get the 1080p Sony "Ruby" PJ for under $10k US now....who would spend this much money on a lower res PJ. Particularly as I can't imagine it outperforms the Ruby much in any other categories either.

[aud19]

Jason,
Speaking of the first pair, I bought some just a few weeks ago at a local discount place. I think I paid $40 for them. Try to find a DSW in your town. Don't pay retail for them.

DSW only appears to be in the US Shane and don't seem to do internet sales from their web page.... Looks like I'll have to find somewhere closer or that sells online. FYI, Skechers does sell direct for between $60-$70US/pair it looks like.

[Shane Martin]

There should be a DSW across the border. I wonder how much savings it would for you to make the drive...

BTW, The term SLR has another meaning. IN the online gaming world SLR means sloppy lesbian roleplayer which is a guy playing a girl charter on an online MMORPG like World of Warcraft. I guess I played the game too much because anytime you mention SLR I get a chuckle.

[aud19]

There should be a DSW across the border. I wonder how much savings it would for you to make the drive...

After paying duty, gas, time etc.. probably not much... may as well just order them right from Skechers.

[cuda65]

Jason: Hope things work out for you. Sounds like a very tough situation.

I need some nice weather here. It rained all weekend and is still raining today. Doesn't help my mood or others either.

[Chris D]

Chris,

Is this the kind of air gap they are using?
http://www.plumbingworld.com/images/airgap-chrome.jpg
So you are saying that it just doesn't stick through the counter enough to screw on the top?

FYI - You probably already know this but they are used so that if you stop up your sink and it fills with water it can't flow back into your dishwasher.

Ah, yes, that's the air gap. The granite countertop is so thick that the silver cap and the part it covers can't fully screw onto the main portion of the assembly. Bummer. Thanks for the reminder on the purpose--you're right, I had been misquoting that. Your microwave looks exactly like mine, BTW.

Jason, I'm really sorry to hear about Jazz. I do hope it's something that you two can reconcile, as it's pretty evident from you talking about her that you really do love her. She just really doesn't want to wait out the thin times where you two are at, huh?

Doug (and others) So what is SLR, anyway? And is that what I should be looking at, to take dark theater pictures?

[aud19]

Thanks Doug/Chris. Yeah, it's pretty much the proverbial rock and hard place.... :banghead:

[aud19]

And is that what I should be looking at, to take dark theater pictures?

Lighting ;)

[Kevin P]

Afternoon folks...

Paul, I've seen that virus joke before. It's funny.

Danish, nice micro-hood. It looks a lot like mine, but mine's a Kenmore. I think Kenmore stuff is made by Whirlpool anyway. Kinda like Runco, hehe ;)

Jason, sorry to hear about you and Jazz. Hope you two can work things out. You two seem to be so happy together, most of the time.

I don't know what "SLR" means, but SLR cameras are the "separate pre-pro and amps" of the camera world. SLR cameras are the camera bodies with separate, removable, interchangeable lenses. They are generally higher-end than snapshot cameras that have the lens as a built-in component (think of "receivers"). Many SLRs use separate flashes as well. You can mix and match different lenses and flashes to your camera body to suit your needs and preferences, or switch to a different lens for different situations.

[Lex]

SLR is an old term, it stands for single lens reflux, I mean reflex. :) DSLR is of course, digital single lens reflex. It's just the type of camera with a detachable lens. and I guess the reflex means, the light is bounced off a mirror through the shutter, to the other device, I Can't think of at the moment.

Jason, that's a tough one. It may be time to either get married, or let it go, if she'll marry, you, then she's committed to you. If she's not, well, you have not got much to hinge your future on. I'd probably say well, maybe it's time to move on.

Maybe marriage is not what you want either. But to me, it is the definition of commitment. IF two people just live together, nothing is ever to secure. If you want to be with someone, if not her, then now is the time to find out if you are committed to each other.

But hey, if she's not working, isn't she just dependent on you?

Goodluck to you, I know this must be tough.

[dyazdani]

I'll make

[dyazdani]

a run

[dyazdani]

for a

[dyazdani]

Flip!

Both new appliances...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v92/dyazdani/HoodStove.jpg

[Kevin P]

Nice Danish! :) Is that range a Kenmore? We have one similar to that, with the glass cooktop, but ours has the dark cooktop instead of the light, and the controls are on the backsplash rather than on the front.

[dyazdani]

Nice Danish! :) Is that range a Kenmore? We have one similar to that, with the glass cooktop, but ours has the dark cooktop instead of the light, and the controls are on the backsplash rather than on the front.

Yes, it is a Kenmore - it may very well be the same as yours. Ours is a drop in so they put the controls at the front.

If you have a freestanding range, they put them at the back. Something like this...

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/02296414000?layer=comp&wid=190&hei=190&fmt=jpeg&qlt=75,0&op_sharpen=0&resMode=norm&op_usm=0.5,1.0,0.0,0

[aud19]

Jason, that's a tough one. It may be time to either get married, or let it go, if she'll marry, you, then she's committed to you. If she's not, well, you have not got much to hinge your future on. I'd probably say well, maybe it's time to move on.

Maybe marriage is not what you want either. But to me, it is the definition of commitment. IF two people just live together, nothing is ever to secure. If you want to be with someone, if not her, then now is the time to find out if you are committed to each other.

But hey, if she's not working, isn't she just dependent on you?

Well honestly if money weren't so tight I'd have bought her a ring and married her already but the aformentioned budget doesn't leave a lot of space for rings/weddings either....Or houses in places we'd ALL like to live for that matter. But I love her that much. Enough to want to spend my life with her. I think I might just be finding out that love may not be enough if the two people want very different things in their lives unfortunately.

As for the dependent on me...she owns half the house so I'd have to buy her out or we'd have to sell and part ways if she that's what she decides... so she'd have that money. Otherwise if she had to stay only because of money I'd guess she'd simply grow to resent me anyways so that's not really a great option either :confused: :(

[aud19]

Kitchen looks good Danish ;)