Rick Fogarty @ MyITForum.com

Rough Sports Day

2006-09-17T19:10:47Z

You know it’s going to be a rough sports day when each of your teams are playing at 1:00pm. Currently, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Oakland Raiders and NY Yankees. So, thanks to DirecTV and multiple tuners and my laptop, I’m able to keep up with each of them and The Race.

Movie Review - Invincible

2006-08-27T03:02:44Z

Growing up in the suburbs of Phila in the 70s/80s was a tough time for me. Almost everyone I knew was a Philadelphia Eagles fan. I, on the other hand, was an Oakland Raiders fan. So, when in 1981, the Raiders beat the Eagles in SuperBowl XV, I was a happy boy, but pretty much celebrated alone. I always cheer for the Eagles unless they’re playing the Raiders – so I guess you can say that I’m and Eagles fan too.

Being the blue collar city that Phila is, the people know what they want, expect to get it when they want it, and ***, cry and complain when they don’t. Like any blue collar town, the people work hard – and play just as hard. That brings me to the Eagles fans. They’re some of the toughest in sports. Damn, they threw snowballs at Santa Clause! However, they’re a passionate bunch and know the game.

With that comes the movie Invincible. This movie, like others made by Disney is the feel good movie of the year. The movie is based on the true story of a Vince Papale, a local bartender (played by Mark Wahlberg) who is down on his luck. As he loses his job and his wife, it appears that things can’t get much worse. In true Disney fashion, they do get better - and much better.

After a terrible season, The Eagles, bring in new coach named *** Vermeil (played by Greg Kinnear). Coach Vermeil holds open try-outs to shake things up a bit. In doing so, Vince Papale tries out and makes the team – living most guy’s dreams, playing for their beloved football team. Vince shows the drive and determination that is only shown from a player one step away from watching the game in the 600–700 section.

The movie takes quite a few parallels to the other Disney feel good sports movies – they show a down trodden guy down on his luck. With hard work, drive and determination comes out on top.

I give it 3.5 stars out of 4.

Yanks are for real

2006-08-21T12:20:47Z

Anyone catch the 2nd rendition of the Boston Masacare?

For those that think that the Yanks aren’t for real – is this enough to get you to believe? I think we’re looking at #27… :-)

Yahoo SUCKS!!!!

2006-08-17T12:43:38Z

Several days ago I asked for some assistance on getting a new test server up and running. Originally, I was apprehensive, as an outside host held the domain, and I wanted to ensure I could transfer the MX w/o issue. I create a new MX record with a different priority and things went pretty well. Well, in the mean time, I tried to get outside Outlook 2003 access and couldn't as I hadn't installed/configured RPC over HTTP.

Well, in the midst of all this, I asked to transfer the domain from SBC-Yahoo to Network Solutions. Called both up and told them what I wanted to do and asked for guidance so I didn't lose any service. Both told me that it was a painless process - I'd done it before, but hadn't worked with Yahoo prior to this.

Well, long story short - Yahoo BLOWS!!! I've never in my life met a bunch of incompetent individuals in my life. The transfer went well, except for one thing. In order for me to transfer the domain out, I had to cancel the account. No biggie the guy told me. Ok - so I cancel the account and move on. Well, this is only a test system and has a couple of accounts to start with - one being the CEO as he wanted to test it. Well, Yahoo, in their infinite wisdom decides to cancel the account - which means everything gets cancelled. No account - no domain. No account - no name services. So, I call Yahoo up and ask them what's going on? They state, oh, when you cancel the account, we cancel it - there is no need for the services any more. Huh? What about the existing domain? Oh - you're transferring it - those services are picked up by the gaining service provider. Ok, so I call NSI. They said, we can't touch it until it actually gets here.... See the cycle starting?

There is no way to do this with the way things are setup through Yahoo. Normally (at least in my experience) the name services are left at the old provider until everything is configured at the new provider. Then, and only then can\should the new provider move the name service to where they wish.... Geez ! It's not supposed to be this difficult.

So, now I'm w/o any services until NSI actually receives the confirmed registry key and propagates the name services. Which, by the way, could be up to 7 days!!!!

How ridiculous is this... Damn!

</rant>

Holy Guaccamole!

2006-08-02T20:38:22Z

As I’ve mentioned before – SPS totally rocks. This article shows how to setup your own WebParts for RSS feeds. It’s as easy as pie too! :-)

This is exactly what I was talking about when I mentioned just how powerful SPS is. You’re missing a lot if you haven’t at least looked at it.

Exactly!!!

2006-08-02T12:46:00Z

Rod posted an article that conveys exactly what I was wrote about here. Sharepoint Portal is an incredibly powerful environment. We’re in the process of doing some really cool things and leveraging mobile technologies is right at the top of the list…

Think about it… You have a portal for your users to collaborate on existing projects, what better way to keep them involved then to provide their mobile phones access. Incredible!

SharePoint Power

2006-07-31T19:28:18Z

I’ve been in the tech business for more then 20 years. I can’t think of a product that has come along that has the ability to turn an organization around so quickly. SPS, while complex, surely has the ability to allow an organization to organize its resource and provide a means to collaborate on those same resources.

This is one fine product…. I’m amazed at the flexibility that SPS provides. Jump on board – it will do your business a world of good.

Sharepoint Portal Resources

2006-07-31T16:04:07Z

Well, I’ve been tasked with setting up a Sharepoint Portal Services (SPS) site here at work. The install and configuration is pretty easy – however, the designing of a good looking portal should be left to the designers! I’m still learning it – it appears I’ve just scratched the surface!

Here are some of the SPS resources that I’ve found and continue to go back to often.

Good Blogs:

Heather Solomon's Blog - One of the best sites you'll find!

http://www.sharepointblogs.com/

http://mindsharpblogs.com/

Sites:

http://www.sharepointcustomization.com/default.aspx

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=820–

http://www.sharepointu.com/

http://portal.sharepointsolutions.com/default.aspx

And of course – MS’ offerings:

MS Sharepoint site

E-mail Lists:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sharepoint/

myITForum Sharepoint List

Windows Anti-Spyware

2006-02-28T16:06:00Z

I’ve been using this since it was released. I’ve yet to have a problem with it… My version will expire on 7/31 so I suspect I’ll be upgrading to Windows Defender shortly. However, in the last couple of days, as my computer boots, I’ve been getting this form displayed. Normally it goes away – today it didn’t.

Strange part about this is that each of the systray option above are actually buttons that activate the systray icons…

Anyone else seen this?

Wow!

2006-02-28T13:33:00Z

How can such an innocent act turn into something so tragic…. I can’t imagine what this guy is going through.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/02/27/driving.lesson.ap/index.html?section=cnn_topstories

Raiders picking 7th

2006-02-27T13:34:00Z

Well, the Raiders with their terrible 4–12 record this year, used a flip of the coin to determine their draft position in the 2006 NFL draft. San Francisco had an equally disappointing season with a 4–12 record so a coin toss was necessary to determine draft order. With similar luck that they’ve had in the recent seasons, the Raiders lost the flip and San Fran came out on top which drops the Raiders to 7th in the draft order. I’m looking forward to seeing who the Raiders select. They could really use a good QB. Maybe Vince Young will be around until the 7th pick… :-)

KG - losing some cash?

2006-02-27T13:20:00Z

I’m all for keeping athletes attitudes in check. They should be held to a different standard – at least I believe so. Well, Kevin Garnett is not one of those athletes that usually come to mind when talking about NBA players and their attitudes. AI, yes. Kobe, yes. KG, no….

KG had a problem with a call last night and threw (actually tossed) the ball into the stands and accidentally hit a fan. The fan didn’t appear to be injured – in my mind anyway. Well, the fan was escorted out of the building on a gurney (amid boos from the crowd). WTF? From a small toss of the b-ball? C’mon, something is fishy with this…

Sounds like someone is trying to get paid….

Hmm - finally, someone not worrying about feelings

2006-02-27T13:09:00Z

You know, I think we’ve gone way over the top with this politically correct thing. We’re always supposed to take someone else’s feelings into consideration when we speak. Well, what happens when they need a good tongue lashing? Well, finally someone with some power speaks his mind and doesn’t appear to feel sorry about it one bit.

In this case, Kenny Williams, the GM of the World Champion Chicago White Sox, rips into Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas. I’ve heard reports over the last several years that Thomas was a detriment to this team; that his attitude was terrible and he was a huge whiner! Yeah, he was good, but not good enough it appears…. Kenny let’s him have it good!

To me, it’s refreshing for someone to let it rip when its deserved….

Surprise surprise

2006-02-20T13:23:00Z

Can’t say that that I didn’t see this one coming…

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/02/19/williams.drug.test/index.html

RSS Feeds

2006-02-16T16:06:00Z

Anyone know how to track – keep up with – the comments on a blog? I surely wouldn’t want to come back to a page often just to look for comments that were added.

Anyone?

DirecTV Issues

2006-02-16T13:36:00Z

Anyone else having issues with the quality of DirecTV broadcasts lately? I’ve been a customer for almost 10 years and normally have a crystal clear picture. However, recently, I’ve experienced screen freezing and extreme pixelization. Even the DirecTV Forums are a buzz about what’s going on. I called DirecTV to discuss this with their tech support and they’re pretty hush-hush about it. Although, after requesting to be transferred to the retention department, they proceeded to tell me that there in fact, IS a problem and they’re working on it; no expected fix day though.

I have three receivers - each TIVO capable and all different manufacturers. I’ve checked the signal strength and it appears to be fine as all trans-ponders are registering around 90–95%.

So – DirecTV – what’s up? I’m getting tired of watching this crappy picture!!!

BTW, my call to DirecTV didn’t go unnoticed, they’ve adjusted my bill to reflect a $5 credit for the next 6 months.

Roku Music System

2006-02-16T02:43:00Z

As I stated here, I recently purchased a Roku network music player. Here is my review of the Roku Soundbridge M1000.

The Roku Soundbridge comes in two flavors, the M1000 and the M2000. Both units appear to have similar functionality as it pertains to music output, the difference appears to be only in the display. Although I didn’t test the M2000, I did call the company and speak to a rep about it and he stated that the two are identical units except for the display. Roku lists the specs here.

I chose the M1000 – simply because I didn’t think I would need the larger display. After seeing the unit up close and installed, I think I made the right choice. However, an extra $50 wouldn’t kill me, although for my purposes, I’m not sure I’d see the return on investment.

The unit shipped with everything needed to easily install in a very short time. I powered the unit up by plugging the power cord in. As stated in the directions, the unit takes more then a couple of seconds to display something. After the boot up process, configuration is necessary. It couldn’t have been simpler – I plugged it in to an ethernet jack and it automatically picked up a DHCP address and attempted to search for a music server. Since I hadn’t setup the server, it politely told me that no music server was found. Because I was going to place this unit in an area where I don’t have an ethernet connection, I elected to configure the built-in wireless network. The unit only uses 802.11b – not sure how this will affect the performance. Using 802.11b should be acceptable considering it is widely available and compatible with 802.11g. The wireless install was pretty straight forward – if you’ve configured a wireless router, this will be a similar experience. It automatically detected my wireless network and I entered my WEP key. Once I did that, it again searched for a music server.

Since I had the power connected and the network ready, I only needed to connect it to my stereo system. The Roku unit comes with several connection options – Digital Audio (Coax – S/P DIF and Optical (Toslink) as well as Analog Audio. Since my stereo unit’s Digital Audio ports were used, I chose to use the RCA jack. I was surprised that it wasn’t an ordinary RCA jack – you know the type – one with a red and a white connector on either side. This cable had an RCA connection on one side, and a 1/8” line level jack on the other. Not a big deal – just might be difficult to replace as they’re not as readily available – at least not in my house. In any case – this puppy was installed and ready to go.

I installed Microsoft's Media Connect 2.0 w/o issue. I selected all the default values and had it up and running in less then 10 minutes. Once Media Connect was installed, the M1000 found the music server. Media Connect does NOT, by default, allow automatic connections. A security feature I’m sure, but something you should be aware of none the less. Once I enabled the M1000 in Media Connect, the two could begin communicating.

From this point on – it was pure hell. By that I mean, I only had the tedious work ahead. I had to add my music! Have you ever copied several hundred CDs to a hard disk? It takes forever!!!

Although there are a million and one options to rip CDs, I used MS Windows Media Player. Version 10 is required for Media Connect, so I upgraded to that. I hadn’t used Media Player extensively before, but I really like it. Everything I did in Media Player was reflected on the Roku unit. Once I copied all of my CDs I was able to create play-lists. I didn’t spend too much time trying to learn Media Player as it seems quite intuitive – but I did find it difficult to synchronise play-lists. I would think that if I made a play-list based solely on a genre, when I added another song to that genre, my play-list would be updated as well. Well, it doesn’t. Once I had my play-lists created, I attempted to utilise them in the Roku unit. At this point, I didn’t want to make too many play-lists, so I created one each for each genre I had.

The Roku unit allows the user to search for play-lists so I started there. After selecting a play-list, I pressed play – the 1st song in the play-list started. The user also has the ability to use repeat which will repeat the play-list. I’m not sure how functional that is unless you have a small amount of songs. But at the rate I’m going, I could let this play for 24 hours straight and not repeat a play-list for days!! The user also has a random button available– which I find invaluable. Considering the unit simply dumps the play-lists from the music server, it’s quite possible that songs from the same artist will be in order. Pressing the random button allows the music/artist to be scrambled and less likely to hear the same artist back to back. Not a big point, but one I liked.

The user also has the ability to search for Artist, Song Title, Composer - you name it – it’s there. I can’t see myself using all of these features – but they’re available if needed.

The display is crystal clear and displays the menus quite easily. Considering the unit is relatively small, all the info can not be displayed, but it is enough to identify the song or the artist that is playing. When the unit is not in action, an attractive date/time is displayed; a feature I’ve come to like.

Overall, this is one slick unit. If I had to mention anything bad, it’s that the directions mention that the end caps come off so that the user can access the wireless card. I tried everything in my power to get the end caps off – they didn’t budge for me. In any case – I didn’t need them off, but it should be a bit easier. Besides the cable I mentioned above, those are the two things that I cold (but didn’t have to) say bad about this unit.

I didn’t touch on it here, but the unit can also playback Internet radio. In the near future, I’m going to try to push my XM subscription to it. In addition, I’m also going to try to create an ASP app that will allow me to pull what song, artist etc that is playing from the unit to be displayed on a web page. Why, well why not? :-)

More later on the rest of the features that I haven’t touched upon. I’d rate this unit a 4.5 of 5 stars. Very nice - I’m impressed!!

You think?

2006-02-12T20:09:00Z

US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice stated on ABC’s “This Week” that “If people continue to incite it, it can spin out of control,” referring to the riots throughout the world due to Muslim cartoons that were published.

Can spin out of control? C’mon, Condi… I like you but damn, things are already way out of control. The idea of rioting over some cartoons is just ridiculous. Are we not living in a civilised world?

I normally try not to spout off when it comes to politics – as it usually hurts more then it helps, but I just don’t see what the big deal is. Yes, the cartoon(s) were probably in bad taste, but how many cartoons about Christianity have floated by and yet Christian have decided not to riot. Is one better then the other – no, but this surely isn’t helping view the true Muslim way.

And no, the chuckle-heads that run the governments of Iran and Syria are not helping here at all. Just the idea of them organising protests when they want to accentuate something, usually negatives about the Western way, is just plain ludicrous.

Condi couldn’t have said it better here: "Everybody understands that there's a sense of outrage, that these cartoons were inappropriate in the Muslim world," Rice said. "But you don't express your outrage by going out and burning down embassies. ... You express your outrage peacefully."

Network Music Players

2006-02-12T17:20:00Z

A while back, an e-mail came across the MyITForum OT List talking about network music players. I knew they existed but wasn’t sure exactly how they worked. I read up a bit on them and knew I had to have one. My existing stereo system is routed throughout the house. So, I just needed some type of system that allowed us to stream all of the CDs we have, and now the down-loaded music to our existing stereo infrastructure.

Well, the Roku Network Music Systems allowed me to do that. I selected the Roku M1000 and am loving it!!!

Stay tuned for an in depth review, but I’m close to positive it will be a 5 star review.

You gotta love rivalries

2006-02-12T16:58:00Z

Rivalries are a part of sports. The Yankees/Red Sox, Ohio State/Michigan and Army/Navy to name a few. These rivalries are part of what makes those sports thrive! Yankee fans despise Red Sox fans and vice-versus; it’s understood; it’s part of the game.

Well, as reported in this article, shows that (at least) the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry will only grow. Apparently, The Lowell Spinners, a Red Sox Class A club has offered any Little League team in the Red Sox area with a Yankees uniform a new set of uniforms (Spinners unis) and a chance to play before a Spinners game.

Sound like a great marketing move if you ask me. BTW, what exactly is a spinner anyway?

Just Win Baby

2006-02-12T16:48:00Z

Well, it appears Al does listen – maybe not to me but obviously to someone. As I stated here, Al Davis has had a habit of ruining The Raiders. It appears Al has done something for the good of team when he hired Art Shell. Art was the coach of the Raiders when they last had a winning season. The Hall Of Fame tackle and the first black coach in the NFL, intends to bring back the “nasty” to the Raiders. Let’s just hope Al keep his grubby paws in his checkbook where they belong!!

Go RAIDERS!

Broken back....

2006-02-10T22:15:00Z

Sorry, just couldn’t resist.

What the hell is wrong with Al Davis

2006-02-10T18:10:00Z

As a life long Oakland Raiders fan, I’ve struggled with Al Davis’ way of thinking for a very long time. I’m just wondering when he’ll wake up and find out that HE IS THE PROBLEM!

Two more coaches have told Al, thank you, but no. So, that leaves Oakland with the only coaching vacancy in the NFL. Nothing like waiting ‘til the last moment.

Wise up Al!! It’s you. Your control over the team should be from an owner’s perspective. You shouldn’t control the roster. If a coach wants to discipline a player – let him, that’s his job. Allowing the payers to circumvent the coach in any fashion gives the impression that the coach means nothing. And until you change your ways, he will mean nothing.

Wonder if the 13–35 record the Raiders have had over the past 3 years is an indication of the problems Al brings to the team?

A Raider fan for life – just waiting for Al to wise up and live up to HIS motto – “Commitment to Excellence!”

Kudos to Roger Staubach!

2006-02-09T16:46:00Z

I love competition. I’m competitive in almost every aspect of my life – it’s just the way I was raised. With that, I have to say major KUDOS to Roger Staubach for showing the competitive drive that had made him a legendary hall of fame quarterback. To show how serious he is about the upcoming race season, Roger offered his Heisman Trophy that he won while at the US Naval Academy, to Terry Labonte if he wins the Daytona 500. How’s that for competitive drive? Mind you, I don’t think it’s possible, but just the fact that he would part with the prestigious award shows his determination and drive! You can’t beat that!

Staubach and recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee, Troy Aikmen have teamed up this year to start a NASCAR Nextel Cup team called Hall of Fame Racing. Terry Labonte has signed on to run 7 races with the new team.

Roger's offer!

Yanks are done

2005-10-11T12:26:00Z

Well, the Yankees season is done. No surprise really; both them and the Red Sox struggled with pitching this season. It was a surprise though, that they lasted as long as they did. The defense that they displayed was horrible – I can’t believe the number of errors they’ve made in the last 5 games; and that debacle last night with Sheffield and Crosby was just hideous. It’s Little League 101 if you ask me – I can’t believe we’re paying these guys $200 million a year.

One shining star though would be Robinson Cano – he’s a great ball player. I hope he gets recognition for it and gets the AL Rookie of the Year! Here’s to next year…..

Cell phone bills

2005-10-06T22:20:00Z

On my way home today I heard a radio commercial for Altell, my cell phone provider. It discussed a new plan that they had available and I thought it would fit my needs perfectly. Well, I called and it appears that it would be advantageous to get the new plan, and it wouldn’t cost me a dime. So, I get several hundred more minutes, they dropped my peak start time from 9pm to 7pm and added nothing to my contract and kept the same monthly amount. Not too shabby.

So, I began to wonder - just how many people call their provider and ask if there is a plan available that better fits their needs? When I asked the company about this, the customer service rep responded – “You’d be surprised how many people don’t call just to check.” So, I asked him, why the company just doesn’t flip them over to the new plan. His response – “The company doesn’t change any customers account w/o their prior knowledge.” Oh, great, God forbid we do something for the customer w/o his knowledge. Then again – they are a business and out for profit….

Get to calling – TODAY!

Patriotic

2005-09-28T13:18:00Z

I’m as patriotic as they get and love sharing little diddies about patriotism. Here’s something that was given to me by my high school friend Mikey B!

"AMERICA!"

Osama Bin Laden, your time is short;
We'd rather you die, than come to court.

Why are you hiding if it was in God's name?

You're just a punk with a turban; a pathetic shame.

I have a question, about your theory and laws;
"How come you never die for the cause?" Is it because you're a coward who counts on others?

Well, here in America, we stand by our brothers.

As is usual, you failed in your mission;
If you expected pure chaos, you can keep on wishing

Americans are now focused and stronger than ever;
Your death has become our next endeavor.

What you tried to kill, doesn't live in our walls;
It's not in buildings or shopping malls.

If all of our structures came crashing down;
It would still be there, safe and sound.

Because pride and courage can't be destroyed;
Even if the towers leave a deep void.

We'll band together and fill the holes
We'll bury our dead and bless their souls.

But then our energy will focus on you;
And you'll feel the wrath of the
Red, White and Blue.

So slither and hide like a snake in the grass;
Because America's coming to kick your ass!!!

WOW

2005-09-27T12:43:00Z

I’ve seen some really cool stop animation but this is incredible. I wonder how long it actually took these guys to do this? Anyone…

Site is probably NSFW, but the video is G rated. http://www.big-boys.com/articles/claystick.html

Sometimes I wonder...

2005-09-27T12:34:00Z

This was sent to me by my friend Craig… He calls this guy a tool, I can think of much better things to call this guy….

http://www.fazed.org/video/view/?id=104

Gas prices got you down?

2005-09-27T12:28:00Z

These might lighten things up…