Hey all - HAPPY NEW YEARS! I know its been awhile, but its been a busy month.
Not sure what happened to all this 'snow' we were suppose to get - I just had alot of ice on my windshield in the morning and it sucks. I need to clean it big time before the freeze comes this weekend. Our plans of going up to the candle factory were washed when they said 6-10inches up in the mountains and we are not getting anything. At least we were able to organize our stuff and install a new safety gate on the stairs - see below.
Where to start!
FAMILY: Chris is walking! He started right before the Christmas weekend, so its been alot of fun. After walking, he actually has good balance and can pick things up while standing. He is also a thrower and throws everything - toys, balls, block.. you name it; least to say we are leaving the wood blocks off of the floor. Having said that, if he happens to throw one thru the TV,... well its time to get another one :P Every day he is amazing us with his new and hidden talents and loves to play and go out. He is simply awesome.
Nicole is doing very well and she loves to spend time with him. She is a great wife- lots of good items this year under the tree and we have alot of fun doing things together. It seems that every time we plan something, something else comes up - go figure. Example was this weekend.. but we seem to overcome and adapt well.
SCHOOL: Started this week and I definitely have a full plate- another one of the 'you just gotta learn it' guys in the systems class Tuesday, and a good history instructor on Thursdays. Should be 'fun'! I am trying to get to BCC again as there is one student that is in my history class that is a BCC student. GRRRRR
HOME FRONT: Installed a new pantry door! Dad and I knocked it out over a long Saturday- note to self: doors cannot be cut down at the store- they do not touch em and the rip-saw station. I got one door that was 1/4" too wide and they would not touch it. We were forced to make a new door frame and install a smaller door- result?? See for yourself :D
BLURAY rocks- I did get the memorix player, but had alot of glitches. I returned it and got the Panasonic DMP-BD35K player. Much better as it cost the same and came with 6 movies for $200 out the door! :D Check out our DVD collection HERE.
CHRISTMAS: Was good this year- lots of good gifts for everyone :D
I received the headset, which rocks by the way- excellent marriage saver; no more fraggin over the TV - all thru the headset. Invest in some rechargeable AAA and you are set. :D, the programming guide- thick book, but goes from scratch to full add-on guide, lots of gift cards and cash (which I used for a new watch and Saints row2)
SPORTS: Steelers and Eagles made the championship round! Once again, a possible PA superbowl! I think the Eagles can win in AZ, but the steelers might have a harder game. I still think its possible.
GAMING: wow is well and we are almost 80 now. Nicole is about to hit 79 and I hit 78 last night. We are well into the Zul-drak zone; some of the others are 80 and others are not. Id like to see everyone get to 80 by next weekend if possible and will just take some time to get there.
Ok- I hope to use this more as that was one of my NewYear resolutions :D
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thursday, December 04, 2008
HOLY SMOKES BATMAN!
wow - what a full month- let me see if I can wrap this up fast, then go into details:
BUSY!
Where to start:
FAMILY: Chris is starting to walk and furniture surf; he started a week before Thanksgiving and now almost ready to go on his own- new prediction: Christmas= first real steps. He is starting to become a fun little boy :D Loves to play and loves his blocks and cars. Nicole is having her birthday this weekend so we will be out at Don Pablos Saturday night. Should be lots of fun :D
SCHOOL: Going into finals week, the 3-nights-a-week took its toll on me big time (Park at 5pm on JFK & market, goto class, get out between 9 and 10; repeatx3). I have no time for anything productive at home and only seem to be able to put out the fires as they come.. fix this, clean that.. Thermo should be an A or B after a 50% grade heavy final. Systems will be a B or a C- i can just tell from the lab test I took Tuesday night. That's fine with me. Next quarter is history and another systems class, i think :P
HOME STUFF: We still have the transition to finish and most of the molding is done now; the kitchen and fridge area are all that is left. This weekend is the holiday decoration weekend so that will be alot of stuff to do- head up to the attic, get bins.. repeat..
On a side note: We are now officially BLU RAY watchers :D There was a good deal this BF weekend and we took advantage of it as out Christmas gift to us. It was under $140 and works excellent. WALL-E was awesome, though Nicole claims to not see a difference, I do. None the less, several cheep BR movies were 'found' this last weekend and we have more on the Xmas gift list- Not alot, but the must-have ones: Batman Begins, the new Batman (this Tuesday..), 300, Transformers and Ironman. Since Netflix has BR movies, that's fine with us.
GAMING: We picked up Wrath on launch night, and questing in Northrend is fun, but not alot of time to do so :(. We are level 72 (?) now and 8 more to go. My goal is to save enough $$ for the epic flying mount when we hit 77. A mere 5K total, with about 3K more to save. Nicole has been able to save her $$ nicely, so she will be fine.
Xbox got turned back on and Gears of War2 is the game-du-jour. Horde mode is simply awesome- 50 waves of baddies come at you with a short break in between. We found some good maps to use and defend on. Other games that are on the list include Saints Row 2 and COD- world at war.
Last note in gaming: Axis and Allies: Anniversary edition is now out and looks awesome. Carlos M ordered it, so I cannot wait to give that a go next time we visit out there.
SPORTS: the IFL playoffs are about to start- I lost to the wombats in a bad game - got spanked bigtime as it didn't matter who I have active that week. Tideybowl, here I come!
HOLIDAYS: Thanksgiving was fun- lots of family and friends with good food. Mom and George came back down again and the day after was a trip to Boscov's. We were then caught by surprise when this lady started to snap pics of us in the store: Result?? :
Newspaper pic.
CHRISTMAS LIST: Nicole has it, so officially, go thru her to verify things, but here is a quick breakdown on cool things Id like to see this year for a gift.
1- NEW digital watch ($30-50): I’m talking about a casio/timex with the indiglow feature- mine is shot and does not work correctly. I prefer the ones with the dual time zones and timer; dual alarm is good too :D
2- Turtle Beach X3 Headset for Xbox360: ($100)- this is a wireless headset that plays the sounds of the game in the headphones, as well as the speaker for the voice. Bestbuy has them.
3- SAINTS ROW 2 for xbox360- USED($50)- Nicole can borrow my game stop card and get the game used at game stop or EB. Don’t buy it new unless its on sale for under $50.
4- CALL OF DUTY: WORLD at WAR for Xbox360 – USED($50): same as above, just a different game
5- World of Warcraft account card ($30); these cards have gametime added to pay for additional time online.
6- World of Warcraft Programming: A Guide and Reference for Creating WoW Addons: This is the book to get for programming all the addons and stuff for the game. Very detailed and lots of positive reviews.
7- BLU RAY Movies: check amazon or other sales, but most are around $15-20:
a. Batman Begins ($20 amazon)
b. Planet Earth Series ($45 used on Amazon, prefer the BBS version)
c. Pirates trilogy ($45 amazon)
d. Bourne Series (??)
Thats it for now! I will try and keep this once again more informative than before - I hope all is good.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
quick updates
Hey gang,
Well, the 1997 dial up is hurting all my daily website and news feeds badly; thus, I am limited to doing the usual weekly updates, but that might change soon as we might have a solution to the non-network issue at work.
Some more updates:
CHRIS IS 1 !!! WOOT! Happy birthday son! Lots of people came and we had an awesome time at the Brussin's house. lots of food and fun. Thank you all for coming :D
SCHOOL: Started last week; systems looks like alot of math and so does Thermo. I think this will be a hard quarter for me as alot of holiday and stuff going on in real life. I got a C in modulation and a B in programming last quarter, so Ill take it.
HOME: got the wood laminate floor in; check the gallery for pics, but i will get some more in there soon. It was a hard long weekend which required a second time for fix, thanks to my oversite of the foam subflooring. DONT overlap your foam :P
WOW- Almost 70 with my warrior and nicole and I are almost 69 with our other mains. in 9 days is blizzcon, so its alot of stuff between now and then. Amy and Wayne hit 70 with their mains. This week is the end of the Brewfest too, so look for me in there.
FOOTBALL: IFL isnt so well for me, Im 1-3 with alot of injuries and RB issues. not good. Look for more waver wire working for me.
XBOX: Got force unleashed and its fun; Im waiting for Saints row 2 now and it looks good.
Thats it for now; I hope to see some of you this weekend; Nicole wants to take me out for my birthday to olive Garden (?) Saturday night, so that will be nice.
I will try and make another post between now and next week before we head out to BLIZZCON!!
-Joe
Well, the 1997 dial up is hurting all my daily website and news feeds badly; thus, I am limited to doing the usual weekly updates, but that might change soon as we might have a solution to the non-network issue at work.
Some more updates:
CHRIS IS 1 !!! WOOT! Happy birthday son! Lots of people came and we had an awesome time at the Brussin's house. lots of food and fun. Thank you all for coming :D
SCHOOL: Started last week; systems looks like alot of math and so does Thermo. I think this will be a hard quarter for me as alot of holiday and stuff going on in real life. I got a C in modulation and a B in programming last quarter, so Ill take it.
HOME: got the wood laminate floor in; check the gallery for pics, but i will get some more in there soon. It was a hard long weekend which required a second time for fix, thanks to my oversite of the foam subflooring. DONT overlap your foam :P
WOW- Almost 70 with my warrior and nicole and I are almost 69 with our other mains. in 9 days is blizzcon, so its alot of stuff between now and then. Amy and Wayne hit 70 with their mains. This week is the end of the Brewfest too, so look for me in there.
FOOTBALL: IFL isnt so well for me, Im 1-3 with alot of injuries and RB issues. not good. Look for more waver wire working for me.
XBOX: Got force unleashed and its fun; Im waiting for Saints row 2 now and it looks good.
Thats it for now; I hope to see some of you this weekend; Nicole wants to take me out for my birthday to olive Garden (?) Saturday night, so that will be nice.
I will try and make another post between now and next week before we head out to BLIZZCON!!
-Joe
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
HOW TO of the month
Here is a first- Figure I would pass on some good knowledge on HOW TO do something...
THIS MONTH: Keyloggers
What's a keylogger? It's a small, virus-type program that can accidentally be installed on your computer. How might a keylogger be installed on your system?
* Visiting an untrustworthy web site. Some sites may have code in them that exploit your web browser and cause it to quietly install a keylogging application without your permission. (Note: even turstworthy sites can be hacked! The same hackers who are after your information can hack what you think of as trustworthy sites and add exploit code to them which could give you a keylogger.)
* Downloading addons (or other files) from an untrustworthy site. Any executable file you download could contain a keylogger or virus, so before you download a file, be sure you're downloading it from a source you trust!
Once a keylogger gets installed, it starts recording every keystroke you make. And when you type in your account name and password for your WoW account, it captures that, too. The next time you access the Internet, it sends your private information to the hackers who use it to log into WoW and strip all your characters of everything valuable leaving you with a penniless toon wearing nothing but his trousers. This also works for banking sites, online stores and whereever your internet habits take you.
This all sounds pretty scary, but don't worry -- there are ways to protect yourself from keylogging programs!
A WoW European Hunter, Eldariel, has written a great guide to defend your computer from keyloggers, spyware and viruses. Here's a run-down of what you can do to keep your computer safe and sound:
* Get a virus scanner. Grisoft provides one for free. Be sure to configure it to scan your system regularly and to check for updates. (Even the best anti-virus software won't do you any good if it doesn't know about the latest virus information -- so keep it updated!)
* Get a free anti-spyware program and run it. Spy Sweeper is a good one. As with your anti-virus software, be sure to configure it to scan your system regularly and check for updates.
* Install firewall software that prevents any unauthorized access between your computer and the Internet. Comodo is recommended. Again, its free and well regarded.
* Be sure to run the latest version of your browser software. Whether it's Internet Explorer or Firefox, keep it patched and up to date! Many exploits that hackers used have already been patched by the software vendors -- all you have to do is stay updated!
* On the subject of browsers, consider using Firefox. There's plenty of room for debate on whether it's more secure than Internet Explorer, but for now, at least, there are more viruses and exploits out there that target Internet Explorer, simply because it's more widely-used.
* Keep your OS up to date. Just like with browsers, many hackers will try to install keyloggers on your system using exploits that have long since been patched by the software vendor. If you run Windows, be sure to run Windows Update regularly -- in fact, I recommend setting it up to run automatically on a daily basis.
* Be careful downloading files! While your anti-virus and anti-spyware software should catch anything that gets installed, it's better to catch them before they get installed and have a chance to cause damage. Never download files from sites you don't trust and be wary of opening unexpected e-mail attachments.
FOR GAMERS / WOW PLAYERS:
* You can configure your WoW client to remember your user name. In this case, even if you get a keylogger installed, they'll find your password, but won't know your account name. The password is useless without the account name, and if you don't type the account name, a keylogger won't see it.
MOST IMPORTANT: Never share your password. You may just give it to one person, but who knows where it could go from there. (For all you know they've got it on a post-it note on their monitor where anyone can see it.)
THIS MONTH: Keyloggers
What's a keylogger? It's a small, virus-type program that can accidentally be installed on your computer. How might a keylogger be installed on your system?
* Visiting an untrustworthy web site. Some sites may have code in them that exploit your web browser and cause it to quietly install a keylogging application without your permission. (Note: even turstworthy sites can be hacked! The same hackers who are after your information can hack what you think of as trustworthy sites and add exploit code to them which could give you a keylogger.)
* Downloading addons (or other files) from an untrustworthy site. Any executable file you download could contain a keylogger or virus, so before you download a file, be sure you're downloading it from a source you trust!
Once a keylogger gets installed, it starts recording every keystroke you make. And when you type in your account name and password for your WoW account, it captures that, too. The next time you access the Internet, it sends your private information to the hackers who use it to log into WoW and strip all your characters of everything valuable leaving you with a penniless toon wearing nothing but his trousers. This also works for banking sites, online stores and whereever your internet habits take you.
This all sounds pretty scary, but don't worry -- there are ways to protect yourself from keylogging programs!
A WoW European Hunter, Eldariel, has written a great guide to defend your computer from keyloggers, spyware and viruses. Here's a run-down of what you can do to keep your computer safe and sound:
* Get a virus scanner. Grisoft provides one for free. Be sure to configure it to scan your system regularly and to check for updates. (Even the best anti-virus software won't do you any good if it doesn't know about the latest virus information -- so keep it updated!)
* Get a free anti-spyware program and run it. Spy Sweeper is a good one. As with your anti-virus software, be sure to configure it to scan your system regularly and check for updates.
* Install firewall software that prevents any unauthorized access between your computer and the Internet. Comodo is recommended. Again, its free and well regarded.
* Be sure to run the latest version of your browser software. Whether it's Internet Explorer or Firefox, keep it patched and up to date! Many exploits that hackers used have already been patched by the software vendors -- all you have to do is stay updated!
* On the subject of browsers, consider using Firefox. There's plenty of room for debate on whether it's more secure than Internet Explorer, but for now, at least, there are more viruses and exploits out there that target Internet Explorer, simply because it's more widely-used.
* Keep your OS up to date. Just like with browsers, many hackers will try to install keyloggers on your system using exploits that have long since been patched by the software vendor. If you run Windows, be sure to run Windows Update regularly -- in fact, I recommend setting it up to run automatically on a daily basis.
* Be careful downloading files! While your anti-virus and anti-spyware software should catch anything that gets installed, it's better to catch them before they get installed and have a chance to cause damage. Never download files from sites you don't trust and be wary of opening unexpected e-mail attachments.
FOR GAMERS / WOW PLAYERS:
* You can configure your WoW client to remember your user name. In this case, even if you get a keylogger installed, they'll find your password, but won't know your account name. The password is useless without the account name, and if you don't type the account name, a keylogger won't see it.
MOST IMPORTANT: Never share your password. You may just give it to one person, but who knows where it could go from there. (For all you know they've got it on a post-it note on their monitor where anyone can see it.)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Olympic update and more
Hey gang,
Just the usual week for me:
Monday: 7am goto work; 4pm leave for train to Philly, 6-9pm class; get back on train 10pm get home.
Tuesday: See Monday
Wednesday: See Monday
Thursday: Work till 4:30, then get home to do whatever we need to get fixed/ finished before the weekend
Friday: Work till 4, then maybe get in a movie.
Weekend: Usually involves work or going somewhere. the weekend ends with a Sunday night WOW session with Nicole and some friends.
It gets very tiring to do every week.
This weekend its all about Da football (IFL that is..) We draft Sunday and it should be alot of fun; Good food, friends and family :D
Speaking of WOW - We did manage to get tickets to Blizzcon this fall, and now we are all set; hotel, car and airfare are done. Now I need to get the catalina trip done and we are all set :)
OLYMPIC UPDATE:
After watching some of the games, I found the true identity of Michael Phelps:
Then Jamaica revealed their secret agent Usain Bolt in the Olympics:
Just the usual week for me:
Monday: 7am goto work; 4pm leave for train to Philly, 6-9pm class; get back on train 10pm get home.
Tuesday: See Monday
Wednesday: See Monday
Thursday: Work till 4:30, then get home to do whatever we need to get fixed/ finished before the weekend
Friday: Work till 4, then maybe get in a movie.
Weekend: Usually involves work or going somewhere. the weekend ends with a Sunday night WOW session with Nicole and some friends.
It gets very tiring to do every week.
This weekend its all about Da football (IFL that is..) We draft Sunday and it should be alot of fun; Good food, friends and family :D
Speaking of WOW - We did manage to get tickets to Blizzcon this fall, and now we are all set; hotel, car and airfare are done. Now I need to get the catalina trip done and we are all set :)
OLYMPIC UPDATE:
After watching some of the games, I found the true identity of Michael Phelps:
Then Jamaica revealed their secret agent Usain Bolt in the Olympics:
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
August comes from nowhere....
Hey all,
Well, its been another few weekends, but the kitchen is now at the 95% done marker; all that is left is the floor. That is this weekends big project. Thursday we will be shopping colors and styles and unless we need to order something, it will happen.
Next up - the living room floor
8 years ago today Nicole and I met for the first time.
MORE UPDATES:
HOME: Chris is now 10 months old! WOW!! He is usually found bouncing in his crib when we go in to get him in the morning. he is too cute :D total Gerber baby coverman. Check out some new photos over on the photo link to my picasa.
Also, We didnt know he made a movie either:
It pops up alot more now and Nicole hasn't seen his movie yet, so it will be done :D
Tigger hit 8 years old today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIGGER!
SCHOOL- not too good on the midterms; passing but not good. I need to do more on my part and hopefully it will happen since the next few weekends after this will be doing other things. Class registration is on the 14th and I can only take two classes this coming quarter- another Mon, Tues, Wed combo night that SUCKS bigtime.
GAMING: No board games recently except a settlers game a few weeks ago. Gonna mummify my collection soon unless we start playing again. WOW is well, WOW. We found another guild to play with and everyone seems to enjoy more people to quest with. This last weekend they did a 10-man dungeon run and had fun. Check out the guild site at cofguild.blogspot.com for more info on our guild.
FOOTBALL: Its football time once again. We voted out keepers, so its a pure draft league now. We just started the first round and its going very slow this year - Dave B is on vacation; Travis just had their first baby Saturday; Dave B#2 is coming out to philly on vacation. I just hope everyone is around for the draft on the 24th :P
OK- thats a good start.
Well, its been another few weekends, but the kitchen is now at the 95% done marker; all that is left is the floor. That is this weekends big project. Thursday we will be shopping colors and styles and unless we need to order something, it will happen.
Next up - the living room floor
8 years ago today Nicole and I met for the first time.
MORE UPDATES:
HOME: Chris is now 10 months old! WOW!! He is usually found bouncing in his crib when we go in to get him in the morning. he is too cute :D total Gerber baby coverman. Check out some new photos over on the photo link to my picasa.
Also, We didnt know he made a movie either:
It pops up alot more now and Nicole hasn't seen his movie yet, so it will be done :D
Tigger hit 8 years old today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIGGER!
SCHOOL- not too good on the midterms; passing but not good. I need to do more on my part and hopefully it will happen since the next few weekends after this will be doing other things. Class registration is on the 14th and I can only take two classes this coming quarter- another Mon, Tues, Wed combo night that SUCKS bigtime.
GAMING: No board games recently except a settlers game a few weeks ago. Gonna mummify my collection soon unless we start playing again. WOW is well, WOW. We found another guild to play with and everyone seems to enjoy more people to quest with. This last weekend they did a 10-man dungeon run and had fun. Check out the guild site at cofguild.blogspot.com for more info on our guild.
FOOTBALL: Its football time once again. We voted out keepers, so its a pure draft league now. We just started the first round and its going very slow this year - Dave B is on vacation; Travis just had their first baby Saturday; Dave B#2 is coming out to philly on vacation. I just hope everyone is around for the draft on the 24th :P
OK- thats a good start.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Quick hits on Friday
Hey guys
After bustin some chops last night all of the cabinets are now IN; all that is left for the big stuff is the counter tops, sink, and the floor. the other stuff includes the pantry door replacement and the back splash, if we want one. Pics will be posted soon :D
Chris and Nicole got a small cold last weekend, and they are coming off of it now, I hope (crosses fingers).
WOW is slowing down a tad - mainly because everyone is so busy; we hope to get the Sunday night thing back this Sunday, so that will be nice again :D
...and a last but not least note: Fantasy football season is getting ready to start! Get your notepads ready, the draft is only 3 weeks away! I haven't done squat yet, but will make up for it in CA on a trip for work over the last week of the month.
Ok - mom is visiting this weekend :) Have a fun one!
After bustin some chops last night all of the cabinets are now IN; all that is left for the big stuff is the counter tops, sink, and the floor. the other stuff includes the pantry door replacement and the back splash, if we want one. Pics will be posted soon :D
Chris and Nicole got a small cold last weekend, and they are coming off of it now, I hope (crosses fingers).
WOW is slowing down a tad - mainly because everyone is so busy; we hope to get the Sunday night thing back this Sunday, so that will be nice again :D
...and a last but not least note: Fantasy football season is getting ready to start! Get your notepads ready, the draft is only 3 weeks away! I haven't done squat yet, but will make up for it in CA on a trip for work over the last week of the month.
Ok - mom is visiting this weekend :) Have a fun one!
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