Scheduling These Blog Posts

One of the neatest features I've found with posting on my blog is the ability to schedule when my blog posts are to be published. I could have a few lined up, and have them post at the times I want.

Unfortunately, when starting out this blog, the function wasn't working correctly. First off, it'd automatically pick several days later than the day I wanted. That was weird. Once I figured out that I needed to select the correct day (a good idea, btw), the automatic time zone was incorrect. The posts I wanted to be published at 1pm where posted at 4pm! That was frustrating.

I'm still trying to get it right, and I depending on how I feel, who knows when a post will be published.

It's not like anyone is waiting at their computer hoping for a piece of my mind…

~Matt

Windows 8 Upgrade

A few months ago, we heard about the special offer by Microsoft to update our Windows operating system to version 8 Professional for only $40. It was an offer we couldn't pass up. Lydia and I had Vista on our computers, and it was a pain. Especially for me.

Not optimized for speed and efficiency, Visa would often slow down when I'd really get into doing design work. Having Photoshop and other programs open at the same time would cause it to lag. It would be very frustrating for me.

So we happily purchased the upgrade, and got it installed on our laptops. Lydia took to it like a pro. She figured out most of the features and tricks before I did. Phooey… I remember when Windows 3.0 came out and it started dominating our PC's!!!

Windows 8 is different enough that I have to re-calibrate my mind to do some of the simple functions I'm used to. I have to remind myself to remember that the operating system is now based for use on a tablet.

There was only one major drawback to the update. And it was one that frustrated Lydia the most. It didn't support the drivers for our Dell Touchpad Mouse. The touch-pad was now super sensitive to touch, and would not allow scrolling. Whenever we'd type, our palms would brush the touch-pad, causing the cursor to jump to where the mouse was. Without you realizing it, you'd be typing in the middle of a word from a previous paragraph!

I decided to do more research. Dell said it was not supported for Windows 8, and suggest everyone wait. I even downloaded the driver and tried installing. It would come up with "not compatible". However, I did noticed that it unzipped. I then went to the folder and looked around. There were several excitable files there. So I decided to try them… one installed, and asked me to restart my computer. I did, and to my surprise the touch-pad options were there!!! YAY!!!

So, all in all… I'm a happy guy! Windows 8 works great! I'm even able to run XP programs that wouldn't run on Vista.

Have you upgraded? Microsoft's special offer ends today!!!

~Matt

That Clock!!!

I love sleep. Being able to get a good nights rest is very essential, although not always attainable.

When I go to bed, I like for complete silence. I can wake up over the slightest noise. If I go to bed knowing one of my kids might vomit because they’re sick, I’ll wake up at every noise I hear. There are certain nights of the year that I can guarantee I’ll not sleep soundly, like New Years Eve and Halloween. And if some stranger comes to the door late at night, or there is an argument in the neighborhood, my plans for sleep are ruined.

I also have a hard time sleeping in a room where there is a constant noise. Like a computer running. My biggest problem is a ticking clock....

We had a wall clock in our main bathroom, but last month we decided to move it into our bedroom so that we can easily glance at the time while getting ready in the morning without grabbing at our cell phones. I knew that it might cause a problem, but I was willing to try it. Sure enough, there were some nights as I was getting ready to doze off, I’d hear the ‘tick-tock’. Thankfully, it didn’t bother me enough.

Until the other night... I was exhausted. It had been a long day. I just wanted to go to sleep. As I was laying there, trying to just fall into that deep slumber, I heard it. “Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock..” I tried to ignore it, but no... it kept getting louder! “Tick-TOCK, TICK-TOCK, TICK_TOCK...”

I finally shot out of bed, reached up and snagged it off the wall. Lydia asked me what I was doing. I just told her I’m taking care of a frustration, and then took the clock to main bathroom and set it on the counter. When returning to bed, Lydia asked how she’s going to see what time it was. I told her not to worry. We couldn’t see it in the dark anyway, plus I’ll put it back when I’m up and getting ready in the morning.

I then was able to sleep.... ahhh.....

~Matt

My Brothers' Blogs...

It helps to know others who are knowledgeable in different aspects of technology. I get approached by friends and family on my area of expertise. It also helps if those you know are your relatives... insert my family here!

Yes, both of my brothers are deeply involved in technology, sometime more than me. We all enjoy gadgets and try to keep up with what's going on in the world. It helps that the other two are on the programing side... I'll just stick with the graphics! Of course, we got our interest in computers from our dad. Our family has always owned more than one computer since I was a little child, so it would come as no surprise that computers are a main stay in our lives. 

Anyway, I write all of this to say... if you like insights on technology, you can also check out their blogs! Both are open to the public, so I hope they don't mind me sharing. Ha!


Benjamin: Technology Bytes (Articles About Technological Tangles and Triumphs Learned)

Sam: Sblog


I don't know if all three of us will ever collaborate on posts in the future... but you never know. We do have the same interests on some things. Especially the mobile apps!

~Matt

Report Gun Ownership To School?

In the news today, it was reported that a Missouri State Senator, Maria Chappelle-Nadal, is proposing a state bill that would require any parent who owns guns to notify their child's school. The claim is that it will prevent gun violence in schools by allowing school officials know what students have guns in their households.

To me, it seems to be discrimination. Why should kids be labeled? Just because parents own guns for self-defense, hobby, or hunting. Will they be treated differently? The Senator says, "...it also gives the school districts the opportunity to help encourage gun safety in the community and in the household." 

I believe if we want to encourage gun safety, then lets encourage people to take gun safety classes. However, it seems that politicians' ideas of "gun safety" is to take guns away.

Here's a thought... if we make everyone report their gun ownership to the banks, you think there will be less robberies??? Labeling people who own guns does not prevent gun violence. Just like having rocks on your property, doesn't mean you're going to use them violently! 

Perhaps we need to start reporting toy "Bubble Guns" as well...

~Matt




 

Musing...

 
Main Entry: musing
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: absorption
Synonyms: contemplation, deliberation, meditation, reflection, thought 



Yes, welcome to my little corner of the web where I will be posting about my thoughts and ideas on a range of different topics... things that come to my mind. You may agree with what I post, or you may not. Just have an open mind while you read, and let me provoke some thoughts!

I will occasionally rant, give my own opinions, and poke fun at some things. I'm going to try and keep this provoking. At times, what you read may also be surprising. Some could be about religion, politics, social news, or anything that comes to my mind.

I'll also give reviews on items or products I like. Some on music, geeky gagets, food, or perhaps things around the house that I find useful. I'm not doing it for a profit, but for fun.  

Speaking of fun... there may be posts of some of the things that happen in my life. There may be embarrasing stories, or just a rant over a pet peeve. There will also be things that are "off the wall" or humerous in nature. This is where I'll be sharing my ramblings. (take this as a warning as well!)

So, if you're interested... follow this blog!

~Matt