We were cleaning out of iPhoto. Trying to get things working a little better. Our poor little iMac can do a lot of things, but handling a library of over 1000 photos is not one of them. In one swoop we removed all pictures taken over the last 12 months. Positives ... well, we have most burned to CD. Negatives ... we had not yet backed up or put a gallery of our trip to Nashville ... pity really, but a great excuse to go again.

First, I will see what I can recover ... so all may not be lost, but now we focus on the future. How do you manage your digital photo libraries? Are you backing up your photos?

How much was dinner? or was that the tip?

Turns out Melissa and I had another first this weekend. Our first strike of fraud. In todays world I suppose it is bound to happen ... but when you go to take money out of your account and you are missing $300 dollars it is not a pleasant moment. But as with all things it is a learning experience.

First, research ... who was the jerk? Well, the charge was on 'hold' on our pocket check card ... so it was on the VISA system and not our debit (for those in Canada ... this is a different system than Interac ... one that allows you to run credit card purchases and debit transactions through the same card - both of which directly come out of your checking account. Great system when you are on a tight budget and want to really watch what you are spending ... there is no credit - just your cash. We noticed charge attempts at $4500, $3000, and twice at $900 (never rounded numbers ... all off just a little) ... now isn't that suspicious! This all before finally getting an approved amount of $302.

Turns out the unknown charge occurred 30 minutes after our dinner bill was processed ... in Chattanooga. Info from the bank combined with Google power we found Hamilton Place and their $300 gift card ... and their location in Chattanooga. Well ... we did stop in Chattanooga ... to visit the train (free) and eat dinner (ahh .. not $300 worth though). Then it was back on the road ... we were on a road trip. Once the charge "posted" (the transaction completed) we confirmed it was a charge at the Chattanooga location ... not looking good for our server.

We have now visited our bank, RBC Centura, and issued the papers to get our money back ... in the process learned a couple things. First, the system does not allow us to get our money back right away. This is due to freud protection on the banks side. Remember this is not 'credit' this is the actual account so we could take the money and run. Thus we now await their 20 day initial investigation turnaround. Credit cards can issue immediate refunds due to the fact that you can't just take off with the money ... so we were told it is smarter to write checks, use cash, or use credit cards ... the "Pocket check" card, though convenient, is the worst for security. And of late, the freud surrounding those has been getting really bad. RBC has taken good care of us, our account manager is so nice, protecting us from bounced checks until after our next rent payment is due (we should be fine ... but still .. we are out 300 clams here).

As for Fredric ... you better watch out. While we are thrilled you think of us as worth stealing from ... but we did not like it so much. We are working with the bank, the restaurant, and the mall to get to the bottom of this. And though you may not be that final person, you were our server and you allowed our information to be stolen while we had placed it in your trust. That was not very nice of you!

... oh! And happy birthday to me :) ... guess I can make one more notch in my wall surviving another 365 days. At least I did not turn 30 ... like Byron, Darren, Mark, and Vic ... I am not THAT old. Can't wait to get home and open the gifts I noticed on the table as I left for work this morning ... tee hee ... maybe Joe will help me unwrap, he only wants the boxes anyways!!

It was a long trip for our little baby. But it seems that she caught her fuel-pump cold once again. This time I think we will just get it taken care of. I have talked with several people and between the symptoms and the mileage all bets are on the pump. We were quoted $400-500 for the pump change which was decent (about $200 less than other quotes) and it should be taken care of today/tomorrow which is a bonus. I am thinking of also getting her an oil change and once-over ... she deserves it.

On a positive and exciting side note, Joe rolled front-to-back for the first time yesterday. Melissa missed it by a split second, only turning to catch him settling himself after the roll.

Sarasota to Nashville: 758 mi. (1219 km) or 12 hours

We hit the road at 5AM and ate breakfast in Gainesville

Time for dinner at the Choo Choo - Track 29

We stopped in Chattanooga for dinner, the diner only serves on Friday and Saturday so "dinner in the diner" was out ... but we enjoyed wandering the station (impressive) and the tracks and railcars. They have a great garden and platform around the train cars ... it was not hard to allow the imagination to wonder back to 1850 when the line opened.

Welcome to Nashville

Old friends - together again

We arrived before bed time, so we enjoyed a little 'catch-up' time before sleep came. The next day was just for relaxing and playing ... the kids are growing up so fast. Wow. Saturday we got out a little more ... headed downtown to the bicentennial park, enjoyed a 'worst shirt' theme birthday party for some friends of Amy and Erik, and then got a tour of Nashville. The city is great ... it is "gritty", not dirty, not run-down, but not polished either ... filled with character of over 200 years. "Hill billies" (apparently where the term was coined) brought music into the cities of Tennessee as they came looking for work. Several major Civil War battles were fought in and around the city as Tennessee was the last state to leave the Union. Homes are built mostly of brick (termites are apparently a problem) and come have very colonial roots. Melissa and I really enjoyed the city as we really felt at home ... don't know if it was the heritage, the neighbourhoods, the parks, or the rolling hills ... maybe it was the fact that people were just really nice (and they really enjoy hockey).

The city of Nashville, clean and friendly

Lineage, Tennessee through the years - broken during the Civil War

Their bicentennial park was really neat. Well maintained grass fields, chiming bells, a giant wall marked with historical quotes, headlines, and notables. The wall broke into chunks during the years of the strife preceding and during the years of the Civil War (1861-1865) only to return to a single lineage in the post-war years. It was incredibly symbolic and informative. The park, built in 1996, also contained a refurbished farmers market where we enjoyed lunch to live entertainment before heading to their dancing water fountain for a little 'wet time'. We also visited a large map of Tennessee carved in a concrete platform at the foot of the state capital lawn.

Their centennial park, built in 1896, featured a world expo where they built an exact replica of the Parthenon. At the time we drove by they were doing "shakespeare in the park" - which reminded me of Victoria. Again, you could really feel the history of the area.

Playing in the park

Geography lesson

Expo 1896, a full-size replica

Inside lies an art museum

Thanks to everyone for a great weekend

Photo by Krishen

He may be all quiet and pleasant looking here. But this little boy can find his lungs when he is upset ... and it seems that post bedtime excursions makes him upset. Well, more specifically defined as ...

if( isHungry()
    AND othersEating()
    AND NOT isFedorFeeding() )
then
{
    Joseph = UPSET!
}

He has also started being far more dramatic and using body language a lot more as a communication tool. He will smack is legs very intently when he is unhappy ... raise his fists when he is really angry ... and pull his hands to his mouth when he is happy. He has started mimicking sounds we make, particularly the rolling of the tongue - he loves that especially when it is making car-shifting type changes in tone, strength, and/or pitch. And he is urning to walk ... he has the legs doing what they need, just missing that whole balance thing. And he can almost sit up straight ... well he can just will fall over after not to long. Though he is starting to pull himself up with his stomach muscles when he falls over backwards. Now ... only if he would roll over ...

Oh ... and he loves his buddy in the window (read mirror). Fascinating...

While Melissa was browsing through Ross, Joe and I spent some time in their toy section. That is when I came across Recycling Ray ... I could not pass that one up. The modern world is coming ... one child toy at a time.

Ahh ... Joe is starting to get interested in toys ... this is going to be a GREAT christmas!!!

Well, what a week. Started off with an update to the Screen Save Menu. So for, I have one bug report sitting in my basket (any others?) ... otherwise I am looking at how to integrate a "charge" system and shareware lockout timers. Was planning to finish that up this week ... but ...

Lets just say I am looking forward to getting out of the office and back to the family. I actually like these times ... makes me feel a little closer to the projects. I find suffering creates an emotional bond ... a "part of me is in that" type of sediment. This can be good and bad for a company and its workers ... strong emotions usually bring a little more TLC and thus better products - cause it means something to those working on it. However, strong emotions can also breed resentment if the projects are cancelled, changed from "above", or people are moved/replaced before their parts are complete. An emotional minefield for managers ... but I love riding the emotional high when it ships (even for demos) knowing that my, and my teams, hard work was the only thing that got it to where it is - which it probably why I do it ... again and again and again!

Thinking pool time with Joe is a plan for this afternoon.

New nappies and a new way of life

Over the last week we continued our even increasing "baby spending". Our new cloth diapers arrived in the mail ... and they work pretty well. They go on much like regular diapers, using velcro to fasten closed. Then you just slide over some plastic pants ... and poof ... your done. They fit him perfect and are completely reusable - what could be better?

Joe continues to grow, and we recently decided that it was time to grab a crib. After a couple weeks of browsing the stores we finally came across one at Walmart that fit our price range. After an "oops" of installing the sliding door (we put it on backwards) we needed to fix the springs and install it correctly. Generally, it is not a bad design for a crib lock ... however, if installed backwards the springs (small folded pieces of metal) catch on the actual lock. This gives the immediate feedback of "its locked" but does not support much weight. We initially suspected the locking mechanism was defunct ... but since it was a Graco product we started looking at where "we" put things together wrong. Turns out their setup manual sucked, though careful reading and examination of the crib (and a little engineering) got things all fixed and working properly. Don't like how an "easy" mistake became such a critical safety hazard, had the manual contained better pictures (highly pixelized) and possibly a warning for installing the door we would have caught things much earlier.

But ... the crib is up and Joe has been enjoying it (thanks to Amy and Erik for the mattress).

"My blanket seals the deal ... I love my new bed!"

Screen Saver Menu
Version 1.0

I am putting a final candidate release into the wild today. This little freeware utility is designed to address some of my workflow issues. There are times in the day where I would love to lock my screen to deter unwanted visitors. There are other times where I like the screen saver on but hate always typing in my password. And still, due to my typical usage, there are other times I find it annoying that the screen saver activates while I am reading or making notes at my desk. Thus, I came up with a manual screen saver launching tool, the Screen Saver Menu.

It allows me to change and launch the screen saver without loading any additional applications. I can instantly lock the screen or toggle the automatic screen locks ON state. And, in addition to supporting both system and user account screen savers, it fully supports iPhoto album selections.

Download it here
Requires: Mac OS 10.3 or higher

Please, let me know if you run into any troubles. I am thinking of making this a shareware application, $5 - $10, but would love to know your, customer, input on such things. Would you pay for this application?

Does it get much better than this?

So, we have managed to put 3 months under our belt and we are coming to the 100 day mark, the Baek-il celebration. A Korean belayed birthday celebration that occurs after 100 days. This is due to the high mortality rates during the first few months of life, this marks the passage through that critical time period. Thanks to some Korean friends here in town, we may have the chance to participate in a this tradition.

It leaves me curious though, do other cultures also have traditions celebrating a babies 3-month birthday?

Today I read a posting, Idiots Guide to the NHL Lockout, on ESPN.com by Bill Simmons. The story, while it does make some decent points, is overall a sham. He focuses the games rough nature and the fighting as the only saving graces of the NHL. Forget the skill, the power and the grit that makes up each game. He leaves me believing that he doesn't enjoy a game unless a fight breaks out. Pity! Personally, I like the one-on-one battles in the corner or in front of the net. I love the slick passing plays. I love the grind that it takes to kill that 2-man penalty. Forget the fighting, give me a good clean hit that rattles the entire arena. The game, however, did have its issues ... and I think the new CBA and rule changes are a good step in the right direction. But then, unlike Bill, I have been waiting for the game to come back ...

I came across this article through Krishen and realized that a comment could not provide the full context of my thoughts. So, after being prompted, I will diverge from my regular posting of little Joe (against my mothers wishes I am sure) ... but lets tackle the end of the hockey lockout and the future of the "coolest game on earth".

The cap

Basically, I have been a long supporter of the cap. It limits "big market" teams from snatching up the games stronger players at the expense of the league. And last year just helps prove that having a team of stars does not buy you the Cup. However, if the salaries are no kept in check then players will look for the higher wages ... no fault of their own, they have to keep their "value" in check with the league. At the same time, while it is true that most players would likely play for pennies on the dollars that they are making - they should be getting a fair slice of the pie. Thus, you have a cap that is tied directly to the revenues ... while 54% of the total league revenues (broken into 30 bite-sized chunks) does seem a bit small - that is what happens when you gamble and loose. What we have to remember is that there are a number of other costs to running a team ... so ... 54% likely is not really that bad.

Minimum salaries keep rookies from getting underpaid, while a maximum salary (20% of the cap) keeps a single player from gaining too much value in the league.

The subsequent "shuffle" that is occurring as we speak is intended to bring balance to the force. Big market teams are clearing their roster and making room in their cap while smaller market teams are building on the largest free agent pool in the leagues history. So, essentially, stacked teams are being split up and bottom feeders are grabbing up the left-overs ... we should be looking at a number of balanced teams when this is all said and done - or at least a balanced playing field. The exceptions will be those players that decided to take a lower wage to stick with an organization (likely coming to the end of their career). Otherwise, winning teams will be based much more off the coaching staff and management teams than ever before - no longer can you just open you wallet and expect a big payoff.

Rivalries

A big part of any competitive sport is the rivalries that develop and draw people to the game. These are the rivalries that sell t-shirts and create bi-laws. The subsequent player shuffle that will occur in most teams are going to break a lot of loyalties that fans have ... as they are as much tied to players as they are organizations. To try and help with that the schedule has been ratified to player more against division rivals - though who determine your fate at playoff time. What sucks here is that it is even more unlikely the Vancouver will visit Tampa ... but ... there are always the finals right :)

Rule changes

Now, for the actual changes that will effect the game, as it is played on the ice rather than in a boardroom. There are several adjustments to the rule book in this coming season, and for the most part I am not seeing a problem. The NHL actually does a great job of explaining these. Designed for less stoppage of play and higher scoring, I think they often cause themselves more problems - but that could be the purist in me. Just remember, scoring isn't everything, it is the action and suspense that drives people to the game. A 13-10 game gets boring around the second period while a 2-1 game is has your attention all the way to the end ... you never want to miss a point cause it could determine the game.

So ... to the changes, not all, but those big boys:

Shrinking the neutral zone, this one is fuzzy for me. Put in place to "encourage" more offensive play ... I don't know ... think it just give more room for the defense to clear the puck. More room does not mean a better game.

Shrinking the space behind the net, question: does this not just take us back again? I thought I remember space being added to "encourage" more Gretzky-esk play-making. In either case, I like this change ... it will likely produce more grinding and skillful play-making deep in the zone.

Offside "tag-up" ... FINALLY. How annoying was that rule? And how the heck did they ever think that it would produce "fewer stoppages". Thank you!!

2-line passes allowed ... cherry pickers wanted. I am not fond of this update, the breakout pass - while exciting - I believes takes away from the overall game. Sure, it produces a lot of breakaways ... but I personally prefer a nifty move to slip behind the D-man than a straight out break. Then again, breakaways were exciting when they did happen ... but rare things are always eye catching. Once they are regular occurrences they lose their effect.

Teams caught icing the puck can't change up. Oh, this one is fun. No longer can a team just ice the puck because they are caught in their zone and running out of steam. While not a bad strategy at times - it could be abused and really slow a game.

Linesmen can wave off icing due to attempted pass. This is good as long as they stick to it. Missing a pass only to result in an icing was annoying to watch - and it will also likely help reduce 'puck racing injuries'.

Fight instigator gets a game during the last 5-minutes. Fighting, while a part of the game, is due to emotions from the highly intense play. Fights in the last 5 minutes can kill a well played game. They are often retaliatory and have little effect on the current game. This is a good stance ... as the game of hockey is not about fighting - go watch boxing for that. It is a side effect ... one that has to be kept at a reasonable level. (Love the fines to coach as incentive to keep things under control - not to mention hurting repeat offenders)

Reduction to goalie equipment ... I have to say sorry friends, but things are just getting out of control. Have you seen the pads lately - they are huge. Time to bring it down a notch.

Restricted puck handling for goalies, a good puck-handling back-stopper can really help control the game - in some cases almost eliminating the ability to dump-and-chase. So, restricting handling of the puck in the corners helps with that - though, maybe simply opening them up to being hit when outside the crease would have solved that problem. We might be seeing more "delay of game penalties".

Defensive zone clearing Previously, goalies could not put the puck directly over the glass without getting a delay of game. This rule has now been expanded to everyone. I honestly don't think this will change much since it is not often seen, though players will hesitate more before putting the puck up on the glass to clear it. Guess, with the new rules on icing, players might look to putting the puck out of play to get a line-change. So this is probably a good thing.

The Shootout... ahh, the purist in me hates these. The player in me doesn't like them either (I ended a championship game in one ... it was the worse way to end the game - even though we got the win). However, I have hated the way they have handled ties ... OT with points to both teams. All that did is cause teams to go into a defensive mode as the game winded down in a tie. Why be risky when both teams benefit? This will help put an end to that ... teams will play for the win right up to the buzzer since a shootout is anyones game. Just don't bring the shootout to the playoffs and I will sit back and enjoy.

Suck-it-up laws ... keep your opinions to yourself and leave the acting to Hollywood. Hockey is not a game for complainers ... keep two hands on the stick, skate hard, and blame only yourself for a loss. Otherwise you will be fined ... even if your not caught during the game. And as far as I am concerned ... you deserved it! I have hated the diving, the crying, the general unsportsmanlike attitude that has infected the league. The few are ruining it for the man ... and hopefully this will help.

Finally ... the fans

So, is it enough ... will the fans come back? Honestly, I believe that they will. Baseball was hit hard post their lockout ... so maybe I will be proven wrong. I know that I will be back though ... will likely be looking for seats on opening night if they are cheap enough. In Canada, I don't think there will be a problem ... in fact, most of the Canadian teams probably won't drop ticket prices due to demand rather than need. Smaller market teams down here in the south will probably be giving out plenty of deals on tickets - though season tickets did not drop a lot. Personally, I just am looking at finding a seat ... something I doubt I would be able to do in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, or New York.

Teams will be testing the waters this first year, fans will be upset at the player swapping, and some teams will have to remind the local community what hockey is. But ... never the less ... I believe that the game can return with few losses to the group. Sure, there are two teams here in Florida ... but heck everyone down here is from Canada, or northern states.

I wait for Oct 5 ... like I know many do ... it is time to lace up the skates and hit the ice.

Jae and Cynthia once again hosted a superb BBQ this past Saturday evening for us and a new couple that just moved to town. Actually, I think he out did himself on the grill this time round ... between the salmon, chicken, and steak - it was mouth watering good. We ended the evening by enjoying a dip in the pool followed by the hot tub ... ahh!

We all met up again the next morning, enjoyed some lunch at the Atlanta Bread Company, and then proceeded to the outlet mall for some shopping (apparently it is 'tax-free' week). We managed to find a new swimsuit for Joe since he is rapidly growing out of his old one. However, after a few hours of hot sun and cool A/C, Joe was starting to feel the effects.

With plans to re-organize the closets, hang pictures on the walls, and generally clean the house ... we managed a couple cups of tea and a few more chapters of the latest Harry Potter before climbing into bed. Guess the other stuff will just have to wait :)