Blogging I think...

Frustratingly Current

So here I am posting along and go to make today's post at Pocosin Blog, and I see that my posts are not showing up in Wordpress and that a nice error is being displayed for all to see.

[Can't create/write to file '/tmp/#sql_185d_0.MYI' (Errcode: 2)] SELECT DISTINCT * FROM wp_posts WHERE 1=1 AND post_date_gmt <= '2005-09-16 00:00:59' AND (post_status = "publish") GROUP BY wp_posts.ID ORDER BY post_date DESC LIMIT 0, 10

No, I have no idea what this means. I can tell you that Wordpress says I have no posts but shows the most recent posts on the main admin sign-in page. So, I am confused.

I have sent the wonderful staff at my ISP a few e-mails to see if they can help me with the problem. I hope what I am feeling is not another Wordpress install....

I'll keep you informed...

An UPDATE! Wordpress forum support has indicated the error is one that the ISP needs to fix, so I will wait to give them a chance. Well, I will wait until Friday morning because I want to work on the blog theme this weekend...

Counsel

Blogging with the LAW...

15 September 2005

I am looking at liability of bloggers due to comments posted on their site(s) by third parties (visitors and members) or due to comments by the bloggers themselves.

Previously, I have spoken re: the liability of bloggers for comments or posts that discuss 'trade secrets' (See below). There is a good site called Medialaw that discusses the media and their relationship with the law. The site points out several political figures and the State of California support the idea of a Federal Shield Law--a law that would protect journalists, editors, and publishers. But, as the site's owner, Robert J. Ambrogi, points out that E. Thomas McClanahan, in the Kansas City Star, states that " . . . a federal shield law would invite Congress to begin parsing the First Amendment. Lawmakers would inevitably decide where key lines should be drawn, such as who should be included in a shield law. Such a debate ought to make First Amendment supporters more than queasy."

MSNBC has an article discussing why protecting confidential sources is important. Any internet search will reveal more opinions.

Again, I state that bloggers may not be journalists, editors, or publishers. Shield laws, Federal or local, may create more liability for bloggers if bloggers are not included in the definition of those covered by the Shield Laws.

So, you ask, what is the problem? Well, I do not think the Shield Laws will include bloggers as one of the protected classes covered by the laws. Why not, you ask? If bloggers are included, why not anyone? Where will we, or, help us, Congress, draw the line and say where the line is between a journalist and a blogger? Is a journalist one who works for one of the "main media outlets" or someone who makes more than 50% of thier income on reporting news, information, or other data? I don't know, but I don't want my senator making that decision either...

The first amendment is a wonderful thing. However, please remember that the media, however biased or neutral, receives more protection than the average citizen. Journalists can protect their confidential sources, but an average citizen can not.

Something to think about... Therefore, I am providing some links...

• The Blog Book that covers IP and the law. Note their article on potential liability for bloggers here.
• The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy. See their article on the Federal Shield law.
• Electronic Frontier Foundation. A must read is their article on How to Blog Safely (About Work or Anything Else)
• Efraim Scwartz, at InfoWorld, has an article called Bloggers and the law that is a must-read.
• Citizen Journalism, in the trenches, plus other media stuff has a blog where ideas regarding journalism are discussed.
• Reasononline is a site providing views on different topics, but you should look at their article on Who Gets to Play Journalist? An academic question becomes a pressing legal issue.
• Julie Hilden has a good article, Can Bloggers Invoke the Journalist's Privilege to Protect Confidential Sources Who Leak Trade Secrets?. Another good review of issues that bloggers should be aware of when they allow people, members of their blog or otherwise, to post comments on their blog/site.
• The First Amendment Project has a document in their resource section describing confidentiality and California's Shield Law.

There are many other sites and articles out there, do a search and . . . have fun reading.

Counsel

Blogging with Wordpress...

14 September 2005

Due to the problem of updating a number of pages while updating my blog, I have decided to move the basic blog to a new address. Please take note of the new blog site. This page will remain for a few weeks until I get the wordpress theme 'fixed' and until I decide how best to use this main page on the domain.

The forum will remain where it is, altough it too will be modified (both in content and appearance).

Again, the new site for the blog is

http://wordpress.pocosin.com/

Check there for updates.

Counsel

Blogging for Apple

13 Septmeber 2005

An article at The Register seems to state that Apple should be doing more to prevent employees from divulging information rather than attempting to find data from those blogs that have published data on Apple trade secrets.

A second complaint was made about Apple by Paul Hudson in the September 2005 edition of Linux format. If you haven't looked at this magazine, I suggest you do---it is worth its weight in gold. Cough, back to the reason for the post... In his article, Mr. Hudson asks "[w]hy should Apple bother testing and retesting its Darwin core when Linux is already free and already tested?"

I wanted to address both of these issues even though I am just considering buying an Apple product (one of their notebook computers if you must know...).

First, Apple's attempt to sue blogs that publish "trade secrete" will halt the publication of those trade secrets. Blogs have not been given the same legal protection (in the United States of America) as that enjoyed by the mainstream media. Specifically, confidential sources are recognized and protected in the mainstream media and may not be protected or remain confidential if they provide data to a blog or other 'publication.' Forcing blogs and their owners to fund legal responses and to face potential negative outcomes in the courts sends a strong message to those sites outside of the mainstream media that they should not publish trade secrets (even if Apple employees are willing to divulge the data).

Internet News has stated that

EFF said this is a crucial issue in the case, which will be heard by a California appeals court. The First Amendment and the California Constitution require that Apple exhaust all other alternatives before trying to subpoena journalists.
"The First Amendment requires that compelled disclosure from journalists be a last resort," said EFF Staff Attorney Kurt Opsahl in a statement. "Apple must first investigate its own house before seeking to disturb the freedom of the press."

As mentioned, the issues may be whether bloggers are jounalists or whether blogs are hobbies that may not be entitled to protection. 'Freedom of the press' is freedom for the press and not for the average american citizen.

I don't know whether Apple's response is right or wrong, but I think they could have been a little more polite, cough. You know, contact the blog, request the information be removed, and then, if the blog owner delays, threaten a lawsuit or take legal action. Just my opinion.

Second, I have touched on Apple using the open-source hacker as a testing source before (twice actually, as I first posted it here). I think Apple does, to some extent, use the community to test products/software/ideas prior to taking legal action to remove the 'offending' information. Free publicity and marketing makes Jobs grin that 'we got them doing our work for us for free' grin. However, Apple uses FreeBSD and not Linux due to the FreeBSD license. Specifically, the FreeBSD site states

[t]The driving philosophy behind the GPL is to ensure that code remains Open Source; it does this by placing restrictions on the distribution of GPLd code. In contrast, the BSD license places no such restrictions, which gives you the flexibility of keeping the code Open Source or closing the code for a proprietary commercial product.[2] Having stable and reliable code under the attractive BSD license means that many operating systems, such as Apple OS X are based on FreeBSD code. It also means that if you choose to use BSD licensed code in your own projects, you can do so without threat of future legal liability.

The difference between the licenses is important since Apple does not have to release any of the source code or other programming that provides desireable features for Apple's OS X. I don't think Apple has, at this time, a reason to move to a GPL license as a base for OS X. Rather, the BSD license provides them with a solid, stable, and well-tested OS that allows them to keep the OS proprietary.

Apple has done wonders with OS X. Mr. Hudson stated that "Apple's business model is to sell software good enough to make people buy hardware..." I agree that the OS is good enough to make you buy the hardware, but I have phrased it slighltly differently: "I conclude that I don’t buy the OS based on the underlying CPU. Rather, I buy the underlying CPU based on the OS of my choice. I bet most of you do too." See my original post regarding this topic.

Either way, I will be buying an Apple. My first Apple purchase since my Apple //e. Mr. Jobs should hire a firm to get a new add for Apple for those of us who are returing to Apple. Picture this....Mr. Jobs walking around a campus and coming upon a professor using an Apple Powerbook. A song starts playing. Steve looks down and smiles. Gabriel Kaplan (Mr. Gabe Kotter) looks up and smiles. The words of the song begin to play as Mr. Jobs and Mr. Kaplan smile at each other. Mr. Jobs nods, Mr. Kaplan nods, and Mr. Jobs walks away as the theme song trails off. The commercial ends with the following two lines of text on the screen, "Welcome back...to that same old place that you laughed about." Followed by "Apple.com" on the screen.

I'd go online and buy right then...

Counsel

Blogging for a theme

12 September 2005

Due to many comments from friends regarding the blog, I have decided to focus in on a number of areas rather than have so many different postings on the main page. Therefore, the main page will be focusing on ... technology and internet sites and news.

I am currently searching to see how to grab RSS feeds from various sites to group data and information from various sites on 'minor' pages within the blog.

I'll keep you posted...

Counsel

Blogging for Style

10 September 2005

Due to having young people work in the firm, I hear about new styles and trends. I thought I should find some interesting sites on the internet and post them here. If you know of some others, please let me know on the forum.

• Coolhunting
is a site that provides a number of reviews and links each day.
• Journey with Style
is a site from Japan with postings on style.
• Design Observer
is a site you just need to vist, at least once.
• Core77
is an "Industrial Design Supersite." Nuff said.

And, Googlecrumgs which is a Google site that "serves as an information portal for google news, google reviews, and google previews. Please stay tuned as we update and add exciting new google information." No, not a design site, but still rather intersting since it provides google as a blog...

Counsel

Blogging without posting...

9 September 2005

I will be working and not posting for about one week. Sometime around September 15, I hope to have multiple posts for each of the days until that period. This post might not actually get posted until some late date since I have to talk someone into posting it for me...

Remember, visit the forum, sign up for an account, and POST!

Counsel

Blogging for Missing Children

8 September 2005

Perhaps due to having children, I have made it a point to look and review missing children reports. There are a number of websites that provide information on missing children, and I thought it would be nice to have them in a single place. If I miss some, please let me know.

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• The Nation's Missing Children Organization
• Child Quest International, Inc.
• Interpol's Missing Children Site
• Child Cybersearch
• Child Quest International, Inc.

Keep your eyes and hearts open...

Counsel

Blogging for Babies

6 September 2005

Partly because I have 2 wonderful sons, I would love to have a little girl to add to the bunch. You know, someone for the boys to look after. Right...

I have tried to talk the wife into seeing a doctor about selecting the gender of our next child as well as other alternatives. Wow! According to the Chinese chart method, we will have a girl if we conceive on the 15th of September! Hmmm.... What is the number to that nice restaurant...

What if a person isn't as lucky to have such good timing? Wait! If I could just expose her to some chemical, maybe I can get a daughter...

Or so the New Scientist reports:

• Where did all the baby boys go?;

It appears that some think hexachlorobenzene (HCB) may be causing more female births in a given area.

Maybe it is just that the chemical may be affecting how sperm is able to move through the female reproductive system. Specifically, perhaps 'female' X-sperm have an easier time swimming in the chemical make-up of women who have been exposed to hexachlorobenzene (HCB).

I am not sure, but I can tell you that exposing my wife to any of these chemicals is out of the question.

How about another alternative? It seems the Fertility Institute in Los Angeles, headed by Dr. Jeffrey Steinberg, has an alternative!

• In vitro what?!;

How would my wife respond to an in vitro fertilization technique called preimplantation genetic diagnosis? Newsweek and MSNBC indicate the process works by creating embryos outside the womb, then testing them for gender, PGD could guarantee—with almost 100 percent certainty—the sex of her baby. Sounds good doesn't it?! But, and it is a BIG but...

The price tag: $18,480, plus travel.

Is there a red roof inn nearby?

If I could just convince her to continue having babies until we have a little girl....

Counsel

Blogging for Relief

1 September 2005

The disaster in the Gulf Coast states is vast, and the impact to New Orleans hits close to home. I lived there for three wonderful years, and I know many people who, up to Katrina, still lived in the "Big Easy."

I have been wondering about all of the "news" about the disaster and how everyone can help lessen the pain and devastation.

What is a person to do? Well, I recommend learning what is needed and who is providing help and assistance "on the ground."

I assume that police departments in surrounding areas might be able to provide some officers and that some other "public services" like EMS and fire departments could send some assistance to the area.

What can the "average" human being do to help?

Follow some of the following links.

• The Red Cross;
• Operation Blessing
• FEMA's list of organizations that are accepting cash donations to help the relief effort;
• Releif On-line is a Muslims for Humanity site that supports humanitarian efforts world-wide;
• Salvation Army

What would I suggest we NOT do? Let us not be overly critical of what was done wrong. I was going to link to some that are being critical of everyone from the President (George Bush) to those who are being critical of the average citizen (mostly those who either did not evacuate or those who are committing crimes). Remember, you are not there and did not go through what they have experienced. Rather, try to 'understand' what they could be feeling, what fears they must have, and how uncertain their future must seem.

Having lived through Floyd and the subsequent flooding in North Carolina, I can say that the loss of property, life, and futures (many people lost their jobs, businesses, and economic paychecks) will be extensive in the Gulf States.

I have created a section in the forum for those who are looking for people or information regarding the disaster. Not that there will be a flood of activity, but it is a little something that I can do that may help. We should all do what we can because one day, we may be looking for the assistance we should be attempting to give.

Let us all join and try to SOLVE the problems facing us AND those needing our help regardless of the cause. Again, visit the links and 'give a little.'

Counsel

Suggestions to those wanting to learn PHP, MySQL, Apache, and Wordpress

31 August 2005

After reading my last post, I decided maybe I should look at the post on 29 August...

I have been looking for help in running my blog rather than having to edit html every day and not having a way to post comments below each post. Wordpress is the blogging software I have chosen, but installing Wordpress may be difficult (especially on a local machine).

What is a person to do? Well, I recommend getting a book on PHP, MySQL, and Apache and a book on Wordpress. I have bought these two: PHP, MySQL, and Apache by Julie C. Meloni and published by SAMS; and WordPress Themes: A guide to creating your own themes with WordPress. by John Godley (www.urbangiraffe.com) and published by Lulu Press.

The first book walks you through the downloading and installation of PHP, MySQL, and Apache whether you use Windows, Mac OS, or Linux/*nix, and then provides information on having all three software packages work together.

The second book walks you through installing Wordpress and modifying a theme to better fit your design needs.

I would recommend these books or other similar books to those having problems installing Wordpress due to issues with PHP, MySQL, and/or Apache.

See you around the blog...

Counsel

Back to Blogging?

30 August 2005

I was looking into modifying a theme for Wordpress, and asked what I thought would be a simple question on the Wordpress site. I received a response that I did not expect. The response made me wonder about support forums and help sites.

What is a support forum? Well, I am not sure at this point. Some sites, in my opinion, conduct support correctly. Meaning, they answer the questions and then point to a location in the docs or other support forum where the explanation and documentation can be found. I think this is support--support your questions, support your effort, and lead you to more knowledge.

Many sites appear to belittle a new user if they do not know how to install software, configure software or other files, or some other activity that "anyone should be able to perform."

Made me look back at the post from 29 August 2005 and wonder if the reason some of the 'assistance' that is provided is frustration, anger, or an attempt to feel better about themselves rather than provide support.

Answers in forums that appear as follows:

• Read the &*&*%&*^ manual;
• Just install xxx software and follow the instructions;
• Did you follow the instructions????
• Go to xxx.xxx site because this is a support forum for yyy. Support for xxx is not provided here [even though xxx is required for yyy to work] and instructions and documentation for xxx may be found there (at xxx.xxx);
• Why do people always ask the same question and not read through all the documentation?

may indicate frustration on the part of those posting those responses. Realizing that MANY people ask a questions may indicate that non-technicaly inclined folks do NOT understand the manual/documentation/etc... I would recommend, perhaps, a re-write of the manual that involves installation and configuration.

Although I did install Apache, PHP, and MySQL without a hitch, I did have a questions as to why PHP 5.0x did not have a default configuration that had worked with Wordpress. I assumed many people had asked the same thing, but I was unable to find a simple description of the solution (granted, I did not spend over 1 hour looking for it either).

I readily admit to being very unfamiliar with PHP and MySQL. I am trying to learn, but I do have a full-time job outside of the tech industry. My family, friends, and work take up a significant, yet enjoyable, part of my life. I have not chosen a life of IT/programming/coding/etc work, and, with two children, I am not inclined to spend as much time as I think would be required to really learn PHP, MySQL, and Perl. I assumed many who would provide support would understand that some of us have less knowledge re: these subjects than they do. Note: Everyone is ignorant about some things, have no interest in understanding certain things (I just want it to work), or have less education regarding a subject than other people may have obtained in school, on their own, etc.

However, I try to assist those who do not have my knowledge and try to point them, politely, in a direction that may lead them to obtain more information. I gain nothing by being critical and neither does anyone else.

Why do those who may be best able to provide the information sometimes seem less able to provide the information in a manner that would be helpful to the community and all those interested in the software? Maybe read the post below?

While I understand answering the same question over and over gets 'old' after a while, I too understand that getting angry and not providing a quick and easy answer will not promote my software, work, (fill in your issue here).

Provide quick and easy answers. Update the manual if many seem to have the same problem. If you explain it to me nicely, I would be happy to edit the manual for you. Just don't snap, be short, get rude, etc. or I will not use the software you are 'supporting.' The result is a less robust and popular community.

Counsel

Anger, Frustration, and on-line games

29 August 2005

I was playing an on-line game and noticed that many of the "good" players sometimes seem rather over-critical of those who have either just started playing the game on-line or who are not as "good" as other players. I have often said that those who are critical or mean to others either need attention or are angry, frustrated, and/or depressed and, somehow, feel better about themselves when they point out how much "better" they are than other players.

So why are people critical of others and why do they get angry in a game? Well, it seems there are a few sites/articles out there that may shed some light on the behavior. One particular site, Mental Help, seems to have an on-line book to help you through your issues. If you have ever found yourself acting in the manner described in any of the articles linked herein, take a moment. Breathe. Relax. Smile.

Chapter 7 on Anger and Aggression. Contains information on anger, aggression, and frustration and provides a list of actions that may let you know you are in need of a moment.

Chapter 6 also mentions that, in extreme cases, you can become ashamed of everything you are--of your entire self--"I am worthless." Shame is a powerful force but we can understand and overcome some of its sources. There seem to be several natural defenses used against self-attacking shame:

• * Striking out at others. Attacking others by being critical, sarcastic, or abusive are ways to repair a wounded ego and to protect our vulnerable weak parts from exposure. Acting superior and having contempt for others are other ways to sooth a hurting self.
• * Striving for power and being perfect. The wish of a child would be to make up for our weaknesses by becoming powerful and being perfect.
• * Blaming others. What better way to deny our weaknesses than to blame others for our problems or for the world's problems?
• * Being an overly nice people-pleaser or rescuer or self-sacrificing martyr. If you feel unworthy, your hope might be to compensate for it by being "real good." Being super nice often means pretending or lying about our feelings and true opinions, presumably because we are ashamed of our real selves.
• * The self can withdraw so deeply or shut off the outside world so completely (denial) that shameful actions or events just don't upset our self, in this way the self can't be hurt.

Other sites have further information regarding anger, frustration, and your ability to deal with those emotions:

• Rational Emotive Therapy and how it can help you control your anger and frustration. The article describes a scenario and how one should react when they are angry/upset/etc.
• Shame and guilt and their relationship to positive expectations and anger expressiveness provides scientific data to show that feeling unworthy, being "shamed" (whether actual or believed), or other "guilt" feelings can make us angry and/or be critical of others.
• Lifeskills Resource Center provides an interesting look at the cause of anger and how one might alter their behavior in response to feeling inadequate or threatened.
• Sensible Psychology provides another look at the same issues but provides a wonderful list of questions you should be asking if you start to feel angry or upset.

After reading some of these sites, I realize I decided to not play golf because everyone I knew that played golf got upset every time they played (unless they were drinking...). I have often wondered why people get upset while playing a GAME that is supposed to be fun. Why would someone ruin the experience for themselves and for the others playing the game? These articles shed light on the subject, and I would be happy to hear your comments.

However angry, most gamers who are critical of others likely fall into the following category--bullies. Even if not bullies in 'real' life, on-line game players who have 'l33t skillz' often bully on-line. Why? Answer: "The purpose of bullying is to hide inadequacy. Bullies are weak, immature, inadequate individuals who project their inadequacy on to others to avoid facing up to their inadequacy and - most importantly - to divert attention away from their inadequacy."

Remember: You play games to have fun. Life is good, and making others look bad only makes you look worse...

Counsel

Back to Blogging...

27 August 2005

I was doing some research this evening and noticed that Slashdot is down! Well, a 503 error anyway.

What is a 503 error? Well, it means...

Your Web server is currently unable to handle the HTTP request due to a temporary overloading or maintenance of the server. The implication is that this is a temporary condition which will be alleviated after some delay. Some servers in this state may also simply refuse the socket connection, in which case a different error may be generated because the socket creation timed out.

Some bloggers have a hard time modifying their blogs because they are not, well, technically inclined. Is there a resource for some of them? Who can help? Well, the UrbanGiraffe has put together a nice document to help those install Wordpress on your personal Windows PC (to check your modifications prior to uploading them to the server) and a document that teaches you how to modify Wordpress themes.

It really is a nice document. If you would rather have a document to hold, you can buy his book at Lulu press.


Counsel

Wordpress as an option?

25 August 2005

I have been mulling over the design and upkeep of the site, and I think I have decided to move the site to Wordpress or a Wordpress template rather than continue working with Drupal.

"The reasons?" You ask. Well, let me see....

• Just as easy to post;
• Better template management;
• Keep it simple [cough]...;
• I think it is easier for me to modify the site's design.

Although I will be posting a new site design, I will keep both updated with the same information. Well, at least for a time.

If you haven't taken a look at Wordpress, go visit their site. Tell them I sent you.

Counsel

Apple release OS X knowing that flaws existed?

23 August 2005

My first thought upon seeing those videos of Dells and other off-the-shelf x86 hardware running OS X was one of excitement regarding the ability to run the OS on my hardware. I never did torrent or download the files, and I think Apple will soon be moving against those who are releasing the videos and against those who post the "how-to"s around the internet.

Then I thought that Apple might have released the software knowing such hacks would be created. A stroke of genius, getting the hackers to help you secure your product. Notice, Apple did NOT instantly pounce on the slew of how-to articles, message boards, forums, and web-sites that showed everyone how to get OS X running on off-the-shelf x86 hardware. Rather, the hacks have been around long enough for various techniques and improvements to be made to the process. Now that people have this up and running and have posted how this occurs, Apple is moving in and shutting them down.

How much do you think it cost Apple to get all of that security testing? Do you think everyone at Apple would have found all of those 'exploits' in such a short time period?

I admit it sounds far fetched, but I don't remember Apple sitting back while others 'illegally' used their software or other IP. Seems to me that Apple gave everyone a 'rush,' received an inordinate amount of publicity on 'How cool it is to run OS X,' and the community's opinion that OS X will run fast enough on x86 without having to spend a dime on marketing.

I think, in retrospect, that I would really be smiling right now if I had thought of the benefits of such a 'leak.' Perhaps Mr. Jobs didn't think about those potential benefits. Let me explain ("No, there is no time. Let me sum up"):

• Free work to remove security holes in their x86-based OS X;
• Free marketing and publicity that could not have been purchased at any cost from those doing the hacking; and
• All at no/little cost.

Whether Mr. Jobs had a plan or simply had impeccable timing, I think he might have a nice silly grin on his face right about now.

Feel free to discuss this on our Forum.

Counsel

Sound, Video, Wine, and Beer.

22 August 2005

So I am in the process of looking to upgrade the old PC (not really old since it is a P IV 540). I really need to upgrade some component cards-a nice sound card and a nice graphics card. Now, which ones should I look at buying?

Sound

So I was reading the 'incredible' lines on the new Creative Soundblaster X-FI, and I am amazed to say that all of the reviews sound positive (See here, and here, and here). I am going to get one of these, likely one of the cheaper two.

Now that I have the sound card to listen to all of the good music available on the web (legally, of course), I need something to add some visual pizazz to the gaming.

Yes, a new graphics card

I need a new card to update the Radeon X300 LE that came in my system. I ordered the less expensive card to save on the cost of the system. Plus, Dell's on-line ordering system will quote different prices for different components if you search between home and small business or between product lines. When I was configuring this system, I was shocked to see a price of $450.00 for the Dell 20" Ultra-Sharp FP2001 LCD monitor. Needless to say, I had to order it!. Although, I have had the Radeon in my last two systems and have been very pleased with the results, I am likely going to get an Nvidia 7800 series card since I can ... just because I can :)

As I get the system together over the next few weeks, I will let you know how wonderful it looks and sounds. Let me just hope that it meets my expectations!

Bargains

I have found a site that compiles a list of bargains/rebates/etc of many products. Point your browsers to Cheapy's and see if you can't find some savings on that item you just can't live without!

Wine

While you sit back on the expansive porch and look out over your salt marsh view, enjoy the taste of some good wine. Don't really know what to buy or what to try? See these sites:

Purple Sunshine A site that provides information on wine and the Louisiana area.
Local Wine Events A site that provides information, what else, wine events in the United States of America and throughout the world.
World Wine Weblog A site providing information on wines and friends.
Vinography: A wine blog. Name says it all.

What? You say wine isn't for you? Non! Well my good friend, I will pay honor to a good friend of mine who loves wine and linux, and offer you an alternative to the wine.

Beer/Ale/Etc

What did you think I was offering, mon cheri? Non, nothing stronger is served during the dinner. However, you may find the following sites interesting:

A Good Beer Blog A site providing information on various and unusual beers.
Beer Blog Just another site describing beers.
Hail the Ale An irreverent site concerning beer and, well, other stuff.

Well, maybe I can find some good food sites to provide you with something to hold down those drinks... Nah, maybe tomorrow.

Counsel

Testing Drupal CMS

21 August 2005

So I have downloaded and installed Drupal on my server. So far, the installation has gone quite well. My hosting firm, Enigma Hosting, provides a script to set up a number of blots (including Wordpress) and other software. If you are looking for a great hosting firm, give them a try. And no, I obtain no financial reward or discount for this recommendation. Enigma's service is top notch and their response time is fast.

As you can see, the Pocosin Forum is up and I would appreciate posts letting me know your thoughts and suggestions. Also, I am in the process of setting up the forum set up by Drupal to see how it compares with SMF.

Great Buy! I purchased a 160 GB Western DIgital (WD1600JBRTL) 160 GB 8MB ATA100 7200RPM hard drive at best buy. The cost was $119.99, BUT the two rebates (one for $50.00 and one for $30.00) mean this 160 GB drive cost me, yep, $39.99. Pick them up while they last!

Note to Microsoft Internet Explorer users. Your browser does not render this site and others as coded (See here). While my spacing and layout will be corrected ;) , the drop-down menus do not work on my version of IE (ver. 6.0). I recommend using Opera or Firefox. I started coding and looking at the site using Firefox, so that is how the site looks in my mind. If you are curious as to what that look is, get the software. I do not think I will code to "fix" the IE problem--yes, it is a matter of principal. Let me know if the drop-down menues work in a later version of IE.

I'll keep you informed about the software updates as I learn more.

Counsel

So you want to make a Web-Site huh?

20 August 2005

I thought I would introduce a few options you may have if you want to create your own web-site or blog. The software I have used includes:

Commercial (non-free) software:

Full-featured "Major" Software

Dreamweaver The proverbial 300-pound gorilla of the web-site creation software field--worth every pound.

a word processor

Word Perfect
Word

"Text-Editing" Software

UltraEdit The developer states, "UltraEdit the #1 selling, most powerful, value priced text editor available! The ideal text, HEX, HTML, PHP, Java, Perl, Javascript, and programmer's editor!"

Free software:

Any word processor

Open Office
AbiWord

will work, but a text editor

Crimson Editor A free editor that the author states, "While it can serve as a good replacement for Notepad, it also offers many powerful features for programming languages such as HTML, C/C++, Perl and Java."
PSPad The free editor that makes it easy to edit many times of files including html, php, java, and many others. Did I mention that I like this software?
Metapad An older yet capable text editor.

may be more appropriately sized and suited for the task at hand.

What tool do you use? Let me know! Yes, yes, the forum, sans formatting, is UP! Stop by and POST!

Counsel

Content Mangement (CMS) or Blogging Software

19 August 2005

I may be moving my, cough, error-prone HTML/XHTML site to a CMS-based site or a site designed around some blogging software. The software I am looking at includes:

Commercial (non-free) software:

Expression Engine Appears to be a complete package that includes the possibility of adding their forum product as well.

Free software:

Mambo A system that has won recent awards in the Linux community.
Drupal A well-developed system that I will try to learn.
Typo3 A complex yet complete system.

Alternatives may include using Drupal with SMF as the forum software if drupal's forum is hard to set up. I will let you know what I learn.

Counsel

Internet Sites of Music - Out of the Ordinary?

18 August 2005

Like music? Interested in finding some of the not-your-average-radio-station music? The following sites offer some good music that just might put a swing back in your step.

aurgasm A Blog that introduces to you new sounds from around the world.
3hive A blog that provides numerous musical samples to its viewers.
Liz Phair's Web-site I find her new music wonderful and meaningful. I relate to her music and enjoy her voice and talent. See her space.
Womenfold The Song Blog Dedicated to Women in Music.
Suddenly Last Summer The web-site's author states, "Everyone seemed to have a mp3 blog. Except me. Until now. Will try and post an album a day ... and will try to be original ... and will not make sarcastic comments about the music I post ... and will try to have good taste .... and may fail miserably!"
Stylus Magazine Well-stated on their site - "The Song Blog Dedicated to Women in Music. Conceived in 2001, Stylus Magazine is a daily web magazine that specializes in music.""

Listen and Look or Look and Listen. Let me know what you find.

Counsel

Forum Tools

17 August 2005

So I am researching some forum software so that I can get my forum up and running--I need to have the two people who look at this site do some mad posting.

I have found some interesting software. You may or may not find them useful, but I think you would learn something if you attempt to use them on your system or site.

Commercial (non-free) software:

vBulletin As stated on their site, "vBulletin is the ideal community solution for all medium-to-large sites." I am small site, does that mean it is not ideal for my use?
IPB - Invision Power Board The web-site says it is for "Individuals (Develop a community around your fan-site or personal web-site), Small/Medium Businesses (Get global exposure and feedback on your products & services), Corporations (Personalize your service to customers by communicating online), and Corporate Intranet (Improve your internal communication by allowing staff to interact and discuss).

Free software:

punbb According to the web-site, "PunBB is a fast and lightweight PHP-powered discussion board. It is released under the GNU Public License. Its primary goal is to be a faster,smaller and less graphic alternative to otherwise excellent discussion boards such as phpBB, Invision Power Board and vBulletin. PunBB has fewer features than many other discussion boards, but is generally faster and outputs smaller pages."
SMF The web-site states that SMF is "Elegant, powerful, easy, and free. Simple Machines Forum is all of the above. SMF is the next-generation community forum software package that is jam-packed with features, while at the same time having a minimal impact on resources.

Yes, I am testing the forum software and am trying to get the forum looking like my site.

Counsel

Web-site tools

16 August 2005

Do you find that those who are critical of others usually have a issues with themselves that make them point out flaws in others?

I have found some sites for bloggers or those who have their own web pages. You may or may not find them useful.

Link Popularity Now we have popular web-sites; like people, but I hope this is better than High School...
cryer.co.uk Web Resources A site containing links to many sites that rate your web-site's popularity based on linkage.
Webcredible Page A page that suggests what brings people to and back to your site.
Drupal An open source content management platform. Create a simple blog or an entire enterprise system for FREE!
The W3 HTML Validator This is the W3C Markup Validation Service, a free service that checks Web documents in formats like HTML and XHTML for conformance to W3C Recommendations and other standards. It seems I have some corrections to make in my HTML to achieve standards compliance.

As soon as I get the forum working, you can let me know what you think!

Counsel

A Few Good Programs

15 August 2005

I am going to introduce or re-introduce you to some old and new programs that I use daily or that I have enjoyed using over time. Some of these I haven't used in a long time, but I did enjoy Zork....

You are in an open field west of a big white house with a boarded front door.

There is a small mailbox here.

Anyone else remember those lines?

A few web-sites and their associated programs follow

InfocomThe original publisher of the Zork series. You can download Zork, Zork II, and Zork III for the PC and for the Mac.
Play Infocom Games On-line! A site that allows you to play some classic Infocom games, including the Zork series, on-line in a java-capable browser.
Firefox A wonderful and free browser that is standard-compliant
SmartFTP A nice ftp client that is free for non-commercial use (See license and web-site for information).
PSPad The free editor that makes it easy to edit many times of files including html, php, and many more.
Audacity An open source audio program that you can use to create your podcast.
Trillian An instant messenger client that allows you to use your Yahoo, ICQ, and Microsoft IM within a single application.
Gimp An open source image manipulation program for many platforms. Edit your image files for free!

Give the above links a shot. You might be surprised at how free software can improve your life.

Counsel

A Few Sites and Programs

14 August 2005

I am going to try and get my calendar corrected so that you can search by month and get the web entries section correctly linked to the post. After I get those items corrected, I will be attempting to allow people to comment on stories or posts. I'll see how that goes...

For today's post, I thought I would introduce or re-introduce you to a few web-sites and programs that I find quirky, interesting, or appeal, I think, to a broad target audience.

A few web-sites you might enjoy include

Bluesnews A site that provides news regarding games for the PC, XBox, PS2, etc.
The Register A site that provides information on the IT world with a good sense of humor.
OS News A site providing information on operating systems.
Sourceforge The world's largest development and download repository of Open Source code and applications that providing free services to Open Source developers.
SMS.ac Sort of a SMS mobile phone service community
Enigma Hosting A company that offers great prices on hosting web-sites.
D10 Web Ware A platform for providing web services by an icelandic firm. I hope the English version of theweb-site is up soon.

I will be providing about five sites per day--more or less depending on how much web-searching I get done and how many interesting sites I find.

Counsel

Blogs of Interest

13 August 2005

So Blogs are popular!? Who would have thought? Obviously you like reading blogs or at least a certain type of blog.

I like blogs that provide information rather than just re-hash someone's thoughts or daily routine. However, that is just my opinion (jmo).

A few blogs you might want to look at include

commandN by Amber and Mike.
Amber Mac by Amber MacArthur.
diggnation by Kevin Rose, Alex Albrecht, and others.
systm hosted by Kevin Rose and others.
Bloghub Blog Directory ...A directory of Blogs.

You will likely find others if you haven't already.

Obviously, some blogs are informative while others are like soap operas. Choose the ones that please your pallet.

Counsel

Podcasts and Videocasts

12 August 2005

So podcasting is taking off, and, no, I am not starting one. My favorite is

This Week in Tech (TWiT) hosted by Leo Laporte (from the old The Screensavers show on TechTV).

However, what I really enjoy are videocasts -- taking the podcast to a visual level. Techcasts include

commandN hosted by Amber and Mike.
diggnation hosted by Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht.
systm hosted by Kevin Rose and others.

You will likely find others if you haven't already.

Obviously the audio-only podcasts are great for those who are driving, but I see the videocast taking over as better battery life and screen-sized devices take over the consumer market. Give these wonderful and informative casts a try.

Counsel

Konfabulator

11 August 2005

Konfabulator is now free! Yahoo has purchased Konfabulator and turned it into a freeware program that everyone with a Macintosh or a Windows machine can download and use. If Windows users have seen the Apple's Dashboard or other similar software and want something similar for themselves, Konfabulator is it.

Creating a widget or altering a widget is easy and can be accomplished rather quickly if one knows javascript. Manuals are available in pdf format that will walk you through the widget-creation process. Give it a shot.

Konfabulator Site for your pleasure.

Counsel

Sites for Tech News

7 August 2005

So I need to update my site more often. I will be trying to update the site at least once a week with hopes of updating it daily.

However, I don't know that I can accomplish that feat with everything else I need to get done. Who knows, maybe I will be inspired.

Anyway, news sites are great to find out the newest information about Apple, Linux, BSD, chips (CPUs, GPUs, bridges, etc.), and other information for those who like to keep "in the know." Two sites I frequent are Slashdot and digg.

Slashdot (also known as /.) is a wonderful site that provides news submitted by members after reviewers have verified the accuracy of the submitted story. This reviewing period does slow down the posting of the news but increases the accuracy of the news that eventually shows up on the web-site.

digg is a site where news is posted by members. Unlike Slashdot, digg news shows up on the appropriate page immediately. This is good when breaking news is accurately reported, but is a problem when people post fake stories or news bits containing false information. This is generally why news shows up on digg faster than it does on Slashdot.

Both sites are useful and the veracity of a story can be assumed if the story shows up on both sites.

Now, can someone alter an RSS widget for Konfabulator that shows stories from both digg and Slashdot--maybe with a '/.'' heading for Slashdot stories and a 'd' for digg stories? If so, can you make it so that the user can change colors and sizes of the layout? That would be appreciated.

Counsel

Plazes

24 July 2005

When I was browsing the internet, I suddenly found myself at plazes.com. Plazes provides an interesting ability to locate your position so that others (world-wide) can see if they are near your location. This ability sounds interesting, and I hope it spreads soon.

People may not be honest and indicate where they are actually located. People may be able to determine exactly where you are if you are honest (maybe we don't want everyone to know where we are?). Either way, the service may end up providing the ability to blacklist users from finding out where you are located. Who knows, I could be wrong about the legal system.

I did sign up though ;). Give it a shot.

Counsel

Old Friends

25 June 2005

When I checked my e-mail, I found a series of questions from an old friend I had met in Law School. She had sent me some questions that might let you learn something new about old friends. I did.

The contact really got me thinking as to why we let old friends fade away and what we lose in the process. So, to all those friends that I have failed to keep in touch with, "Hello, can we get to know each other again?" Write and let me know.

Counsel

New Coffee Shop in Belville, North Carolina

17 June 2005

During a stop in Belville to review a project, I stopped in at the Riverside House of Brews (Riverside) after being told that the establishment had good coffee. Well, I was surprised! The store appears well planned, and the coffee beans are imported and then roasted by the Master Roaster, J.R. Connette. Job Well Done! Riverside also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner by offering sandwiches and bakery goodies.

Service at the store was handled by two young ladies who were courteous and forthcoming with information. They introduced me to the variety of coffee (from Kenya, Cuba, Mexico, etc.) and offered to answer any questions I might have regarding coffee or their menu. Their "sales technique" was not pushy and provided me with information in case I had, or needed, further information.

If you are ever in Wilmington, North Carolina, or find yourself traveling on Hwy. 17 near Wilmington, North Carolina, take the Hwy. 133 South exit and find Riverside on the left past the first intersection.

Counsel

Carolina Beach, North Carolina, updates their Land Use Plan

17 June 2005

Today the Coastal Resources Commission agreed to the update of the Carolina Beach Land Use Plan. The new update allows residential structures to be up to 50 feet high (in residential zones) and higher in the Central Business District. Several other updates are contained within the amendment to bring the LUP "up-to-date."

Counsel

Apple to Use Intel CPUs...So what?

8 June 2005

My first computer was an Apple //e (but I admit I really thought I wanted an Apple //+). The Apple, then as now, is much more than the CPU. Apple is an attitude, a belief, and a mindset. It doesn't matter if it is 5% of the market or 95% of the market.

The PowerPC, however powerful and rebellious, seems destined for arcade-style boxes or boxes not needing to be carried around on someone's lap (can we say no PowerPC in a laptop?). When has a CPU, whatever its ability, made a platform? I remember the 6802, 286, the 68000, a certain Digital chip, and the PowerPC. CPUs generally cause an end of a computer cycle (aforementioned 6802, 68000, PowerPC) even if the general reason is that we request/require more computing power. Maybe we just didn't need cooler running CPUs or didn't get mad because chip delays caused a delay in me getting my next computer.

Let me think back to my computer choices...Apple //e, Amiga 2000, CTX 486SX laptop, Micron P120 desktop (my first comp to run Linux Caldera 1.0 and the new Red Hat), various Dells (including my most recent). I now run Windows XP (love the games), Linux (MEPIS and SUSE), FreeBSD (Freesbie 1.1 and FreeBSD 5.x), and, yes, BEOS. ;)

I admit I have been saving for a shiny G5 PowerPC PowerMac. However, I never thought it would never see the light of day due to power drain, battery life (bateria aziz!) and heat that CPU produces. Now, there is hope for a fast and portable Mac that doesn't suffer from low chip supply.

I admit that at first I was curious about Apple's switch to x86 chips, but I am now embracing it after I had the following thoughts:

• I have moved from an Apple//e to an Amiga to Windows, to Linux, and to FreeBSD--the last few are OSs and not hardware bound;
• All of my choices seem to be an "underdog" class--actually quite funny really;
• Linux, an OS that I really enjoy, is a mindset, an attitude, and not bound by a SINGLE CPU (runs on x86, Digital, 68000, PowerPC, etc.); and
• If Linux is wonderful and thriving without being based on a single CPU, why should Apple's OS/X be any different?

I conclude that I don't buy the OS based on the underlying CPU. Rather, I buy the underlying CPU based on the OS of my choice. I bet most of you do too.

Counsel

Pocosin.com

1 June 2005

Welcome to the Pocosin.com Web-site. I am building this site to learn how to better use CSS, PHP, and HTML. I finally have a new design and will be constructing the site during the foreseeable future. Please bear with me as I bring my stuff on wetlands, permitting, and computer technology up-do-date.

By the way, let me know what you think about the fonts I use on this site. Which fonts do you find easier to read? Which fonts do you like to see? Keep me informed!

Thanks,

Counsel

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