Stridog's Blog - 2old2play

Technology Failed Me

Need a place to vent,

In august I started the process of replacing my wife's computer. She had a Pentium III 800Mhz PC with 256MB RAM. It started out running Windows 98SE and I upgraded it to Windows XP about 2 years ago. The thing as slow as hell. I upgraded the memory to 256 to help with the sluggishness, added a second HD because her primary one was getting low memory warnings.

So I buy all the components to make her a nice PC. New HD, new duo core processor, new mobo, 1GB memory, new case etc. Long story short, first PSU/Mobo combo I was getting minimal power to the board but nothing else, no fans spinning nothing, so I get a new board and new psu. Same symptoms. I change out the board for another board, and same power supply, still nothing. Turn it on, it comes on, but what's this? Smoke and burning coming from the computer? Turn it off! unplug everything then try it again with nothing attached but the board and psu, and I get nothing. Get a PSU tester, find out this PSU is shot too. Call the manufacturer and they send me out a new PSU. So I think I'm ready to go.

I bought another board after taking it to a computer repair guy to get a diagnostic, he says the board is faulty. So I have my new healthy PSU, healthy board, plug in my wife's too old HDD's and a brand new SATA drive. Get to the BIOS, hmmm, thats odd no HDD's are showing up, try it a few more times. Still nothing. Take the HD out that had the OS on it, and flip it over, a huge scorch mark on the logic board. My heart sinks. I keep desperately trying to get it too boot. Back to the computer repair guy. He runs a program on it, trying to recover the data. Nada, the Drive is dead. I tell my wife, and she is rightfully upset. Kicking herself for not backing up her data when her gut told her too. I had upgraded computers before and never had an issue, so never even considered backing stuff up. Now, wokr on her thesis, music, pictures of her shopping for her wedding dress, other pictures of us, all gone.

I mailed out the two hard drives to a company in California that did HDD recovery. I just called them today because they had not gotten back to me. They told me the hard drives suffered internal damage and would need to be disassembled in a clean room. $500 just to look at them. Any where from $750 to $2900 EACH to recover the data if they can. The guy told me this procedure is what they do for forensic work for the police or for major account recovery for businesses.

So, I have to tell my wife a second time some of her most important data is lost because of my inability to think ahead and take the safe road. I feel horrible right now, trying to justify spending this money on the chance they might be able to save some of the data.

Sorry for being a downer but all I want to do is crawl up in a ball and die, I know its just data and pictures, and the like and we still have the memories, but it is something that could have been avoided that bothers me the most, and I hate letting my wife down.

If anyone knows anyone or anything I could do, I would greatly appreciate any assistance/information that you all have.

[3 Comments]

Halo 3 > Me

So after convincing myself for months that I wasn't going to the midnight release for Halo 3, as this past Tuesday approached I found myself getting more and more excited for the game. I ended up going to the midnight release got there at 11:50 and was out by 12:02. Came home and started the Campaign with DSmooth. I was up until 3AM and then rolled myself out of bed to get to work the next morning. I was a waste yesterday. Not only that, but just when the sleepiness started to wear off, I got the worst headache and stomach pains. I couldn't function. My boss knew I was up late playing H3 so he probably thought I was faking to go home and sleep but alas I could only wish. I did end up going home, taking some advil and sleeping for a few hours, the headache and stomach pains subsided. I caught up with DSmooth later in the night as we progressed further into the game. This game truly has an amazing story. We are in Chapter 8 now, so it is almost done, but I can't believe the stuff we have seen and the depth of the story. Plus at one point [spoiler]DSmooth went down and we were fighting two scarabs, I downed them both, the first one I jumped on its nose from a cliff, then blew it up, the second I used a hornet to land on it continue the pwnage and down the second one[/spoiler] I am having so much fun.

[2 Comments]

Wedding Trailer

So I guess it's time I wrote a little bit about my wedding. Krista and I were married on June 15, 2007. It was an awesome time. We went to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica for a honeymoon and we loved every minute of it, I would highly recommend that particular resort to any couple. The reason I'm posting this blog is because when we were looking for wedding sites to have the ceremony/reception, we went to an open house. We met these two guys who had their own videography company. We ended up talking to them for 2 hours as they were full of energy talking with passion about videos. They were actually independent film makers that weren't satisfied with their wedding videos and took on this job as a way to help finance their projects. We looked and looked, but couldn't find anyone that could match the style of these guys. We took a big risk and went with them as our videographers. We just received the "trailer" for our wedding video and I'm left speechless. I've watched it 4 times already. Here it is for you all to enjoy.

Embedded YouTube Video --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruieq9CA6gE

[6 Comments]

Whose to Say Whose Blog is Better - Blog Envy

Maybe its just me, but I don't care if my blog stays in the top 4, if people like what I have to say, or if people decide to post pictures and videos in their blogs. I mean a blog is a feature of the site that allows people to post whatever is on their mind whether that be a music video, a picture of a half naked lady, or a truly introspective look at life, or just a daily update. It becomes more complicated because of the coveted "Top 4 Blog" spot at the top of the site. But because of the number of people blogging, and not enough people voting positively or negatively for the top 4 blog, nature takes over and new blogs take over the top 4.

But let's think about this "thumbs up/thumbs down" blog voting system. This is to determine whether or not people think in their opinion the blog they just read belongs in the top 4. Two people will read the same blog and could have very differing opinions of said blog. But say you vote that a blog doesn't belong in the top four. Oh no, now that person has a -1 for that blog, this means that people don't like who they are as a person and their views are not appreciated, and they have to leave the site because they aren't among like minded people. People don't seem to understand that a vote down on your blog doesn't mean that someone doesn't like you as a person but they feel that the blog doesn't belong in the top 4. Unfortunately not enough people seem to take part in the voting system (myself included) so it doesn't really work to begin with.

I think everyone just needs to take a chill pill when it comes to things regarding this site. Yes it is a community and a community cannot exist without its members. But just because someone doesn't like what you have to say, or you don't like that someone post game videos, or music videos, or half naked women, doesn't mean that the system has to change. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to their blog readings. I personally enjoy "reading" Soup Nazi's crazy pictures and stories of stupid ass people. Similarly, I know if I read Doodi's blog it is sometihng site related. I read Tanks blog for the latest news from the various game news sites. I read some people's blogs that I can't stand reading just because it is like a train wreck I have to see what they came up with next.

The top 4 system will never work because someone will always think that their blog belongs in the top 4 more than another persons. I am not writing this blog to get into the top 4, in fact leave me at 5,6,7, or 8. People here have blog envy. Just like people abused Karma, blog voting will be abused as well. It is human nature unfortunately. I'm not a negative person and I look on the bright side of life, but this constant bickering between members from one blog to another is just childish. If you don't like a person's blog, fine, don't read it. If I person wants to post 4 times so their blog is the only one up there, that's their perogative (sp?) under the current system. Is it fair or just? No its not. But unfortunately life isn't fair.

If you enjoy reading introspective blogs and blogs of substance, just bookmark them. If you enjoy looking at half naked women, bookmark those blogs.

I say just get rid of the top 4 altogether, and let people who want to read blogs search them out. I read most of the blogs I do because of the top 4, but if it is going to cause this much undue stress and resentment in the community I don't think it is worth it.

[7 Comments]

It's My Birthday...Time to up the Age Counter

I'm usually not one to announce my birthday, but since I'm still fairly new to the site I just thought I would put it out there so that all my "friends" out there call call me a douche, tell me to suck it, etc, got to love being in Profanity!

So today I turn 26. Apparently it is also 2o2p's birthday or close to it, so I guess I can share my special day with the rest of you in honor of the our birthdays being so close I have a special birthday wish from beyond the grave:

Embedded YouTube Video --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4SLSlSmW74

[8 Comments]

Season Affective Disorder?

Is it me or are others noticing a change in the people that love, the people they game with, or even themselves? It seems to me that ever since winter has battened down the hatches on 2old2play, my job, etc people have been really angry toward each other and these are people who usually get along great.

I just used Seasonal Affective Disorder for the title of the blog not to talk about the actual medical condition of SAD, but as a representation of what I'm seeing going on. I myself stopped playing H2 because I found myself just getting annoyed at the most common things and it wasn't making me happy. Luckily a little time off has taken the edge off a little bit and I can look at my h2 disc without disdain again.

It seems like everyone I have been gaming with has become very sensitive in the recent weeks with regards to the relationships we build here on 2old2play. So if it is indeed a seasonally affected mood that is causing rifts on in your relationships maybe you should take it easy on the ribbing or on agitating your friends that can normally take it in stride.

Me, if you say one word against me, I will never talk to you again. Just kidding.

* This is in no way a medical diagnosis about how you or any of your friends/family/loved ones might be feeling. If someone you know feels they might be touched by seasonal affective disorder, please tell them to seek medical attention.

[4 Comments]

Cobra Kai...Sweep the Leg!

Embedded YouTube Video --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFlQNtL8F9s

[0 Comments]

When it hits...it hits hard

I have been playing halo since I got my xbox. It was the reason I bought an Xbox. Then halo 2 came out. What? Halo on Xbox Live, playing with people from all over the country? How cool is that? I have made a lot of good friends through playing halo. But every once in awhile you need to take a break. It is like when you have too much of a good thing, you get sick of it. I think I have reached that point with Halo. It isn't the first time. I'm sure it won't be the last.

I have been putting a lot of effort into the team I have been playing on, Vulgarity, and even though I was the newest member to the team, I was made team captain. We participated in the MLG Online Tournament Division 2 and made it to the Bracket round. We were practicing, playing and having a great time. Mr. White, Royal, and Irish are all great guys and I'm sure they will continue the Vulgarity spirit. I just can't hang any longer. I started feeling really crappy about my time spent on Halo 2 last night. I look back at how much time I spend in front of the television with my friends all over the nation, and while I enjoy that interaction, I find that it can consume me. I readily admit that I have an addictive personality and I am addicted to Halo. I need to take a break from that addiction.

I am going to look forward to spending more time with my fiance as we put the finishing touches on planning our wedding in June and just making her more happy and be more supportive of her.

I think I'm going to take more time to read some books that I have been wanting to read. It will be good times.

I'm sure I will be back on Halo eventually, but I don't even know if I have a desire to buy Crackdown to play the beta. I guess I can wait until November and see if my desire has returned by then.

In any case, I don't think I will be cutting out gaming altogether and I will still be visiting in the forums, but I am taking halo out of my life equation for a period of time.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, as I am just getting my thoughts down onto virtual paper.

[9 Comments]

Got My Wii Voucher

So after suffering the elements for two hours, I have my Wii voucher. I was #3 in line at my circuit city. They had 16 wii's. The target down the road had 30 and over 50 people in line. Looks like a picked a good place and time to pick up the wii. I will be going back to the store in about an hour to actually pick up my wii and an extra wiimote for the soon to be mrs and probably Zelda. Pictures to follow.

[2 Comments]

Making A Wii Attempt Tomorrow

So as was stated in the news section, Circuit City is supposed to have some stock of Wii's tomorrow. I'm going to try and stop by with my $40.00 coupon in hand about an hour or two before the store opens to try and get my hands on a Wii. Its been awhile since I owned a nintendo console (last one being the Nintendo 64), so I am going to give the Wii a shot. It should be interesting to see what the lines look like tomorrow morning as well as what stock they will have in store. If all goes well, I will have a Wii and probably the Legend of Zelda. I'm considering getting the Trauma Center game, to see if I can hook my fiance in.

[5 Comments]

Kitty Uppercut

[1 Comments]

My 360 Controller Mod

I replaced the case of my 360 with that of a black case to give it more of a 180 feel and to help it blend in better with the rest of my components in my cabinet. Now, I have modded one of my 360 controllers with a black case from XCM. It replaces the traditional white case with an all black smooth casing. The buttons are replaced with clear replacements that if I were to do a little soldering would like up at the touch of the button on the back on the controller.

Installation and set up for this controller was super easy and it came with the security Torx screwdriver to take out the special screws. Now, I never have to worry about grabbing the wrong controller or 360 at a LAN Party.

[9 Comments]

A Heartbreaker

Living in Philadelphia, you get used to disappointment. I had made a wager with Rebirth last night that the Eagles would beat the Saints. I still believe the Eagles should have won that game. But they didn't. The score was 27-24. I believe myself to be a true fanatic when it comes especially to the Eagles because when they are winning I am fully behind them. However, when they are losing, I don't give up on them but I'm not afraid to tell people that they are playing horribly. I'm not blind when it comes to my sports teams. As I have said 4 NFC championship games, 1 super bowl appearance, and a whole lot of disappointment.

As I was watching the game last night, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Outside of three big plays the Eagles looked like a joke. Duece McAllister (sp?) ran all over them, they weren't tackling well, and their running game was non-existant. The one shining moment of that games was that huge hit that Sheldon Brown put on Reggie Bush at the beginning of the game. I wish I had that on video.

In any case, the Saints defense played very well, and Duece and Reggie Bush really carried their team and I wish them the best of luck in the Championsihp game.

To ReBirth:

Hope you had fun and thanks for all the messages, enjoy the rest of your season.

[3 Comments]

My First Dance Lessons Are Tonight

That's right, I'm learning how to dance. Salsa specificially. My fiance is really big into Spanish and Latin culture and has been taking salsa lessons at work. I have gone to a few events with her and picked up the basics, but she asked me if I would take more lessons with her. So I thought it would be nice to get to do something that she liked to do, and hopefully it would let up on the barrage of hate she has toward the Xbox and more specifically Halo.

In any case, I'm kind of nervous and yet somewhat intrigued to find out what these lessons will entail. I'm not too keen on the idea of having to dance with strangers, but I guess I will have to deal with that.

So watch out, soon I will have some mad skills to bust out on the dance floor.

[5 Comments]

Box in a Box

You heard of the "Dick in the Box" skit from SNL...Here is a Female Version..."My Box in A Box for you..."

Embedded YouTube Video --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xElIik0Ys0

[2 Comments]