Reformat
Anyone miss me the past few days? Probably not, nevertheless I believe my disappearance requires some sort of explanation. Well, I decided to install Windows XP Media Center and things did not go quite the way I had planned.
To make a long story short 2 downloads and 3 installs later I was finally able to get a working install of MCE 2005. So, naturally I started with a clean slate that required a little bit of tweaking to get my wireless network up and humming. However, it looks like things are leveling out now and all I need to do is get some basic software reinstalled(Like Newsleecher ;)).
Usually I'll do a reformat about every 6 months, just to start over and possibly get stuff I hadn't noticed before. It's really an educational and eye opening process, since it forces you to see what else is out there that you may have missed first time around. For example, the last reformat allowed me to find a replacement for WMP in regards to a music organizer and player, JetAudio is highly recommended.
For now, I'm off to scower Usenet and the torrent scene to get my much needed fix on apps. I'll catch everybody up with what I've found shortly.
Adbrite Rep @ DP
It's easy to get lost in all the advertising companies, especially with big names like Adbrite and Adsense. However, there are ways to find a human face behind the curtains. 
There is a thread in DP where a representative from Adbrite answers pretty much any and all questions, even when backed into a corner. Just reading some of the responses makes me more willing to spend more time and money with Adbrite as opposed to Adsense.
Want to join up to Adbrite, check out this link:
Rental Robots, Inc.
Crazy I tell you, just crazy! Apparently our European brethren are already familiar with automated video rental stores, where human interaction is null and void. During my typical afternoon surfing at work I noticed an ad for RentalRobots and it looks like it's coming to the US.
Essentially you buy all the components you need to run a video store. Then, just open the doors and make sure the power stays on, the rest is done for you. However, if you want to offer some level of human interaction there is an optional web interface for customer support.
Thursday Throwdown
I've decided to make a theme post, which will surface every Thursday. The Thursday Throwdown will be a post of the things that have driven me freakin bonkers throughout the week, things I hate, rather basically me just whining to those who will listen.
This list is in no way complete, rather a list of things that have been eating away at me. In the future assume that these Throwdown posts will not be in list format, rather a few rants, but for the sake of time here comes a list this week.
- Not using a turn signal should be punishable by death.(Not all new cars come standard with turn signals, most come with the optional driver side douche bag.)
- Why is it that I get the same amount of fries at Hardees when I order a small or a large combo?
- If you cut me off to get a parking spot, I should legally be allowed to punch you in the face.
- How do gas stations run out of coffee?
- Since I quit smoking, I realise just how stinky most of the public is.
That's all that I can think of first thing this morning. You'll probably see more added throughout the day.
Private Registration Promo
I hate, I hate, I hate my personal information leaking onto the internet...no matter what medium it chooses. I hate the fact that I need my personal information to use PayPal and especially when I register a domain. However, it's possible to hide your personal domain registration details if you choose the right options.
Currently almost all of my 18 domains are purchased through the GoDaddy.com registrar, which seems to offer the cheapest options and the easiest check out process around. In addition, they accept PayPal, which is where most of my earnings come in from my websites anyway.
Typically your costs are broken down into 2 separate transactions, one for the registration of the domain name and two for the price of private registration. Remember, private registration keeps prying eyes off your home address/phonenumber/etc... Private registration can run anywhere from $1.00 to typically $1.99 on godaddy except when the offer promos. Guess what I'm offering my visitors?
When placing your GoDaddy.com order simply add this promo code into the appropriate field: gdh1031
This promo code will get you FREE private registration when your purchase 3 or more domains. So, technically I'm saving you guys $6.00 USD and registering 3 domains is easy, when you get carried away with ideas. lol
Verizon LG Lock Password
I'm an idiot, I know I'm an idiot, but damn't I was reminded again this morning of how stupid I can be sometimes. To make a long story short, I bought a used cell phone off of ebay, because my old phone decided it could swim. The used phone off of ebay worked great, until I locked the keys and needed a password to unlock them.
I contacted the seller, which dealt with all kinds of phones...so they had no idea. I went to a Verizon kiosk in the mall, they told me there was nothing they could do. So, finally I managed to go to the main store in my city and talk with their technical service area.
To unlock your Verizon phone, your password is the last 4 digits of your phone number. doh!?
 Palm Treo 700P Palm OS PDA Phone Verizon  US $39.99
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 CASIO GZONE VERIZON NICE WITH 10 HOURS USE GZONE US $134.89
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 NOKIA 6315I PHONE VERIZON WITH HOME CHARGER 6315 US $32.00
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 LG VX4650 VERIZON LK BUY 1 GET 1 FREE US $22.89
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 BLACKBERRY 8703E VERIZON WITH ACCESSORIES LK US $29.99
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Designing Themes Offline
Creating theme's for dynamic websites such as blogs can be a daunting and time consuming task. First you have to create your design, create the images, edit the CSS and then upload everything to your server to actually do a live test. This is where WAMP steps in.
WAMPServer essentially puts server side functions such as mySQL and phpMYADMIN on your windows desktop. This means there is no uploading or downloading to your host only full on editing. This makes for quick editing, testing, and webdesign and hell it's a little fun too.
I'd recommend everyone check out this free program and I'm gonna work on a how-to article. I hope to cover installing the blog software WordPress on your localhost through this software, to make for easy(& quick) theme development.
ShortStat Error
A few days ago I started receiving error messages within my Wordpress ShortStat reporting. Where it was supposed to be reporting on my latest referrers and keywords instead of was being shown mySQL errors. Database errors intimidate me...I won't lie, so I contacted my hosting provider.
Lucky for me, it was an obvious fix and was handled immediately after contacting Serverplace.net. Apparently there were temporary files that needed to be purged from my server before new stats could be 'recorded'. Of course this is the simple answer, but was enough to make me happy and see where my commentors are coming from.
Google Groups Beta
Google Groups is an attempt to make accessible the many conversations that go on in the dark alleys of the intranet. While dark alleys may be a bit over dramatic, it's not too far from the truth, considering that Usenet is older than the WWW itself.
Under normal circumstances an individual would need to pay for access to usenet, to take part in these conversations. These conversations are not well organized like forums, but read more like public email reply's. For new users it can most definately be a daunting task to find what your looking for, enter Google Groups.
Google Groups contains the world's most comprehensive archive of postings to Usenet, dating back to 1981. Google Groups eliminates the need for newsreading software and lets you search this archive in the same way you would search HTML pages on the Internet. You can also use Google Groups to post your own comments to an existing Usenet newsgroup.
Google Groups introduces a web interface to usenet, creating an easier experience for the usenet novice. Typically, an email program such as Thunderbird or NewsReaders such as Newsleecher were required to access this plethora of information and a subscription to a newserver. Thanks to Google, things are becoming free, but has yet to incorporate the ability to download NZB's.
Hosting Options
Searching for hosting can be a daunting task, especially since there are an endless number of culprits to be found. A quick search for "hosting" on Google provides you with enough options to choke a horse, but there is help.
V7N is a site that I frequent that offers a number of solutions for webmasters and one is their user rated host site. Check it out, see what others are saying from experience and research before buying in.
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