My Click
Photo Recovery Software

Realizing that many of my friends are digital camera owners and having had a photo recovery scare myself, I thought I'd post a link to free photo recovery software. I have not used this because I discovered it after I'd bougt my photo recovery softeware. However, if I had known about this product, I certainly would have tried it.

My Click
Photo Recovery Software

Realizing that many of my friends are digital camera owners and having had a photo recovery scare myself, I thought I'd post a link to free photo recovery software. I have not used this because I discovered it after I'd bougt my photo recovery softeware. However, if I had known about this product, I certainly would have tried it.

It's rare to get a shot of the control room of a light rail car. I lucked out today, but it's quite grainy because of the window film used.

The Trees

So I'm driving home listening to ELO's Roll Over Beethoven a song I haven't heard in years. I was so excited and happy to hear it, I wished my CD player was a CDRW. Can you imagine how awesome it would be if we could record tunes on the fly off the radio? Sure the quality wouldn't be that great, but I could deal with it. Just the fact that we could get gems from way back would be fantastic.

Arrived home from work to find all of our trees cut back - way back. I can see the neighbors windows from any vantage point now! LOL One neighbor remarked that her bathroom is now in full view of the condos next door and she's not too happy about that. I had to laugh.

Of course, the trees they were supposed to trim are still standing and reaching for the sky. These are the ones that are undermining the foundation and too close to the house. Spouse was very displeased about finding a gigantic footprint in one of our planters. Seems the trimmers didn't mind smashing everything in sight. Of course, I made a beeline inside the house, with Buddah following close behind.

The Trees

So I'm driving home listening to ELO's Roll Over Beethoven a song I haven't heard in years. I was so excited and happy to hear it, I wished my CD player was a CDRW. Can you imagine how awesome it would be if we could record tunes on the fly off the radio? Sure the quality wouldn't be that great, but I could deal with it. Just the fact that we could get gems from way back would be fantastic.

Arrived home from work to find all of our trees cut back - way back. I can see the neighbors windows from any vantage point now! LOL One neighbor remarked that her bathroom is now in full view of the condos next door and she's not too happy about that. I had to laugh.

Of course, the trees they were supposed to trim are still standing and reaching for the sky. These are the ones that are undermining the foundation and too close to the house. Spouse was very displeased about finding a gigantic footprint in one of our planters. Seems the trimmers didn't mind smashing everything in sight. Of course, I made a beeline inside the house, with Buddah following close behind.

Daily Dirt
Musical Influences...

1. Who do you think has affected your musical taste the most? My mom and sisters. As young as I can remember, the house was always - always - filled with music. My mom was more the rocker with the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elvis. My sisters were the Motown sound.

2. Who's musical taste do you prefer: your mother's of your father's? My mom's!

3. What is the greatest musical discovery you made through a friend? An acknowledgement and appreciation for the contribution made by such acts as Hermans Hermits, The Turtles, Buffalo Springfield, etc.. I used to feel they were pure bubble gum music! LOL

4. Which musical artist do you tell all your friends about? There isn't one artist. I'm not focused on one act.

5. Do you think your musical taste is diverse? Definitely. Look at my CD collection and you'd be surprised.

Daily Dirt
Musical Influences...

1. Who do you think has affected your musical taste the most? My mom and sisters. As young as I can remember, the house was always - always - filled with music. My mom was more the rocker with the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elvis. My sisters were the Motown sound.

2. Who's musical taste do you prefer: your mother's of your father's? My mom's!

3. What is the greatest musical discovery you made through a friend? An acknowledgement and appreciation for the contribution made by such acts as Hermans Hermits, The Turtles, Buffalo Springfield, etc.. I used to feel they were pure bubble gum music! LOL

4. Which musical artist do you tell all your friends about? There isn't one artist. I'm not focused on one act.

5. Do you think your musical taste is diverse? Definitely. Look at my CD collection and you'd be surprised.

This meme deserves your attention. These gals are music aficonados and, if you're stumped don't feel bad, cuz it happens to all of us at one point or another. It's simply a fun challenge and you'll learn something every week!

Take Me Back Tuesday
I'm baaa-ack. Thank you again Andrea for taking care of my little meme til I was able to take the time and effort to make a truly awful err scratch that, enjoyable meme.

Now it's time for the meme.

There are songs that make you laugh. There are indeed some that make you wonder what the hell they are saying. And then there is satire. We all love a good Weird Al rendition. Even if you claim not to, deep down in your soul Taco Grande has to make you giggle.

Name 5 funny songs.

B-52's Rock Lobster
Falco Amadeus
Joe Dolce Shut Uppa You Face
Frankie Smith Double Dutch Bus
Van Morrison Chick-a-Boom

Name 5 songs whose lyrics never fail to make you say 'Is that what they really said?' (Clarification: songs with amusingly mishead lyrics. Example: Revved up with a douche, another runner in the night - is actually 'revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.' This is one of the most commonly misheard lyrics from Blinded By the Light.)

Tupac Temptations
The Rolling Stones Jumping Jack Flash
Dire Straits Money for Nothing
Missy Elliot Work It
Macy Gray Sexomatic

Name 5 Weird Al Yankovic parodies.

I Love Rocky Road
Like A Surgeon
Eat It
Living with a Hernia (this one kills me)
I Lost on Jeopardy (is another classic in my book!)

I've been saving this one just for Elena. Alright girlfriend, let's do this then, shall we??? I'm willing to bet there are songs you've never heard of....gotcha!!! LOL

This meme deserves your attention. These gals are music aficonados and, if you're stumped don't feel bad, cuz it happens to all of us at one point or another. It's simply a fun challenge and you'll learn something every week!

Take Me Back Tuesday
I'm baaa-ack. Thank you again Andrea for taking care of my little meme til I was able to take the time and effort to make a truly awful err scratch that, enjoyable meme.

Now it's time for the meme.

There are songs that make you laugh. There are indeed some that make you wonder what the hell they are saying. And then there is satire. We all love a good Weird Al rendition. Even if you claim not to, deep down in your soul Taco Grande has to make you giggle.

Name 5 funny songs.

B-52's Rock Lobster
Falco Amadeus
Joe Dolce Shut Uppa You Face
Frankie Smith Double Dutch Bus
Van Morrison Chick-a-Boom

Name 5 songs whose lyrics never fail to make you say 'Is that what they really said?' (Clarification: songs with amusingly mishead lyrics. Example: Revved up with a douche, another runner in the night - is actually 'revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.' This is one of the most commonly misheard lyrics from Blinded By the Light.)

Tupac Temptations
The Rolling Stones Jumping Jack Flash
Dire Straits Money for Nothing
Missy Elliot Work It
Macy Gray Sexomatic

Name 5 Weird Al Yankovic parodies.

I Love Rocky Road
Like A Surgeon
Eat It
Living with a Hernia (this one kills me)
I Lost on Jeopardy (is another classic in my book!)

I've been saving this one just for Elena. Alright girlfriend, let's do this then, shall we??? I'm willing to bet there are songs you've never heard of....gotcha!!! LOL

Ten on Tuesday
Ten Great Moments in TV

- The Royal Wedding
- Princess Di's funeral
- The Beatles on Ed Sullivan
- Tsunami coverage
- Search for John John's plane
- Walter Cronkite's Retirement
- 9/11 coverage
- First bombing in Iraq at night
- John's Lennon's memorial and vigil
- The apprehension of Richard Ramirez (AKA the Night Stalker)

Ten on Tuesday
Ten Great Moments in TV

- The Royal Wedding
- Princess Di's funeral
- The Beatles on Ed Sullivan
- Tsunami coverage
- Search for John John's plane
- Walter Cronkite's Retirement
- 9/11 coverage
- First bombing in Iraq at night
- John's Lennon's memorial and vigil
- The apprehension of Richard Ramirez (AKA the Night Stalker)

Sorry for the late post. Blogger was not cooperating and I finally gave up! LOL

Monday Madness

1. ___Birthdays___ is more fun to celebrate than any other holiday.
2. The last vacation I took was to ___Minnesota___.
3. The next vacation I plan to take will be to __Vegas___.
4. I'd really like to be more __extroverted___.
5. I can't remember the last time I __went camping___.
6. The book I last read (or am currently reading) is __Last Dance, Last Chance and other true cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 8) by Ann Rule__.
7. The last program I installed on my computer was __Picasa__.
8. When it comes to food, my weakness is __Italian___.
9. I really look forward to spending time __in the sun__.

The last one is not a fill-in-the-blank, but a challenge........(completely optional, my friends!)
10. Choose a person's blog in the comment section, and welcome others to visit it, by leaving a link to their blog in your entry today.

Sorry for the late post. Blogger was not cooperating and I finally gave up! LOL

Monday Madness

1. ___Birthdays___ is more fun to celebrate than any other holiday.
2. The last vacation I took was to ___Minnesota___.
3. The next vacation I plan to take will be to __Vegas___.
4. I'd really like to be more __extroverted___.
5. I can't remember the last time I __went camping___.
6. The book I last read (or am currently reading) is __Last Dance, Last Chance and other true cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 8) by Ann Rule__.
7. The last program I installed on my computer was __Picasa__.
8. When it comes to food, my weakness is __Italian___.
9. I really look forward to spending time __in the sun__.

The last one is not a fill-in-the-blank, but a challenge........(completely optional, my friends!)
10. Choose a person's blog in the comment section, and welcome others to visit it, by leaving a link to their blog in your entry today.

Monday Music Mambo

Week 1 Revisited

Name 5 songs including their artists that describe your personality.

Song 1. Cyndi Lauper Girls Just want to have Fun

Song 2. John Lennon Mind Games

Song 3. Led Zepplin Kashmir

Song 4. Patrick Hernandez Born to be Alive

Song 5. Elton John The Bitch is Back

Monday Music Mambo

Week 1 Revisited

Name 5 songs including their artists that describe your personality.

Song 1. Cyndi Lauper Girls Just want to have Fun

Song 2. John Lennon Mind Games

Song 3. Led Zepplin Kashmir

Song 4. Patrick Hernandez Born to be Alive

Song 5. Elton John The Bitch is Back

To where?

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life

Happy Easter!

Top Five On Friday
Ok are you ready for this week's Top Five?

Top 5 "Live" Songs. (This could be songs from live albums or songs that are better performed live)

- Elton John's The Bitch is Back He sings this with so much ferver, you can't help get caught up. LOL

- Santana's Adouma A soul rhythm, bootilicious song.

- Phil Collins In the Air Tonight Phil's drum playing is stupendous and this is the song he opened his concert with.

- Simon & Garfunkel The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) This one brought the house down, it was so amazing live!

- Queen Bohemian Rhapsody Absolutely amazing concert and I'm so glad I got to see them. Unforgettable!

Top Five On Friday
Ok are you ready for this week's Top Five?

Top 5 "Live" Songs. (This could be songs from live albums or songs that are better performed live)

- Elton John's The Bitch is Back He sings this with so much ferver, you can't help get caught up. LOL

- Santana's Adouma A soul rhythm, bootilicious song.

- Phil Collins In the Air Tonight Phil's drum playing is stupendous and this is the song he opened his concert with.

- Simon & Garfunkel The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) This one brought the house down, it was so amazing live!

- Queen Bohemian Rhapsody Absolutely amazing concert and I'm so glad I got to see them. Unforgettable!

Ramblings

I had intended to post much earlier in the day, but the beautiful weather led me to one distraction after another and I never made it to the computer until now! Considering today was Good Friday, it's quite surprising how glorious a day it was. Usually, Good Friday's an ugly, dreary, cold day.

I ran errands with my mom today and made a stop at the doctor to have lab work done. Been feeling rather odd lately, like I could stumble over very easily. Did the blood pressure check and that's alright, so they're testing the blood for cholesterol and diabetes.

Just finished watching A&E's Biography on Elton John and the Bee Gees. I'm a big Elton John fan so I had to watch it. I didn't learn much new, but it was enjoyable anyway. I did not realize how vast the Bee Gees career is or the accomplishments they've made and continue to hold. Two really good biographies that you should watch if they're repeated.

I also watched the American Justice special on the Assassination of John Lennon and this another perfect example of remembering exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard of his death. He was my favorite Beatle and the one whose music, political involvement and social discourse had the most impact. Mark David Chapman has reached his goal: He has attained notoriety and is no longer unknown, Mr. Joe Average. I'm listening to one of Lennon's last song Watching the Wheels.

I'm pretty tired and still have this subtle but persistent dull ache in my head. Sometimes I feel as though my head will explode. We're celebrating spouse's birthday tomorrow. It's actually Sunday, but since it's Easter and all, we'll celebrate a day early.

Ramblings

I had intended to post much earlier in the day, but the beautiful weather led me to one distraction after another and I never made it to the computer until now! Considering today was Good Friday, it's quite surprising how glorious a day it was. Usually, Good Friday's an ugly, dreary, cold day.

I ran errands with my mom today and made a stop at the doctor to have lab work done. Been feeling rather odd lately, like I could stumble over very easily. Did the blood pressure check and that's alright, so they're testing the blood for cholesterol and diabetes.

Just finished watching A&E's Biography on Elton John and the Bee Gees. I'm a big Elton John fan so I had to watch it. I didn't learn much new, but it was enjoyable anyway. I did not realize how vast the Bee Gees career is or the accomplishments they've made and continue to hold. Two really good biographies that you should watch if they're repeated.

I also watched the American Justice special on the Assassination of John Lennon and this another perfect example of remembering exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard of his death. He was my favorite Beatle and the one whose music, political involvement and social discourse had the most impact. Mark David Chapman has reached his goal: He has attained notoriety and is no longer unknown, Mr. Joe Average. I'm listening to one of Lennon's last song Watching the Wheels.

I'm pretty tired and still have this subtle but persistent dull ache in my head. Sometimes I feel as though my head will explode. We're celebrating spouse's birthday tomorrow. It's actually Sunday, but since it's Easter and all, we'll celebrate a day early.

Filming in Los Angeles













A typical day in Los Angeles. It's quite normal to stumble on film crews and not know what's filming.

Received via email: We have plenty of panhandlers in L.A. and many approach drivers by walking between lanes. If these two approached me, you better believe I would find money real quick just to get rid of them!

Received via email: We have plenty of panhandlers in L.A. and many approach drivers by walking between lanes. If these two approached me, you better believe I would find money real quick just to get rid of them!

Password Madness

It's bad enough that my employer makes me change my password every six weeks and I can't use the same password within a 12 month period. But, to have to deal with the dreaded password for blogs, Hello, Photo Pages, Flickr, online connection, cell phone, PDA, email accounts, etc. is just maddening and too damned confusing!

Am I the only one suffering in Password Hell? Is there a manageable solution? If so, please, please share. I've used passwords that utilize random letters and punctuation, but it's too much. I even tried assigning the same password to all email accounts, photo sites, etc., but then obsessed over the what if scenario.

What if one photo site password was cracked and they subsequently tried it on others. They'd have access to them. I reverted to individual passwords for each account and hence, my predicament. I couldn't remember my password today, so the I.T. department erased the old one and told me to pick a new one.

Boop told me to "write it down and tape it underneath your keyboard." Uh, yea, like no one would ever think to look there! That's a well known trick and probably the first place someone would look. When she went to lunch, I moseyed to her cube, lifted the keyboard and sure as shit, there was Boop's password!

The older we get the harder it becomes to remember things. I'm seriously considering getting one of those biometric security login devices. The kind that attaches via USB to your computer and uses your thumbprint to lock/unlock your computer. It sure would be a lot easier and less stressful. I lost a Yahoo email account back in the day because I forgot the password.

Password Madness

It's bad enough that my employer makes me change my password every six weeks and I can't use the same password within a 12 month period. But, to have to deal with the dreaded password for blogs, Hello, Photo Pages, Flickr, online connection, cell phone, PDA, email accounts, etc. is just maddening and too damned confusing!

Am I the only one suffering in Password Hell? Is there a manageable solution? If so, please, please share. I've used passwords that utilize random letters and punctuation, but it's too much. I even tried assigning the same password to all email accounts, photo sites, etc., but then obsessed over the what if scenario.

What if one photo site password was cracked and they subsequently tried it on others. They'd have access to them. I reverted to individual passwords for each account and hence, my predicament. I couldn't remember my password today, so the I.T. department erased the old one and told me to pick a new one.

Boop told me to "write it down and tape it underneath your keyboard." Uh, yea, like no one would ever think to look there! That's a well known trick and probably the first place someone would look. When she went to lunch, I moseyed to her cube, lifted the keyboard and sure as shit, there was Boop's password!

The older we get the harder it becomes to remember things. I'm seriously considering getting one of those biometric security login devices. The kind that attaches via USB to your computer and uses your thumbprint to lock/unlock your computer. It sure would be a lot easier and less stressful. I lost a Yahoo email account back in the day because I forgot the password.

Random Meme
I've been tagged by Andrea, which is always a fun thing. So here are my answers that I'm sure will prove to be quite boring. LOL

You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be?
Any Judith Krantz novel. I used to read this trash many, many moons ago and, after reading one, all become a complete blur. Same stories, different cast! She must watch way too many soap operas! LOL

Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
A crush, no. However, I would like to have been Willy Wonka's girlfriend in the chocolate factory. I would be set for life and instead of a milk mustache, I'd have a chocolate one.

The last book you bought is:

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

The last book you read:
You Belong to Me and Other True Cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 2) by Ann Rule


What are you currently reading?
Last Dance, Last Chance and other true cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 8) by Ann Rule

Five books you would take to a deserted island.

A Heart of Stillness: A Complete Guide to Learning the Art of Meditation by David A. Cooper

Silence, Simplicity & Solitude: A Complete Guide to Spiritual Retreat by David A. Cooper

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield

Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities) by Charles Dickens

Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?
Otto because I want to read her answers.
Nat because I want to learn her taste in books. We know about the music!
Buccho Because I faithfully participate in his meme.

Random Meme
I've been tagged by Andrea, which is always a fun thing. So here are my answers that I'm sure will prove to be quite boring. LOL

You're stuck inside Fahrenheit 451, which book do you want to be?
Any Judith Krantz novel. I used to read this trash many, many moons ago and, after reading one, all become a complete blur. Same stories, different cast! She must watch way too many soap operas! LOL

Have you ever had a crush on a fictional character?
A crush, no. However, I would like to have been Willy Wonka's girlfriend in the chocolate factory. I would be set for life and instead of a milk mustache, I'd have a chocolate one.

The last book you bought is:

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

The last book you read:
You Belong to Me and Other True Cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 2) by Ann Rule


What are you currently reading?
Last Dance, Last Chance and other true cases (Ann Rule's Crime Files: Vol. 8) by Ann Rule

Five books you would take to a deserted island.

A Heart of Stillness: A Complete Guide to Learning the Art of Meditation by David A. Cooper

Silence, Simplicity & Solitude: A Complete Guide to Spiritual Retreat by David A. Cooper

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield

Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities) by Charles Dickens

Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?
Otto because I want to read her answers.
Nat because I want to learn her taste in books. We know about the music!
Buccho Because I faithfully participate in his meme.

The Blessing of the Animals is this Saturday and we've been threatening for years to take Buddah. So far, he hasn't made it, but we're confident that he is blessed anyway.

L.A. has attained the dubious distinction of having the most rain since records were kept. We reached it today! Poor pedestrians, how the hell are they supposed to reach the curb?

L.A. has attained the dubious distinction of having the most rain since records were kept. We reached it today! Poor pedestrians, how the hell are they supposed to reach the curb?

I don't know why California allows lane splitting. Motocyclists can ride in the middle of lanes, between two cars traveling in the same direction. This guy cut me off so badly and you know, had I hit him, it would automatically have been my fault.

Take Me Back Tuesday
OK. This week we're going to take a trip in the "Way Back" Machine. Anyone remember that? (Brownie points for you if you do)

1. What one artist would you like to travel back in time to see in their "hey day?" And Why? You're gonna tire of reading this but...The Beatles. The cacophony of screaming, frenzied girls clamoring for a look at the Fab Four would have suited me just fine. I could easily fit in and would have made several attempts at getting back stage. LOL Another artist would be Janis Joplin. She had such a magnificent voice and presence.

2. If you could go back in time to buy one musical related item that you wanted, but didn't purchase at the time, what would it be? Original 33-1/3 and 45 RPM releases of Beatles merchandise. Also, lunchboxes, key chains, anything!

3. If you could travel back in time and give any artist/band a piece of advice, who would it be and what would your advice be? Enjoy the celebrity you have, the money you've earned and your band mates. It's all fleeting and someday, it will no longer be. Yes, you'll have your legacy, but don't let it be filled with regret.

Take Me Back Tuesday
OK. This week we're going to take a trip in the "Way Back" Machine. Anyone remember that? (Brownie points for you if you do)

1. What one artist would you like to travel back in time to see in their "hey day?" And Why? You're gonna tire of reading this but...The Beatles. The cacophony of screaming, frenzied girls clamoring for a look at the Fab Four would have suited me just fine. I could easily fit in and would have made several attempts at getting back stage. LOL Another artist would be Janis Joplin. She had such a magnificent voice and presence.

2. If you could go back in time to buy one musical related item that you wanted, but didn't purchase at the time, what would it be? Original 33-1/3 and 45 RPM releases of Beatles merchandise. Also, lunchboxes, key chains, anything!

3. If you could travel back in time and give any artist/band a piece of advice, who would it be and what would your advice be? Enjoy the celebrity you have, the money you've earned and your band mates. It's all fleeting and someday, it will no longer be. Yes, you'll have your legacy, but don't let it be filled with regret.

Ten on Tuesday
10 things you're good at

- Making spouse smile and laugh, even at the darkest moments.
- Encouraging people to have faith and not quit.
- Expressing myself.
- Bonding with animals
- Diffusing stressful situations.
- Good judge of a person's character.
- Good listener.
- Good at analyzing situations and problem solving.
- Good at computers.
- Good at keeping confidences and dependable.

Ten on Tuesday
10 things you're good at

- Making spouse smile and laugh, even at the darkest moments.
- Encouraging people to have faith and not quit.
- Expressing myself.
- Bonding with animals
- Diffusing stressful situations.
- Good judge of a person's character.
- Good listener.
- Good at analyzing situations and problem solving.
- Good at computers.
- Good at keeping confidences and dependable.

Disposing of old software


Text Games from my Macintosh days.

I've been throwing out old software for the original Apple Macintosh (pre I days) and it's been fun reminiscing about old role playing games. They were text based only, no pictures, explosions or graphics to wow you. Just plain vanilla text to read and interact with. Games like Fool's Errand, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Wishbringer, The Witness etc.

The opening screen would read something like..."You're in a large room with a long corridor. To your right is a closed door. To your left, light can be seen streaming from somewhere. Ahead of you is a long, dark corridor. What do you want to do?" At this point I would type open door or turn left or something like that and the next scene would be described.

If this sounds challenging, it was. All games came with an InvisiClues Hint Booklet! The booklet's purpose reads:


InvisiClue Booklet

The essence of all InterLogic games is solving problems. The purpose of InvisiClues hint booklets is to maximize your enjoyment of the game by giving you only those hints that you need to continue playing and complete the game.

The invisible hints generally progress from a gentle nudge in the right direction to a full answer. The questions, which naturally have to be visible, have been worded to give away as little as possible. You should not use the presence or absence of a question on a certain topic as an indication of importance, and you should not assume that long answers are associated with important questions. This booklet includes dummy questions and answers in order to minimize this problem.

If you are stuck at some point in the game, find the question that most pertains to your problem. Uncap the marker and run it once over the first hint. The writing will appear within a second or two. If you are still stumped, go on to the next hint.

I know, it pales in comparison to this generation of graphic and action laden games. Heck, the text based games didn't even have sound! However, it was nice to interact with them from a text stance. It was like reading an adventure and becoming part of how the story unfolded. Sure the parameters were limited, but the challenge was making the right choices and completing the game.

Disposing of old software


Text Games from my Macintosh days.

I've been throwing out old software for the original Apple Macintosh (pre I days) and it's been fun reminiscing about old role playing games. They were text based only, no pictures, explosions or graphics to wow you. Just plain vanilla text to read and interact with. Games like Fool's Errand, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Wishbringer, The Witness etc.

The opening screen would read something like..."You're in a large room with a long corridor. To your right is a closed door. To your left, light can be seen streaming from somewhere. Ahead of you is a long, dark corridor. What do you want to do?" At this point I would type open door or turn left or something like that and the next scene would be described.

If this sounds challenging, it was. All games came with an InvisiClues Hint Booklet! The booklet's purpose reads:


InvisiClue Booklet

The essence of all InterLogic games is solving problems. The purpose of InvisiClues hint booklets is to maximize your enjoyment of the game by giving you only those hints that you need to continue playing and complete the game.

The invisible hints generally progress from a gentle nudge in the right direction to a full answer. The questions, which naturally have to be visible, have been worded to give away as little as possible. You should not use the presence or absence of a question on a certain topic as an indication of importance, and you should not assume that long answers are associated with important questions. This booklet includes dummy questions and answers in order to minimize this problem.

If you are stuck at some point in the game, find the question that most pertains to your problem. Uncap the marker and run it once over the first hint. The writing will appear within a second or two. If you are still stumped, go on to the next hint.

I know, it pales in comparison to this generation of graphic and action laden games. Heck, the text based games didn't even have sound! However, it was nice to interact with them from a text stance. It was like reading an adventure and becoming part of how the story unfolded. Sure the parameters were limited, but the challenge was making the right choices and completing the game.

Monday Madness
How Many........

1. ...computer-related gadgets do you own? 7
2. ...pictures on your living room walls? 2
3. ...magnets on your refrigerator? 9
4. ...reference books in your bookshelves? 11
5. ...boxes of cereal in your cupboards? 2
6. ...lamps in your house? 15
7. ...times a week do you shop for groceries? 3
8. ...magazines do you subscribe to? Zero
9. ...tv programs do you watch on a regular basis? 5
10. ...items on your bathroom counter that don't really need to be there? 1

Monday Madness
How Many........

1. ...computer-related gadgets do you own? 7
2. ...pictures on your living room walls? 2
3. ...magnets on your refrigerator? 9
4. ...reference books in your bookshelves? 11
5. ...boxes of cereal in your cupboards? 2
6. ...lamps in your house? 15
7. ...times a week do you shop for groceries? 3
8. ...magazines do you subscribe to? Zero
9. ...tv programs do you watch on a regular basis? 5
10. ...items on your bathroom counter that don't really need to be there? 1

Moody Monday Theme: Spring

A Day in My Life

A Day in My Life

Happy 25th Anniversary to Us

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am so honored to have spend it with B. and proud of us. I am committed to spouse and our relationship and I cannot think of anyone else I'd want to be with.

B. has seen me when I am completely down. When I'm scared. When I'm angry. Have lost my temper. Cannot be reasoned with. Am in despair and crying. And still, I am respected, loved and trusted. The three very things I consider most important in a relationship. Without them, I believe there is not a solid foundation.

Thank you, B. for being my best friend, confidant, supporter and love of my life. But most of all, thank you for being you. Please don't ever change. I love you just the way you are!

Happy 25th Anniversary to Us

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary and I am so honored to have spend it with B. and proud of us. I am committed to spouse and our relationship and I cannot think of anyone else I'd want to be with.

B. has seen me when I am completely down. When I'm scared. When I'm angry. Have lost my temper. Cannot be reasoned with. Am in despair and crying. And still, I am respected, loved and trusted. The three very things I consider most important in a relationship. Without them, I believe there is not a solid foundation.

Thank you, B. for being my best friend, confidant, supporter and love of my life. But most of all, thank you for being you. Please don't ever change. I love you just the way you are!

The sole tunnel and elevator to the Southwest Museum is inoperable. It's back down the hill to ascend the stairs!

Kitsch

Every so often the latest craze catches my eye and I have to buy it. Case in point....Intel's Bunnymen. They were the rage in the 90s prancing around to the tunes of disco. Yup, play me a disco tune and you've captured my attention. I'd forgotten about my Bunnymen until they popped up during...you got it, spring cleaning! LOL I won't even think about selling them on eBay. These sweet little thangs are mine...all mine! LOL




I also found my Blockhead key chain, remember the Blockhead's from Gumby? I long ago lost my Gumby and Pokey key chains, I overused them. Gumby's arm wore off so badly that the key ring slipped right out! Pokey lost his legs. If anyone finds a Gumby and Pokey key chain, can you give me a holla? They're kitschy items, I know, but they're things I like! My nephews bought me a Gumby video for my birthday three years past. It's a hoot!br />

Kitsch

Every so often the latest craze catches my eye and I have to buy it. Case in point....Intel's Bunnymen. They were the rage in the 90s prancing around to the tunes of disco. Yup, play me a disco tune and you've captured my attention. I'd forgotten about my Bunnymen until they popped up during...you got it, spring cleaning! LOL I won't even think about selling them on eBay. These sweet little thangs are mine...all mine! LOL




I also found my Blockhead key chain, remember the Blockhead's from Gumby? I long ago lost my Gumby and Pokey key chains, I overused them. Gumby's arm wore off so badly that the key ring slipped right out! Pokey lost his legs. If anyone finds a Gumby and Pokey key chain, can you give me a holla? They're kitschy items, I know, but they're things I like! My nephews bought me a Gumby video for my birthday three years past. It's a hoot!br />

Top Five On Friday
OK, are you all ready for this week's Top Five?

Top 5 songs/albums you listen to when you are stressed.

Zero 7 Simple Things
John Lennon Double Fantasy
Andrea Bocelli Romanza
Carly Simon Coming Around Again
Joni Mitchell Both Sides Now

Top Five On Friday
OK, are you all ready for this week's Top Five?

Top 5 songs/albums you listen to when you are stressed.

Zero 7 Simple Things
John Lennon Double Fantasy
Andrea Bocelli Romanza
Carly Simon Coming Around Again
Joni Mitchell Both Sides Now

Trust me, these stairs are steep and you feel it throughout your body!

The Floppy

No, it's not a sex related post. I'm talking a 5.25" floppy! LOL Ever actually use one, let alone see one?




It's amazing what is kept locked away in cabinets or drawers, isn't it? While rummaging through a filing cabinet I found two of them. I have no idea its contents, since they're unlabeled and I haven't the equipment to read the data. A reminder of why it's important to keep the most important information on plain paper! It's a museum piece or, at the very least, an artifact. It will remain our little mystery in perpetuity.

I bet it's from my Commodore 64 days. Anyone remember that computer? I don't count it as a real computer because I didn't use it for actual daily tasks. It was something used for generating neat images once I'd painstakingly coded it in Basic. That alone could take hours, with the result being the image of a jack-o-lantern! The image would be ... oh, I dunno....reminiscent of Lite Brite quality, maybe? So for this reason, my beloved Macintosh 128K that would display Welcome to Macintosh on the screen upon boot up is considered my true first computer.

The Floppy

No, it's not a sex related post. I'm talking a 5.25" floppy! LOL Ever actually use one, let alone see one?




It's amazing what is kept locked away in cabinets or drawers, isn't it? While rummaging through a filing cabinet I found two of them. I have no idea its contents, since they're unlabeled and I haven't the equipment to read the data. A reminder of why it's important to keep the most important information on plain paper! It's a museum piece or, at the very least, an artifact. It will remain our little mystery in perpetuity.

I bet it's from my Commodore 64 days. Anyone remember that computer? I don't count it as a real computer because I didn't use it for actual daily tasks. It was something used for generating neat images once I'd painstakingly coded it in Basic. That alone could take hours, with the result being the image of a jack-o-lantern! The image would be ... oh, I dunno....reminiscent of Lite Brite quality, maybe? So for this reason, my beloved Macintosh 128K that would display Welcome to Macintosh on the screen upon boot up is considered my true first computer.

Spring Cleaning

I've been MIA since Saturday - mostly answering memes - because I've been so busy doing spring cleaning. Every so often we get in the mood and all hell breaks loose. Buddah's looking around the house like a tornado's hit and wondering what the heck's going on. Poor thing can't get settled with two of us running amok! Yet more clothing has been delivered to the women's mission.




Books - the item I have the most difficulty discarding, have been strategically placed in the living room for spouse to toss. I have a serious book fetish that prevents me from discarding them. I have books about the original Macintosh 128K computer (circa 1984) that I have no use for. Do you think I can pitch them....no. Thankfully, B. understands my dilemma and has offered to execute the task when I'm not looking!

I even broke out with my old school stereo replete with turntable and started spinning the 12" vinyl. A lot of the music is from the eighties and nineties: The Tom Tom Club, Depeche Mode, The Thomson Twins, Thomas Dolby, Culture Club, Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys, etc. and it felt great to find that the turntable still spins and the stereo, in general, works. Some of the songs I hadn't heard in years and it brought back memories.

The Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love reminded us of our early days. Driving around L.A. having a good time, me trying to sing along with the cassette, spouse laughing at my attempts. We were starting out. We were carefree. We were in love. We were happy. Thankfully, we're still very much that way. When the song finished, I waited for it to play again. Duh, I had to walk back to the stereo and put the needle on the vinyl! LOL I've grown so used to playing a CD on repeat.

As promised, I returned home on Monday to find the stack of books gone. Spouse had done me a great favor! I felt a slight pang in my chest, but quickly recovered when I realized that I'd made space for pertinent stuff! I have to accept that I can't hang on to books indefinitely - we haven't the space and I'm not likely to sell them on eBay. As much as that sounds like a terrific idea, I have neither the time nor the inclination to do it. For me, it's akin to a yard sale and we all know that ain't happening! LOL

Spring Cleaning

I've been MIA since Saturday - mostly answering memes - because I've been so busy doing spring cleaning. Every so often we get in the mood and all hell breaks loose. Buddah's looking around the house like a tornado's hit and wondering what the heck's going on. Poor thing can't get settled with two of us running amok! Yet more clothing has been delivered to the women's mission.




Books - the item I have the most difficulty discarding, have been strategically placed in the living room for spouse to toss. I have a serious book fetish that prevents me from discarding them. I have books about the original Macintosh 128K computer (circa 1984) that I have no use for. Do you think I can pitch them....no. Thankfully, B. understands my dilemma and has offered to execute the task when I'm not looking!

I even broke out with my old school stereo replete with turntable and started spinning the 12" vinyl. A lot of the music is from the eighties and nineties: The Tom Tom Club, Depeche Mode, The Thomson Twins, Thomas Dolby, Culture Club, Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys, etc. and it felt great to find that the turntable still spins and the stereo, in general, works. Some of the songs I hadn't heard in years and it brought back memories.

The Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love reminded us of our early days. Driving around L.A. having a good time, me trying to sing along with the cassette, spouse laughing at my attempts. We were starting out. We were carefree. We were in love. We were happy. Thankfully, we're still very much that way. When the song finished, I waited for it to play again. Duh, I had to walk back to the stereo and put the needle on the vinyl! LOL I've grown so used to playing a CD on repeat.

As promised, I returned home on Monday to find the stack of books gone. Spouse had done me a great favor! I felt a slight pang in my chest, but quickly recovered when I realized that I'd made space for pertinent stuff! I have to accept that I can't hang on to books indefinitely - we haven't the space and I'm not likely to sell them on eBay. As much as that sounds like a terrific idea, I have neither the time nor the inclination to do it. For me, it's akin to a yard sale and we all know that ain't happening! LOL

A wonderful place to contemplate.

Monday Madness
Fill in the blanks.... completely random!!

1. I wish I had more __money and time___.
2. I usually think about changing my blog layout when ___I'm restless___.
3. If more people would be ___considerate and patient___, the world would be a better place.
4. I really should __phone my sister and mother___ more often.
5. The weather we're having right now is ___fabulous! It's warming up and the flowers are blooming___.
6. When it's time to plant a garden, I'd like to plant ___nothing. I don't have a green thumb___.
7. When I'm running late, I sometimes forget to ___bring my camera____.
8. When I can't think of anything to blog about, I usually ___answer a meme or share a photo___.

Monday Madness
Fill in the blanks.... completely random!!

1. I wish I had more __money and time___.
2. I usually think about changing my blog layout when ___I'm restless___.
3. If more people would be ___considerate and patient___, the world would be a better place.
4. I really should __phone my sister and mother___ more often.
5. The weather we're having right now is ___fabulous! It's warming up and the flowers are blooming___.
6. When it's time to plant a garden, I'd like to plant ___nothing. I don't have a green thumb___.
7. When I'm running late, I sometimes forget to ___bring my camera____.
8. When I can't think of anything to blog about, I usually ___answer a meme or share a photo___.

Daily Dirt
Lyrical Emotions...

1. If your life was a soundtrack, what would the title be? Simplifying Life
2. Which one song represents something special to you? In My Life by The Beatles, is the soundtrack of where I've been, where I'm at and where I intend to stay.
3. What one song represents something you'd rather forget? What a Fool Believes by the Doobie Bros. reminds me of one the saddest, most painful moments of my life.
4. What song do you want to have your first married dance to? It's Shining Star by The Manhattans, Biggest Part of Me by Ambrosia and Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross.
5. Do you listen to certain types of music to match your mood? Absolutely. When I'm cleaning it's rock or disco. When I'm pensive or relaxed it's classical or opera. When I'm feeling soft and cuddly it's R&B or jazz.

Daily Dirt
Lyrical Emotions...

1. If your life was a soundtrack, what would the title be? Simplifying Life
2. Which one song represents something special to you? In My Life by The Beatles, is the soundtrack of where I've been, where I'm at and where I intend to stay.
3. What one song represents something you'd rather forget? What a Fool Believes by the Doobie Bros. reminds me of one the saddest, most painful moments of my life.
4. What song do you want to have your first married dance to? It's Shining Star by The Manhattans, Biggest Part of Me by Ambrosia and Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross.
5. Do you listen to certain types of music to match your mood? Absolutely. When I'm cleaning it's rock or disco. When I'm pensive or relaxed it's classical or opera. When I'm feeling soft and cuddly it's R&B or jazz.

View of the rail station below.

A Day in My Life

A Day in My Life

Daily Dirt
Blogging...

1. When did you first start blogging? Uh....I think about two years ago. I really don't know the exact date. LOL
2. Why? I've always kept paper journals and blogging seemed a natural extension. Especially since I could share my sense of humor and photos with others. I never considered that others might not like it.
3. When you first started, what did you use to blog? Plain HTML? Greymatter? I've always used Blogger and they've steadily improved, so I am a quite happy.
4. What do you use to blog now? I'm still plugging away on Blogger. They've improved the Comment feature and added photo capability.
5. How long has your blog been open? Again, I think it's been a couple of years.

Daily Dirt
Blogging...

1. When did you first start blogging? Uh....I think about two years ago. I really don't know the exact date. LOL
2. Why? I've always kept paper journals and blogging seemed a natural extension. Especially since I could share my sense of humor and photos with others. I never considered that others might not like it.
3. When you first started, what did you use to blog? Plain HTML? Greymatter? I've always used Blogger and they've steadily improved, so I am a quite happy.
4. What do you use to blog now? I'm still plugging away on Blogger. They've improved the Comment feature and added photo capability.
5. How long has your blog been open? Again, I think it's been a couple of years.

Southwest Museum garden trail.

Side of the Southwest Museum.

Okay, I think it's a fair to say Andrea tagged me and so I'm gladly rising to her challenge. Being tagged is always fun, especially when it's a music related meme.

Survey Says
Here's a musical survey for all of you music addicts/whores out there.

Get your winamps etc ready.

How many songs? Ugh, I don't how many songs. I mistyped sometime back when I said I had 20 gigs - it should've read 20 megs. Yea, not much, I know, but since I don't buy music online and I listen to CDs via headphones, I haven't had much need to rip my CD collection to the computer. Since my recent purchase of the Creative Muvo, I've ripped 357 songs to MP3s and am beginning to listen to them on the computer! LOL I'm on a roll, Andrea.

Sorted by song title, the first and last songs:


Sorted by artist, the first and last songs:
Anita Baker Sweet Love
Yaz Situation

Sorted by album, the first and last songs:
Don't have individual albums

Top 10 most-played songs:
The Beatles In my Life
Led Zepplin Kashmir
Isley Bros. For the Love of You
The Clash Rock the Casbah
Talking Heads Making Flippy Floppy
Zero 7 Waiting in Line
Kraftwerk Computer Love
Parliament Funkadelic Flashlight
Joe Satriani Is there Love in Space?
Dina D'Alessandro Nothing I could say


Top 10 recently played songs:
The Shins Caring is Creepy
Dina D'Alessandro Live through the Ages
Zero 7 In the Waiting Line
John Legend It Don't have to Change
Thievery Corp. Lebanese Blonde
Los Lonely Boys Heaven
Frou Frou Let Go
Van Hunt Dust
Joe Satriani Oriental Melody
The Pixies

Find "sex"; how many songs? 33

Find "death"; how many songs? 7

Find "love"; how many songs? 57

Find "peace"; how many songs? 2

Find "rain"; how many songs? 7

Find "sun"; how many songs? 5

Okay, I think it's a fair to say Andrea tagged me and so I'm gladly rising to her challenge. Being tagged is always fun, especially when it's a music related meme.

Survey Says
Here's a musical survey for all of you music addicts/whores out there.

Get your winamps etc ready.

How many songs? Ugh, I don't how many songs. I mistyped sometime back when I said I had 20 gigs - it should've read 20 megs. Yea, not much, I know, but since I don't buy music online and I listen to CDs via headphones, I haven't had much need to rip my CD collection to the computer. Since my recent purchase of the Creative Muvo, I've ripped 357 songs to MP3s and am beginning to listen to them on the computer! LOL I'm on a roll, Andrea.

Sorted by song title, the first and last songs:


Sorted by artist, the first and last songs:
Anita Baker Sweet Love
Yaz Situation

Sorted by album, the first and last songs:
Don't have individual albums

Top 10 most-played songs:
The Beatles In my Life
Led Zepplin Kashmir
Isley Bros. For the Love of You
The Clash Rock the Casbah
Talking Heads Making Flippy Floppy
Zero 7 Waiting in Line
Kraftwerk Computer Love
Parliament Funkadelic Flashlight
Joe Satriani Is there Love in Space?
Dina D'Alessandro Nothing I could say


Top 10 recently played songs:
The Shins Caring is Creepy
Dina D'Alessandro Live through the Ages
Zero 7 In the Waiting Line
John Legend It Don't have to Change
Thievery Corp. Lebanese Blonde
Los Lonely Boys Heaven
Frou Frou Let Go
Van Hunt Dust
Joe Satriani Oriental Melody
The Pixies

Find "sex"; how many songs? 33

Find "death"; how many songs? 7

Find "love"; how many songs? 57

Find "peace"; how many songs? 2

Find "rain"; how many songs? 7

Find "sun"; how many songs? 5

TGIF
Relationships

1. Do you believe in love at first sight? I think it does happen, though, not as frequently.
2. Do you believe in soulmates? Absolutely. I believe B. and I are true soulmates and I've never been happier.
3. Do you believe in second chances? Yes. I was B's second chance!
4. What are your non-negotiables in a relationship? Trust, respect, communication and love.
5. Would you rather be single or be married to the wrong person for the rest of your life? I'd rather be single than married simply for the sake of being married.

TGIF
Relationships

1. Do you believe in love at first sight? I think it does happen, though, not as frequently.
2. Do you believe in soulmates? Absolutely. I believe B. and I are true soulmates and I've never been happier.
3. Do you believe in second chances? Yes. I was B's second chance!
4. What are your non-negotiables in a relationship? Trust, respect, communication and love.
5. Would you rather be single or be married to the wrong person for the rest of your life? I'd rather be single than married simply for the sake of being married.

View from Hopi Trail. I never knew there was a park and playground parallel to the Gold line tracks. A completely different view of the community from above.

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