I've been feeling so uninspired when it comes to photography that I'm bummed. I need to get out of this funk and start snapping. Of course, not leaving the office during lunch probably has something to do with it. It's been so hot and humid for the past week that going out during the day is undesirable. Of course, remaining in does nothing to improve my mood or inspire me so, I need to figure this out soon!

So Microsoft's finally decided to release a new OS in 2006. I don't know if Vista is its code name or release name, but if it is the release name, they better plug all the holes prior to release. No one can expect better Vista's if it's fraught with poor coding, weakness for buffer over runs, and is poorly beta tested. It's bad enough that I have to install all kinds of third party software to compensate for all the spyware, viruses, hijacking and malware.

Back in May 2005 I bought a Belkin brand powered USB hub for $19.99. It was an impulse buy at Fry's; you know the kind where the product is placed near the checkout line with all the candy, corn nuts, CDRs, etc. I needed a powered USB hub and didn't want to spend a lot of money, so the price was perfect. Well, last week it died. Yea, it's been two months exactly from date of purchase and it's dead? I know I didn't spend a lot of money, but forgive me for expecting a product to work for at least a year.

Anyway, I returned to Fry's and they exchanged it for the same product, because I'd exceeded the 30 day return window. I'm alright with an exchange and am willing to see how long this Belkin lasts. I'm giving it the benefit of doubt that perhaps, I bought a defective model to begin with and it was a fluke. Stay tuned because you know I'll tell you if it dies on me anytime before a year. I'm relieved that I didn't buy a Belkin brand router. I went with D-Link and have been very pleased with them and their tech support. Belkin will have to prove itself by lasting longer than two months before I recommend them or invest in any of their other products.