Costco Photo Prints

I've been a Costco member for over ten years, but I visit less and less. So last month I went in a hurry to have photos printed at the one hour processing. I waited in line to access one of four photo kiosks. Then waited in line to submit and pay for my order. And then mulled around for an hour while they were processed.

To my amazement, a nice lady inquired why I hadn't uploaded my photos to Costco Online and then simply come by at the designated time? What, Costco's doing a SnapFish-like thing? So last night I spent thirty or so minutes manipulating my images, uploading them to Costco Online and selecting my options. The photos were ready by 11 a.m. today.

Oh, did I mention that I was doing this at 9 p.m., way beyond Costco's in store operating hours? It was fast, convenient and I learned something else....Costco even does wallet sized prints! I ordered four different poses and I like the quality of the prints and the fact that I receive four wallets per each order. The prices are great too...17 cents per print!

Costco Photo Prints

I've been a Costco member for over ten years, but I visit less and less. So last month I went in a hurry to have photos printed at the one hour processing. I waited in line to access one of four photo kiosks. Then waited in line to submit and pay for my order. And then mulled around for an hour while they were processed.

To my amazement, a nice lady inquired why I hadn't uploaded my photos to Costco Online and then simply come by at the designated time? What, Costco's doing a SnapFish-like thing? So last night I spent thirty or so minutes manipulating my images, uploading them to Costco Online and selecting my options. The photos were ready by 11 a.m. today.

Oh, did I mention that I was doing this at 9 p.m., way beyond Costco's in store operating hours? It was fast, convenient and I learned something else....Costco even does wallet sized prints! I ordered four different poses and I like the quality of the prints and the fact that I receive four wallets per each order. The prices are great too...17 cents per print!

Take Me Back Tuesday

Name three songs with moon or madness in the title. Alternately: Winter or winter related words. The choice is yours.
Joni Mitchell Come in from the Cold
The Talking Heads Moon Rocks
James Brown Cold Sweat

Name three artists with moon or madness in their name.
Edgar Winter, Coldplay, Madness

Name three albums with moon or madness in the title.
Carly Simon Moonlight Serenade
Joe Cocker Mad Man Across the Water
Van Morrison Moondance

Take Me Back Tuesday

Name three songs with moon or madness in the title. Alternately: Winter or winter related words. The choice is yours.
Joni Mitchell Come in from the Cold
The Talking Heads Moon Rocks
James Brown Cold Sweat

Name three artists with moon or madness in their name.
Edgar Winter, Coldplay, Madness

Name three albums with moon or madness in the title.
Carly Simon Moonlight Serenade
Joe Cocker Mad Man Across the Water
Van Morrison Moondance

Ten on Tuesday
10 Things You're Thankful For

~ Spouse my companion, soulmate and love of my life. Life would be such a struggle and bore without you.
~ Mom who continues to inspire and influence me. A wise woman whose fierce independence has taught me a lot and bolstered my self esteem.
~ Buddah He's my bud and loves me unconditionally. Such a furry little guy brings me so much joy! LOL
~ Employment I love my job and most of the people I work with. It's a fun environment and the majority of us recognize that we spend a LOT of time together, so we make the best of it.
~ Spirituality guides me daily and teaches me patience, humility, compassion, love and understanding.
~ My Muvo and iPod - let there be lots of music everywhere!
~ Friends who make life fun, meaningful and laughable.
~ Blogs and the sense of community they cultivate. I've met many good people online and they've enriched my life.
~ Broadband and the endless mash ups I've been enjoying!! (Boo, I know you don't approve of mash ups, but I absolutely love them. Please give me a break! XOXOXOXO)
~ Health I thank God for my good health.

Ten on Tuesday
10 Things You're Thankful For

~ Spouse my companion, soulmate and love of my life. Life would be such a struggle and bore without you.
~ Mom who continues to inspire and influence me. A wise woman whose fierce independence has taught me a lot and bolstered my self esteem.
~ Buddah He's my bud and loves me unconditionally. Such a furry little guy brings me so much joy! LOL
~ Employment I love my job and most of the people I work with. It's a fun environment and the majority of us recognize that we spend a LOT of time together, so we make the best of it.
~ Spirituality guides me daily and teaches me patience, humility, compassion, love and understanding.
~ My Muvo and iPod - let there be lots of music everywhere!
~ Friends who make life fun, meaningful and laughable.
~ Blogs and the sense of community they cultivate. I've met many good people online and they've enriched my life.
~ Broadband and the endless mash ups I've been enjoying!! (Boo, I know you don't approve of mash ups, but I absolutely love them. Please give me a break! XOXOXOXO)
~ Health I thank God for my good health.

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)

Here's what the iPod shuffled during a road trip. Boo was a real champ about understanding my need for the white ear buds. As long as I had music, all was good and manageable! LOL Of course, since hearing BNL's What a Good Boy, I can't get the song out of my head. I've been humming it all weekend.

~ Barenaked Ladies What a Good Boy
~ DMB Digging a Ditch
~ Dina D'Allessandro I Thought I'd be There
~ Donna Summer Macarthur Park
~ The Doors Love Me Two Times
~ The Eagles Victim of Love
~ The Eurythmics Here Comes the Rain
~ Fiona Apple Criminal
~ George Michael Jesus to a Child
~ GNR Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)

Here's what the iPod shuffled during a road trip. Boo was a real champ about understanding my need for the white ear buds. As long as I had music, all was good and manageable! LOL Of course, since hearing BNL's What a Good Boy, I can't get the song out of my head. I've been humming it all weekend.

~ Barenaked Ladies What a Good Boy
~ DMB Digging a Ditch
~ Dina D'Allessandro I Thought I'd be There
~ Donna Summer Macarthur Park
~ The Doors Love Me Two Times
~ The Eagles Victim of Love
~ The Eurythmics Here Comes the Rain
~ Fiona Apple Criminal
~ George Michael Jesus to a Child
~ GNR Knockin' on Heaven's Door

A Day in My Life

A Day in My Life

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 musical things that you are Thankful For:

~ MP3 Players (both iPod and Muvo). They entertain and keep me company everywhere I go. Nothing beats having massive amounts of music and podcasts at my fingertips!
~ Concerts - Live music and performance is food for my soul.
~ MP3, WMA and AAC formats which compress music files to small sizes, allowing us to carry a lot of music.
~ Musical instruments that provide the means for sound.
~ Musicians whose creativity and brilliance make the instruments scream or purr!

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 musical things that you are Thankful For:

~ MP3 Players (both iPod and Muvo). They entertain and keep me company everywhere I go. Nothing beats having massive amounts of music and podcasts at my fingertips!
~ Concerts - Live music and performance is food for my soul.
~ MP3, WMA and AAC formats which compress music files to small sizes, allowing us to carry a lot of music.
~ Musical instruments that provide the means for sound.
~ Musicians whose creativity and brilliance make the instruments scream or purr!

Take Me Back Tuesday

I'll be vanishing off the planet until Saturday, but before I go, a meme.

Name three songs containing the word or the idea of thanks or greatfulness.
Earth, Wind & Fire Gratitude
Sam & Dave I Thank You
Rod Stewart Thanks for the Memory

Name three artists you are thankful to have in your various collections.
Led Zepplin, The Beatles, Elton John

Name three albums you are thankful that you received from someone. (Yourself counts as a someone)
Various artist CDs Disco Compilations
Led Zepplin Physical Graffiti
Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Have a wonderful week and a wonderful thanksgiving to my american friends.

Take Me Back Tuesday

I'll be vanishing off the planet until Saturday, but before I go, a meme.

Name three songs containing the word or the idea of thanks or greatfulness.
Earth, Wind & Fire Gratitude
Sam & Dave I Thank You
Rod Stewart Thanks for the Memory

Name three artists you are thankful to have in your various collections.
Led Zepplin, The Beatles, Elton John

Name three albums you are thankful that you received from someone. (Yourself counts as a someone)
Various artist CDs Disco Compilations
Led Zepplin Physical Graffiti
Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Have a wonderful week and a wonderful thanksgiving to my american friends.

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)

Being up in the mountains on a glorious autumn day, was cause for Christmas carols. Everywhere we went, Christmas songs played and I have to say, some of them were fantastic renditions! LOL

~ Cyndi Lauper Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
~ Diana Krall Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
~ Luther Vandross The Mistletoe Jam
~ Ashanti Hey Santa
~ Stevie Wonder What Christmas means to Me
~ Wham! Last Christmas
~ Liz Phair Winter Wonderland
~ Destiny's Child Do You Hear What I Hear?
~ Melissa Etheridge Christmas in America
~ Mariah Carey Winter Wonderland

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)

Being up in the mountains on a glorious autumn day, was cause for Christmas carols. Everywhere we went, Christmas songs played and I have to say, some of them were fantastic renditions! LOL

~ Cyndi Lauper Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
~ Diana Krall Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
~ Luther Vandross The Mistletoe Jam
~ Ashanti Hey Santa
~ Stevie Wonder What Christmas means to Me
~ Wham! Last Christmas
~ Liz Phair Winter Wonderland
~ Destiny's Child Do You Hear What I Hear?
~ Melissa Etheridge Christmas in America
~ Mariah Carey Winter Wonderland

A Day in My Life
A day in the San Bernardino mountains and the apple orchards of Oak Glen. It was a gorgeous and balmy 80 degree day, even at 4,800 feet and even I had a hard time believing it's November. Feels a lot more like summer. Woo hoo!

A Day in My Life
A day in the San Bernardino mountains and the apple orchards of Oak Glen. It was a gorgeous and balmy 80 degree day, even at 4,800 feet and even I had a hard time believing it's November. Feels a lot more like summer. Woo hoo!

Autumn Favorites

1. Favorite Autumn Activity? Cocooning! Yep, I like to sit or lie with Boo and watch a good movie or play board games. Of course, Boo hasn't had much time for that .... are ya reading??? LOL I could sure go for a good game of Scrabble or Boggle.

2. Favorite Autumn Meal? Any kind of soup, stew or chili and there are plenty to choose from. I'm partial to sloppy joes and beef stew.

3. Favorite Autumn Drink? Hot cocoa. I've had hot apple cider but cocoa does it for me.

4. Favorite Autumn Weather? A cool sixty degrees is all right. I can do without the mist or fog, it causes my arthritis to flare. It's cool enough to remind you it's autumn, but not so cold that you don't want to do anything.

Autumn Favorites

1. Favorite Autumn Activity? Cocooning! Yep, I like to sit or lie with Boo and watch a good movie or play board games. Of course, Boo hasn't had much time for that .... are ya reading??? LOL I could sure go for a good game of Scrabble or Boggle.

2. Favorite Autumn Meal? Any kind of soup, stew or chili and there are plenty to choose from. I'm partial to sloppy joes and beef stew.

3. Favorite Autumn Drink? Hot cocoa. I've had hot apple cider but cocoa does it for me.

4. Favorite Autumn Weather? A cool sixty degrees is all right. I can do without the mist or fog, it causes my arthritis to flare. It's cool enough to remind you it's autumn, but not so cold that you don't want to do anything.

DVD Special Features/Extras

Is it the rental or, are new DVD releases including fewer behind the scenes features? I've rented Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Christmas with the Kranks and both lacked commentary, behind the scenes exclusives, etc. If rental DVDs are being distinguished from purchased DVDs, do the studios really expect me to go out buy the DVD for the exclusives?

I've ended up buying more than my share of DVDs after renting, because I've liked the extras that I previewed on the rental enough to want to own the DVD. However, if the studious in their zeal to maintain control, think a stripped version of a rental will entice me to buy, they're way off the mark. Instead, I'm so turned off and so not willing to pay $19.99 when they release an enhanced version, that they've completely lost my $$.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory was absolutely spectacular. I loved this film. Johnny Depp perfectly captured and portrayed Willy Wonka. The colors, music and casting are equally fantastic. As great as I think this movie is, it's not enough for me to shell out $19.95. A cheap VHS version would do me just as well.

Christmas with the Kranks was cute. Typical holiday fare that we've become quite accustomed to. I enjoyed the decorated houses and uh, even got some ideas (we're known as the Griswolds in our neighborhood), but it's not a film I'd want to own. One viewing is enough.

All around town I see vendors selling new release DVDs for $5 or $10. I've never purchased one, but I'm assuming that the buyer gets only the movie, even if the DVD has extras. So for me, it's never been a carrot. I like the packaging, liner notes and, of course, the extra footage and behind the scenes.

Hollywood's latest plan, though, leaves me thinking that more people will be enticed to buy the pirated copies at $5 or $10 and save money. Especially since they wouldn't get any extras anyway paying $19.95!

DVD Special Features/Extras

Is it the rental or, are new DVD releases including fewer behind the scenes features? I've rented Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Christmas with the Kranks and both lacked commentary, behind the scenes exclusives, etc. If rental DVDs are being distinguished from purchased DVDs, do the studios really expect me to go out buy the DVD for the exclusives?

I've ended up buying more than my share of DVDs after renting, because I've liked the extras that I previewed on the rental enough to want to own the DVD. However, if the studious in their zeal to maintain control, think a stripped version of a rental will entice me to buy, they're way off the mark. Instead, I'm so turned off and so not willing to pay $19.99 when they release an enhanced version, that they've completely lost my $$.

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory was absolutely spectacular. I loved this film. Johnny Depp perfectly captured and portrayed Willy Wonka. The colors, music and casting are equally fantastic. As great as I think this movie is, it's not enough for me to shell out $19.95. A cheap VHS version would do me just as well.

Christmas with the Kranks was cute. Typical holiday fare that we've become quite accustomed to. I enjoyed the decorated houses and uh, even got some ideas (we're known as the Griswolds in our neighborhood), but it's not a film I'd want to own. One viewing is enough.

All around town I see vendors selling new release DVDs for $5 or $10. I've never purchased one, but I'm assuming that the buyer gets only the movie, even if the DVD has extras. So for me, it's never been a carrot. I like the packaging, liner notes and, of course, the extra footage and behind the scenes.

Hollywood's latest plan, though, leaves me thinking that more people will be enticed to buy the pirated copies at $5 or $10 and save money. Especially since they wouldn't get any extras anyway paying $19.95!

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 "Forgotten" Artists. (You know those bands that are still around but when you mention them people ask you if they are still recording or alive)

The Eagles (Didn't hell freeze over a long time ago and doesn't it freeze only once?)
Madonna (Isn't she like writing childrens' books or something)
Cher (Come on, don't tell me she's retiring again)
Hall & Oates (Oh come on, you've got to be kidding. Do they have anything new or is it rehash?)
Michael Jackson (Right, the self proclaimed King of Pop. Yea, I heard he bleached himself into non-existence!)

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 "Forgotten" Artists. (You know those bands that are still around but when you mention them people ask you if they are still recording or alive)

The Eagles (Didn't hell freeze over a long time ago and doesn't it freeze only once?)
Madonna (Isn't she like writing childrens' books or something)
Cher (Come on, don't tell me she's retiring again)
Hall & Oates (Oh come on, you've got to be kidding. Do they have anything new or is it rehash?)
Michael Jackson (Right, the self proclaimed King of Pop. Yea, I heard he bleached himself into non-existence!)

New Music

I bought Santana's new CD and....it reminds a lot of his early work and sounds like stuff I've heard before. Even his song with Michele Branch sounds very much like. It's not bad, then again, it's not wowing me, either. It's a so-so release that I'm glad I only paid $9.99 for. In time, maybe it will grow on me. If not, well -

New Music

I bought Santana's new CD and....it reminds a lot of his early work and sounds like stuff I've heard before. Even his song with Michele Branch sounds very much like. It's not bad, then again, it's not wowing me, either. It's a so-so release that I'm glad I only paid $9.99 for. In time, maybe it will grow on me. If not, well -

Ten on Tuesday
Ten Favorite Movie Characters

~ Napoleon Dynamite from self named movie
~ Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery
~ Batman - Batman Begins
~ Miles (wine connoisseur) - Sideways
~ Fat Bastard - Goldmember
~ Willy Wonka - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
~ Conspiracy Brother - Undercover Brother
~ Lloyd & Harry - Dumn & Dumber
~ Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) - Goodfellas
~ Paul Vitti (mobster) - Analyze This

Ten on Tuesday
Ten Favorite Movie Characters

~ Napoleon Dynamite from self named movie
~ Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery
~ Batman - Batman Begins
~ Miles (wine connoisseur) - Sideways
~ Fat Bastard - Goldmember
~ Willy Wonka - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
~ Conspiracy Brother - Undercover Brother
~ Lloyd & Harry - Dumn & Dumber
~ Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) - Goodfellas
~ Paul Vitti (mobster) - Analyze This

Take Me Back Tuesday

Name three songs that never fail to make you a little melancholy.

Barenaked Ladies - What A Good Boy
Dina D'Allessandro - Thought I'd Be There
Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

Name three artists who never fail to pick you back up.

Zero 7, Led Zepplin, Elton John

Name three albums that you were never quite sure why you bought them but they own a little piece of your heart now.

David Cassidy - Then & Now
Norah Jones - Feels Like Home
Coldplay - Parachutes

Take Me Back Tuesday

Name three songs that never fail to make you a little melancholy.

Barenaked Ladies - What A Good Boy
Dina D'Allessandro - Thought I'd Be There
Harry Chapin - Cats in the Cradle

Name three artists who never fail to pick you back up.

Zero 7, Led Zepplin, Elton John

Name three albums that you were never quite sure why you bought them but they own a little piece of your heart now.

David Cassidy - Then & Now
Norah Jones - Feels Like Home
Coldplay - Parachutes

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)

This little Punk Snowman caught my eye and I think he's perfectly suited for my musical taste of mash ups this weekend. What do you think???

~ Devoutcast Outkast/Devo
~ Spending One of these Nights Kelly Clarkson/The Eagles
~ Depeche/David Bowie
~ The Podcast Song Cruisebox
~ Fixing Up for a Love Connection Frou Frou - Holding Out for a Hero vs. Stereo MC's - Connected vs. Madonna - Justify My Love vs. Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up Look Sharp
~ Fat Slim Betty Fatboy v. Betty Boo
~ Alan Parsons Project v. Missy Elliot
~ Green Day with The Eagles
~ Switchin' Alive Will Smith v. The Bee Gees
~ Whoomp There's the West End Girls

Random Ten
10 songs that sum up your weekend...or were on your weekend playlist...and one picture that relates back. (oh, and if you feel like it, tell us why you picked the songs you did)

This little Punk Snowman caught my eye and I think he's perfectly suited for my musical taste of mash ups this weekend. What do you think???

~ Devoutcast Outkast/Devo
~ Spending One of these Nights Kelly Clarkson/The Eagles
~ Depeche/David Bowie
~ The Podcast Song Cruisebox
~ Fixing Up for a Love Connection Frou Frou - Holding Out for a Hero vs. Stereo MC's - Connected vs. Madonna - Justify My Love vs. Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up Look Sharp
~ Fat Slim Betty Fatboy v. Betty Boo
~ Alan Parsons Project v. Missy Elliot
~ Green Day with The Eagles
~ Switchin' Alive Will Smith v. The Bee Gees
~ Whoomp There's the West End Girls

Damn, a menacing snowman with a mohawk, nose earring and scowl. Happy Holidays!

A Day In My Life
UCLA vs. ASU at wins it at 45 - 35. Two UCLA touchdowns within the first twenty minutes of game play. An awesome game with attendance at 84,983 and not a seat to spare. Spirits were high and I'm sure the vendor's sales sky rocketed!

A Day In My Life
UCLA vs. ASU at wins it at 45 - 35. Two UCLA touchdowns within the first twenty minutes of game play. An awesome game with attendance at 84,983 and not a seat to spare. Spirits were high and I'm sure the vendor's sales sky rocketed!

The Podcast Song

I want all of my pals to check out Cruisebox's On A Podcast. An awesome song that expresses my sentiments for indie artists about the RIAA, the MPAA and any industry that seeks to maintain the system.

Here's a tip....it's dead! Can you dig that? It's time for you to rethink what's not working and come up with a solution that doesn't punish the fans (AKA the consumers). This has been broken and you've been wasting precious time trying to stave off the obvious.

The cow's left the barn, people. Think outside of the box!

The Podcast Song

I want all of my pals to check out Cruisebox's On A Podcast. An awesome song that expresses my sentiments for indie artists about the RIAA, the MPAA and any industry that seeks to maintain the system.

Here's a tip....it's dead! Can you dig that? It's time for you to rethink what's not working and come up with a solution that doesn't punish the fans (AKA the consumers). This has been broken and you've been wasting precious time trying to stave off the obvious.

The cow's left the barn, people. Think outside of the box!

Yea, my 5.0 megapixel baby is back from repair and I just had to get out snap some shots. Christmas at the mall is in full swing.

DRM and Root Kits

For those that may not know, some music CDs force you to install a media player, before allowing you to play the CD on your computer. A licensing dialog box will appear and once you click Yes or I Accept - you're done.

The root kit remains on your system indefinitely, phoning home (the record company) with information about what you're listening to, how often, if you're burning discs, etc.

Same thing with some DVDs, before playing on your computer's DVD player/burner, you're enticed to install their player, so you can access extra features.

In both cases, you may install DRM software or a root kit that can not only monitor what you do with your computer, but disable burning programs. The latter is especially true when attempting to copy a DVD.

So, user beware and tread cautiously. Carefully consider what other extras you're being asked to install. Afterall, aren't all of the movie-related extras already contained within the DVD? What more could there possibly be?

When you're presented with a screen of text, carefully read it prior to clicking Yes. You just might regret not doing so.

DRM and Root Kits

For those that may not know, some music CDs force you to install a media player, before allowing you to play the CD on your computer. A licensing dialog box will appear and once you click Yes or I Accept - you're done.

The root kit remains on your system indefinitely, phoning home (the record company) with information about what you're listening to, how often, if you're burning discs, etc.

Same thing with some DVDs, before playing on your computer's DVD player/burner, you're enticed to install their player, so you can access extra features.

In both cases, you may install DRM software or a root kit that can not only monitor what you do with your computer, but disable burning programs. The latter is especially true when attempting to copy a DVD.

So, user beware and tread cautiously. Carefully consider what other extras you're being asked to install. Afterall, aren't all of the movie-related extras already contained within the DVD? What more could there possibly be?

When you're presented with a screen of text, carefully read it prior to clicking Yes. You just might regret not doing so.

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 "Number" songs. (Songs with numbers or first, second, third...etc or any other number related words)

David Bowie 1984
The Eagles One of These Nights
Alice Cooper Eighteen
409 (For my Boo who loves the Beach Boys!)
Foreigner Double Vision

Top 5 On Friday
Top 5 "Number" songs. (Songs with numbers or first, second, third...etc or any other number related words)

David Bowie 1984
The Eagles One of These Nights
Alice Cooper Eighteen
409 (For my Boo who loves the Beach Boys!)
Foreigner Double Vision

iTunes

Those of you reading this have read my complaints about iTunes, I have another to add. I've been enjoying many mash ups and there's a podcast mash up that I subscribed to via iTunes. Well, evidently Apple decided that I shouldn't be listening to the mash ups, because it unsubscribed me to the podcast.

Look Apple, if it's a podcast that I want to download and listen to, you shouldn't decide for me what I should/shouldn't do. And if you're going to, which you've obviously done, you should have the courtesy to flash a warning dialog box alerting me that iTunes refuses to download a selection.

iTunes has proven too big brotherish for me and I'm so glad that I've returned to iPodder Lemon. It operates smoothly, effortlessly and I've had no problems. I am so glad that I never uninstalled iPodder after iTunes bogarted my system and tried to take over everything. If you're using iTunes for podcasts, keep a wary eye on it!

iTunes

Those of you reading this have read my complaints about iTunes, I have another to add. I've been enjoying many mash ups and there's a podcast mash up that I subscribed to via iTunes. Well, evidently Apple decided that I shouldn't be listening to the mash ups, because it unsubscribed me to the podcast.

Look Apple, if it's a podcast that I want to download and listen to, you shouldn't decide for me what I should/shouldn't do. And if you're going to, which you've obviously done, you should have the courtesy to flash a warning dialog box alerting me that iTunes refuses to download a selection.

iTunes has proven too big brotherish for me and I'm so glad that I've returned to iPodder Lemon. It operates smoothly, effortlessly and I've had no problems. I am so glad that I never uninstalled iPodder after iTunes bogarted my system and tried to take over everything. If you're using iTunes for podcasts, keep a wary eye on it!

Ten on Tuesday
10 News Stories You're Sick Of

~ Hurricanes
~ Iraq War
~ Identity Theft I know it's prevalent and extremely damaging to one's life, but as usual, the media over does it ad nauseum!
~ RIAA and MPAA and their continued attempts to regulate and legislate free use out of existence!
~ Candidates and propositions (enough already!)
~ Football
~ Videogame legislation (if parents would take the time to educate themselves about the present rating system, they wouldn't buy their child a game they eventually decide is inappropriate.)
~ Chief Justices
~ Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes
~ ViPod Apple's video iPod (Yes, it puts the power of distribution to the masses in the hands of small broadcasters. Let's solve the battery issue first, shall we?)

Ten on Tuesday
10 News Stories You're Sick Of

~ Hurricanes
~ Iraq War
~ Identity Theft I know it's prevalent and extremely damaging to one's life, but as usual, the media over does it ad nauseum!
~ RIAA and MPAA and their continued attempts to regulate and legislate free use out of existence!
~ Candidates and propositions (enough already!)
~ Football
~ Videogame legislation (if parents would take the time to educate themselves about the present rating system, they wouldn't buy their child a game they eventually decide is inappropriate.)
~ Chief Justices
~ Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes
~ ViPod Apple's video iPod (Yes, it puts the power of distribution to the masses in the hands of small broadcasters. Let's solve the battery issue first, shall we?)

Take Me Back Tuesday
Fallen needed a break this week, so I'm stepping in with a different twist to our usual meme.

3 songs that have a holiday in the title or are about a particular holiday
Carole King Sweet Seasons and any of the countless Christmas songs.

2 songs you listen to when you need to de-stress from thinking about the holidays
I love Christmas songs so, even though I'm trying to de-stress, listening to Santa Claus Lane or Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree makes me groove and feel happy.

1 song you'd like to give your fellow memers as a gift for the holidays.
Eartha Kitt's rendition of Santa Baby. It has just the right spiciness and sentiment.

Have fun! And just remember...if you get your paychecks bi-weekly there's probably only 4 more paychecks to Christmas!! ARGH!

Where's Fallen and which one of ya did this week's meme??? Don't remind us about how few paychecks we have!! No wonder why you included a de-stress question. You made me think of Queen's Under Pressure.

Take Me Back Tuesday
Fallen needed a break this week, so I'm stepping in with a different twist to our usual meme.

3 songs that have a holiday in the title or are about a particular holiday
Carole King Sweet Seasons and any of the countless Christmas songs.

2 songs you listen to when you need to de-stress from thinking about the holidays
I love Christmas songs so, even though I'm trying to de-stress, listening to Santa Claus Lane or Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree makes me groove and feel happy.

1 song you'd like to give your fellow memers as a gift for the holidays.
Eartha Kitt's rendition of Santa Baby. It has just the right spiciness and sentiment.

Have fun! And just remember...if you get your paychecks bi-weekly there's probably only 4 more paychecks to Christmas!! ARGH!

Where's Fallen and which one of ya did this week's meme??? Don't remind us about how few paychecks we have!! No wonder why you included a de-stress question. You made me think of Queen's Under Pressure.

The concept of autumn and cooler weather is lost on southern Californians.

Warning or Prophecy?

The calavera (skeleton) is pivotal in art for Dia De Los Muertos.

It's obvious that the attention to detail and the artist's concept is a labor of love.

Video iPod

Talking to a friend this afternoon who inquired if I regretted buying my iPod and missing the Video iPod (ViPod as some are calling it)? I honestly don't and the main reason is that the battery life is not good when viewing several video podcasts, which of course, I'd want to do!

The last thing I need to do is carry one more device like the iPod's charger. When Apple improves battery life on the new ViPod's, then I'll consider buying one. For now, I'm willing to let the early adopters spend (waste) their money to trouble shoot and refine version 1.0. Maybe I'll bite when version 3.0 rolls around.

By that time, there will also be higher quality video podcasts. Definitely more podcasts to choose from. And lastly, a much improved batterly life worthy of spending my hard earned money on. Perhaps, the screen size will also increase??? Now wouldn't that be something to cheer about?

Video iPod

Talking to a friend this afternoon who inquired if I regretted buying my iPod and missing the Video iPod (ViPod as some are calling it)? I honestly don't and the main reason is that the battery life is not good when viewing several video podcasts, which of course, I'd want to do!

The last thing I need to do is carry one more device like the iPod's charger. When Apple improves battery life on the new ViPod's, then I'll consider buying one. For now, I'm willing to let the early adopters spend (waste) their money to trouble shoot and refine version 1.0. Maybe I'll bite when version 3.0 rolls around.

By that time, there will also be higher quality video podcasts. Definitely more podcasts to choose from. And lastly, a much improved batterly life worthy of spending my hard earned money on. Perhaps, the screen size will also increase??? Now wouldn't that be something to cheer about?

Dia de los Muertos
Unlike Halloween, which is known for parties, dressing up and trick or treating for candy, Dia de los Muertos is about honoring our dearly departed. This is done by visiting our loved ones at cemetaries, cleaning and caring for the gravesite and praying as we visit the decedant.

Either at an art installation, gravesite or in one's home, an altar in honor of the decedant is built. The altar contains marigolds (a type of flower), a photo of one's dearly departed, their favorite food and beverage and trinkets representing their passion/interest in life (i.e. CDs for music lovers, dancing calaveras (skeletons) for the mamboer in us, books, crochet needles, etc.). Family and friends then pray at the altar and pay their respects.

Altars can be very orante and elaborate or very simple and understated. Either way, visitors leave with a very definite sense of what type of person the decedant was and how they embraced life. It's a wonderul way to share aspects of a departed loved one, with younger family members who never had an opportunity to meet or know them, in a rich, colorful and festive environment. Many installations will remain on view through November 5th, if you have an opportunity visit one.
More photos here.

Dia de los Muertos
Unlike Halloween, which is known for parties, dressing up and trick or treating for candy, Dia de los Muertos is about honoring our dearly departed. This is done by visiting our loved ones at cemetaries, cleaning and caring for the gravesite and praying as we visit the decedant.

Either at an art installation, gravesite or in one's home, an altar in honor of the decedant is built. The altar contains marigolds (a type of flower), a photo of one's dearly departed, their favorite food and beverage and trinkets representing their passion/interest in life (i.e. CDs for music lovers, dancing calaveras (skeletons) for the mamboer in us, books, crochet needles, etc.). Family and friends then pray at the altar and pay their respects.

Altars can be very orante and elaborate or very simple and understated. Either way, visitors leave with a very definite sense of what type of person the decedant was and how they embraced life. It's a wonderul way to share aspects of a departed loved one, with younger family members who never had an opportunity to meet or know them, in a rich, colorful and festive environment. Many installations will remain on view through November 5th, if you have an opportunity visit one.
More photos here.

Take Me Back Tuesday

Name three songs that begin with the first letter of your middle name.
Joe Satriani Belly Dancer, DMB Bartender, Hilary Stagg Before Time

Name three artists that begin with the second letter of your middle name.
Elton John, Eurythmics, Eagles

Name three albums that begin with the fifth letter of your middle name.
Maxwell Now, N-Sync N-Sync, That's all I can think of. Pathetic, I know, but it is the truth!

Take Me Back Tuesday

Name three songs that begin with the first letter of your middle name.
Joe Satriani Belly Dancer, DMB Bartender, Hilary Stagg Before Time

Name three artists that begin with the second letter of your middle name.
Elton John, Eurythmics, Eagles

Name three albums that begin with the fifth letter of your middle name.
Maxwell Now, N-Sync N-Sync, That's all I can think of. Pathetic, I know, but it is the truth!

Dia De Los Muertos - Olvera Street
Day of the Dead

Ten on Tuesday
10 Best Scary Movies
~ Halloween (John Carpenter excelled at leaving viewers to their imaginations. We don't actually see Michael Myers until the last five minutes of the film.)
~ Saw (An excellent suspense thriller that will make your skin crawl. I can't wait to see Saw 2)
~ Something Wicked this Way Comes (Disney knows how to scare people without the gore)
~ The Shining (the musical score is just fantastic. From the moment the film begins, you feel tense!)
~ Jaws
~ Black Christmas (for its time, this film toyed with the emotions of its audience unlike previous films. Taking us up on high tension and down lulling us to calmness, only to make us jump again)
~ Cape Fear (remake starring Robert DeNiro, who makes an excellent menace!)
~ The Thing (John Carpenter's remake)
~ Fatal Attraction (Oh, she was such a nut case, I couldn't be certain what Glenn Close would do next. The suspense!)
~ When A Stranger Calls (The caller's menacing voice and again, that element of the unknown)

Ten on Tuesday
10 Best Scary Movies
~ Halloween (John Carpenter excelled at leaving viewers to their imaginations. We don't actually see Michael Myers until the last five minutes of the film.)
~ Saw (An excellent suspense thriller that will make your skin crawl. I can't wait to see Saw 2)
~ Something Wicked this Way Comes (Disney knows how to scare people without the gore)
~ The Shining (the musical score is just fantastic. From the moment the film begins, you feel tense!)
~ Jaws
~ Black Christmas (for its time, this film toyed with the emotions of its audience unlike previous films. Taking us up on high tension and down lulling us to calmness, only to make us jump again)
~ Cape Fear (remake starring Robert DeNiro, who makes an excellent menace!)
~ The Thing (John Carpenter's remake)
~ Fatal Attraction (Oh, she was such a nut case, I couldn't be certain what Glenn Close would do next. The suspense!)
~ When A Stranger Calls (The caller's menacing voice and again, that element of the unknown)