Finals Week II Time to Relax

It's been a tough week, TGIF only have my Western Civilization today. Monday I have my final final in Algebra. I've got OA Winter Banquet tomorrow night. The rest of the weekend will be fine tuning my use of the TI-89. I have gotten better at it and hope to get a better grade on my final it's worth 40%. On to technology news for the week while I've been testing. Intel unveils energy-efficient 48-core chip, research chip said to be 10x to 20x more powerful than chips in multi-core Core family. Just when I thought I was doing good with my i7 920 core chip. It's hard to imagine where we will be technology wise in a couple of years. Last thing will everyone just leave Tigerwoods and his family allow already. Those who are perfect can comment the rest of you need to get a life. I mean don't we all have bigger issues to deal with in our world??????

Finals Week

Well I aced my first final in ITS 150 and Spanish final is this afternoon, Western Civ. at noon tomorrow and Algebra Monday morning. I'll be so glad to get a little time away from classes. We don't head back until 1-13-2010. So I'm back at work normal schedule until I start vacation on the afternoon of the 18th. My hair is getting longer and I'm not sure everyone I know likes it, I'm growing it out for 2 reasons. First I want to grow it out to donate to locks of love believe I need to have 10 inches for that. Second 33 years ago when I was in college the first time I had shoulder length hair. Interesting thing is the women seem to like the long hair not sure if it is a rebel bad boy thing or what.

Mid-Term to Final Catch-up

Well all it’s been a while since I last wrote, busy busy. I am so tired most days I don’t even have time to think. I had no idea how difficult it would be to go to class full time, work full time and try to have a life. Any way I’m hoping Santa will bring me a netbook for Christmas. I believe having the netbook will allow me the time to write quick short post to my blog. So let’s see what’s happen since last posting. Well I had 3 A’s, 2 B’s and a D in Algebra at Mid-term. I have finals starting December 1st and my Algebra final is my last on the 7th. I’ve registered for my spring 2010 classes and will continue my hectic schedule. I got a raise at work which was a surprise as I thought I would be getting the ax. So all in all it has been a productive fall to date. I’m at work today and off from classes until I start finals next week. I haven’t gotten a haircut since before school started and don’t plan on getting one for a while. Fashion at school is interesting. Converse are very popular and come in a while variety of colors. I mean we only had Black and white to pick from when I was younger. One thing about school which has been great is the kids won’t let me be old. My friend Elizabeth will tell ‘me just get over it’ if I say I’m getting old.

Midterms

Well it's midterms week and I guess I'm as ready as I can be. I'll just be really glad when the week is over, as the wife and I will head to the mountains for a few days. It should be relaxing and beautiful as the leaves start to turn for the fall. So the course break down, Spanish low 'A high B', Music Appreciation 'A', Western Civ. 'A'. Computers I have an 'A' now Algebra not so great if I'm lucky 'C'. I'm tutored twice a week and still just not getting it. So hopefully the Professor shows me some mercy. Speaking of school and college; funny I return to college this fall and then Lee and now Chris. Of course the two of them are going to law school. Just found it funny how Chris followed Lee. Any way that's about it, sorry for the gap just trying to keep my head above water grade wise.

Starbucks VIA

Starbucks Via is a winner with me and the wife. When you can't get to Starbucks and you need the fix just add some hot water and your extras and Via fills the void. We tried both the Colombian and the Italian Roast. We preferred the Colombian arabica coffee for every day and the Italian Roast for the strong pick me up. The pricing is pretty good especially if you are a Gold card member. So we purchased one box of 12 of each kind. Sitting back now enjoying a cup before I head off to school and midterms.

This Professor is Smart

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had failed an entire class.That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer. The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan". All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an 'A.' After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a 'B.' The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. Could not be any simpler than that.

HTML

So this week in computer class we started to learn HTML this is the next step in the process of my online portfolio. Found this picture and thought my friend Lee would get a kick out of it. Spanish continues to be a learning challenge. Let's see we have a vocabulary quiz on Wednesday and a test on Friday. Weird right quiz and test in same week and with in a day of each other. Tomorrow will be homework day for me. I've got to try and get the Spanish thing down. Then there is Algebra and getting the rules memorized. Good over all weekend so far lunch with the in laws this afternoon. Now writing this weeks post for my blog. I have to give Lee credit he seems to have a lot of time to write often. I'll eventually do better I'm sure once I get thorough this my first semester as a freshman in college..

My Social Network & Stuff

So Michael has got a Management job at Wally World (Walmart) he going to write a blog so we'll have to see how he does. Once I'll have link to his blog I'll post it here. Well I wrote my first diary entry for MI Diario. I'll be turning it in in the morning, these long days are getting to me. Also have a new website for my online portfolio this will be an on going work to have when I finish college. This weekend will be dedicated to Algebra practice 'Q' is interesting. I'll just have to get this Algebra stuff by myself.

Spanish Help

Well my first full week in college is over. It's 4:30 in the afternoon on Sunday and I have just finished all my homework. Spanish has been a real challenge so far I'm trying to stay a little ahead. College Algebra is another story, 'Q' lectures does samples on board. Doesn't want us taking any notes so I'm trying to get by. Biggest thing is I have to get a 'B' in all classes. The program I'm in requires me to maintain that average. I need a Spanish friend who I can speak Spanish with. If you are out there let me know. If not I'll have to find an online tutor.

Good Reads

Master Game Sequel by Sidney Sheldon





View all my reviews >>

My First Day of College Classes

So today is the first day of college classes. I wasn't able to sleep last night, I rolled and kicked the covers off. I set my alarm for 5:45, at 2:30 I was still up or at least in and out of sleep. I remember seeing the time a few times, and thinking what a long day it would be. Sure enough, its been a really long day, still at work. I got up had a bowl of Special K, got an upset stomach right before I left. On the drive I kept thinking do you really want to do this? Yes, I was nervous and a little scared. I got to school a little bit early for Spanish, which began at 8:00. I hope I can handle this the days are going to be long. Big shocker I don't have any papers to write. Professors seems to be really nice so far. Get this we had a 25 question multiple choice test in Western Civilization, not for grade. Just to see what we already new, they compare it to what we end up knowing at the end of the semester. Another weird thing we have 4 test only max score is 70 points. So as long as I get at least 220 points by the end of the semester I'll have a 'B'. Well now it's study time have reading to do before Friday.

All Ready For First Day

Well I've put book covers on all my books. I have all my school supplies packed in my new backpack. It's orange and black of course my new school colors. I'm so ready to head off to my first day as a camel. Also looking forward to my first football game September 5th. Yes I'm just a little excited to be going. I do wish that I was just going to school. For now I'll continue to work for the phone company. We'll just have to wait and see what the future holds. As soon as I get approval from the VA I'll get a new laptop. It'll be great to have a laptop just for my school work. Tomorrow this time I'll be driving to my first class. Spanish at eight o'clock in the morning. M-W-F will be my really busy days as that's when I have the majority of my classes. T-TH will be my short days with only 2 classes. My first class starts at 9:30 in the morning, sleep in morning.

Campbell University Convocation 8-16-2009

My new student convocation ceremony this afternoon was really neat. All the deans and professors come dressed in their full robes. The whole event started with a bagpipe player which was awesome. We had many great speakers it was very inspirational. Unlike my friend Lee, I didn't get a horse feed bag, (see Return to College below) LOL. I did get my Campbell Medallion it will be with me always. I'm looking so forward to my time in Campbell, even with the obstacle of working full time. This is all for today I'll write again as soon as I can.

My New Social Network Page

Found this Social Network tool on the Internet pretty neat. I love to be the first whenever possible and I don't know anyone using NING. So take the time to check it out and check out my new experimental home

Going Back to College

The clock is ticking and my first day in college is rapidly approaching. Picked up my text books yesterday in the rain. I was shocked at how much they charge for books. For this semester new books cost $782. Good thing the scholarship money is starting to come in. My friend Lee Falling up is in law school; wish I had one of these law school orange barrels LOL. Computers and technology is my cup of tea. I love to be on the bloody cutting edge of tech. I’ve been holding off buying an iTouch, I hear within a couple of months the new one will be out. Rumor has it will come with camera and microphone. Just read article and checked out pre-order of Zune HD. Looks a lot like an iTouch go figure, 32 gigs model $289. Has Wifi, HD radio and HDMI output. No camera or microphone, so I’ll wait and see if there is a new iTouch. Gotta run so I’ll end for now.

My Blog is Listed

I’m so excited to be listed on our local North Carolina, 30Threads blogroll. So now maybe I’ll get even more followers. Just eight days until I’m in college after 33 years of Navy & Corp. America. So you may want to know what my first semester schedule looks like. Spanish is my first class of the morning at 8 am. Then I’ll have Music Appreciation and on Wednesdays Religion. World Civilization ends my school day on MW & F at noon. On T & TH I have College Algebra and Fundamentals of Info Tech ending at 12:30. So I’m full time with 15.5 credits this time around.

We the People

It's time to stand up and take back America, we have sat back and watched. Now is the time to do something to ensure there is an America for our children's' great-grand-children. I have for a long time tried to understand why we only give our President 2 terms but we allow the Congress and Senate to have terms as long as they want and can be reelected. They need to be like the rest of us and have to learn to live on a budget. Maybe then they would vote what we ask them to. Get your teabag and mail it in this week so they know how we feel. Make sure you click on the link We the People awesome video. God Bless America and keep her strong.

Kudzu Jesus ?

http://shar.es/ITdb

Posted using ShareThis

The Town Of Holly Springs Reaches Out To Residents - Holly Springs - MyNC.com

The Town Of Holly Springs Reaches Out To Residents - Holly Springs - MyNC.com

Posted using ShareThis

Preparation

Been an exciting couple of weeks getting ready to go off to college. I've dropped off all my paperwork and put on my parking sticker. I have my complete schedule, carrying 15.5 credits this semester. My daughter (Lauryn) and I when off to Virginia Beach to the Vans Warp Tour it was pretty good. The line up this year wasn't all that great. I did hear some great music and I'm looking forward to next years tour. Tax free weekend here in NC so school shopping today, I need some new kicks. I've updated all my social networks, like a full time job of sorts. Heres a list: Google Profile, Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, Plaxo, My Space, Yahoo, Windows Live Profile. If I missed any or there are others I should be on let me know.

Check this out our kids’ text books

Now that I'm going back to school I found this amazing. The words that are banded from our textbooks. I was at Campbell today dropping off paperwork and my Textbook list. Also received my first Scholarship award letter. Wow I haven't even really looked yet, you'd be surprised by how much I got so far. Well I've got a Boy Scout District Committee meeting tonight so I will have to run for now. Enjoy and I'll be back again soon.

New Jersey Beach

Which town in NJ do you belong in? quiz. Seaside Hgts, NJ is where you'd find me.
This is perfect for me if you love the beach and love excitement. There are always tourists to interact with. There is food, fun, games, and the ocean!! There is always a party and lots of teenagers running around. If you love to party and don't care about sand on your feet and your hair a little messed up then this is a good spot for you

My First Weekend

My first weekend at Campbell was very interesting I learned a lot about the campus. Also I was amazed at all the free stuff that is available for students. Brand new work out rooms, all sports events, swimming pool, on campus movies and many other events are FREE. Looking forward to mud volley ball should be a blast. I have my first college schedule and next week I will start adjusting it so I can attend classes and still work. Weird what they sign you up for based on a 30 year old high school transcript. Chemistry with a lab (I don’t think so); French, I don’t want to learn French, I want to learn Spanish. The other classes will be alright, Music Appreciation, College Algebra, and Introduction to Computers. Campbell is a Baptist University do there is also a once a week religion class. Mine will be on Wednesdays at 10 am. Well that’s all for today hope you enjoy my blog, tell your friends.

College Orientation

Wow, I had 2 days of orientation at Campbell this weekend, soon I’ll be a college freshman. Plans have changed a little and I’m going to keep working. With my one and only now in the recovery stage, I will continue working and attend college full time, so 40hour work week and college classes. It should prove to be really interesting, LOL. Boy won’t my classmates and their parents be surprised to see a 50 something freshman. I was checking out Campbell statistics and guess what; I’ll be in the minority. Yes only 2% of college freshmen at Campbell are 50 or older.

Nursing Homes

Why is it that we send our family members to these places? The employees in general just don’t seem to care. There are a handful of employees who try to care, but the work required is overwhelming. The sanitation is below standards of what most would consider acceptable. The food is the bare minimum to get by, example (2 pieces of white bread one piece of ham and 1 piece cheese product. How are our family members to have a life, if this is where we send them? If you have any books that you just don’t know what to do with consider dropping them off at a local nursing home, it’s the least you could do. If you like me are outraged by the conditions our family members have to endure look into ways to get nursing homes fixed.

The Path

Day to day life will through many obstacles at us along the path. We should try to plan for whatever comes our way. Be willing to readjust our plans so that we can continue on the path. At times we will encounter a fork in the road. We must have a moral compass to ensure we take the right path. The road less travelled is not always the right path. With proper planning and foresight we will know which way to go. As you travel the path make sure you stop to smell the flowers. Enjoy what is placed around you and take it all in. Also look to help those less fortunate then you as this is your purpose in this life.

Addictions

What a terrible way to live, addicted to drugs or alcohol, your family is addicted with you. We must try to figure out how to help those who are trapped in the world of addiction. Every day we hear of another celebrity who has died from an addiction. The latest MJ he was addicted to pain killers, so it has been reported. It is so scary to think that even with anything they want and need they would stoop to the level of addiction. If you know someone who is suffering with an addiction, help them. They maybe reluctant at first, but in the long run you could save their life and maybe that of someone else.

Atlanta

Atlanta has been interesting, very hot thought. Great to go out in evening once sun has gone down. Had a really great visit with my Nephew and his family. What I've learned is that we should maintain contact with all the people who are in our life's'. They can be in valuable at all times we most work hard on keeping the lines of communication open. The Internet is a great tool and allows us to find long lost contacts. To reconnect and hold on to the memories of the past as well as build future memories. So do all you can to ensure you stay in contact with all your contacts. You never know when you may need an ear or when they need one. Thanks to all who have been keeping Donna in your thoughts and prayers as that is what she needs most right now.

The Unknown & Fear

“It's fear of the unknown. The unknown is what it is. And to be frightened of it is what sends everybody scurrying around chasing dreams, illusions, wars, peace, love, hate, all that--it's all illusion. Unknown is what it is. Accept that it's unknown and it's plain sailing. Everything is unknown--then you're ahead of the game. That's what it is. Right?” John Lennon

Thoughts of the inevitable exist and drive you mad if not for the ships we meet in our day to day life's. Those people we call friends are what allows us to hang on when we feel all is lost. With God and our friends we can accomplish anything and over come all obstacles. So be strong and ask for help when you need it this is the best cure for Fear of the unknown. Thanks for you all being here in my time of need and understanding my needs. God Bless

The Gift of Life

The Gift of life is such an easy thing to do and cost you only your time. Please consider giving a pint of blood today. You never know when someone you love or know may need it. I've been donating for years and I'm so glad to. It only takes 30 minutes or less to give a pint or if you donate doubles about an hour. My one and only true love has received 5 pints so far and could still need more so take the time you'll be glad you did.

Ventilor

So my one and only love is on a ventilator and hanging on to life by a very thin thread. I'm praying that she comes back to me soon. The ICU doctor said I should carry on with my work requirements, so I'm in Atlanta until next week and having to call in each day to check on her. I don't wish this on anyone and I'll let you all know you need to intervene when your loved one is harming themselves. Be it Alcohol or drugs you owe it to them and yourself. If you get a call from a family member or friend and they ask you to call back please do, they could be reaching out. I'll end here and ask you all to pray for one and only God bless.

Penguins

Well Canes fans the dream ends in a standing ovation and hopes for next year. My unemployed friend Lee becomes a world traveller just returning from Boston. Down to 79 days until I head off to college, I'm so excited. My beautiful wife Donna continues to look for a job so we don't lose it all. I have to go to college no turning back, I have a dream and I'm going to go for it. I purchased my Vans Warped Tour tickets yesterday. Lauryn and I will be going to Virginia Beach again this year. I hear 303 will be there and Katy Perry and many others. This is the best summer show and our 3rd year going. I have about 2 weeks worth of vacation to take before I leave AT&T for good. Well friends that is all for today. Next week I have my surgery on my left wrist so not much typing until I heal.

American Idol

So who out there is surprised that Chris won, I mean the underdog wins, it's good for America right now. My thoughts are that Chris will become a big country star kinda like Carrie Underwood.

The big 3 day weekend is almost here, I hope a least a few of you out there will remember why we have this weekend. Remember to thank a veteran for all they have done. My family and I will attend a ceremony at the Veterans cemetery on Sunday as we have since I retired from the Navy in 1999. So as you enjoy your long weekend remember why you have it.

Server Quest a Day in a Geek's Life

In case you were just sitting there reading this and had nothing else to do. Play this new game and experience a day in a geek's life. Only the server can save you! So go ahead and play ServerQuest Have fun I'll write more as it comes to me.

Windows 7 Free E-Learning

Thought this might be of interest to some folks. Microsoft Learning is providing 3 free online E-Learning Clinics on Windows 7 geared toward 3 distinct audiences.
What’s New in Windows 7 for Consumers
What’s New in Windows 7 for IT Professionals
What’s New in Windows 7 for Information Workers

These “clinics” focus on many of the new features and functionality seen in Windows 7.
If you haven’t already, you can register to download the Windows 7 RC to play with and try out Windows 7 today.

The 2009 EMC Information Calendar

Hurricanes

So tonight is the night we beat the Bruins in their own backyard and those Boston folks are talking some SH........... well we'll see what happens tonight. I mean look at what happen on American Idol who'd of thought Danny would get cut I mean he's got a large FB following. So on any given day anyone could win. The thing we got going is Boston hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1972 that's when Disco was hip. Off to Camp Durant this weekend for OA Spring Inductions. Just hope the weather is good and all have fun. I'll end here Happy Belated Birthday to Lee, congrats on your new house whens the party.

ZuneHD

Check it out, appears there will be a ZuneHD release. It's looking like a June 2009 release. Could be as early as June 8 th which is right around the block. Touch screen, HD Radio and many extras. So with this release is the Zune phone going to be a possible player this Christmas who knows.

Online Museums

Bizarre and strange online museums, I want to meet the creator of some of these. Burnt Food, French Hats , The Condiment Packet Gallery, and Plan59 which is the only somewhat normal one. Some cool museums follow: Henry Ford, Moving Images and Computer History. Yesterday I email Bill Gates to see if he wanted to be my mentor no such luck. I got this website from the chairman. I haven't given up yet I think I'll hand write him a letter, I'll keep you all posted. If you know any industry leaders who might want to help out a 50 something college student send them my way. Well I'll end here have a great day and I'll write again soon.

I'm a Windows 7 PC

Been beta testing Windows 7 for a while now and the latest Windows 7 RC is great. It is far superior to XP and beats Vista which I've been using since it's release, hands down. I've got it installed on a Dell D630, there were no driver issues and all software is working seamlessly. The network setup and connections work with out any real input from me. I'm able to share all the files I want with everyone in our home network. So if I were you I'd become a Windows 7 PC as soon as I could. If you'd like any more information contact me I'll tell you what I've found. The MAC is under attack and I'm a PC :-)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

So I had my nerve conduction procedure yesterday, very interesting. The mild electric shocks weren't too bad. The thin needle probes of the muscles were a little more intense, especially in the neck. When it was all over Dr. Tim said I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and he would send his findings to Dr. Messer. So on Friday afternoon I go to see him and discuss my options. I need to get this fixed before I start school. I need this tingling and numbness to be gone from my day. So as I get new information, I'll be sure to fill you all in. For now enjoy your day and live life to the max. We aren't here forever so enjoy your time here!

Pontiac

Yesterday GM said in order to avoid going bankrupt they were going to do away with the Pontiac line of vehicles. Good bye Vibe, Solstice and all the rest driving off into the sunset. Will GM manage to dig themselves out of the hole they are in? Or will they continue to plummet into the bottomless abyss. Maybe it is time to restructure and start a new, 'time for change'? Only the hands of time will tell if GM can pull this off and become the powerhouse they once were.

My College Advisor

Wow the weekend in the woods was awesome and the weather was great. I'm all refreshed and ready to start a new week. My college advisor called me the other day to see how I was doing. He seems to be really interested in me and wants to help me succeed. I'm starting to get really excited about going to college. Just a little over 3 months and I'll be in the thick of it. I image my peers will be somewhat baffled by a 50 something year old in class with them. I'll let you know once I've begun attending classes. Well that's it for now I'll update you again soon.

The Weekend

Well it's Thursday morning and the end of the week for me. I start a long weekend of camping and enjoying the outdoors in the morning. This is the weekend for our District Camporee at Camp Durant in Carthage. There will be about 350 of us learning about the stars and enjoying the woods. There is nothing like getting away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world and being away from all electronics. It will be a real opportunity to relax and recharge our batteries. Tonight I will give the gift of life, blood donation cost me nothing yet it is such a great gift to give. So until next week be safe and have a great weekend.

Search Warrant ?????

Using Linux or Non-windows operating systems can get your stuff taken? Check this out the most ridiculous thing I've read.
As an avid computer user, I find it so weird that if you don't follow the norm, you must be doing something wrong. I enjoy exploring different operating systems and seeing what they are capable of. I also beta test a bunch of applications and systems, so I guess we all should be watching to see who's watching our key strokes.

Preparing for the Fall Semester

Getting ready to attend college full time as a Freshman has been an adventure and a real learning experience. I really enjoy the postcards from Campbell University. They have me planning for my over night visit with my parents (LOL). I asked Donna (my beautiful wife) if she thought I should live in the dorm, she laughed. I thought it would be a great learning experience. Any way it'll be a big change, Daddy going to college. That's it for now I'll post again when something new has happen. Until then thanks for reading my blog and be safe.