(228,1,'2008-11-25 21:55:10','2008-11-26 01:55:10','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-2','','','2008-11-25 21:55:10','2008-11-26 01:55:10','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=228',0,'revision','',0),(229,1,'2008-11-25 21:55:12','2008-11-26 01:55:12','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-3','','','2008-11-25 21:55:12','2008-11-26 01:55:12','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=229',0,'revision','',0),(230,1,'2008-11-25 21:55:17','2008-11-26 01:55:17','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-4','','','2008-11-25 21:55:17','2008-11-26 01:55:17','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=230',0,'revision','',0),(231,1,'2008-11-25 21:58:14','2008-11-26 01:58:14','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_006.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Left: Apple TV</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_005.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Right: Apple Time Capsule, DSL Modem</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Media\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_010.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Whole lot of media</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I know that\'s al</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater (Private Post)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-autosave','','','2008-11-25 21:58:14','2008-11-26 01:58:14','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=231',0,'revision','',0),(232,1,'2008-11-25 21:55:31','2008-11-26 01:55:31','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater (Private Post)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-5','','','2008-11-25 21:55:31','2008-11-26 01:55:31','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=232',0,'revision','',0),(233,1,'2008-11-25 21:57:11','2008-11-26 01:57:11','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_006.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Left: Apple TV</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_005.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Right: Apple Time Capsule, DSL Modem</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater (Private Post)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-6','','','2008-11-25 21:57:11','2008-11-26 01:57:11','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=233',0,'revision','',0),(234,1,'2008-11-25 21:58:48','2008-11-26 01:58:48','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_006.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Left: Apple TV</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_005.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Right: Apple Time Capsule, DSL Modem</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Media\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_010.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Whole lot of media</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I know that\'s alot... and I know that it may be over the top, but media is what I enjoy so that\'s what I have...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater (Private Post)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-7','','','2008-11-25 21:58:48','2008-11-26 01:58:48','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=234',0,'revision','',0),(235,1,'2008-11-25 22:00:46','2008-11-26 02:00:46','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_006.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Left: Apple TV</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_005.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Right: Apple Time Capsule, DSL Modem</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Media\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_010.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Whole lot of media</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I know that\'s alot... and I know that it may be over the top, but media is what I enjoy so that\'s what I have...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater (Private Post)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-8','','','2008-11-25 22:00:46','2008-11-26 02:00:46','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=235',0,'revision','',0),(236,1,'2008-11-25 22:02:45','2008-11-26 02:02:45','As a result of my upcoming inheritance, I decided to upgrade my living room with a new home theater... with a nicer tv and real furniture...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Overview\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Overview: Panasonic TH-42PZ85U</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Left: Toshiba HD-DVD A2, Yamaha RX-V663</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Middle\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Middle: Dish Network ViP-211 HD Reciever, Playstation 3</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_004.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Right: Xbox360, Xbox, Wii</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Left\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_006.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Left: Apple TV</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Top Right\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_005.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Top Right: Apple Time Capsule, DSL Modem</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Media\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/HomeTheater2008_010.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Whole lot of media</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I know that\'s alot... and I know that it may be over the top, but media is what I enjoy so that\'s what I have...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"file:///Users/Mike/Desktop/HomeTheater2008_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" />','New Home Theater (Private Post)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','226-revision-9','','','2008-11-25 22:02:45','2008-11-26 02:02:45','',226,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=236',0,'revision','',0),(237,1,'2008-12-01 10:31:20','2008-12-01 14:31:20','Black Friday - Day of Mourning... why?  It shows just how materialistic America is.  Here are just a couple of stories I ran across on Digg.com:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/11/shots-were-fire.html\" target=\"_blank\">2 shot dead at Toys R Us</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/28/2008-11-28_worker_dies_at_long_island_walmart_after.html\" target=\"_blank\">Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede</a>\r\n\r\nSo, just to get some sort of \"deal\" 3 people in the stories above had to die... I am sure these aren\'t the only stories from \"Black Friday.\"  This sort of behavior is pure EVIL.  Thus, is why I do not and will not participate in it.  I can participate on it online because at least it is safe... I don\'t have to worry about losing my life over something so not important...','Black Friday - Day of Mourning',0,'','publish','open','open','','black-friday-day-of-mourning','','','2008-12-01 10:33:38','2008-12-01 14:33:38','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=237',0,'post','',0),(238,1,'2008-12-01 10:31:11','2008-12-01 14:31:11','Black Friday - Day of Mourning... why?  It shows just how materialistic America is.  Here are just a couple of stories I ran across on Digg.com:\n\n&lt;a href=\"http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/11/shots-were-fire.html\" target=\"_new\"&gt;2 shot dead at Toys R Us&lt;/a&gt;\n\n&lt;a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/28/2008-11-28_worker_dies_at_long_island_walmart_after.html\"&gt;Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede&lt;/a&gt;\n\nSo, just to get some sort of \"deal\" 3 people in the stories above had to die... I am sure these aren\'t the only stories from \"Black Friday.\"  This sort of behavior is pure EVIL.  Thus, is why I do not and will not participate in it.  I can participate on it online because at least it is safe... I don\'t have to worry about losing my life over something so not important...','Black Friday - Day of Mourning',0,'','inherit','open','open','','237-revision','','','2008-12-01 10:31:11','2008-12-01 14:31:11','',237,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=238',0,'revision','',0),(239,1,'2008-12-01 10:33:43','2008-12-01 14:33:43','Black Friday - Day of Mourning... why?  It shows just how materialistic America is.  Here are just a couple of stories I ran across on Digg.com:\n\n<a href=\"http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/11/shots-were-fire.html\" target=\"_blank\">2 shot dead at Toys R Us</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/28/2008-11-28_worker_dies_at_long_island_walmart_after.html\" target=\"_blank\">Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede</a>\n\nSo, just to get some sort of \"deal\" 3 people in the stories above had to die... I am sure these aren\'t the only stories from \"Black Friday.\"  This sort of behavior is pure EVIL.  Thus, is why I do not and will not participate in it.  I can participate on it online because at least it is safe... I don\'t have to worry about losing my life over something so not important...','Black Friday - Day of Mourning',0,'','inherit','open','open','','237-autosave','','','2008-12-01 10:33:43','2008-12-01 14:33:43','',237,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=239',0,'revision','',0),(240,1,'2008-12-01 10:31:20','2008-12-01 14:31:20','Black Friday - Day of Mourning... why?  It shows just how materialistic America is.  Here are just a couple of stories I ran across on Digg.com:\r\n\r\n&lt;a href=\"http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/11/shots-were-fire.html\" target=\"_new\"&gt;2 shot dead at Toys R Us&lt;/a&gt;\r\n\r\n&lt;a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/28/2008-11-28_worker_dies_at_long_island_walmart_after.html\"&gt;Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede&lt;/a&gt;\r\n\r\nSo, just to get some sort of \"deal\" 3 people in the stories above had to die... I am sure these aren\'t the only stories from \"Black Friday.\"  This sort of behavior is pure EVIL.  Thus, is why I do not and will not participate in it.  I can participate on it online because at least it is safe... I don\'t have to worry about losing my life over something so not important...','Black Friday - Day of Mourning',0,'','inherit','open','open','','237-revision-2','','','2008-12-01 10:31:20','2008-12-01 14:31:20','',237,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=240',0,'revision','',0),(241,1,'2008-12-01 10:33:07','2008-12-01 14:33:07','Black Friday - Day of Mourning... why?  It shows just how materialistic America is.  Here are just a couple of stories I ran across on Digg.com:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/11/shots-were-fire.htm\" target=\"_blank\">2 shot dead at Toys R Us</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/11/28/2008-11-28_worker_dies_at_long_island_walmart_after.html\" target=\"_blank\">Worker dies at Long Island Wal-Mart after being trampled in Black Friday stampede</a>\r\n\r\nSo, just to get some sort of \"deal\" 3 people in the stories above had to die... I am sure these aren\'t the only stories from \"Black Friday.\"  This sort of behavior is pure EVIL.  Thus, is why I do not and will not participate in it.  I can participate on it online because at least it is safe... I don\'t have to worry about losing my life over something so not important...','Black Friday - Day of Mourning',0,'','inherit','open','open','','237-revision-3','','','2008-12-01 10:33:07','2008-12-01 14:33:07','',237,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=241',0,'revision','',0),(242,1,'2009-01-16 16:38:21','2009-01-16 20:38:21','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\r\n\r\n<strong>Servers</strong>\r\n\r\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\r\n\r\n<strong>Computers</strong>\r\n\r\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\r\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and music as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\r\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\r\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple Time Capsule.  I use this as both as a NAS (network attached storage), 802.11 b/g/n (draft n) router, and as Time Machine backup drive.</li>\r\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=226\" target=\"_blank\">Home Theater</a>.  This can be viewed at the link to a blog post on just my home theater.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\r\n\r\nOperating Systems\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.  I also have this running in virtualization on my iMac.  Though, I may delete it now that I have ...</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\r\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nProductivity Software\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\r\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\r\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nInternet and Communications\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\r\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\r\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\r\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\r\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\r\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use to follow many of the tech experts and celebrities that I feel have good \"tweets\" to share.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nEntertainment\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0.  I keep all of my music, podcasts, and movies in my iTunes library and the music store I use for one-off songs.  I still prefer CD\'s to digital music.</li>\r\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3.  I use this to make digital copies of DVD\'s that I own.  These can either be played on my AppleTV or iPod (depending on how they are encoded).</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nintendo Wii.  I have begun to use less and less.   Not because I do not like the machine but because the games that I currently enjoy are on other platforms.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  I finally got a few games for the PS3 as I originally purchased it for the playback of Blu-ray movie discs.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360.  My main gaming platform.  My current favorite game is Gears of War 2 (an Xbox360 exclusive).</li>\r\n	<li>Nintendo DS.  I really enjoy the DS but rarely play portable games anymore.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable).  Is a pretty good portable entertainment device, but I mostly use my iPod Touch for that these days.  I did get a 2GB memory stick for the PSP, so there may be life in it, yet.</li>\r\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','publish','open','open','','what-i-use','','http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\nhttp://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=226','2009-01-16 16:43:56','2009-01-16 20:43:56','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=242',0,'post','',0),(243,1,'2009-01-16 15:57:32','2009-01-16 19:57:32','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\n\n<strong>Servers</strong>\n\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\n\n<strong>Computers</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).</li>\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).</li>\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model)</li>\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision','','','2009-01-16 15:57:32','2009-01-16 19:57:32','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=243',0,'revision','',0),(244,1,'2009-01-16 16:08:10','2009-01-16 20:08:10','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\n\n<strong>Servers</strong>\n\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\n\n<strong>Computers</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).</li>\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).</li>\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model)</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation)</li>\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation)</li>\n	<li>LG enV(2)</li>\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme</li>\n	<li>AppleTV</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\n\nOperating Systems\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta</li>\n</ul>\nProductivity Software\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08</li>\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0</li>\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0</li>\n</ul>\nInternet and Communications\n<ul>\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0</li>\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM)</li>\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP</li>\n	<li>MySpace</li>\n	<li>Facebook</li>\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch)</li>\n</ul>\nEntertainment\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0</li>\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3</li>\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Nintendo Wii</li>\n	<li>PlayStation 3</li>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-2','','','2009-01-16 16:08:10','2009-01-16 20:08:10','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=244',0,'revision','',0),(245,1,'2009-01-16 16:08:57','2009-01-16 20:08:57','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\r\n\r\n<strong>Servers</strong>\r\n\r\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\r\n\r\n<strong>Computers</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).</li>\r\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).</li>\r\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation)</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation)</li>\r\n	<li>LG enV(2)</li>\r\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme</li>\r\n	<li>AppleTV</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\r\n\r\nOperating Systems\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nProductivity Software\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08</li>\r\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0</li>\r\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nInternet and Communications\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0</li>\r\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM)</li>\r\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP</li>\r\n	<li>MySpace</li>\r\n	<li>Facebook</li>\r\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nEntertainment\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0</li>\r\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nintendo Wii</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360</li>\r\n	<li>Nintendo DS</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable)</li>\r\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-3','','','2009-01-16 16:08:57','2009-01-16 20:08:57','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=245',0,'revision','',0),(246,1,'2009-01-16 16:24:58','2009-01-16 20:24:58','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\n\n<strong>Servers</strong>\n\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\n\n<strong>Computers</strong>\n\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and movies as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\n\nOperating Systems\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4</li>\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"</li>\n</ul>\nProductivity Software\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08</li>\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0</li>\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0</li>\n</ul>\nInternet and Communications\n<ul>\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0</li>\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM)</li>\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP</li>\n	<li>MySpace</li>\n	<li>Facebook</li>\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch)</li>\n</ul>\nEntertainment\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0</li>\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3</li>\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Nintendo Wii</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360</li>\n	<li>Nintendo DS</li>\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable)</li>\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-4','','','2009-01-16 16:24:58','2009-01-16 20:24:58','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=246',0,'revision','',0),(247,1,'2009-01-16 16:31:59','2009-01-16 20:31:59','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\n\n<strong>Servers</strong>\n\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\n\n<strong>Computers</strong>\n\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and movies as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\n\nOperating Systems\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\n</ul>\nProductivity Software\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\n</ul>\nInternet and Communications\n<ul>\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use</li>\n</ul>\nEntertainment\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0</li>\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3</li>\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Nintendo Wii</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360</li>\n	<li>Nintendo DS</li>\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable)</li>\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-5','','','2009-01-16 16:31:59','2009-01-16 20:31:59','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=247',0,'revision','',0),(248,1,'2009-01-16 16:37:56','2009-01-16 20:37:56','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\n\n<strong>Servers</strong>\n\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\n\n<strong>Computers</strong>\n\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and movies as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\n\nOperating Systems\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\n</ul>\nProductivity Software\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\n</ul>\nInternet and Communications\n<ul>\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use to follow many of the tech experts and celebrities that I feel have good \"tweets\" to share.</li>\n</ul>\nEntertainment\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0.  I keep all of my music, podcasts, and movies in my iTunes library and the music store I use for one-off songs.  I still prefer CD\'s to digital music.</li>\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3.  I use this to make digital copies of DVD\'s that I own.  These can either be played on my AppleTV or iPod (depending on how they are encoded).</li>\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Nintendo Wii.  I have begun to use less and less.   Not because I do not like the machine but because the games that I currently enjoy are on other platforms.</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  I finally got a few games for the PS3 as I originally purchased it for the playback of Blu-ray movie discs.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360.  My main gaming platform.  My current favorite game is Gears of War 2 (an Xbox360 exclusive).</li>\n	<li>Nintendo DS.  I really enjoy the DS but rarely play portable games anymore.</li>\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable).  Is a pretty good portable entertainment device, but I mostly use my iPod Touch for that these days.  I did get a 2GB memory sti</li>\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-6','','','2009-01-16 16:37:56','2009-01-16 20:37:56','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=248',0,'revision','',0),(249,1,'2009-01-16 16:43:50','2009-01-16 20:43:50','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\n\n<strong>Servers</strong>\n\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\n\n<strong>Computers</strong>\n\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\n<ul>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and music as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\n	<li>Apple Time Capsule.  I use this as both as a NAS (network attached storage), 802.11 b/g/n (draft n) router, and as Time Machine bac</li>\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=226\" target=\"_blank\">Home Theater</a>.  This can be viewed at the link to a blog post on just my home theater.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\n\nOperating Systems\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.  I also have this running in virtualization on my iMac.  Though, I may delete it now that I have ...</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\n</ul>\nProductivity Software\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\n</ul>\nInternet and Communications\n<ul>\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use to follow many of the tech experts and celebrities that I feel have good \"tweets\" to share.</li>\n</ul>\nEntertainment\n<ul>\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0.  I keep all of my music, podcasts, and movies in my iTunes library and the music store I use for one-off songs.  I still prefer CD\'s to digital music.</li>\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3.  I use this to make digital copies of DVD\'s that I own.  These can either be played on my AppleTV or iPod (depending on how they are encoded).</li>\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>Nintendo Wii.  I have begun to use less and less.   Not because I do not like the machine but because the games that I currently enjoy are on other platforms.</li>\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  I finally got a few games for the PS3 as I originally purchased it for the playback of Blu-ray movie discs.</li>\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360.  My main gaming platform.  My current favorite game is Gears of War 2 (an Xbox360 exclusive).</li>\n	<li>Nintendo DS.  I really enjoy the DS but rarely play portable games anymore.</li>\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable).  Is a pretty good portable entertainment device, but I mostly use my iPod Touch for that these days.  I did get a 2GB memory stick for the PSP, so there may be life in it, yet.</li>\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-autosave','','','2009-01-16 16:43:50','2009-01-16 20:43:50','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=249',0,'revision','',0),(250,1,'2009-01-16 16:38:21','2009-01-16 20:38:21','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\r\n\r\n<strong>Servers</strong>\r\n\r\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\r\n\r\n<strong>Computers</strong>\r\n\r\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\r\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and movies as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\r\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\r\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\r\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\r\n\r\nOperating Systems\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\r\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nProductivity Software\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\r\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\r\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nInternet and Communications\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\r\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\r\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\r\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\r\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\r\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use to follow many of the tech experts and celebrities that I feel have good \"tweets\" to share.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nEntertainment\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0.  I keep all of my music, podcasts, and movies in my iTunes library and the music store I use for one-off songs.  I still prefer CD\'s to digital music.</li>\r\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3.  I use this to make digital copies of DVD\'s that I own.  These can either be played on my AppleTV or iPod (depending on how they are encoded).</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nintendo Wii.  I have begun to use less and less.   Not because I do not like the machine but because the games that I currently enjoy are on other platforms.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  I finally got a few games for the PS3 as I originally purchased it for the playback of Blu-ray movie discs.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360.  My main gaming platform.  My current favorite game is Gears of War 2 (an Xbox360 exclusive).</li>\r\n	<li>Nintendo DS.  I really enjoy the DS but rarely play portable games anymore.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable).  Is a pretty good portable entertainment device, but I mostly use my iPod Touch for that these days.  I did get a 2GB memory stick for the PSP, so there may be life in it, yet.</li>\r\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-7','','','2009-01-16 16:38:21','2009-01-16 20:38:21','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=250',0,'revision','',0),(251,1,'2009-01-16 16:40:27','2009-01-16 20:40:27','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\r\n\r\n<strong>Servers</strong>\r\n\r\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\r\n\r\n<strong>Computers</strong>\r\n\r\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\r\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and movies as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\r\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\r\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\r\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=226\" target=\"_blank\">Home Theater</a>.  This can be viewed at the link to a blog post on just my home theater.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\r\n\r\nOperating Systems\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\r\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nProductivity Software\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\r\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\r\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nInternet and Communications\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\r\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\r\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\r\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\r\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\r\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use to follow many of the tech experts and celebrities that I feel have good \"tweets\" to share.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nEntertainment\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0.  I keep all of my music, podcasts, and movies in my iTunes library and the music store I use for one-off songs.  I still prefer CD\'s to digital music.</li>\r\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3.  I use this to make digital copies of DVD\'s that I own.  These can either be played on my AppleTV or iPod (depending on how they are encoded).</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nintendo Wii.  I have begun to use less and less.   Not because I do not like the machine but because the games that I currently enjoy are on other platforms.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  I finally got a few games for the PS3 as I originally purchased it for the playback of Blu-ray movie discs.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360.  My main gaming platform.  My current favorite game is Gears of War 2 (an Xbox360 exclusive).</li>\r\n	<li>Nintendo DS.  I really enjoy the DS but rarely play portable games anymore.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable).  Is a pretty good portable entertainment device, but I mostly use my iPod Touch for that these days.  I did get a 2GB memory stick for the PSP, so there may be life in it, yet.</li>\r\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-8','','','2009-01-16 16:40:27','2009-01-16 20:40:27','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=251',0,'revision','',0),(252,1,'2009-01-16 16:42:29','2009-01-16 20:42:29','Inspired by Paul Thurrott\'s article, \"<a href=\"http://www.winsupersite.com/paul/whatiuse.asp\" target=\"_blank\">What I Use</a>,\" I dedided to do my own blog post... so without further adu...\r\n\r\n<strong>Servers</strong>\r\n\r\nI actually do not use servers in my home environment.  I probably could but I really don\'t need one.  If I did, I like the new HP MediaSmart Servers because they are Mac friendly.\r\n\r\n<strong>Computers</strong>\r\n\r\nI have only a couple of computers which I use consistently.  (I have several vintage computers that I have because I like them including an Apple IIgs and a Texas Instruments TI-99/4a).\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=163\" target=\"_blank\">Apple iMac</a> (mid 2008 model).  This is my main computer.  This is where the majority of my \"work\" is done.  Although, my music collection and photos are duplicated on my MacBook just in case I need to use them on the road.  I bought this just late last year.  I sync my iPod with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple MacBook (early 2006 model).  This is my road warrior computer.  I take whenever I travel and to work or when I want to use a computer while on the couch or in bed.   I sync my iPod Touch with this machine.</li>\r\n	<li>Dell Dimension 4500 (P4 2.0GHz model).  This computer is pretty old.  I recently added it to my home theater setup.  I want to use it for watching internet video content and maybe older games like the Sims 2 on the television.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Portable Devices</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod (5th Generation).  This iPod is my mail iPod as it has all of my music collection on it.  It is what I listen to my podcasts on and take to the gym when I don\'t use the iPod Touch.</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iPod Touch (2nd Generation).  This is more than just a music player for me.  It is an internet connected device that I use when I can get wi-fi and also play games on.</li>\r\n	<li>LG enV(2).  No iPhone?  That\'s corrct.  Whenever Apple makes a version that works on the Verizon network, then, I will get one.  The enV(2) is a very good phone, however.  It has a full QWERTY keyboard which makes texting a breeze.  It can play videos and music as well.  (I put Stripes on it, just because I could).</li>\r\n	<li>Canon Powershot A610.  It is a couple of years old and a bit damaged by accident, but it still makes great indoor shots and outdoor shots when there is ample light.  It makes VGA videos as well.  Some of these have been uploaded to my MySpace accont.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Home Technology</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>AT&amp;T DSL Extreme 3.0 ... Well, it\'s not the fastest internet but I can download my podcasts and videos fairly efficiently and watch streaming video.</li>\r\n	<li>AppleTV.  I use this less these days as the PS3 and Xbox360 can play most all content that I have.  It is a very easy to setup device and is very easy to use for novices and tech-heads alike.</li>\r\n	<li>Toshiba HD-DVD model A2.  HD-DVD is a dead format but I have about 15 movies on HD-DVD and it is a very good DVD upconverter.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  Use as a Blu-ray disc movie player and using some software on my Mac, I can stream or copy this content to the PS3 my entertainment pleasure.</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=226\" target=\"_blank\">Home Theater</a>.  This can be viewed at the link to a blog post on just my home theater.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>PC Software (well, Apple Software)</strong>\r\n\r\nOperating Systems\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple OS X 10.5 Leopard.   My main OS.  It is what I prefer to use.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows XP SP3.  This is what is on my Dell Dimension 4500.  I also have this running in virtualization on my iMac.  Though, I may delete it now that I have ...</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Windows 7 Beta.  I run this in virtualization on my Macbook.  Using Boot Camp and Virtualization on my iMac and coming soon to my Dell Dimension 4500.   As far as Windows goes, it is a very pretty OS and works very well.</li>\r\n	<li>Ubuntu 8.10 \"Intrepid Ibex\"  I run this in virtualization on my iMac.  I don\'t use it very often as I am still not really a fan of Linux.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nProductivity Software\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iWork \'08.  There was no real good alternative to MS Office on the Mac until iWork 08 came out.  I so rarely do anything to justify moving to 09 but I do use the Numbers sheet from time to time.  Pages is a pretty effective word processor and page maker.</li>\r\n	<li>OpenOffice 3.0.  Finally ported to native OS X.  It is a pretty good office suite especially for free.  Many of the changes in this version make it much easier to work with  but the UI looks very dated...</li>\r\n	<li>Cocoa Tech\'s Path Finder 5.0.  The Finder in OS X is somewhat lacking, so I downlaoded and enventually paid for this application as almost a Finder replacement.  It is much easier to work with the file system with Path Finder than with just the Finder.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nInternet and Communications\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Mozilla Firefox 3.0,  The best web brower.  \'Nuff said.</li>\r\n	<li>Adium IM Client (AIM, ICQ, MSN, and MySpace IM).  A very good all-in-one IM client for OS X. I don\'t do much IM chatting anymore, but I always have it running just in case somebody is online...</li>\r\n	<li>CyberDuck FTP.  This is what I use to upload my webpage to my web host.</li>\r\n	<li>MySpace.  I use MySpace for keeping up wih old friends and some family.  Even thought I joined...</li>\r\n	<li>Facebook.  I use this less often than MySpace.  I am not a big fan of the design of the site, but I have found a few old friends on there as well.</li>\r\n	<li>Twitterific (Mac and iPod Touch).  My Twitter client of choice.  Twitter is a very fun service that I use to follow many of the tech experts and celebrities that I feel have good \"tweets\" to share.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nEntertainment\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Apple iTunes 8.0.  I keep all of my music, podcasts, and movies in my iTunes library and the music store I use for one-off songs.  I still prefer CD\'s to digital music.</li>\r\n	<li>Handbrake 0.9.3.  I use this to make digital copies of DVD\'s that I own.  These can either be played on my AppleTV or iPod (depending on how they are encoded).</li>\r\n	<li>Apple iLife \'08 (iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD ... and just now iWeb but not GarageBand)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver Connect360 (for sharing iTunes content with Xbox360)</li>\r\n	<li>Nullriver MediaLink (for sharing iTunes content and other media with PS3)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<strong>Video Games</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Nintendo Wii.  I have begun to use less and less.   Not because I do not like the machine but because the games that I currently enjoy are on other platforms.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PlayStation 3.  I finally got a few games for the PS3 as I originally purchased it for the playback of Blu-ray movie discs.</li>\r\n	<li>Microsoft Xbox360.  My main gaming platform.  My current favorite game is Gears of War 2 (an Xbox360 exclusive).</li>\r\n	<li>Nintendo DS.  I really enjoy the DS but rarely play portable games anymore.</li>\r\n	<li>Sony PSP (Playstation Portable).  Is a pretty good portable entertainment device, but I mostly use my iPod Touch for that these days.  I did get a 2GB memory stick for the PSP, so there may be life in it, yet.</li>\r\n</ul>','What I Use',0,'','inherit','open','open','','242-revision-9','','','2009-01-16 16:42:29','2009-01-16 20:42:29','',242,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=252',0,'revision','',0),(253,1,'2009-01-20 14:42:50','2009-01-20 18:42:50','Boy, this is a monumental day for all ... well, me.  I have re-named my site from \"My Life Is Just One Big Cell\" to \"From the Strange Mind of Mike\" because I have realized that my life isn\'t just one big cell... I have very good life.  I have an amazing family, amazing friends (whom I wish read this blog!), and an amazing girlfriend that has been a very big influence on my life.\r\n\r\nIt was an inspiration after thinking about her today that I decided to change the name of the site and perhaps the direction... I want to be able to share things I see and observations I make from the world... Hopefully more in-depth than the ones I post on <a href=\"http://twitter.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>... (I wish more of my friends would join Twitter and follow me, but I digress!)\r\n\r\nSo, here it is ... the newly named blog.  I am keeping the old content, however, but moving on from my \'cell\' days to the days ahead.','Blog re-named...',0,'','publish','open','open','','blog-re-named','','','2009-01-20 14:42:50','2009-01-20 18:42:50','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=253',0,'post','',1),(254,1,'2009-01-20 14:42:10','2009-01-20 18:42:10','Boy, this is a monumental day for all ... well, me.  I have re-named my site from \"My Life Is Just One Big Cell\" to \"From the Strange Mind of Mike\" because I have realized that my life isn\'t just one big cell... I have very good life.  I have an amazing family, amazing friends (whom I wish read this blog!), and an amazing girlfriend that has been a very big influence on my life.\n\nIt was an inspiration after thinking about her today that I decided to change the name of the site and perhaps the direction... I want to be able to share things I see and observations I make from the world... Hopefully more in-depth than the ones I post on Twitter... (I wish more of my friends would join Twitter and follow me, but I digress!)\n\nSo, here it is ... the newly named blog.  I am keeping the old content, however','Blog re-named...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','253-revision','','','2009-01-20 14:42:10','2009-01-20 18:42:10','',253,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=254',0,'revision','',0),(255,1,'2009-01-22 10:25:53','2009-01-22 14:25:53','Wow... it\'s getting pretty bad out there, isn\'t it?  Well, I have a theory on how we can help it... by spending money.  One of the basic fundamentals of economics.... we must spend.\r\n\r\nBy spending money, it pumps money into the economy.  Buying goods and services keeps people employed.  Employed people spend money... see how the circle is completed.  The more we spend, the people will be needed to make the goods we buy and more people will be needed to do the services we require.  This will lower unemployment.   Lessen the burden of the tax payers.\r\n\r\nI am not an economist but I am fairly educated man and this is my observation.','The Economy',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-economy','','','2009-01-22 10:25:53','2009-01-22 14:25:53','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=255',0,'post','',0),(256,1,'2009-01-22 10:25:09','2009-01-22 14:25:09','Wow... it\'s getting pretty bad out there, isn\'t it?  Well, I have a theory on how we can help it... by spending money.  One of the basic fundamentals of economics.... we must spend.\n\nBy spending money, it pumps money into the economy.  Buying goods and services keeps people employed.  Employed people spend money... see how the circle is completed.  The more we spend, the people will be needed to make the goods we buy and more people will be needed to do the services we require.  This will lower unemployment.   Lessen the burden of the tax payers','The Economy',0,'','inherit','open','open','','255-revision','','','2009-01-22 10:25:09','2009-01-22 14:25:09','',255,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=256',0,'revision','',0),(257,1,'2009-01-22 12:13:50','2009-01-22 16:13:50','This is just a page where I can let my feelings go.\n\nThe former title of the blog comes from a song by <a href=\"http://www.anthrax.com\">Anthrax</a> called <strong>\"In My World\"</strong> from the album, <em>Persistence of Time</em> (1990).\n\nI have re-named it and giving it a new direction as I my life is no longer a cell, but a happy life.  I will retain the old posts because they are still relevant for their time.','About My Blog',0,'','inherit','open','open','','2-autosave','','','2009-01-22 12:13:50','2009-01-22 16:13:50','',2,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=257',0,'revision','',0),(258,1,'2007-03-06 21:44:01','2007-03-07 02:44:01','<p>This is just a page where I can let my feelings go.</p>\r\n<p>The title of the blog comes from a song by <a href=\"http://www.anthrax.com\">Anthrax</a> called <b>\"In My World\"</b> from the album, <i>Persistence of Time</i> (1990).</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n','About My Blog',0,'','inherit','open','open','','2-revision','','','2007-03-06 21:44:01','2007-03-07 02:44:01','',2,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=258',0,'revision','',0),(259,1,'2009-01-23 23:36:33','2009-01-24 03:36:33','So, are there really ghosts?  After taking 2 ghost tours, I am still not convinced of anything but i did find two pictures from my trip to Savannah in May that has what is termed \"orbs.\"  They say that <a href=\"http://www.ghoststudy.com/a_what_are_orbs.html\" target=\"_blank\">orbs</a> are spirts.... so, in that, umm, spirit, here are my pictures...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 1\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />\r\n\r\nOrb number 1: look at the roof line.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 2\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />Orb number 2: Look at the right side of the house on the end... This is supposedly the most haunted residence in Savannah.\r\n\r\nAre these ghosts or were the just anomalies...??? Can\'t be sure, but they sure do make an otherwise ordinary picture creepy.','Ghosts and hauntings...',0,'','publish','open','open','','ghosts-and-hauntings','','','2009-01-25 09:51:06','2009-01-25 13:51:06','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=259',0,'post','',0),(260,1,'2009-01-23 23:35:42','2009-01-24 03:35:42','So, are there really ghosts?  After taking 2 ghost tours, I am still not convinced of anything but i did find two pictures from my trip to Savannah in May that has what is termed \"orbs.\"  They say that <a href=\"http://www.ghoststudy.com/a_what_are_orbs.html\" target=\"_blank\">orbs</a> are spirts.... so, in that, umm, spirit, here are my pictures...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 1\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />\n\nOrb number 1: look at the roof line.\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 2\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />Orb number 2: Look at the right side of the house on the end...\n\nAre these ghosts or were the just anomolies...?/','Ghosts and hauntings...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','259-revision','','','2009-01-23 23:35:42','2009-01-24 03:35:42','',259,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=260',0,'revision','',0),(261,1,'2009-01-23 23:36:33','2009-01-24 03:36:33','So, are there really ghosts?  After taking 2 ghost tours, I am still not convinced of anything but i did find two pictures from my trip to Savannah in May that has what is termed \"orbs.\"  They say that <a href=\"http://www.ghoststudy.com/a_what_are_orbs.html\" target=\"_blank\">orbs</a> are spirts.... so, in that, umm, spirit, here are my pictures...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 1\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />\r\n\r\nOrb number 1: look at the roof line.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 2\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />Orb number 2: Look at the right side of the house on the end... This is supposedly the most haunted residence in Savannah.\r\n\r\nAre these ghosts or were the just anomolies...??? Can\'t be sure, but they sure do make an otherwise ordinary picture creepy.','Ghosts and hauntings...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','259-revision-2','','','2009-01-23 23:36:33','2009-01-24 03:36:33','',259,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=261',0,'revision','',0),(262,1,'2009-01-23 23:38:07','2009-01-24 03:38:07','So, are there really ghosts?  After taking 2 ghost tours, I am still not convinced of anything but i did find two pictures from my trip to Savannah in May that has what is termed \"orbs.\"  They say that <a href=\"http://www.ghoststudy.com/a_what_are_orbs.html\" target=\"_blank\">orbs</a> are spirts.... so, in that, umm, spirit, here are my pictures...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 1\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />\r\n\r\nOrb number 1: look at the roof line.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"Orb picture 2\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/orb_002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"716\" height=\"537\" />Orb number 2: Look at the right side of the house on the end... This is supposedly the most haunted residence in Savannah.\r\n\r\nAre these ghosts or were the just anomalies...??? Can\'t be sure, but they sure do make an otherwise ordinary picture creepy.','Ghosts and hauntings...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','259-revision-3','','','2009-01-23 23:38:07','2009-01-24 03:38:07','',259,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=262',0,'revision','',0),(263,1,'2009-01-26 16:46:46','2009-01-26 20:46:46','So, I bought a nice new network card for my Dell, well, so I thought it was new...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The new price tag\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_001.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The New price tag</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The entire package\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_002.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The entire package (it had been re-shrink wrapped)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"taped back with scotch tape\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_003.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The inner packaging... taped back with scotch tape</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"handwriting in the manual close up\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_004.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Handwriting in the manual</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"the entire manual page\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_005.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The entire manual page</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So, from these pictures (and anybody you knows me that this isn\'t my handwriting) you can tell that it had been previously sold and returned and then re-shrinkwrapped and sold as new.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I went back down and met with the Customer Service staff and the manager, Paz Patel, and they did make amends but this was not the way I would I want to impress (or not impress) a first-time customer.  I am sure they didn\'t get where they are by doing this kind of business, but on Saturday, they did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I hope that they could find out who did that and why?  If the product was still good, they can re-sell it but have to sell it as an \"open box\" item.  And that\'s fine.  It\'s done all the time.  But not re-package it like new and sell like new.  Not acceptable.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Will I go back?  Possibly, but I am, admittedly, an Best Buy guy, but Fry\'s is so much closer...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>','Fry\'s Electronics - Milton, GA',0,'','publish','open','open','','frys-electronics-milton-ga','','','2009-01-26 16:49:04','2009-01-26 20:49:04','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=263',0,'post','',0),(264,1,'2009-01-26 16:46:11','2009-01-26 20:46:11','So, I bought a nice new network card for my Dell, well, so I thought it was new...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The new price tag\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_001.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" />\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The New price tag</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The entire package\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_002.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The entire package (it had been re-shrink wrapped)</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"taped back with scotch tape\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_003.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The inner packaging... taped back with scotch tape</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"handwriting in the manual close up\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_004.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Handwriting in the manual</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"the entire manual page\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_005.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The entire manual page</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So, from these pictures (and anybody you knows me that this isn\'t my handwriting) you can tell that it had been previously sold and returned and then re-shrinkwrapped and sold as new.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I went back down and met with the Customer Service staff and the manager, Paz Patel, and they did make amends but this was not the way I would I want to impress (or not impress) a first-time customer.  I am sure they didn\'t get where they are by doing this kind of business, but on Saturday, they did.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I hope that they could find out who did that and why?  If the product was still good, they can re-sell it but have to sell it as an \"open box\" item.  And that\'s fine.  It\'d done all the time.  But not re-package it like new and sell like new.  Not acceptable.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Will I go</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>','Fry\'s Electronics - Milton, GA',0,'','inherit','open','open','','263-revision','','','2009-01-26 16:46:11','2009-01-26 20:46:11','',263,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=264',0,'revision','',0),(265,1,'2009-01-26 16:46:46','2009-01-26 20:46:46','So, I bought a nice new network card for my Dell, well, so I thought it was new...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The new price tag\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_001.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The New price tag</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The entire package\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_002.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The entire package (it had been re-shrink wrapped)</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"taped back with scotch tape\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_003.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The inner packaging... taped back with scotch tape</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"handwriting in the manual close up\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_004.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Handwriting in the manual</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"the entire manual page\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/Frys_005.JPG\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"384\" /></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The entire manual page</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So, from these pictures (and anybody you knows me that this isn\'t my handwriting) you can tell that it had been previously sold and returned and then re-shrinkwrapped and sold as new.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I went back down and met with the Customer Service staff and the manager, Paz Patel, and they did make amends but this was not the way I would I want to impress (or not impress) a first-time customer.  I am sure they didn\'t get where they are by doing this kind of business, but on Saturday, they did.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I hope that they could find out who did that and why?  If the product was still good, they can re-sell it but have to sell it as an \"open box\" item.  And that\'s fine.  It\'d done all the time.  But not re-package it like new and sell like new.  Not acceptable.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Will I go back?  Possibly, but I am, admittedly, an Best Buy guy, but Fry\'s is so much closer...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>','Fry\'s Electronics - Milton, GA',0,'','inherit','open','open','','263-revision-2','','','2009-01-26 16:46:46','2009-01-26 20:46:46','',263,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=265',0,'revision','',0),(266,1,'2009-02-01 12:33:14','2009-02-01 16:33:14','So, my friends, Kevin and Hilary, invited me out to Andretti Racing on Friday night.  Well, sure.  I\'ve never been and it looked like fun... and thus, I met them there a little past 8...\r\n\r\nWe checked it out.  It felt much like a GameWorks like I had been to in Seattle several times.  Plus, it has go-kart racing.  And that\'s what we did...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"In my helmet\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In my helmet.  XXL and still felt tight.  I have a big head!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The track\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />The track</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The karts\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />The karts</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We got 8 minutes of racing.  I was lapped by the top racer 8 times at least.  I only completed 15 laps and was dead last on the leaderboard.  I don\'t think I ever got how to race the karts and I was so incredibly uncomfortable in the helmet and the karts (due to my stature...) but I did have fun.  I think after a few more times (and maybe some practice runs on my own), I could get it down and run with the big boys.  Also, I found it frustrating that the other guys we were racing against were rough.  I got rear-ended a couple of times and sandwiched once even though I stayed to the inside and out of the way.  I guess these are the veterens of the kart circuit!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Anyway, I did have a good time and am greatful that Kev and Hil invited me out.  Much love to you both.</p>','Andretti Kart Racing',0,'','publish','open','open','','andretti-kart-racing','','','2009-02-01 12:33:14','2009-02-01 16:33:14','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=266',0,'post','',0),(267,1,'2009-02-01 12:32:55','2009-02-01 16:32:55','So, my friends, Kevin and Hilary, invited me out to Andretti Racing on Friday night.  Well, sure.  I\'ve never been and it looked like fun... and thus, I met them there a little past 8...\n\nWe checked it out.  It felt much like a GameWorks like I had been to in Seattle several times.  Plus, it has go-kart racing.  And that\'s what we did...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"In my helmet\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In my helmet.  XXL and still felt tight.  I have a big head!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The track\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />The track</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The karts\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />The karts</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We got 8 minutes of racing.  I was lapped by the top racer 8 times at least.  I only completed 15 laps and was dead last on the leaderboard.  I don\'t think I ever got how to race the karts and I was so incredibly uncomfortable in the helmet and the karts (due to my stature...) but I did have fun.  I think after a few more times (and maybe some practice runs on my own), I could get it down and run with the big boys.  Also, I found it frustrating that the other guys we were racing against were rough.  I got rear-ended a couple of times and sandwiched once even though I stayed to the inside and out of the way.  I guess these are the veterens of the kart circuit!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Anyway, I did have a good time and am greatful that Kev and Hil invited me out.  Much love to you both.</p>','Andretti Kart Racing',0,'','inherit','open','open','','266-revision','','','2009-02-01 12:32:55','2009-02-01 16:32:55','',266,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=267',0,'revision','',0),(268,1,'2009-02-01 12:41:59','2009-02-01 16:41:59','So, my friends, Kevin and Hilary, invited me out to Andretti Racing on Friday night.  Well, sure.  I\'ve never been and it looked like fun... and thus, I met them there a little past 8...\n\nWe checked it out.  It felt much like a GameWorks like I had been to in Seattle several times.  Plus, it has go-kart racing.  And that\'s what we did...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"In my helmet\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti001.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">In my helmet.  XXL and still felt tight.  I have a big head!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The track\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti002.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />The track</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"The karts\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/andretti003.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />The karts</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">We got 8 minutes of racing.  I was lapped by the top racer 8 times at least.  I only completed 15 laps and was dead last on the leaderboard.  I don\'t think I ever got how to race the karts and I was so incredibly uncomfortable in the helmet and the karts (due to my stature...) but I did have fun.  I think after a few more times (and maybe some practice runs on my own), I could get it down and run with the big boys.  Also, I found it frustrating that the other guys we were racing against were rough.  I got rear-ended a couple of times and sandwiched once even though I stayed to the inside and out of the way.  I guess these are the veterens of the kart circuit!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Anyway, I did have a good time and am greatful that Kev and Hil invited me out.  Much love to you both.</p>','Andretti Kart Racing',0,'','inherit','open','open','','266-autosave','','','2009-02-01 12:41:59','2009-02-01 16:41:59','',266,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=268',0,'revision','',0),(269,1,'2009-02-02 15:56:05','2009-02-02 19:56:05','<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\" caption=\"Wondeful parking job\"]<img title=\"parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/badparking.jpg\" alt=\"Wondeful parking job\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI found this in the parking lot at my office buliding.  This is not just a one-time deal, but was parked almost identically today.   It\'s not that they can\'t park correctly, it\'s that they don\'t want to.   Just perhaps, they should care...','Bad parking job?',0,'','publish','open','open','','bad-parking-job','','','2009-02-02 16:05:14','2009-02-02 20:05:14','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=269',0,'post','',0),(270,1,'2009-02-02 15:55:46','2009-02-02 19:55:46','<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\" caption=\"Wondeful parking job\"]<img title=\"parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/badparking.jpg\" alt=\"Wondeful parking job\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\n\nI found this in the parking lot at my office buliding.  This is not just a one-time deal, but was parked almost identically today.   It\'s not that they can\'t park correctly, it\'s tht they don\'t want to.   A','Bad parking job?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','269-revision','','','2009-02-02 15:55:46','2009-02-02 19:55:46','',269,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=270',0,'revision','',0),(271,1,'2009-02-02 15:57:12','2009-02-02 19:57:12','<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\" caption=\"Wondeful parking job\"]<img title=\"parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/badparking.jpg\" alt=\"Wondeful parking job\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\n\nI found this in the parking lot at my office buliding.  This is not just a one-time deal, but was parked almost identically today.   It\'s not that they can\'t park correctly, it\'s tht they don\'t want to.   Just perhaps, they should care...','Bad parking job?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','269-autosave','','','2009-02-02 15:57:12','2009-02-02 19:57:12','',269,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=271',0,'revision','',0),(272,1,'2009-02-02 15:56:05','2009-02-02 19:56:05','<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\" caption=\"Wondeful parking job\"]<img title=\"parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/badparking.jpg\" alt=\"Wondeful parking job\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI found this in the parking lot at my office buliding.  This is not just a one-time deal, but was parked almost identically today.   It\'s not that they can\'t park correctly, it\'s tht they don\'t want to.   Just perhaps, they should care...','Bad parking job?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','269-revision-2','','','2009-02-02 15:56:05','2009-02-02 19:56:05','',269,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=272',0,'revision','',0),(273,1,'2009-02-04 13:54:11','2009-02-04 17:54:11','It started with a simple mail from a stranger.  And then, I was granted my friend request.  Well, then, it was a while before any further contact.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"480\" caption=\"Dana and Me on our first date\"]<img title=\"Dana and Me\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/Chez_Michael/Gallery/Pages/Dana_and_Me_files/Media/IMG_2613/IMG_2613.jpg\" alt=\"Dana and Me on our first date\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis stranger is my now girlfriend, Dana.  How would we know that a simple mail would lead to where we are now.  It\'s been a very long road from then to now.   But we are not at the end of the road.  Far from it.\r\n\r\nThat\'s not to say the road hasn\'t been rocky and been a completely smooth ride, but it\'s been the most enjoyable ride I have ever been on.  I am proud and happy that it\'s Dana that I am going for this ride with.  I can\'t think of any other girl that I would want to take this ride with.  She\'s the only one.  I love her.  I know that the road going forward won\'t be completely smooth but I am sure we\'ll make it as smooth as we can.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"480\" caption=\"Dana and me at the Fountain of Youth - 2009\"]<img title=\"Fountain of Youth\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/Chez_Michael/Gallery/Pages/Dana_and_Me_files/Media/FountainOfYouth_015/FountainOfYouth_015.jpg\" alt=\"Dana and me at the Fountain of Youth - 2009\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe next stop in the road is coming in a few weeks as she leaves the life she knows in south Georgia to move up here to central Gerogia.  It\'s the end of the \"interstate\" road and begins the \"local\" roads and nothing makes me happier.  It\'s been a long time coming and it\'s finally here.\r\n\r\nThere are more stops on this road and they are ones that we will make each of these stops together.  It may take some time to get to each of these stops, but we will get to them.  I have no doubts.  There is nobody else I want to make these stops with.','The Long Road',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-long-road','','','2009-02-04 13:54:11','2009-02-04 17:54:11','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=273',0,'post','',1),(274,1,'2009-02-04 13:52:18','2009-02-04 17:52:18','It started with a simple mail from a stranger.  And then, I was granted my friend request.  Well, then, it was a while before any further contact.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"480\" caption=\"Dana and Me on our first date\"]<img title=\"Dana and Me\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/Chez_Michael/Gallery/Pages/Dana_and_Me_files/Media/IMG_2613/IMG_2613.jpg\" alt=\"Dana and Me on our first date\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" />[/caption]\n\nThis stranger is my now girlfriend, Dana.  How would we know that a simple mail would lead to where we are now.  It\'s been a very long road from then to now.   But we are not at the end of the road.  Far from it.\n\nThat\'s not to say the road hasn\'t been rocky and been a completely smooth ride, but it\'s been the most enjoyable ride I have ever been on.  I am proud and happy that it\'s Dana that I am going for this ride with.  I can\'t think of any other girl that I would want to take this ride with.  She\'s the only one.  I love her.  I know that the road going forward won\'t be completely smooth but I am sure we\'ll make it as smooth as we can.\n\nThe next stop in the road is coming in a few weeks as she leaves the life she knows in south Georgia to move up here to central Gerogia.  It\'s the end of the \"interstate\" road and begins the \"local\" roads and nothing makes me happier.  It\'s been a long time coming and it\'s finally here.\n\nThere are more stops on this road and they are ones that we will make each of these stops together.  It may take some time to get to each of these stops, but we will get to them.  I have no doubts.  There is nobody else I want to make these stops with.','The Long Road',0,'','inherit','open','open','','273-revision','','','2009-02-04 13:52:18','2009-02-04 17:52:18','',273,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=274',0,'revision','',0),(277,1,'2009-02-05 08:48:26','2009-02-05 12:48:26','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"701\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"701\" height=\"404\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-2','','','2009-02-05 08:48:26','2009-02-05 12:48:26','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=277',0,'revision','',0),(278,1,'2009-02-05 08:49:21','2009-02-05 12:49:21','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-3','','','2009-02-05 08:49:21','2009-02-05 12:49:21','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=278',0,'revision','',0),(279,1,'2009-02-05 08:49:38','2009-02-05 12:49:38','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-4','','','2009-02-05 08:49:38','2009-02-05 12:49:38','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=279',0,'revision','',0),(280,1,'2009-02-05 08:50:37','2009-02-05 12:50:37','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-5','','','2009-02-05 08:50:37','2009-02-05 12:50:37','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=280',0,'revision','',0),(281,1,'2009-02-05 08:51:10','2009-02-05 12:51:10','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"><dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">Upside down car</dd></dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-6','','','2009-02-05 08:51:10','2009-02-05 12:51:10','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=281',0,'revision','',0),(282,1,'2009-02-05 08:51:50','2009-02-05 12:51:50','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\">\r\n</dd> </dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-7','','','2009-02-05 08:51:50','2009-02-05 12:51:50','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=282',0,'revision','',0),(283,1,'2009-02-05 08:52:01','2009-02-05 12:52:01','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\"> </dd> </dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-8','','','2009-02-05 08:52:01','2009-02-05 12:52:01','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=283',0,'revision','',0),(284,1,'2009-02-05 08:52:34','2009-02-05 12:52:34','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\"> </dd> </dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-9','','','2009-02-05 08:52:34','2009-02-05 12:52:34','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=284',0,'revision','',0),(285,1,'2009-02-05 08:52:42','2009-02-05 12:52:42','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\"> </dd> </dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-10','','','2009-02-05 08:52:42','2009-02-05 12:52:42','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=285',0,'revision','',0),(286,1,'2009-02-05 08:53:03','2009-02-05 12:53:03','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\"> </dd> </dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-11','','','2009-02-05 08:53:03','2009-02-05 12:53:03','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=286',0,'revision','',0),(287,1,'2009-02-05 08:53:14','2009-02-05 12:53:14','This was what I saw when I got to the intersection of Douglas Road and Jones Bridge Road on Monday....\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"631\" caption=\"Upside down car\"]<img title=\"Upside down car\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/upsidedown.jpg\" alt=\"Upside down car\" width=\"631\" height=\"364\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><dl class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 641px;\"> <dd class=\"wp-caption-dd\"> </dd> </dl></div>\r\nJust how hard do you have to hit a car to turn it upside down?  I just hope everyone involved in this wreck was ok.','Upside down car',0,'','inherit','open','open','','275-revision-12','','','2009-02-05 08:53:14','2009-02-05 12:53:14','',275,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=287',0,'revision','',0),(288,1,'2009-02-06 10:25:24','2009-02-06 14:25:24','If Dad hadn\'t left this earth in 2000... he would be 61 today.  I just want to say I love him and I miss him dearly.  Much more than it might appear...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"424\" caption=\"Dad (July 1999)\"]<img title=\"Dad\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/tribute/Pictures/July_1994.jpg\" alt=\"Dad (July 1999)\" width=\"424\" height=\"320\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nHere he is in Seattle, I believe... his last trip to see his brothers and his dad...\r\n\r\nBe sure and check out his <a href=\"http://tribute.mmolenda.com/\" target=\"_blank\">tribute site</a>.','Today, Dad would be 61...',0,'','publish','open','open','','today-dad-would-be-61','','','2009-02-06 10:28:06','2009-02-06 14:28:06','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=288',0,'post','',0),(289,1,'2009-02-06 10:25:12','2009-02-06 14:25:12','If Dad hadn\'t left this earth in 2000... he would be 61 today.  I just want to say I love him and I miss him dearly.  Much more than it might appear...\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"424\" caption=\"Dad (July 1999)\"]<img title=\"Dad\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/tribute/Pictures/July_1994.jpg\" alt=\"Dad (July 1999)\" width=\"424\" height=\"320\" />[/caption]\n\nHere he is in Seattle, I believe... his last trip to see his brother','Today, Dad would be 61...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','288-revision','','','2009-02-06 10:25:12','2009-02-06 14:25:12','',288,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=289',0,'revision','',0),(290,1,'2009-02-06 10:25:24','2009-02-06 14:25:24','If Dad hadn\'t left this earth in 2000... he would be 61 today.  I just want to say I love him and I miss him dearly.  Much more than it might appear...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"424\" caption=\"Dad (July 1999)\"]<img title=\"Dad\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/tribute/Pictures/July_1994.jpg\" alt=\"Dad (July 1999)\" width=\"424\" height=\"320\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nHere he is in Seattle, I believe... his last trip to see his brothers and his dad...','Today, Dad would be 61...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','288-revision-2','','','2009-02-06 10:25:24','2009-02-06 14:25:24','',288,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=290',0,'revision','',0),(317,1,'2009-03-30 14:28:32','2009-03-30 18:28:32','Now that the SD card has been opened up for storage, the time is now (although, it\'s really late to the game) for Nintendo to create a Music channel for playing music from CD\'s or from digital music files (MP3, MP4, etc). Now, most real hardcore gamers most likely have an Xbox360 or PS3 which already have these multimedia functions, but the casual market who only have a Wii could benefit.\r\n\r\nI am not so sure why Nintendo refuses to add such functionality. I know it\'s a game console first; however, every console now is a multimedia machine. The Wii already has a photo channel that can play a limited amount of videos (of which should be expanded...). Why not a music channel?\r\n\r\nI am sure I am not alone in this thinking... at least I hope so. I may not even use it, myself, but again, I am not the pure target market for it as I have an Xbox360, PS3 and even a computer integrated into my home theater/gaming rig... but there are a massive number of Wii owners that would benefit...\r\n\r\nOriginally posted <a href=\"http://blogs.ign.com/webpoet73/2009/03/30/116270/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>...','The Wii needs a Music Channel',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-wii-needs-a-music-channel','','','2009-03-30 14:28:32','2009-03-30 18:28:32','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=317',0,'post','',0),(293,1,'2009-02-17 08:59:41','2009-02-17 12:59:41','How appropriate that it was on a Saturday?  This is another stop in the long road that Dana and I are on.  We had our first Valentine\'s together (and the first Valentine\'s that I actually had somebody to share it with...).  She came into town that morning after working the previous night and she was tired, as I thought she would be, but when she came into the house... this is what she found:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"336\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s &quot;arrangement&quot; for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_003.jpg\" alt=\"Danas arrangement for Valentines 2009\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"448\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s flowers for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_002.jpg\" alt=\"Danas flowers for Valentines 2009\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So after the initial \"wow\" she opened her gift which included earrings and a movie by her favorite author, Nicolas Sparks, called Nights in Roadathe.... She gave me my gifts which included a \'romance\' game, lots of candy, some Peanuts boxer shorts (that\'s HOT as Paris Hilton might say), and a coupon book...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Well, she need to rest up for our big date that night at Stoney River in Roswell... and here we after getting back...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Aren&#39;t we a cute couple?\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_005.jpg\" alt=\"Arent we a cute couple?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWell, we had a fabulous time and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.  There is nobody I know that would have wanted to be on that Valentine\'s date than Dana... this might have been our first Valentine\'s Day, but it is just one of so many more that we will share together...','Our First Valentine...',0,'','publish','open','open','','our-first-valentine','','','2009-02-17 09:02:09','2009-02-17 13:02:09','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=293',0,'post','',1),(294,1,'2009-02-17 08:59:05','2009-02-17 12:59:05','How appropriate that it was on a Saturday?  This is another stop in the long road that Dana and I are on.  We had our first Valentine\'s together (and the first Valentine\'s that I actually had somebody to share it with...).  She came into town that morning after working the previous night and she was tired, as I thought she would be, but when she came into the house... this is what she found:\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"480\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s &quot;arrangement&quot; for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_003.jpg\" alt=\"Danas arrangement for Valentines 2009\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"448\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s flowers for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_002.jpg\" alt=\"Danas flowers for Valentines 2009\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So after the initial \"wow\" she opened her gift which included earrings and a movie by her favorite author, Nicolas Sparks, called Nights in Roadathe.... She gave me my gifts which included a \'romance\' game, lots of candy, some Peanuts boxer shorts (that\'s HOT as Paris Hilton might say), and a coupon book...</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Well, she need to rest up for our big date that night at Stoney River in Roswell... and here we after getting back...</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Aren&#39;t we a cute couple?\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_005.jpg\" alt=\"Arent we a cute couple?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\n\nWell, we had a fabulous time and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.  There is nobody I know that would have wanted to be on that Valentine\'s date than Dana...','Our First Valentine...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','293-revision','','','2009-02-17 08:59:05','2009-02-17 12:59:05','',293,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=294',0,'revision','',0),(295,1,'2009-02-17 08:59:41','2009-02-17 12:59:41','How appropriate that it was on a Saturday?  This is another stop in the long road that Dana and I are on.  We had our first Valentine\'s together (and the first Valentine\'s that I actually had somebody to share it with...).  She came into town that morning after working the previous night and she was tired, as I thought she would be, but when she came into the house... this is what she found:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"480\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s &quot;arrangement&quot; for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_003.jpg\" alt=\"Danas arrangement for Valentines 2009\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"448\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s flowers for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_002.jpg\" alt=\"Danas flowers for Valentines 2009\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So after the initial \"wow\" she opened her gift which included earrings and a movie by her favorite author, Nicolas Sparks, called Nights in Roadathe.... She gave me my gifts which included a \'romance\' game, lots of candy, some Peanuts boxer shorts (that\'s HOT as Paris Hilton might say), and a coupon book...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Well, she need to rest up for our big date that night at Stoney River in Roswell... and here we after getting back...</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Aren&#39;t we a cute couple?\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_005.jpg\" alt=\"Arent we a cute couple?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWell, we had a fabulous time and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.  There is nobody I know that would have wanted to be on that Valentine\'s date than Dana... this might have been our first Valentine\'s Day, but it is just one of so many more that we will share together...','Our First Valentine...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','293-revision-2','','','2009-02-17 08:59:41','2009-02-17 12:59:41','',293,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=295',0,'revision','',0),(296,1,'2009-02-17 09:00:46','2009-02-17 13:00:46','How appropriate that it was on a Saturday?  This is another stop in the long road that Dana and I are on.  We had our first Valentine\'s together (and the first Valentine\'s that I actually had somebody to share it with...).  She came into town that morning after working the previous night and she was tired, as I thought she would be, but when she came into the house... this is what she found:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"336\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s &quot;arrangement&quot; for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_003.jpg\" alt=\"Danas arrangement for Valentines 2009\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"448\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s flowers for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_002.jpg\" alt=\"Danas flowers for Valentines 2009\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So after the initial \"wow\" she opened her gift which included earrings and a movie by her favorite author, Nicolas Sparks, called Nights in Roadathe.... She gave me my gifts which included a \'romance\' game, lots of candy, some Peanuts boxer shorts (that\'s HOT as Paris Hilton might say), and a coupon book...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Well, she need to rest up for our big date that night at Stoney River in Roswell... and here we after getting back...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Aren&#39;t we a cute couple?\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_005.jpg\" alt=\"Arent we a cute couple?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWell, we had a fabulous time and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.  There is nobody I know that would have wanted to be on that Valentine\'s date than Dana... this might have been our first Valentine\'s Day, but it is just one of so many more that we will share together...','Our First Valentine...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','293-revision-3','','','2009-02-17 09:00:46','2009-02-17 13:00:46','',293,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=296',0,'revision','',0),(297,1,'2009-02-17 09:01:30','2009-02-17 13:01:30','How appropriate that it was on a Saturday?  This is another stop in the long road that Dana and I are on.  We had our first Valentine\'s together (and the first Valentine\'s that I actually had somebody to share it with...).  She came into town that morning after working the previous night and she was tired, as I thought she would be, but when she came into the house... this is what she found:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"336\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s &quot;arrangement&quot; for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_003.jpg\" alt=\"Danas arrangement for Valentines 2009\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"448\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s flowers for Valentine&#39;s 2009\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_002.jpg\" alt=\"Danas flowers for Valentines 2009\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">So after the initial \"wow\" she opened her gift which included earrings and a movie by her favorite author, Nicolas Sparks, called Nights in Roadathe.... She gave me my gifts which included a \'romance\' game, lots of candy, some Peanuts boxer shorts (that\'s HOT as Paris Hilton might say), and a coupon book...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Well, she need to rest up for our big date that night at Stoney River in Roswell... and here we after getting back...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Aren&#39;t we a cute couple?\"]<img title=\"Valentines 2009\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blogpix/ValentinesDay2009_005.jpg\" alt=\"Arent we a cute couple?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWell, we had a fabulous time and it was everything I could have hoped for and more.  There is nobody I know that would have wanted to be on that Valentine\'s date than Dana... this might have been our first Valentine\'s Day, but it is just one of so many more that we will share together...','Our First Valentine...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','293-revision-4','','','2009-02-17 09:01:30','2009-02-17 13:01:30','',293,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=297',0,'revision','',0),(298,1,'2009-02-27 14:52:04','2009-02-27 18:52:04','I didn\'t know until I read a tweet (that\'s Twitter message) today, that it\'s the sixth anniversary of Mr. Roger\'s death...\r\n\r\nI posted about <a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=58\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Rogers in 2007</a>.\r\n\r\nHere is a great article on <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr_Rogers\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Rogers on Wikipedia</a>.\r\n\r\nEnjoy remembering Mr. Rogers today.  I could never have a bad word to say about him.','Mr. Rogers... doesn\'t seem like 6 years...',0,'','publish','open','open','','mr-rogers-doesnt-seem-like-6-years','','\nhttp://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=58','2009-02-27 14:52:04','2009-02-27 18:52:04','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=298',0,'post','',0),(299,1,'2009-02-27 14:51:37','2009-02-27 18:51:37','I didn\'t know until I read a tweet (that\'s Twitter message) today, that it\'s the sixth anniversary of Mr. Roger\'s death...\n\nI posted about <a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=58\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Rogers in 2007</a>.\n\nHere is a great article on <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr_Rogers\" target=\"_blank\">Mr. Rogers on Wikipedia</a>.\n\nEnjoy remem','Mr. Rogers... doesn\'t seem like 6 years...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','298-revision','','','2009-02-27 14:51:37','2009-02-27 18:51:37','',298,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=299',0,'revision','',0),(300,1,'2009-03-02 15:16:40','2009-03-02 19:16:40','I really like this version of DT\'s Surrounded.  I am lucky to have had seen them do this twice on their tours in 07 and in 08... Amazing.  Anyway, i wanted to share...\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTx4Jvyy9Q\r\nDream Theater: Surrounded (aka Surrounded 07) which includes a section of Pink Floyd\'s Mother and Marllion\'s Sugar Mice.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9rYXZnoMn0\r\nPink Floyd: Mother\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIPrJmzG7Ss\r\nMarllion: Sugar Mice','Dream Theater\'s \"Surrounded\"',0,'','publish','open','open','','dream-theaters-surrounded','','','2009-03-02 15:17:16','2009-03-02 19:17:16','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=300',0,'post','',0),(301,1,'2009-03-02 15:16:36','2009-03-02 19:16:36','I really like this version of DT\'s Surrounded.  I am lucky to have had seen them do this twice on their tours in 07 and in 08... Amazing.  Anyway, i wanted to share...\n\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTx4Jvyy9Q\nDream Theater: Surrounded (aka Surrounded 07) which includes a section of Pink Floyd\'s Mother and Marllion\'s Sugar Mice.\n\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9rYXZnoMn0\nPink Floyd: Mother\n\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIPrJmzG7Ss\nMarllion: Sugar Mice','Dream Theater\'s \"Surrounded\"',0,'','inherit','open','open','','300-revision','','','2009-03-02 15:16:36','2009-03-02 19:16:36','',300,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=301',0,'revision','',0),(302,1,'2009-03-02 15:16:40','2009-03-02 19:16:40','I really like this version of DT\'s Surrounded.  I am lucky to have had seen them do this twice on their tours in 07 and in 08... Amazing.  Anyway, i wanted to share...\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTx4Jvyy9Q\r\nDream Theater: Surrounded (aka Surrounded 07) which includes a section of Pink Floyd\'s Mother and Marllion\'s Sugar Mice.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9rYXZnoMn0\r\nPink Floyd: Mother\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIPrJmzG7Ss\r\nMarllion: Sugar Mice','Dream Theater\'s \"Surrounded\"',0,'','inherit','open','open','','300-revision-2','','','2009-03-02 15:16:40','2009-03-02 19:16:40','',300,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=302',0,'revision','',0),(303,1,'2009-03-03 14:47:29','2009-03-03 18:47:29','Well, so the new Apple hardware was released today.  As always, it sparks up the Mac vs PC (Windows and/or Linux) debate.  And today, it is as busy as ever... so, I am going to do my own Mac vs PC post...\r\n\r\n<strong>Apple Hardware</strong>\r\nIs there an \"Apple Tax\" as Microsoft\'s Steve Ballmer would assert?  No.  The price of the hardware of comparable PC\'s is a tad bit higher or in some cases, equivelant.  That is what I found when I bought my iMac.  I compared with the Gateway One and the Dell XPS One.  And as of today\'s refresh, this is still the case except that the Dell has a much better CPU, the iMac is better in the other respects (video card, FSB speed, larger HDD).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.apple.com/imac/ \" target=\"_blank\">iMac </a>\r\n24\" Screen\r\n2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo\r\n4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB\r\n640GB Serial ATA Drive\r\nSlot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)\r\nNVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory\r\nBuilt-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, dual-link DVI, and VGA video connections via adapter\r\nBuilt-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in\r\n1 Firewire 800 port\r\n6 USB 2.0 ports\r\nGigabit Ethernet\r\nWireless Draft-N Network\r\nBluetooth 2.1 + EDR (extended data rate)\r\nApple Mighty Mouse\r\nApple Keyboard (English) and User\'s Guide\r\nApple MacOS X 10.6 (\"Leopard\")\r\n\r\n$1499.99\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-xps-a2420?c=us&amp;cs=19&amp;l=en&amp;s=dhs&amp;~ck=mn\" target=\"_blank\">Dell XPS One</a>\r\nXPS One™ with 24-inch widescreen display and Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 processor\r\nGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1\r\nXPS One® Wireless Keyboard including trackpad and media controls\r\nXPS One ® Wireless Mouse\r\n4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800Mhz - 2 DIMMs\r\nIntegrated Intel® GMA X4500HD Graphics\r\n320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™\r\n8X Slot load CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW)\r\nSoundBlaster® Audigy™ Software and Premium JBL speakers with integrated subwoofer (25W total)\r\nInternal Bluetooth 2.0 included\r\nInternal 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless network card included\r\nIntegrated Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-T)\r\n\r\n$1599\r\n<a href=\"http://www.gateway.com/programs/one/index.php?cmpid=topnav_computers\" target=\"_blank\">\r\nGateway One </a>\r\n19\" Screen\r\nIntel® Core™2 Duo Processor1 T5250 (1.50GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)\r\n2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-1024MB modules)\r\n400GB 7200rpm Serial ATA II hard drive w/ 8MB cache\r\nATI® Mobility Radeon® HD 2600XT Graphics Media Accelerator with 256MB of Discrete Video Memory\r\nGateway® 104+ Key Wireless Keyboard &amp; Mouse\r\n2 USB 2.0\r\n1 FireWire port\r\nGigabit Ethernet\r\n8x Multi-Format Dual Layer Slot Load DVD-RW with DVD-RAM\r\nNXT SoundVu stereo Audio\r\n1.3 Megapixel Web Cam\r\nIntegrated Intel® 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless Networking\r\n\r\n$1309.99\r\n\r\nI have compared the Mac Mini with the Dell Studio Hybrid and found that (after today\'s refresh) that the Mini is very comparable in price.  Check these to see for yourself...\r\n\r\nWhat people tend to do is compare the iMac with a tower PC.  This is not a fair comparison.  It isn\'t a tower Mac.  Comparing with other all-in-one design machines is the only way to compare.\r\n\r\n<strong>Apple Software</strong>\r\nMax OSX is a very well-written OS and is very secure.  While no OS or software that connects to the internet is 100% secure, Mac OSX is far more secure than the OSes on the market.  Linux is very close.  As both are based on UNIX operating systems.   This virtually elimiates the need for anti-virus and/or spyware applications that Windows PC\'s tend to need due to the Operating System, itself.  That being said, Microsoft has improved Windows security from XP to Vista (despite the Vista complaints).  Windows 7 is shaping up to be a very nice version of Windows and may give OS X some real competetion.\r\n\r\nApple systems also come with the iLife suite of software (iPhoto for photo management, iMovie for video editing, iWeb for webpage creation and publishing, iDVD for authoring DVDs, and GarageBand for music compostion and editing).  There is no eqivelant suite of software on the PC (though, by mixing and matching products from various companies).\r\n\r\n<strong>The Apple \"cult\"</strong>\r\nIt is true that Apple users tend to be very loyal to their brand.  However, to say that Apple users feel that Apple can do no wrong, is just well... wrong.   Think about with PC\'s, there are multiple brands of PC\'s.  People tend to be loyal to the Windows PC, not necessarily to a particular brand.  I was a big fan of Dell while I had one and a big fan of Gateway when I had one.  Is that being part of a Gateway \"cult\" or a Dell \"cult.\"  Of course not.\r\n<strong>\r\nApple and Gaming</strong>\r\nThere isn\'t a huge gaming market with the Macs... and that\'s pretty much a fact.  If gaming is a major part of using a computer, then Macs may not be for you... though using Apple\'s Boot Camp that came with OS X 10.6, you can install Windows on any Intel-based Mac and dual-boot it with Windows and have the best of both worlds.\r\n\r\n<strong>Conclusion</strong>\r\nI guess so as long as Apple exists, there will be this debate.  People who \"hate\" Macs or iPods or \"hate\" Windows... well, really need to get it together.  I don\'t care much for Windows any more.  That\'s from years of having to always seem to fix it or always seems to not work the way I want it to work.  OSX does.  That\'s why I prefer it.  People are always free to choose whatever hardware/software fits their needs.  Be it Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, or even something lesser known like AmigaOS or plain ole Unix.','Mac Vs PC (Windows/Linux)',0,'','publish','open','open','','mac-vs-pc-windowslinux','','','2009-03-03 14:47:29','2009-03-03 18:47:29','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=303',0,'post','',0),(304,1,'2009-03-03 14:46:35','2009-03-03 18:46:35','Well, so the new Apple hardware was released today.  As always, it sparks up the Mac vs PC (Windows and/or Linux) debate.  And today, it is as busy as ever... so, I am going to do my own Mac vs PC post...\n\nApple Hardware\nIs there an \"Apple Tax\" as Microsoft\'s Steve Ballmer would assert?  No.  The price of the hardware of comparable PC\'s is a tad bit higher or in some cases, equivelant.  That is what I found when I bought my iMac.  I compared with the Gateway One and the Dell XPS One.  And as of today\'s refresh, this is still the case except that the Dell has a much better CPU, the iMac is better in the other respects (video card, FSB speed, larger HDD).\n\niMac http://www.apple.com/imac/\n24\" Screen\n2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo\n4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB\n640GB Serial ATA Drive\nSlot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)\nNVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory\nBuilt-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, dual-link DVI, and VGA video connections via adapter\nBuilt-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in\n1 Firewire 800 port\n6 USB 2.0 ports\nGigabit Ethernet\nWireless Draft-N Network\nBluetooth 2.1 + EDR (extended data rate)\nApple Mighty Mouse\nApple Keyboard (English) and User\'s Guide\nApple MacOS X 10.6 (\"Leopard\")\n\n$1499.99\n\n<a href=\"http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-xps-a2420?c=us&amp;cs=19&amp;l=en&amp;s=dhs&amp;~ck=mn\" target=\"_blank\">Dell XPS One</a>\nXPS One™ with 24-inch widescreen display and Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 processor\nGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1\nXPS One® Wireless Keyboard including trackpad and media controls\nXPS One ® Wireless Mouse\n4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800Mhz - 2 DIMMs\nIntegrated Intel® GMA X4500HD Graphics\n320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™\n8X Slot load CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW)\nSoundBlaster® Audigy™ Software and Premium JBL speakers with integrated subwoofer (25W total)\nInternal Bluetooth 2.0 included\nInternal 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless network card included\nIntegrated Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-T)\n\n$1599\n<a href=\"http://www.gateway.com/programs/one/index.php?cmpid=topnav_computers\" target=\"_blank\">\nGateway One </a>\n19\" Screen\nIntel® Core™2 Duo Processor1 T5250 (1.50GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)\n2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-1024MB modules)\n400GB 7200rpm Serial ATA II hard drive w/ 8MB cache\nATI® Mobility Radeon® HD 2600XT Graphics Media Accelerator with 256MB of Discrete Video Memory\nGateway® 104+ Key Wireless Keyboard &amp; Mouse\n2 USB 2.0\n1 FireWire port\nGigabit Ethernet\n8x Multi-Format Dual Layer Slot Load DVD-RW with DVD-RAM\nNXT SoundVu stereo Audio\n1.3 Megapixel Web Cam\nIntegrated Intel® 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless Networking\n\n$1309.99\n\nI have compared the Mac Mini with the Dell Studio Hybrid and found that (after today\'s refresh) that the Mini is very comparable in price.  Check these to see for yourself...\n\nWhat people tend to do is compare the iMac with a tower PC.  This is not a fair comparison.  It isn\'t a tower Mac.  Comparing with other all-in-one design machines is the only way to compare.\n\n<strong>Apple Software</strong>\nMax OSX is a very well-written OS and is very secure.  While no OS or software that connects to the internet is 100% secure, Mac OSX is far more secure than the OSes on the market.  Linux is very close.  As both are based on UNIX operating systems.   This virtually elimiates the need for anti-virus and/or spyware applications that Windows PC\'s tend to need due to the Operating System, itself.  That being said, Microsoft has improved Windows security from XP to Vista (despite the Vista complaints).  Windows 7 is shaping up to be a very nice version of Windows and may give OS X some real competetion.\n\nApple systems also come with the iLife suite of software (iPhoto for photo management, iMovie for video editing, iWeb for webpage creation and publishing, iDVD for authoring DVDs, and GarageBand for music compostion and editing).  There is no eqivelant suite of software on the PC (though, by mixing and matching products from various companies).\n\n<strong>The Apple \"cult\"</strong>\nIt is true that Apple users tend to be very loyal to their brand.  However, to say that Apple users feel that Apple can do no wrong, is just well... wrong.   Think about with PC\'s, there are multiple brands of PC\'s.  People tend to be loyal to the Windows PC, not necessarily to a particular brand.  I was a big fan of Dell while I had one and a big fan of Gateway when I had one.  Is that being part of a Gateway \"cult\" or a Dell \"cult.\"  Of course not.\n<strong>\nApple and Gaming</strong>\nThere isn\'t a huge gaming market with the Macs... and that\'s pretty much a fact.  If gaming is a major part of using a computer, then Macs may not be for you... though using Apple\'s Boot Camp that came with OS X 10.6, you can install Windows on any Intel-based Mac and dual-boot it with Windows and have the best of both worlds.\n\n<strong>Conclusion</strong>\nI guess so as long as Apple exists, there will be this debate.  People who \"hate\" Macs or iPods or \"hate\" Windows... well, really need to get it together.  I don\'t care much for Windows any more.  That\'s from years of having to always seem to fix it or always seems to not work the way I want it to work.  OSX does.  That\'s why I prefer it.  People are always free to choose whatever hardware/software fits their needs.  Be it Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, or even something lesser known like AmigaOS or plain ole Unix.','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','303-revision','','','2009-03-03 14:46:35','2009-03-03 18:46:35','',303,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=304',0,'revision','',0),(305,1,'2009-03-03 21:56:41','2009-03-04 01:56:41','Well, so the new Apple hardware was released today.  As always, it sparks up the Mac vs PC (Windows and/or Linux) debate.  And today, it is as busy as ever... so, I am going to do my own Mac vs PC post...\n\n<strong>Apple Hardware</strong>\nIs there an \"Apple Tax\" as Microsoft\'s Steve Ballmer would assert?  No.  The price of the hardware of comparable PC\'s is a tad bit higher or in some cases, equivelant.  That is what I found when I bought my iMac.  I compared with the Gateway One and the Dell XPS One.  And as of today\'s refresh, this is still the case except that the Dell has a much better CPU, the iMac is better in the other respects (video card, FSB speed, larger HDD).\n\n<a href=\"http://www.apple.com/imac/ \" target=\"_blank\">iMac </a>\n24\" Screen\n2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo\n4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB\n640GB Serial ATA Drive\nSlot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)\nNVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory\nBuilt-in iSight camera; Mini DisplayPort output with support for DVI, dual-link DVI, and VGA video connections via adapter\nBuilt-in stereo speakers with 24-watt digital amplifier, built-in microphone, optical digital audio output/headphone out, optical digital audio input/audio line in\n1 Firewire 800 port\n6 USB 2.0 ports\nGigabit Ethernet\nWireless Draft-N Network\nBluetooth 2.1 + EDR (extended data rate)\nApple Mighty Mouse\nApple Keyboard (English) and User\'s Guide\nApple MacOS X 10.6 (\"Leopard\")\n\n$1499.99\n\n<a href=\"http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/desktop-xps-a2420?c=us&amp;cs=19&amp;l=en&amp;s=dhs&amp;~ck=mn\" target=\"_blank\">Dell XPS One</a>\nXPS One™ with 24-inch widescreen display and Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 processor\nGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Service Pack 1\nXPS One® Wireless Keyboard including trackpad and media controls\nXPS One ® Wireless Mouse\n4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800Mhz - 2 DIMMs\nIntegrated Intel® GMA X4500HD Graphics\n320GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™\n8X Slot load CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW)\nSoundBlaster® Audigy™ Software and Premium JBL speakers with integrated subwoofer (25W total)\nInternal Bluetooth 2.0 included\nInternal 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless network card included\nIntegrated Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Base-T)\n\n$1599\n<a href=\"http://www.gateway.com/programs/one/index.php?cmpid=topnav_computers\" target=\"_blank\">\nGateway One </a>\n19\" Screen\nIntel® Core™2 Duo Processor1 T5250 (1.50GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache)\n2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-1024MB modules)\n400GB 7200rpm Serial ATA II hard drive w/ 8MB cache\nATI® Mobility Radeon® HD 2600XT Graphics Media Accelerator with 256MB of Discrete Video Memory\nGateway® 104+ Key Wireless Keyboard &amp; Mouse\n2 USB 2.0\n1 FireWire port\nGigabit Ethernet\n8x Multi-Format Dual Layer Slot Load DVD-RW with DVD-RAM\nNXT SoundVu stereo Audio\n1.3 Megapixel Web Cam\nIntegrated Intel® 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wireless Networking\n\n$1309.99\n\nI have compared the Mac Mini with the Dell Studio Hybrid and found that (after today\'s refresh) that the Mini is very comparable in price.  Check these to see for yourself...\n\nWhat people tend to do is compare the iMac with a tower PC.  This is not a fair comparison.  It isn\'t a tower Mac.  Comparing with other all-in-one design machines is the only way to compare.\n\n<strong>Apple Software</strong>\nMax OSX is a very well-written OS and is very secure.  While no OS or software that connects to the internet is 100% secure, Mac OSX is far more secure than the OSes on the market.  Linux is very close.  As both are based on UNIX operating systems.   This virtually elimiates the need for anti-virus and/or spyware applications that Windows PC\'s tend to need due to the Operating System, itself.  That being said, Microsoft has improved Windows security from XP to Vista (despite the Vista complaints).  Windows 7 is shaping up to be a very nice version of Windows and may give OS X some real competetion.\n\nApple systems also come with the iLife suite of software (iPhoto for photo management, iMovie for video editing, iWeb for webpage creation and publishing, iDVD for authoring DVDs, and GarageBand for music compostion and editing).  There is no eqivelant suite of software on the PC (though, by mixing and matching products from various companies).\n\n<strong>The Apple \"cult\"</strong>\nIt is true that Apple users tend to be very loyal to their brand.  However, to say that Apple users feel that Apple can do no wrong, is just well... wrong.   Think about with PC\'s, there are multiple brands of PC\'s.  People tend to be loyal to the Windows PC, not necessarily to a particular brand.  I was a big fan of Dell while I had one and a big fan of Gateway when I had one.  Is that being part of a Gateway \"cult\" or a Dell \"cult.\"  Of course not.\n<strong>\nApple and Gaming</strong>\nThere isn\'t a huge gaming market with the Macs... and that\'s pretty much a fact.  If gaming is a major part of using a computer, then Macs may not be for you... though using Apple\'s Boot Camp that came with OS X 10.6, you can install Windows on any Intel-based Mac and dual-boot it with Windows and have the best of both worlds.\n\n<strong>Conclusion</strong>\nI guess so as long as Apple exists, there will be this debate.  People who \"hate\" Macs or iPods or \"hate\" Windows... well, really need to get it together.  I don\'t care much for Windows any more.  That\'s from years of having to always seem to fix it or always seems to not work the way I want it to work.  OSX does.  That\'s why I prefer it.  People are always free to choose whatever hardware/software fits their needs.  Be it Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, or even something lesser known like AmigaOS or plain ole Unix.','Mac Vs PC (Windows/Linux)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','303-autosave','','','2009-03-03 21:56:41','2009-03-04 01:56:41','',303,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=305',0,'revision','',0),(306,1,'2009-03-11 09:43:18','2009-03-11 13:43:18','','macbooks',0,'Doesn\'t the new model look so much better...','inherit','open','open','','macbooks','','','2009-03-11 09:43:18','2009-03-11 13:43:18','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbooks.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(307,1,'2009-03-11 09:43:19','2009-03-11 13:43:19','','macbook2009_001',0,'The packaging is indeed smaller...','inherit','open','open','','macbook2009_001','','','2009-03-11 09:43:19','2009-03-11 13:43:19','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(308,1,'2009-03-11 09:43:21','2009-03-11 13:43:21','','macbook2009_003',0,'Ooooh... sexy...','inherit','open','open','','macbook2009_003','','','2009-03-11 09:43:21','2009-03-11 13:43:21','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_003.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(309,1,'2009-03-11 09:43:22','2009-03-11 13:43:22','','macbook2009_004',0,'The Accessories','inherit','open','open','','macbook2009_004','','','2009-03-11 09:43:22','2009-03-11 13:43:22','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_004.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(310,1,'2009-03-11 09:43:23','2009-03-11 13:43:23','','macbook2009_005',0,'The manuals and software','inherit','open','open','','macbook2009_005','','','2009-03-11 09:43:23','2009-03-11 13:43:23','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_005.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(311,1,'2009-03-11 09:43:24','2009-03-11 13:43:24','','macbook2009_006',0,'Beautiful screen but very very glossy','inherit','open','open','','macbook2009_006','','','2009-03-11 09:43:24','2009-03-11 13:43:24','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_006.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(312,1,'2009-03-11 09:53:08','2009-03-11 13:53:08','So, yeah, I did it again (no, I am not a fan of miss spears)... but this time with the backing of my wonderful girlfriend...\r\n\r\nA new MacBook.  The old one was starting to show it\'s age.  Not so much in speed, but the physical structure of the laptop.  Major cracks along the seem where the top was fixed to the main casing... so, I now have one of the unibody aluminum MacBooks...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_307\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The packaging is indeed smaller...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-307\" title=\"macbook2009_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The packaging is indeed smaller...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nSo, here goes the unboxing ...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_308\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Ooooh... sexy...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-308\" title=\"macbook2009_003\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ooooh... sexy...\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Accessories\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-309\" title=\"macbook2009_004\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The Accessories\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_310\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The manuals and software\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-310\" title=\"macbook2009_005\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The manuals and software\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_311\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Beautiful screen but very very glossy\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-311\" title=\"macbook2009_006\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful screen but very very glossy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nNow, compare the old MacBook to the new MacBook...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_306\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Doesn&#39;t the new model look so much better...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-306\" title=\"macbooks\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbooks-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Doesn\'t the new model look so much better...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe new MacBook is also a bit thinner and lighter... so, it makes it easier to lug around in my backpack... Overall, I am pleased.  The old MacBook has been inserted into my home theater and it is really nice to use a computer on a HDTV...\r\n\r\nAlso, the bottom of the laptop seems to not get as warm as the older MacBook.  That is a bonus.','MacBook (late 2008) unboxing',0,'','publish','open','open','','macbook-late-2008-unboxing','','','2009-03-11 09:54:25','2009-03-11 13:54:25','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=312',0,'post','',1),(313,1,'2009-03-11 09:52:19','2009-03-11 13:52:19','So, yeah, I did it again (no, I am not a fan of miss spears)... but this time with the backing of my wonderful girlfriend...\n\nA new MacBook.  The old one was starting to show it\'s age.  Not so much in speed, but the physical structure of the laptop.  Major cracks along the seem where the top was fixed to the main casing... so, I now have one of the unibody aluminum MacBooks...\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_307\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The packaging is indeed smaller...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-307\" title=\"macbook2009_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The packaging is indeed smaller...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nSo, here goes the unboxing ...\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_308\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Ooooh... sexy...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-308\" title=\"macbook2009_003\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ooooh... sexy...\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Accessories\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-309\" title=\"macbook2009_004\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The Accessories\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_310\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The manuals and software\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-310\" title=\"macbook2009_005\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The manuals and software\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_311\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Beautiful screen but very very glossy\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-311\" title=\"macbook2009_006\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful screen but very very glossy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nNow, compare the old MacBook to the new MacBook...\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_306\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Doesn&#39;t the new model look so much better...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-306\" title=\"macbooks\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbooks-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Doesn\'t the new model look so much better...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nThe new MacBook is also a bit thinner and lighter... so,','MacBook (late 2008) unboxing',0,'','inherit','open','open','','312-revision','','','2009-03-11 09:52:19','2009-03-11 13:52:19','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=313',0,'revision','',0),(314,1,'2009-03-11 09:53:08','2009-03-11 13:53:08','So, yeah, I did it again (no, I am not a fan of miss spears)... but this time with the backing of my wonderful girlfriend...\r\n\r\nA new MacBook.  The old one was starting to show it\'s age.  Not so much in speed, but the physical structure of the laptop.  Major cracks along the seem where the top was fixed to the main casing... so, I now have one of the unibody aluminum MacBooks...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_307\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The packaging is indeed smaller...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-307\" title=\"macbook2009_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The packaging is indeed smaller...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nSo, here goes the unboxing ...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_308\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"225\" caption=\"Ooooh... sexy...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-308\" title=\"macbook2009_003\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_003-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Ooooh... sexy...\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The Accessories\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-309\" title=\"macbook2009_004\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_004-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The Accessories\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_310\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"The manuals and software\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-310\" title=\"macbook2009_005\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_005-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"The manuals and software\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_311\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Beautiful screen but very very glossy\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-311\" title=\"macbook2009_006\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbook2009_006-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful screen but very very glossy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nNow, compare the old MacBook to the new MacBook...\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_306\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Doesn&#39;t the new model look so much better...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-306\" title=\"macbooks\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/macbooks-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Doesn\'t the new model look so much better...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe new MacBook is also a bit thinner and lighter... so, it makes it easier to lug around in my backpack... Overall, I am pleased.  The old MacBook has been inserted into my home theater and it is really nice to use a computer on a HDTV...','MacBook (late 2008) unboxing',0,'','inherit','open','open','','312-revision-2','','','2009-03-11 09:53:08','2009-03-11 13:53:08','',312,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=314',0,'revision','',0),(315,1,'2009-03-13 14:01:10','2009-03-13 18:01:10','If you are on <a href=\"http://twitter.com\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>, follow <a href=\"http://twitter.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">me</a>\r\n\r\nHere are some of my recent tweets on Twitter...\r\n\r\n#MadWorld for the #Wii is purely awesome... I have only completed one level and it\'s been a blast... bloody, funny, and fun. All on the Wii\r\n<em>4 minutes ago from TweetDeck</em>\r\n\r\nReally like the Dolbycast podcast... really gives good insight into home theater sight and sound. Give it a listen.\r\n<em>8 minutes ago from TweetDeck</em>\r\n\r\nNew Dream Theater disc out on June 23rd!!! 3 days after my birthday. Sweet. Album cover has an \'Awake\' vibe to it...\r\n<em>about 6 hours ago from twitterrific</em>\r\n\r\nsome drivers are just jackasses and are a danger to themselves as well as everybody else they share (or not) the road with...\r\n<em>about 19 hours ago from txt</em>\r\n\r\ndriving used to be fun until the impateint (and some lack of skill) drivers made me impatient. Irony?\r\n<em>9:30 AM Mar 12th from TweetDeck</em>\r\n\r\ni dont believe i am better than anybody or they than i. we are equal under the law and more importantly in the eyes of God.\r\n<em>8:49 AM Mar 12th from txt</em>\r\n\r\ni often wonder what happened to common courtesy. seems as if most people are out to take advantage of everybody and have chip on shoulder.\r\n<em>8:42 AM Mar 12th from txt </em>!','Twitter',0,'','publish','open','open','','twitter','','','2009-03-13 14:01:10','2009-03-13 18:01:10','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=315',0,'post','',0),(316,1,'2009-03-13 14:01:01','2009-03-13 18:01:01','If you are on <a href=\"http://twitter.com\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>, follow <a href=\"http://twitter.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">me</a>\n\nHere are some of my recent tweets on Twitter...\n\n#MadWorld for the #Wii is purely awesome... I have only completed one level and it\'s been a blast... bloody, funny, and fun. All on the Wii\n<em>4 minutes ago from TweetDeck</em>\n\nReally like the Dolbycast podcast... really gives good insight into home theater sight and sound. Give it a listen.\n<em>8 minutes ago from TweetDeck</em>\n\nNew Dream Theater disc out on June 23rd!!! 3 days after my birthday. Sweet. Album cover has an \'Awake\' vibe to it...\n<em>about 6 hours ago from twitterrific</em>\n\nsome drivers are just jackasses and are a danger to themselves as well as everybody else they share (or not) the road with...\n<em>about 19 hours ago from txt</em>\n\ndriving used to be fun until the impateint (and some lack of skill) drivers made me impatient. Irony?\n<em>9:30 AM Mar 12th from TweetDeck</em>\n\ni dont believe i am better than anybody or they than i. we are equal under the law and more importantly in the eyes of God.\n<em>8:49 AM Mar 12th from txt</em>\n\ni often wonder what happened to common courtesy. seems as if most people are out to take advantage of everybody and have chip on shoulder.\n<em>8:42 AM Mar 12th from txt </em>!','Twitter',0,'','inherit','open','open','','315-revision','','','2009-03-13 14:01:01','2009-03-13 18:01:01','',315,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=316',0,'revision','',0),(318,1,'2009-03-30 14:28:29','2009-03-30 18:28:29','Now that the SD card has been opened up for storage, the time is now (although, it\'s really late to the game) for Nintendo to create a Music channel for playing music from CD\'s or from digital music files (MP3, MP4, etc). Now, most real hardcore gamers most likely have an Xbox360 or PS3 which already have these multimedia functions, but the casual market who only have a Wii could benefit.\n\nI am not so sure why Nintendo refuses to add such functionality. I know it\'s a game console first; however, every console now is a multimedia machine. The Wii already has a photo channel that can play a limited amount of videos (of which should be expanded...). Why not a music channel?\n\nI am sure I am not alone in this thinking... at least I hope so. I may not even use it, myself, but again, I am not the pure target market for it as I have an Xbox360, PS3 and even a computer integrated into my home theater/gaming rig... but there are a massive number of Wii owners that would benefit...\n\nOriginally posted <a href=\"http://blogs.ign.com/webpoet73/2009/03/30/116270/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>...','The Wii needs a Music Channel',0,'','inherit','open','open','','317-revision','','','2009-03-30 14:28:29','2009-03-30 18:28:29','',317,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=318',0,'revision','',0),(319,1,'2009-04-15 10:37:30','2009-04-15 14:37:30','I am far from a political activist or even a parent... however, after watching <a href=\"http://www.hbo.com/realsports/stories/2009/episode.144.s4.html\" target=\"_blank\">RealSports Episode 144</a> last night [with Dana], I am horrified for the future of American kids.  It only begins with banning dodgeball (which is the basis of this discussion) but it extends to some \"New PE\" educators calling for the elimination of musical chairs or anything competetive where there might be a \"winner\" and a \"loser.\"\r\n\r\nThis is where I am horrified.  Why can we not teach our children that there are winners and losers in life.  From real competitive sports like football and baseball to getting a job.  Not everybody makes it on the varsity football team or gets the job they apply for.\r\n\r\nThis goes far beyond a simple game.  <a href=\"http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=9745\" target=\"_blank\">I found a great blog post</a> that makes a lot of great points and it points to an article called \"What\'s Wrong With Dodgeball.\" by Matt Labash (the link on my source site doesn\'t work... so it must not be on the web anymore.)  In my opinion, \"NOTHING.\"  I played dodgeball as a child and I am a well adjusted adult.  I was not horrified or terrorized by the game or being a \"loser.\"  I was not the most athletically gifted and was often a prime target but I never felt like a loser.\r\n\r\nIn the RealSports piece, there is a school in Phoenix, AZ where touching is not allowed.  TOUCHING?  Really?  A high-five?  A hug?  A hand-shake?  How does this help kids?  Oh, and at the same school, traditional tag is not allowed.  They do \"shadow tag.\"  They don\'t touch the person to make them \"it.\"  They step on the person\'s shadow.  I just don\'t get it.\r\n\r\nThese are things that make me not want to have kids.  I really want to be a father, but not if what is taught in schools contradicts what is being taught in the home.  Dana and I have very similar views on raising children and disciplining children and what it means to be a \"winner\" or a \"loser.\"  I want my children to know that they can\'t win at everything, but also that winning isn\'t everything.  It\'s how you play the game (learn how to follow the rules) with class and dignity.  If they can do that, they are a winner in my eyes.','Wussification of American Children',0,'','publish','open','open','','wussification-of-american-children','','','2009-04-15 10:40:41','2009-04-15 14:40:41','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=319',0,'post','',0),(320,1,'2009-04-15 10:36:03','2009-04-15 14:36:03','I am far from a political activist or even a parent... however, after watching <a href=\"http://www.hbo.com/realsports/stories/2009/episode.144.s4.html\" target=\"_blank\">RealSports Episode 144</a> last night [with Dana], I am horrified for the future of American kids.  It only begins with banning dodgeball (which is the basis of this discussion) but it extends to some \"New PE\" educators calling for the elimination of musical chairs or anything competetive where there might be a \"winner\" and a \"loser.\"\n\nThis is where I am horrified.  Why can we not teach our children that there are winners and losers in life.  From real competitive sports like football and baseball to getting a job.  Not everybody makes it on the varsity football team or gets the job they apply for.\n\nThis goes far beyond a simple game.  I found a great blog post that makes a lot of great points and it points to an article called \"What\'s Wrong With Dodgeball.\" by Matt Labash (the link on my source site doesn\'t work... so it must to be on the web anymore.)  In my opinion, \"NOTHING.\"  I played dodgeball as a child and I am a well adjusted adult.  I was not horrified or terrorized by the game or being a \"loser.\"  I was not the most athletically gifted and was often a prime target but I never felt like a loser.\n\nIn the RealSports piece, there is a school in Phoenix, AZ where touching is not allowed.  TOUCHING?  Really?  A high-five?  A hug?  A hand-shake?  How does this help kids?  Oh, and at the same school, traditional tag is not allowed.  They do \"shadow tag.\"  They don\'t touch the person to make them \"it.\"  They step on the person\'s shadow.  I just don\'t get it.\n\nThese are things that make me not want to have kids.  I really want to be a father, but not if what is taught in schools contradicts what is being taught in the home.  Dana and I have very similar views on raising children and disciplining children and what it means to be a \"winner\" or a \"loser.\"  I want my children to know that they can\'t win at everything, but also that winning isn\'t everything.  It\'s how you play the game (learn how to follow the rules) with class and dignity.  If they can do that, they are a winner in my eyes.','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','319-revision','','','2009-04-15 10:36:03','2009-04-15 14:36:03','',319,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=320',0,'revision','',0),(321,1,'2009-04-15 10:36:29','2009-04-15 14:36:29','I am far from a political activist or even a parent... however, after watching <a href=\"http://www.hbo.com/realsports/stories/2009/episode.144.s4.html\" target=\"_blank\">RealSports Episode 144</a> last night [with Dana], I am horrified for the future of American kids.  It only begins with banning dodgeball (which is the basis of this discussion) but it extends to some \"New PE\" educators calling for the elimination of musical chairs or anything competetive where there might be a \"winner\" and a \"loser.\"\r\n\r\nThis is where I am horrified.  Why can we not teach our children that there are winners and losers in life.  From real competitive sports like football and baseball to getting a job.  Not everybody makes it on the varsity football team or gets the job they apply for.\r\n\r\nThis goes far beyond a simple game.  <a href=\"http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=9745\" target=\"_blank\">I found a great blog post</a> that makes a lot of great points and it points to an article called \"What\'s Wrong With Dodgeball.\" by Matt Labash (the link on my source site doesn\'t work... so it must to be on the web anymore.)  In my opinion, \"NOTHING.\"  I played dodgeball as a child and I am a well adjusted adult.  I was not horrified or terrorized by the game or being a \"loser.\"  I was not the most athletically gifted and was often a prime target but I never felt like a loser.\r\n\r\nIn the RealSports piece, there is a school in Phoenix, AZ where touching is not allowed.  TOUCHING?  Really?  A high-five?  A hug?  A hand-shake?  How does this help kids?  Oh, and at the same school, traditional tag is not allowed.  They do \"shadow tag.\"  They don\'t touch the person to make them \"it.\"  They step on the person\'s shadow.  I just don\'t get it.\r\n\r\nThese are things that make me not want to have kids.  I really want to be a father, but not if what is taught in schools contradicts what is being taught in the home.  Dana and I have very similar views on raising children and disciplining children and what it means to be a \"winner\" or a \"loser.\"  I want my children to know that they can\'t win at everything, but also that winning isn\'t everything.  It\'s how you play the game (learn how to follow the rules) with class and dignity.  If they can do that, they are a winner in my eyes.','Wussification of American Children',0,'','inherit','open','open','','319-revision-2','','','2009-04-15 10:36:29','2009-04-15 14:36:29','',319,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=321',0,'revision','',0),(322,1,'2009-04-15 10:37:30','2009-04-15 14:37:30','I am far from a political activist or even a parent... however, after watching <a href=\"http://www.hbo.com/realsports/stories/2009/episode.144.s4.html\" target=\"_blank\">RealSports Episode 144</a> last night [with Dana], I am horrified for the future of American kids.  It only begins with banning dodgeball (which is the basis of this discussion) but it extends to some \"New PE\" educators calling for the elimination of musical chairs or anything competetive where there might be a \"winner\" and a \"loser.\"\r\n\r\nThis is where I am horrified.  Why can we not teach our children that there are winners and losers in life.  From real competitive sports like football and baseball to getting a job.  Not everybody makes it on the varsity football team or gets the job they apply for.\r\n\r\nThis goes far beyond a simple game.  <a href=\"http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=9745\" target=\"_blank\">I found a great blog post</a> that makes a lot of great points and it points to an article called \"What\'s Wrong With Dodgeball.\" by Matt Labash (the link on my source site doesn\'t work... so it must to be on the web anymore.)  In my opinion, \"NOTHING.\"  I played dodgeball as a child and I am a well adjusted adult.  I was not horrified or terrorized by the game or being a \"loser.\"  I was not the most athletically gifted and was often a prime target but I never felt like a loser.\r\n\r\nIn the RealSports piece, there is a school in Phoenix, AZ where touching is not allowed.  TOUCHING?  Really?  A high-five?  A hug?  A hand-shake?  How does this help kids?  Oh, and at the same school, traditional tag is not allowed.  They do \"shadow tag.\"  They don\'t touch the person to make them \"it.\"  They step on the person\'s shadow.  I just don\'t get it.\r\n\r\nThese are things that make me not want to have kids.  I really want to be a father, but not if what is taught in schools contradicts what is being taught in the home.  Dana and I have very similar views on raising children and disciplining children and what it means to be a \"winner\" or a \"loser.\"  I want my children to know that they can\'t win at everything, but also that winning isn\'t everything.  It\'s how you play the game (learn how to follow the rules) with class and dignity.  If they can do that, they are a winner in my eyes.','Wussification of American Children',0,'','inherit','open','open','','319-revision-3','','','2009-04-15 10:37:30','2009-04-15 14:37:30','',319,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=322',0,'revision','',0),(323,1,'2009-04-15 11:03:23','2009-04-15 15:03:23','I am far from a political activist or even a parent... however, after watching <a href=\"http://www.hbo.com/realsports/stories/2009/episode.144.s4.html\" target=\"_blank\">RealSports Episode 144</a> last night [with Dana], I am horrified for the future of American kids.  It only begins with banning dodgeball (which is the basis of this discussion) but it extends to some \"New PE\" educators calling for the elimination of musical chairs or anything competetive where there might be a \"winner\" and a \"loser.\"\n\nThis is where I am horrified.  Why can we not teach our children that there are winners and losers in life.  From real competitive sports like football and baseball to getting a job.  Not everybody makes it on the varsity football team or gets the job they apply for.\n\nThis goes far beyond a simple game.  <a href=\"http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=9745\" target=\"_blank\">I found a great blog post</a> that makes a lot of great points and it points to an article called \"What\'s Wrong With Dodgeball.\" by Matt Labash (the link on my source site doesn\'t work... so it must not be on the web anymore.)  In my opinion, \"NOTHING.\"  I played dodgeball as a child and I am a well adjusted adult.  I was not horrified or terrorized by the game or being a \"loser.\"  I was not the most athletically gifted and was often a prime target but I never felt like a loser.\n\nIn the RealSports piece, there is a school in Phoenix, AZ where touching is not allowed.  TOUCHING?  Really?  A high-five?  A hug?  A hand-shake?  How does this help kids?  Oh, and at the same school, traditional tag is not allowed.  They do \"shadow tag.\"  They don\'t touch the person to make them \"it.\"  They step on the person\'s shadow.  I just don\'t get it.\n\nThese are things that make me not want to have kids.  I really want to be a father, but not if what is taught in schools contradicts what is being taught in the home.  Dana and I have very similar views on raising children and disciplining children and what it means to be a \"winner\" or a \"loser.\"  I want my children to know that they can\'t win at everything, but also that winning isn\'t everything.  It\'s how you play the game (learn how to follow the rules) with class and dignity.  If they can do that, they are a winner in my eyes.','Wussification of American Children',0,'','inherit','open','open','','319-autosave','','','2009-04-15 11:03:23','2009-04-15 15:03:23','',319,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=323',0,'revision','',0),(324,1,'2009-04-23 13:30:06','2009-04-23 17:30:06','There is a site called, Ashley Madison (http://www.ashleymadison.com), that I have heard ads for on my morning radio station, Rock 100.5.  This site is controvertial because it is a \"dating site\" for people who are already in relationships.  Isn\'t this sort of a contridiction?  In other words, they are facilitating cheaters.\r\n\r\nCheating isn\'t necessarily about the sex act, but about the breach of trust that a couple has.  Cheating doesn\'t even have to be sex.  It could be an anything intimate, such as dinner or any other \"couple activity.\"\r\n\r\nThe CEO of Ashley Madison defended his site by saying that it is \"preserving families.\"  In the short term, possibly, but in the long term, I seriously doubt that this kind of site will do anything but cause the divorce rate to increase (as if it isn\'t high enough already...).  Anybody who uses this site for an \"encounter\" are seriously breaking the marriage vows and a commandment or two... lying and cheating are no way to preserve a family.  Even if the site is anonymous, getting caught is enivitable...\r\n\r\nI realize, however, that nobody is forced to join such a site or even visit... but I am a bit disheartened to be told that there are 3.6 million members of the site.  Not only that they have a large membership, but that there is an actual market for this type of behavior... and a site like this fosters and facilitaes it... shame on them.','A thought on \"Ashley Madison...\"',0,'','publish','open','open','','a-thought-on-ashley-madison','','','2009-04-23 13:30:06','2009-04-23 17:30:06','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=324',0,'post','',0),(325,1,'2009-04-23 13:29:25','2009-04-23 17:29:25','There is a site called, Ashley Madison (http://www.ashleymadison.com), that I have heard ads for on my morning radio station, Rock 100.5.  This site is controvertial because it is a \"dating site\" for people who are already in relationships.  Isn\'t this sort of a contridiction?  In other words, they are facilitating cheaters.\n\nCheating isn\'t necessarily about the sex act, but about the breach of trust that a couple has.  Cheating doesn\'t even have to be sex.  It could be an anything intimate, such as dinner or any other \"couple activity.\"\n\nThe CEO of Ashley Madison defended his site by saying that it is \"preserving families.\"  In the short term, possibly, but in the long term, I seriously doubt that this kind of site will do anything but cause the divorce rate to increase (as if it isn\'t high enough already...).  Anybody who uses this site for an \"encounter\" are seriously breaking the marriage vows and a commandment or two... lying and cheating are no way to preserve a family.  Even if the site is anonymous, getting caught is enivitable...\n\nI realize, however, that nobody is forced to join such a site or even visit... but I am a bit disheartened to be told that there are 3.6 million members of the site.  Not only that they have a large membership, but that there is an actual market for this type of behavior... and a site like this fosters and facilitaes it... shame on them.','A thought on \"Ashley Madison...\"',0,'','inherit','open','open','','324-revision','','','2009-04-23 13:29:25','2009-04-23 17:29:25','',324,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=325',0,'revision','',0),(326,1,'2009-04-28 17:31:37','2009-04-28 21:31:37','I rarely give out my cell number to non-friends or non-family members... recently, I gave it out when looking at a car... Palmer Dodge, Roswell, GA and Milton Martin Honda, Gainesville, GA.   However, only Palmer Dodge put it on a form... I recently tweeted about this:\r\n\r\n\"getting tired of spam calls to my cell phone... 626-207-9106, 818-870-8118, 909-759-9107, 404-537-0445... never answer these. google them.\"\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=626-207-9106\" target=\"_blank\">626-207-9106</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=818-870-8118\" target=\"_blank\">818-870-8118</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=909-759-9107\" target=\"_blank\">909-759-9107</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=404-537-0445\" target=\"_self\">404-537-0445</a>\r\n\r\nThese are all spam/telemarketer calls.  Fortunately, I do not answer calls on my cell phone that I don\'t know... And of course, I don\'t do this on my landline, either.  I am on the Do Not Call List on my landline phone, but I still get tons of calls (I guess people looking for donations?) but I expect that as my number is public... but my cell phone number is private and it\'s getting hammered by telemarketer calls... I have one message for telemarketers... \"Leave me alone.  Ok, thanks.\"','Telemarketers calling my cell???',0,'','publish','open','open','','telemarketers-calling-my-cell','','','2009-04-28 17:31:37','2009-04-28 21:31:37','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=326',0,'post','',0),(327,1,'2009-04-28 17:31:08','2009-04-28 21:31:08','I rarely give out my cell number to non-friends or non-family members... recently, I gave it out when looking at a car... Palmer Dodge, Roswell, GA and Milton Martin Honda, Gainesville, GA.   However, only Palmer Dodge put it on a form... I recently tweeted about this:\n\n\"getting tired of spam calls to my cell phone... 626-207-9106, 818-870-8118, 909-759-9107, 404-537-0445... never answer these. google them.\"\n\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=626-207-9106\" target=\"_blank\">626-207-9106</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=818-870-8118\" target=\"_blank\">818-870-8118</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=909-759-9107\" target=\"_blank\">909-759-9107</a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.callercomplaints.com/SearchResult.aspx?Phone=404-537-0445\" target=\"_self\">404-537-0445</a>\n\nThese are all spam/telemarketer calls.  Fortunately, I do not answer calls on my cell phone that I don\'t know... And of course, I don\'t do this on my landline, either.  I am on the Do Not Call List on my landline phone, but I still get tons of calls (I guess people looking for donations?) but I expect that as my number is public... but my cell phone number is private and it\'s getting hammered by telemarketer calls... I have one message','Telemarketers calling my cell???',0,'','inherit','open','open','','326-revision','','','2009-04-28 17:31:08','2009-04-28 21:31:08','',326,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=327',0,'revision','',0),(328,1,'2009-05-22 16:33:33','2009-05-22 20:33:33','As I come into work each day and see the empty office floors that once were full of life and activity, now sit silent.  I thought that these floors were getting renovation.  But, sadly, no, they were cleaned out and a \"office space for lease\" sign sits in front of the building.  BofA leasing out space that once were full of bank employees.  I know that the bank was to layoff around 35k employees as the ecomony sinks or recovers (depends on one\'s perspectives).  Since the part of the company that I work in, is in healthcare, I did not even know what the people on these floors did.  Layoffs here where I work were limited to a few but it is sad that some of coworkers lost their jobs.  I may be critical of a few select coworkers from time to time, I don\'t want to see any of them (or myself) lose their (or my) job.\r\n\r\nI am sure those who lost their jobs are a result of the two biggest recent acquisitions by the bank: Countrywide and Merrill Lynch.  Mergers and aquistions always present overlap and redundancies and there are always layoffs... I guess a necessary evil of \"doing business.\"  I am thankful that I am still employed as the alternative would be devistating...\r\n\r\nThe third floor (the floor I work on) seems to be the only floor outside of the ground floor that has anybody on it.  Sad.\r\n\r\nI look at the second and fourth floors and see vast emptiness... in hopes that one day they are full of people working to make the bank a better more profitable company.','Bank of America layoffs hit close to home...',0,'','publish','open','open','','bank-of-america-layoffs-hit-close-to-home','','','2009-05-22 16:42:47','2009-05-22 20:42:47','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=328',0,'post','',0),(329,1,'2009-05-22 16:33:12','2009-05-22 20:33:12','','Bank of America layoffs hit close to home...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','328-revision','','','2009-05-22 16:33:12','2009-05-22 20:33:12','',328,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=329',0,'revision','',0),(330,1,'2009-05-22 16:39:36','2009-05-22 20:39:36','I have changed my web hosting company to a new company called, <a href=\"http://www.neosurge.com\" target=\"_blank\">NeoSurge Hosting</a>.   I found them on <a href=\"http://twitter.com\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>... sometimes putting out a post with the right hashtag is a good thing...\r\n\r\nSo here is a little shout out to NeoSurge and their technical support who worked with me for almost a week trying to get my domain transferred and renewed.  Excellent job, guys!\r\n\r\nI leave my old host at <a href=\"http://www.twistedtechologies.com\" target=\"_blank\">Twisted Technologies</a>, which is bitter-sweet because I have tremendous respect for their hosting and for my former instructor at Ameritrain, Mark.  I just found a better deal for me and I went for it.','Quick note on my new host...',0,'','publish','open','open','','quick-note-on-my-new-host','','','2009-05-22 16:39:36','2009-05-22 20:39:36','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=330',0,'post','',0),(331,1,'2009-05-22 16:38:51','2009-05-22 20:38:51','I have changed my web hosting company to a new company called, NeoSurge Hosting.   I found them on <a href=\"http://twitter.com\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter</a>... sometimes putting out a post with the right hashtag is a good thing...\n\nSo here is a little shout out to NeoSurge and their technical support who worked with me for almost a week trying to get my domain transferred and renewed.  Excellent job, guys!\n\nI leave my old host at <a href=\"http://www.twistedtechologies.com\" target=\"_blank\">Twisted Technologies</a>, which is bitter-sweet because I have tremendous respect for their hosting and for my former instructor at Ameritrain, Mark.  I just found a better deal for me and I went for it.','Quick note on my new host...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','330-revision','','','2009-05-22 16:38:51','2009-05-22 20:38:51','',330,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=331',0,'revision','',0),(332,1,'2009-05-22 16:33:33','2009-05-22 20:33:33','As I come into work each day and see the empty office floors that once were full of life and activity, now sit silent.  I thought that these floors were getting renovation.  But, sadly, no, they were cleaned out and a \"office space for lease\" sign sits in front of the building.  BofA leasing out space that once were full of bank employees.  I know that the bank was to layoff around 35k employees as the ecomony sinks or recovers (depends on one\'s perspectives).  Since the part of the company is in healthcare, I did not even know what the people on these floors did.  Layoffs here where I work were limited to a few but it is sad that some of coworkers lost their jobs.  I may be critical of a few select coworkers from time to time, I don\'t want to see any of them (or myself) lose their (or my) job.\r\n\r\nI am sure those who lost their jobs are a result of the two biggest recent acquisitions by the bank: Countrywide and Merrill Lynch.  Mergers and aquistions always present overlap and redundancies and there are always layoffs... I guess a necessary evil of \"doing business.\"  I am thankful that I am still employed as the alternative would be devistating...\r\n\r\nThe third floor (the floor I work on) seems to be the only floor outside of the ground floor that has anybody on it.  Sad.\r\n\r\nI look at the second and fourth floors and see vast emptiness... in hopes that one day they are full of people working to make the bank a better more profitable company.','Bank of America layoffs hit close to home...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','328-revision-2','','','2009-05-22 16:33:33','2009-05-22 20:33:33','',328,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=332',0,'revision','',0),(333,1,'2009-05-27 10:58:57','2009-05-27 14:58:57','As of Sunday, May 24, 2009, I am engaged to my wondeful girlfriend, Dana... It was part of a \"magical\" weekend in Mentone, AL.  We took the weekend trip there because I had always wanted to take a girlfriend there and she was my girlfriend and it is the one year anniversary of becoming an official couple.  It was already special, but getting engaged made it even more special.\r\n\r\nSo, at DeSoto Falls (Mentone, AL), the day unfolds like this...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-335\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_053.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\r\n\r\nDana... before the ring...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-334\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_054-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\r\n\r\nMe... not quite engaged...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-336\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_057.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" /></p>\r\n\r\nDeSoto Falls (where the magic happened...)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-337\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_064.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\r\n\r\nThe rock... of course, she said \"yes.\"\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-338\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_067.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\r\n\r\nShowing off the ring... the happy couple...\r\n\r\nNow, we are engaged and the wedding planning begins... we are actually hoping to get married during the Memorial Day weekend next year... that woud bring everything full circle...','Getting Engaged (the story)...',0,'','publish','open','open','','getting-engaged-the-story','','','2009-05-27 11:00:39','2009-05-27 15:00:39','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=333',0,'post','',2),(334,1,'2009-05-27 10:47:15','2009-05-27 14:47:15','','mentonetrip2009_054-640x480',0,'','inherit','open','open','','mentonetrip2009_054-640x480','','','2009-05-27 10:47:15','2009-05-27 14:47:15','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_054-640x480.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(335,1,'2009-05-27 10:48:52','2009-05-27 14:48:52','','mentonetrip2009_053',0,'','inherit','open','open','','mentonetrip2009_053','','','2009-05-27 10:48:52','2009-05-27 14:48:52','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_053.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(336,1,'2009-05-27 10:54:05','2009-05-27 14:54:05','','mentonetrip2009_057',0,'','inherit','open','open','','mentonetrip2009_057','','','2009-05-27 10:54:05','2009-05-27 14:54:05','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_057.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(337,1,'2009-05-27 10:54:17','2009-05-27 14:54:17','','mentonetrip2009_064',0,'','inherit','open','open','','mentonetrip2009_064','','','2009-05-27 10:54:17','2009-05-27 14:54:17','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_064.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(338,1,'2009-05-27 10:54:29','2009-05-27 14:54:29','','mentonetrip2009_067',0,'','inherit','open','open','','mentonetrip2009_067','','','2009-05-27 10:54:29','2009-05-27 14:54:29','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_067.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(339,1,'2009-05-27 10:58:35','2009-05-27 14:58:35','As of Sunday, May 24, 2009, I am engaged to my wondeful girlfriend, Dana... It was part of a \"magical\" weekend in Mentone, AL.  We took the weekend trip there because I had always wanted to take a girlfriend there and she was my girlfriend and it is the one year anniversary of becoming an official couple.  It was already special, but getting engaged made it even more special.\n\nSo, at DeSoto Falls (Mentone, AL), the day unfolds like this...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-335\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_053.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\n\nDana... before the ring...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-334\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_054-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\n\nMe... not quite engaged...\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-336\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_057.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" />\n\nDeSoto Falls (where the magic happened...)\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-337\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_064.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\n\nThe rock... of course, she said \"yes.\"\n\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-338\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_067.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\n\nShowing off the ring... the happy couple...\n\nNow, we are engaged and the wedding planning begins... we are actually hoping to get married during the Memorial Day weekend next','Getting Engaged (the story)...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','333-revision','','','2009-05-27 10:58:35','2009-05-27 14:58:35','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=339',0,'revision','',0),(340,1,'2009-05-27 10:58:57','2009-05-27 14:58:57','As of Sunday, May 24, 2009, I am engaged to my wondeful girlfriend, Dana... It was part of a \"magical\" weekend in Mentone, AL.  We took the weekend trip there because I had always wanted to take a girlfriend there and she was my girlfriend and it is the one year anniversary of becoming an official couple.  It was already special, but getting engaged made it even more special.\r\n\r\nSo, at DeSoto Falls (Mentone, AL), the day unfolds like this...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-335\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_053.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n\r\nDana... before the ring...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-334\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_054-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n\r\nMe... not quite engaged...\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-336\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_057.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" />\r\n\r\nDeSoto Falls (where the magic happened...)\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-337\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_064.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n\r\nThe rock... of course, she said \"yes.\"\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-338\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_067.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />\r\n\r\nShowing off the ring... the happy couple...\r\n\r\nNow, we are engaged and the wedding planning begins... we are actually hoping to get married during the Memorial Day weekend next year... that woud bring everything full circle...','Getting Engaged (the story)...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','333-revision-2','','','2009-05-27 10:58:57','2009-05-27 14:58:57','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=340',0,'revision','',0),(341,1,'2009-06-05 10:19:13','2009-06-05 14:19:13','Dodge Vipers are so very awesome...','viper',0,'Viper at the gym','inherit','open','open','','viper','','','2009-06-05 10:19:13','2009-06-05 14:19:13','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/viper.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(342,1,'2009-06-05 10:19:15','2009-06-05 14:19:15','','bad_driving_001',0,'Tucker drivers','inherit','open','open','','bad_driving_001','','','2009-06-05 10:19:15','2009-06-05 14:19:15','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_001.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(343,1,'2009-06-05 10:19:18','2009-06-05 14:19:18','','bad_driving_002',0,'Sandy Springs Driver','inherit','open','open','','bad_driving_002','','','2009-06-05 10:19:18','2009-06-05 14:19:18','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_002.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(344,1,'2009-06-05 10:19:20','2009-06-05 14:19:20','','chik_fil_a_parking',0,'Great Parking job...','inherit','open','open','','chik_fil_a_parking','','','2009-06-05 10:19:20','2009-06-05 14:19:20','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chik_fil_a_parking.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(345,1,'2009-06-05 10:26:30','2009-06-05 14:26:30','[caption id=\"attachment_341\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Viper at the gym\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-341\" title=\"viper\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/viper-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Viper at the gym\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI parked behind a Dodge Viper at the gym this week... so very cool!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_344\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Great Parking job...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-344\" title=\"chik_fil_a_parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chik_fil_a_parking-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Great Parking job...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nOut of the window at a Chic-Fil-A while at lunch... I was so impressed with this parking job :)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_342\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tucker drivers\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-342\" title=\"bad_driving_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Tucker drivers\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis genius was trying to turn right from the left-hand lane... that just doesn\'t work very well and the drivers in the righ-hand lane didn\'t allow this driver to turn.  Good for them!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_343\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sandy Springs Driver\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-343\" title=\"bad_driving_002\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Sandy Springs Driver\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis driver didn\'t like being in the right-hand lane of two-lane left turns... I really didn\'t understand why this driver changed lanes while we are all stopped especially when both lanes make a left-hand turn onto 400... but I guess they got what they wanted...','More various pics...',0,'','publish','open','open','','more-various-pics','','','2009-06-05 10:26:30','2009-06-05 14:26:30','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=345',0,'post','',0),(346,1,'2009-06-05 10:24:45','2009-06-05 14:24:45','[caption id=\"attachment_341\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Viper at the gym\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-341\" title=\"viper\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/viper-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Viper at the gym\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nI parked behind a Dodge Viper at the gym this week... so very cool!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_344\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Great Parking job...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-344\" title=\"chik_fil_a_parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chik_fil_a_parking-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Great Parking job...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nOut of the window at a Chic-Fil-A while at lunch... I was so impressed with this parking job :)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_342\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tucker drivers\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-342\" title=\"bad_driving_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Tucker drivers\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nThis genius was trying to turn right from the left-hand lane... that just doesn\'t work very well and the drivers in the righ-hand lane didn\'t allow this driver to turn.  Good for them!\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_343\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sandy Springs Driver\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-343\" title=\"bad_driving_002\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Sandy Springs Driver\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\n\nThis driver didn\'t like being in the right-hand lane of two-lane left turns... I really didn\'t understand why this driver changed','More various pics...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','345-revision','','','2009-06-05 10:24:45','2009-06-05 14:24:45','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=346',0,'revision','',0),(347,1,'2009-06-05 10:25:42','2009-06-05 14:25:42','[caption id=\"attachment_341\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Viper at the gym\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-341\" title=\"viper\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/viper-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Viper at the gym\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI parked behind a Dodge Viper at the gym this week... so very cool!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_344\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Great Parking job...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-344\" title=\"chik_fil_a_parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chik_fil_a_parking-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Great Parking job...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nOut of the window at a Chic-Fil-A while at lunch... I was so impressed with this parking job :)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_342\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tucker drivers\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-342\" title=\"bad_driving_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Tucker drivers\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis genius was trying to turn right from the left-hand lane... that just doesn\'t work very well and the drivers in the righ-hand lane didn\'t allow this driver to turn.  Good for them!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_343\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sandy Springs Driver\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-343\" title=\"bad_driving_002\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Sandy Springs Driver\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis driver didn\'t like being in the right-hand lane of two-lane left turns... I really didn\'t understand why this driver changed lanes while we are all stopped especially when both lanes make a left-hand turn onto 400... but I guess they got what they wanted...','More various pics...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','345-revision-2','','','2009-06-05 10:25:42','2009-06-05 14:25:42','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=347',0,'revision','',0),(348,1,'2009-06-05 10:25:46','2009-06-05 14:25:46','[caption id=\"attachment_341\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Viper at the gym\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-341\" title=\"viper\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/viper-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Viper at the gym\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI parked behind a Dodge Viper at the gym this week... so very cool!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_344\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Great Parking job...\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-344\" title=\"chik_fil_a_parking\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/chik_fil_a_parking-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Great Parking job...\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nOut of the window at a Chic-Fil-A while at lunch... I was so impressed with this parking job :)\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_342\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Tucker drivers\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-342\" title=\"bad_driving_001\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_001-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Tucker drivers\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis genius was trying to turn right from the left-hand lane... that just doesn\'t work very well and the drivers in the righ-hand lane didn\'t allow this driver to turn.  Good for them!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_343\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" caption=\"Sandy Springs Driver\"]<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-343\" title=\"bad_driving_002\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bad_driving_002-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Sandy Springs Driver\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis driver didn\'t like being in the right-hand lane of two-lane left turns... I really didn\'t understand why this driver changed lanes while we are all stopped especially when both lanes make a left-hand turn onto 400... but I guess they got what they wanted...','More various pics...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','345-revision-3','','','2009-06-05 10:25:46','2009-06-05 14:25:46','',345,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=348',0,'revision','',0),(349,1,'2009-07-08 13:47:54','2009-07-08 17:47:54','After reading about the new Google Chrome OS (this is basically a internet-only OS... geared around using the net on so-called \"netbooks.\"), I began to wonder while eating my quesadillas... \"do we depend too much on the internet?\"\r\n\r\nHow internet-centric is our lives?  For all things entertainment and now work?   Social networking and news?\r\n\r\nI am guilty of enjoying my social networking sites (Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, digg, gdgt among others) because it keeps me in touch with people that I know or have known in the past and even people I don\'t know...\r\n\r\nWe find out news from Twitter, Digg, and Facebook... but hardly ever from the sources (you know, CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC including the local affiliates).\r\n\r\nI really embrace \"new media\" such as video sharing sites and podcasts (netcasts) and video podcasts (\"internet tv\") but these only compliment \"traditional media\" and don\'t know why there are so many \"new vs traditional\" media battles... these should compliment each other and also should embrace each other.\r\n\r\nI suppose if my livelihood was based on the internet, I might have a different view.  I am thinking about re-evaluating my dependence on the internet.   My use of the internet has fallen since meeting my then girlfriend (now fiancee).   Maybe I am paranoid, but there seems to be a push for the internet to become the center of our lives and not just the tool that it actually is...\r\n\r\nOh, and don\'t get me started on Google... I will leave that to a future blog post.','Life on the Internet?',0,'','publish','open','open','','life-on-the-internet','','','2009-07-08 13:47:54','2009-07-08 17:47:54','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=349',0,'post','',0),(350,1,'2009-07-08 13:47:42','2009-07-08 17:47:42','After reading about the new Google Chrome OS (this is basically a internet-only OS... geared around using the net on so-called \"netbooks.\"), I began to wonder while eating my quesadillas... \"do we depend too much on the internet?\"\n\nHow internet-centric is our lives?  For all things entertainment and now work?   Social networking and news?\n\nI am guilty of enjoying my social networking sites (Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, digg, gdgt among others) because it keeps me in touch with people that I know or have known in the past and even people I don\'t know...\n\nWe find out news from Twitter, Digg, and Facebook... but hardly ever from the sources (you know, CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC including the local affiliates).\n\nI really embrace \"new media\" such as video sharing sites and podcasts (netcasts) and video podcasts (\"internet tv\") but these only compliment \"traditional media\" and don\'t know why there are so many \"new vs traditional\" media battles... these should compliment each other and also should embrace each other.\n\nI suppose if my livelihood was based on the internet, I might have a different view.  I am thinking about re-evaluating my dependence on the internet.   My use of the internet has fallen since meeting my then girlfriend (now fiancee).   Maybe I am paranoid, but there seems to be a push for the internet to become the center of our lives and not just the tool that it actually is...\n\nOh, and don\'t get me started on Google... I will leave that to a future blog post.','Life on the Internet?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','349-revision','','','2009-07-08 13:47:42','2009-07-08 17:47:42','',349,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=350',0,'revision','',0),(354,1,'2009-07-15 09:41:45','2009-07-15 13:41:45','I have had 6 trips to Huntsville in the past 9 weeks since Mother\'s Day in May... plus 2 weddings, a baseball game (in a 3-day strech), a trip to Cartersville (and Adairsville to Barnsley Gardens) on another weekend, and a trip to Mentone over Memorial Day weekend (where I got engaged).  This is a very busy and tiring nine week strech...\n\nAfter the trip this past weekend, I felt \"beaten, broken, and tired.\"  So much so, that I had to take a sick day on Monday because I think I made myself sick... I just need to rest (the second straight Monday I have done so).  I have taken time off of the gym to rest.  I got some rest on my sick day but not as much as I need... so this weekend, there will be a bit of rest but so much to do at home, probably not as much as I would like.\n\nThe trip home on Sunday was almost entirely in the rain... much of it heavy.  It really started to wear on me.  Seemed like I was never  going to get home.  And then, on GA 9 (North Main Street in Alpharetta), I had just passed a car and got back in the right-hand lane when I noticed a truck in the left lane facing me with a turning signal on... as if the driver thought they were in a turning lane... but it wasn\'t.  Another time, I really feel like God was protecting me.   This is the third time I have felt this way.\n\n[The first time, I was like 19 or 20 in my old Ford truck... sitting at the red light to exit my (then) neighborhood in Huntsville... as the light turned green, I hit the gas but the truck stalled... as I started the truck, a vehicle ran the red light right in front of my eyes...\n\nThe second time was when I did wreck my truck, but the car swerved just in time to not hit me directly in the driver\'s side door... though the truck was totalled, I was only in shock.  Not hurt.  Not even a scratch.  But if the other vehicle hadn\'t have swerved in time, I would have been crushed.  (By the way, another car that ran a red light... this time, the truck didn\'t stall but got hit...).\n\nMaybe I have nine lives like a cat... I am on my fourth now... only five more to go ;)]\n\nAfter I got home, I didn\'t bother to unpack the truck and just got inside and got a hug from my fiancee and just wanted to sink into the couch... after doing some thinking, I feel like God saved me because it is my purpose to marry Dana... to be her partner for life... and that\'s exactly what we are going to be doing next May... :)','Beaten, Broken, and Tired...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','353-revision','','','2009-07-15 09:41:45','2009-07-15 13:41:45','',353,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=354',0,'revision','',0),(358,1,'2009-07-22 11:43:00','2009-07-22 15:43:00','Wow... it\'s about time for the month stretch where I will be going to 4 concerts at 4 different venues in the metro... I am ready for some live music...\r\n\r\n<strong>7/27 - Tool at Gwinnett Arena. </strong> This will be my first time to see them live.  I am not a huge Tool fan but I do enjoy all of their music... so, I am finally getting a chance to see them.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUXBCdt5IPg\r\n\r\n<strong>7/28 - Progressive Nation 2009 at The Tabernacle. </strong> This will be my 6th time to see Dream Theater and my first for the rest of the bill.  None of the bands do I already listen to.  That includes Zappa.  Maybe I will come out with a new band to listen to.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W70LZxzp2js\r\n\r\n<strong>8/15 - Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park. </strong>So very excited for this one... Sir Paul!  I am taking Dana to this show that will be possibly my favorite show ever... (currently, that is Pink Floyd\'s last tour).  I have had other chances to see Sir Paul (couldn\'t afford tickets), but I was not going to miss this one.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCwQiIqWpRY\r\n\r\n<strong>8/29 - Crue Fest 2 at Lakewood. </strong> Dana is a big Crue fan (maybe a bigger fan of Mr. Sixx than the Crue), so I decided that we would go to this show as well.  I am a Motley fan from the 80\'s as most are... is really hard to believe that Dr. Feelgood has been around 20 years...\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asYKHetZFds\r\n\r\nSo, yeah, gonna be an awesome stretch of shows... :)','It\'s concert season!',0,'','publish','open','open','','its-concert-season','','','2009-08-21 11:09:08','2009-08-21 15:09:08','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=358',0,'post','',0),(359,1,'2009-07-22 11:42:24','2009-07-22 15:42:24','Wow... it\'s about time for the month stretch where I will be going to 4 concerts at 4 different venues in the metro... I am ready for some live music...\n\n<strong>7/27 - Tool at Gwinnett Arena. </strong> This will be my first time to see them live.  I am not a huge Tool fan but I do enjoy all of their music... so, I am finally getting a chance to see them.\n\n<strong>7/28 - Progressive Nation 2009 at The Tabernacle. </strong> This will be my 6th time to see Dream Theater and my first for the rest of the bill.  None of the bands do I already listen to.  That includes Zappa.  Maybe I will come out with a new band to listen to.\n\n<strong>8/15 - Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park. </strong>So very excited for this one... Sir Paul!  I am taking Dana to this show that will be possibly my favorite show ever... (currently, that is Pink Floyd\'s last tour).  I have had other chances to see Sir Paul (couldn\'t afford tickets), but I was not going to miss this one.\n\n<strong>8/29 - Crue Fest 2 at Lakewood. </strong> Dana is a big Crue fan (maybe a bigger fan of Mr. Sixx than the Crue), so I decided that we would go to this show as well.  I am a Motley fan from the 80\'s as most are... is really hard to believe that Dr. Feelgood has been around 20 years...','It\'s concert season!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','358-revision','','','2009-07-22 11:42:24','2009-07-22 15:42:24','',358,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=359',0,'revision','',0),(353,1,'2009-07-15 09:41:53','2009-07-15 13:41:53','I have had 6 trips to Huntsville in the past 9 weeks since Mother\'s Day in May... plus 2 weddings, a baseball game (in a 3-day stretch), a trip to Cartersville (and Adairsville to Barnsley Gardens) on another weekend, and a trip to Mentone over Memorial Day weekend (where I got engaged).  This is a very busy and tiring nine week stretch...\r\n\r\nAfter the trip this past weekend, I felt \"beaten, broken, and tired.\"  So much so, that I had to take a sick day on Monday because I think I made myself sick... I just need to rest (the second straight Monday I have done so).  I have taken time off of the gym to rest.  I got some rest on my sick day but not as much as I need... so this weekend, there will be a bit of rest but so much to do at home, probably not as much as I would like.\r\n\r\nThe trip home on Sunday was almost entirely in the rain... much of it heavy.  It really started to wear on me.  Seemed like I was never  going to get home.  And then, on GA 9 (North Main Street in Alpharetta), I had just passed a car and got back in the right-hand lane when I noticed a truck in the left lane facing me with a turning signal on... as if the driver thought they were in a turning lane... but it wasn\'t.  Another time, I really feel like God was protecting me.   This is the third time I have felt this way.\r\n\r\n[The first time, I was like 19 or 20 in my old Ford truck... sitting at the red light to exit my (then) neighborhood in Huntsville... as the light turned green, I hit the gas but the truck stalled... as I started the truck, a vehicle ran the red light right in front of my eyes...\r\n\r\nThe second time was when I did wreck my truck, but the car swerved just in time to not hit me directly in the driver\'s side door... though the truck was totalled, I was only in shock.  Not hurt.  Not even a scratch.  But if the other vehicle hadn\'t have swerved in time, I would have been crushed.  (By the way, another car that ran a red light... this time, the truck didn\'t stall but got hit...).\r\n\r\nMaybe I have nine lives like a cat... I am on my fourth now... only five more to go ;)]\r\n\r\nAfter I got home, I didn\'t bother to unpack the truck and just got inside and got a hug from my fiancee and just wanted to sink into the couch... after doing some thinking, I feel like God saved me because it is my purpose to marry Dana... to be her partner for life... and that\'s exactly what we are going to be doing next May... :)','Beaten, Broken, and Tired...',0,'','publish','open','open','','beaten-broken-and-tired','','','2009-07-15 09:41:53','2009-07-15 13:41:53','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=353',0,'post','',0),(360,1,'2009-07-22 11:51:03','2009-07-22 15:51:03','Wow... it\'s about time for the month stretch where I will be going to 4 concerts at 4 different venues in the metro... I am ready for some live music...\n\n<strong>7/27 - Tool at Gwinnett Arena. </strong> This will be my first time to see them live.  I am not a huge Tool fan but I do enjoy all of their music... so, I am finally getting a chance to see them.\n\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUXBCdt5IPg\n\n<strong>7/28 - Progressive Nation 2009 at The Tabernacle. </strong> This will be my 6th time to see Dream Theater and my first for the rest of the bill.  None of the bands do I already listen to.  That includes Zappa.  Maybe I will come out with a new band to listen to.\n\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W70LZxzp2js\n\n<strong>8/15 - Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park. </strong>So very excited for this one... Sir Paul!  I am taking Dana to this show that will be possibly my favorite show ever... (currently, that is Pink Floyd\'s last tour).  I have had other chances to see Sir Paul (couldn\'t afford tickets), but I was not going to miss this one.\n\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCwQiIqWpRY\n\n<strong>8/29 - Crue Fest 2 at Lakewood. </strong> Dana is a big Crue fan (maybe a bigger fan of Mr. Sixx than the Crue), so I decided that we would go to this show as well.  I am a Motley fan from the 80\'s as most are... is really hard to believe that Dr. Feelgood has been around 20 years...\n\nhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asYKHetZFds\n\nSo, yeah, gonna be an awesome stretch of shows... :)','It\'s concert season!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','358-autosave','','','2009-07-22 11:51:03','2009-07-22 15:51:03','',358,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=360',0,'revision','',0),(361,1,'2009-07-22 11:43:00','2009-07-22 15:43:00','Wow... it\'s about time for the month stretch where I will be going to 4 concerts at 4 different venues in the metro... I am ready for some live music...\r\n\r\n<strong>7/27 - Tool at Gwinnett Arena. </strong> This will be my first time to see them live.  I am not a huge Tool fan but I do enjoy all of their music... so, I am finally getting a chance to see them.\r\n\r\n<strong>7/28 - Progressive Nation 2009 at The Tabernacle. </strong> This will be my 6th time to see Dream Theater and my first for the rest of the bill.  None of the bands do I already listen to.  That includes Zappa.  Maybe I will come out with a new band to listen to.\r\n\r\n<strong>8/15 - Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park. </strong>So very excited for this one... Sir Paul!  I am taking Dana to this show that will be possibly my favorite show ever... (currently, that is Pink Floyd\'s last tour).  I have had other chances to see Sir Paul (couldn\'t afford tickets), but I was not going to miss this one.\r\n\r\n<strong>8/29 - Crue Fest 2 at Lakewood. </strong> Dana is a big Crue fan (maybe a bigger fan of Mr. Sixx than the Crue), so I decided that we would go to this show as well.  I am a Motley fan from the 80\'s as most are... is really hard to believe that Dr. Feelgood has been around 20 years...\r\n\r\nSo, yeah, gonna be an awesome stretch of shows... :)','It\'s concert season!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','358-revision-2','','','2009-07-22 11:43:00','2009-07-22 15:43:00','',358,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=361',0,'revision','',0),(362,1,'2009-07-23 10:36:22','2009-07-23 14:36:22','<strong>I would rather wait on quality than have an instant \"piece of crap.\"</strong> Boy, that is a bold statement, so made it <strong>boldface</strong>.\r\n\r\nI rarely buy music from iTunes, except in the case of needing individual songs or for buying \'a la carte.\'   I sometimes rent movies from iTunes when it\'s a movie that I don\'t know if I will like it, but certainly not for the quality.  It is convenient for TV shows that I may have missed and won\'t necessarily be connected to the internet when I am ready to watch.  This is where sites like Hulu fail.  I can\'t take Hulu shows with me (legally), so I buy from iTunes.\r\n\r\nFor movies that I want to own, it\'s Blu-ray.  I barely watch anything that is standard-definition.  That includes off of my satellite dish.  I look though the HD channels first and then the standard channels when browsing what\'s on.  Oh, and Blu-ray is gorgeous.  Even better than satellite delivered HD.  Looks better and sounds better.  Digital downloads cannot match the bit-rate that only Blu-ray can deliver.  I don\'t want something that is \"good enough\" but something \"exceptional.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>EDIT: </strong>Most recent example of this is \"<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Earth-Complete-BBC-DVD/dp/B000MRAAJW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;s=dvd&amp;qid=1248359551&amp;sr=8-3\" target=\"_blank\">Planet Earth</a>\" on HD-DVD (yes, HD-DVD, not Blu-ray)... amazing visuals that could not be even reproduced on Discovery HD Theater... but can be on physical media...\r\n\r\nFor music, can\'t buy digital downloads that include a printable cd-booklet nor the same sound quality of a CD.  Most are mid-quality MP3.  Maybe if we could be the CD tracks as they are on the CD\'s and can make a real CD and get the booklets and covers, so I could re-create the CD with a little computer time... or else, I could just hop down to Best Buy or onto Amazon.com and purchase the original CD.\r\n\r\nIn addition to not wanting crappy digital downloads or digital downloads that are missing part of the entire experience... physical media are the ultimate back-up copies.  No matter if all of my hard-drives fail, I still have every bit of my music and movies... So, there is a bit of <em>security</em> in purchasing physical media.\r\n\r\nSo, there they are... my arguments.  Maybe somebody said the same thing about Polaroid instant cameras... they would rather wait for a quality print than an inferior instant picture...  until we got to digital cameras that are of equal quality of their \"analog\" predecessors.  Perhaps, in 10 years, the quality of downloads will be equal to the quality of their predecessors... and I\'ll change my tune.','Why I still buy physical media...',0,'','publish','open','open','','why-i-still-buy-physical-media','','','2009-07-23 10:36:22','2009-07-23 14:36:22','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=362',0,'post','',0),(363,1,'2009-07-22 13:02:45','2009-07-22 17:02:45','<strong>I would rather wait on quality than have an instant \"piece of crap.\"</strong> Boy, that is a bold statement, so made it <strong>boldface</strong>.\n\nI rarely buy music from iTunes, except in the case of needing individual songs or for buying \'a la carte.\'   I sometimes rent movies from iTunes when it\'s a movie that I don\'t know if I will like it, but certainly not for the quality.  It is convenient for TV shows that I may have missed and won\'t necessarily be connected to the internet when I am ready to watch.  This is where sites like Hulu fail.  I can\'t take Hulu shows with me (legally), so I buy from iTunes.\n\nFor movies that I want to own, it\'s Blu-ray.  I barely watch anything that is standard-definition.  That includes off of my satellite dish.  I look though the HD channels first and then the standard channels when browsing what\'s on.  Oh, and Blu-ray is gorgeous.  Even better than satellite delivered HD.  Looks better and sounds better.  Digital downloads cannot match the bit-rate that only Blu-ray can deliver.  I don\'t want something that is \"good enough\" but something \"exceptional.\"\n\nFor music, can\'t buy digital downloads that include a printable cd-booklet nor the same sound quality of a CD.  Most are mid-quality MP3.  Maybe if we could be the CD tracks as they are on the CD\'s and can make a real CD and get the booklets and covers, so I could re-create the CD with a little computer time... or else, I could just hop down to Best Buy or onto Amazon.com and purchase the original CD.\n\nIn addition to not wanting crappy digital downloads or digital downloads that are missing part of the entire experience... physical media are the ultimate back-up copies.  No matter if all of my hard-drives fail, I still have every bit of my music and movies... So, there is a bit of security in purchasing physical media.\n\nSo, there they are... my arguments.  Maybe somebody said the same thing about Polaroid instant cameras... they would rather wait for a quality print than an inferior instant picture...  until we got to digital cameras that are of equal quality of their','Why I still buy physical media...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','362-revision','','','2009-07-22 13:02:45','2009-07-22 17:02:45','',362,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=363',0,'revision','',0),(364,1,'2009-07-22 13:03:45','2009-07-22 17:03:45','<strong>I would rather wait on quality than have an instant \"piece of crap.\"</strong> Boy, that is a bold statement, so made it <strong>boldface</strong>.\n\nI rarely buy music from iTunes, except in the case of needing individual songs or for buying \'a la carte.\'   I sometimes rent movies from iTunes when it\'s a movie that I don\'t know if I will like it, but certainly not for the quality.  It is convenient for TV shows that I may have missed and won\'t necessarily be connected to the internet when I am ready to watch.  This is where sites like Hulu fail.  I can\'t take Hulu shows with me (legally), so I buy from iTunes.\n\nFor movies that I want to own, it\'s Blu-ray.  I barely watch anything that is standard-definition.  That includes off of my satellite dish.  I look though the HD channels first and then the standard channels when browsing what\'s on.  Oh, and Blu-ray is gorgeous.  Even better than satellite delivered HD.  Looks better and sounds better.  Digital downloads cannot match the bit-rate that only Blu-ray can deliver.  I don\'t want something that is \"good enough\" but something \"exceptional.\"\n\nFor music, can\'t buy digital downloads that include a printable cd-booklet nor the same sound quality of a CD.  Most are mid-quality MP3.  Maybe if we could be the CD tracks as they are on the CD\'s and can make a real CD and get the booklets and covers, so I could re-create the CD with a little computer time... or else, I could just hop down to Best Buy or onto Amazon.com and purchase the original CD.\n\nIn addition to not wanting crappy digital downloads or digital downloads that are missing part of the entire experience... physical media are the ultimate back-up copies.  No matter if all of my hard-drives fail, I still have every bit of my music and movies... So, there is a bit of security in purchasing physical media.\n\nSo, there they are... my arguments.  Maybe somebody said the same thing about Polaroid instant cameras... they would rather wait for a quality print than an inferior instant picture...  until we got to digital cameras that are of equal quality of their \"analog\" predecessors.  Perhaps, in 10 years, the quality of downloads will be equal to the quality of their predecessors... and I\'ll change my tuen.','Why I still buy physical media...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-2','','','2009-07-22 13:03:45','2009-07-22 17:03:45','',362,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=364',0,'revision','',0),(365,1,'2009-07-23 10:34:41','2009-07-23 14:34:41','<strong>I would rather wait on quality than have an instant \"piece of crap.\"</strong> Boy, that is a bold statement, so made it <strong>boldface</strong>.\n\nI rarely buy music from iTunes, except in the case of needing individual songs or for buying \'a la carte.\'   I sometimes rent movies from iTunes when it\'s a movie that I don\'t know if I will like it, but certainly not for the quality.  It is convenient for TV shows that I may have missed and won\'t necessarily be connected to the internet when I am ready to watch.  This is where sites like Hulu fail.  I can\'t take Hulu shows with me (legally), so I buy from iTunes.\n\nFor movies that I want to own, it\'s Blu-ray.  I barely watch anything that is standard-definition.  That includes off of my satellite dish.  I look though the HD channels first and then the standard channels when browsing what\'s on.  Oh, and Blu-ray is gorgeous.  Even better than satellite delivered HD.  Looks better and sounds better.  Digital downloads cannot match the bit-rate that only Blu-ray can deliver.  I don\'t want something that is \"good enough\" but something \"exceptional.\"\n\n<strong>EDIT: </strong>Most recent example of this is \"<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Earth-Complete-BBC-DVD/dp/B000MRAAJW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;s=dvd&amp;qid=1248359551&amp;sr=8-3\" target=\"_blank\">Planet Earth</a>\" on HD-DVD (yes, HD-DVD, not Blu-ray)... amazing visuals that could not be even reproduced on Discovery HD Theater... but can be on physical media...\n\nFor music, can\'t buy digital downloads that include a printable cd-booklet nor the same sound quality of a CD.  Most are mid-quality MP3.  Maybe if we could be the CD tracks as they are on the CD\'s and can make a real CD and get the booklets and covers, so I could re-create the CD with a little computer time... or else, I could just hop down to Best Buy or onto Amazon.com and purchase the original CD.\n\nIn addition to not wanting crappy digital downloads or digital downloads that are missing part of the entire experience... physical media are the ultimate back-up copies.  No matter if all of my hard-drives fail, I still have every bit of my music and movies... So, there is a bit of <em>security</em> in purchasing physical media.\n\nSo, there they are... my arguments.  Maybe somebody said the same thing about Polaroid instant cameras... they would rather wait for a quality print than an inferior instant picture...  until we got to digital cameras that are of equal quality of their \"analog\" predecessors.  Perhaps, in 10 years, the quality of downloads will be equal to the quality of their predecessors... and I\'ll change my tune.','Why I still buy physical media...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','362-revision-3','','','2009-07-23 10:34:41','2009-07-23 14:34:41','',362,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=365',0,'revision','',0),(366,1,'2009-07-24 17:47:05','2009-07-24 21:47:05','I do not want all of my data in this mythical cloud... I don\'t care who own the cloud.   I might be the only one who will want everything out of the cloud.    The cloud (aka the internet) is a good way to share content but not to keep it there as permanent storage.  I use the internet to share <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">pictures and movies</a> and even <a href=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blog\" target=\"_self\">thoughts</a> but there is no way that I want anybody other than me in control of my data.  Perhaps, for online back-up?   Nobody offers 300GB of storage and to upload that much data though even a good broadband connection would take days...\r\n\r\nI indulge in using the internet for communication.   I use it for \"social networking.\"   I use it for research.  But all of these things are not things that have to be stored locally or in the cloud.\r\n\r\nFunny that at one time, computers were all \"client-server.\"  The computer that one would use were just dumb terminals.  Everything was stored on a server (some sort of mainframe) and then computers became personal (Apple II and IBM PC)... and people kept everything on diskettes which have evolved into large hard disks and optical media.  And now, people in the tech community say that everything will end up on the cloud and we only need these machines (like so-called \'netbooks\") that have limited local functionality but full cloud functionality.  I say, \"thanks, but no thanks.\"  Try editing HD video in the cloud... so laughable.\r\n\r\nI am going to end up one of the old-farts who refuses to change with the times, but at least I will have full control of my own data...','I don\'t care for the cloud...',0,'','publish','open','open','','i-dont-care-for-the-cloud','','','2009-07-24 17:47:05','2009-07-24 21:47:05','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=366',0,'post','',0),(367,1,'2009-07-24 17:46:39','2009-07-24 21:46:39','I do not want all of my data in this mythical cloud... I don\'t care who own the cloud.   I might be the only one who will want everything out of the cloud.    The cloud (aka the internet) is a good way to share content but not to keep it there as permanent storage.  I use the internet to share <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">pictures and movies</a> and even <a href=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blog\" target=\"_self\">thoughts</a> but there is no way that I want anybody other than me in control of my data.  Perhaps, for online back-up?   Nobody offers 300GB of storage and to upload that much data though even a good broadband connection would take days...\n\nI indulge in using the internet for communication.   I use it for \"social networking.\"   I use it for research.  But all of these things are not things that have to be stored locally or in the cloud.\n\nFunny that at one time, computers were all \"client-server.\"  The computer that one would use were just dumb terminals.  Everything was stored on a server (some sort of mainframe) and then computers became personal (Apple II and IBM PC)... and people kept everything on diskettes which have evolved into large hard disks and optical media.  And now, people in the tech community say that everything will end up on the cloud and we only need these machines (like so-called \'netbooks\") that have limited local functionality but full cloud functionality.  I say, \"thanks, but no thanks.\"  Try editing HD video in the cloud... so laughable.\n\nI am going to end up one of the old-farts who refuses to chan','I don\'t care for the cloud...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','366-revision','','','2009-07-24 17:46:39','2009-07-24 21:46:39','',366,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=367',0,'revision','',0),(368,1,'2009-07-29 10:50:21','2009-07-29 14:50:21','So, after I left the Progressive Nation 2009 show last night and got on the MARTA train NORTHBOUND, I heard the nice voice come over the speaker say \"This train is bound for North Springs Station.\"  Well, hot damn, that doesn\'t happen often to get a North Springs train at 5 points that late at night...\r\n\r\nWell, as it turns out, the train LIED to me.  It was actually bound for Doraville... I only realized this after noticing the train stopped at the Lenox station... Of course, I (i was reading the booklet inside the new CD I purchased... CD\'s are awesome, btw) wasn\'t paying much attention to this until it dawned on me that Lenox is on the NE bound train to Doraville... and I missed getting off, so I had to stay on until the Brookhaven station (I was not the only one, thank God...).\r\n\r\nGetting off at Brookhaven to go back south to the Lindbergh station where I can catch a North Springs bound train... About 10 minutes later, the train arrived and 20 minutes later, I was on a North Springs bound train... so, all-in-all, thanks MARTA for wasting 30 minutes of my time.  No, I didn\'t need to sleep...\r\n\r\nI will say that... I have ridden the MARTA enough to know that, to that point, there are no North Springs bound trains that run out of 5 points... Every train is Doraville bound and one has to get off at Lindbergh and wait for a North Springs bound train... I allowed myself to be fooled by the nice voice on the train that kept reassuring me that it was \"North Springs bound.\"   So, was it my fault or was it MARTA\'s?\r\n\r\nI was upset, but what could I do but get back to Lindbergh and then to North Springs as best I could... getting pissed off would have not changed the fact that I wound up on a train going somewhere I didn\'t want to go... So, lesson learned.  I did get home and I did get sleep and I did make it to work (albeit, a little late)... Life goes on.','Thanks, MARTA... for nothing!',0,'','publish','open','open','','thanks-marta-for-nothing','','','2009-07-29 10:50:21','2009-07-29 14:50:21','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=368',0,'post','',0),(369,1,'2009-07-29 10:49:54','2009-07-29 14:49:54','So, after I left the Progressive Nation 2009 show last night and got on the MARTA train NORTHBOUND, I heard the nice voice come over the speaker say \"This train is bound for North Springs Station.\"  Well, hot damn, that doesn\'t happen often to get a North Springs train at 5 points that late at night...\n\nWell, as it turns out, the train LIED to me.  It was actually bound for Doraville... I only realized this after noticing the train stopped at the Lenox station... Of course, I (i was reading the booklet inside the new CD I purchased... CD\'s are awesome, btw) wasn\'t paying much attention to this until it dawned on me that Lenox is on the NE bound train to Doraville... and I missed getting off, so I had to stay on until the Brookhaven station (I was not the only one, thank God...).\n\nGetting off at Brookhaven to go back south to the Lindbergh station where I can catch a North Springs bound train... About 10 minutes later, the train arrived and 20 minutes later, I was on a North Springs bound train... so, all-in-all, thanks MARTA for wasting 30 minutes of my time.  No, I didn\'t need to sleep...\n\nI will say that... I have ridden the MARTA enough to know that, to that point, there are no North Springs bound trains that run out of 5 points... Every train is Doraville bound and one has to get off at Lindbergh and wait for a North Springs bound train... I allowed myself to be fooled by the nice voice on the train that kept reassuring me that it was \"North Springs bound.\"   So, was it my fault or was it MARTA\'s?\n\nI was upset, but what could I do but get back to Lindbergh and then to North Springs as best I could... getting pissed off would have not changed the fact that I wound up on a train going somewhere I didn\'t want to go... So, lesson learned.  I did get home and I did get sleep and I did make it to work (albeit, a little','Thanks, MARTA... for nothing!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','368-revision','','','2009-07-29 10:49:54','2009-07-29 14:49:54','',368,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=369',0,'revision','',0),(370,1,'2009-07-30 10:52:43','2009-07-30 14:52:43','I should preface this with: \"I am not a hardcore Tool fan.\"  I am a casual fan who wanted to see the band in concert... I have all of their cd\'s save for the EP and the live disc... so, here we go:\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Before the show...\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Pre-show\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_001.jpg\" alt=\"Before the show...\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis was my first Tool show and hopefully, it is not an idication of how they all are.  At least, when it comes to Maynard.  The atmosphere was right and the lighting/video/laser show was pretty nice (though, I\'d argue Roger Waters last tour was better...).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Nice laser show\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Lasers\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_002.jpg\" alt=\"Nice laser show\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe band was tight and from my vantage point (in secion 216), I could see Danny clearly and he is the fastest drummer I have ever seen live... Do I like him better than say, Mike Portnoy, no, but I have much more respect for him now than I did before.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Sweet light and video show\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Lights!\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_003.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet light and video show\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Here is the setlist:</strong>\r\nJambi\r\nStinkfist\r\n46 &amp; 2\r\nSchism\r\nLost Keys *new audio*\r\nRosetta Stoned\r\nFlood\r\nAenema\r\nLateralus\r\nVicarious\r\n\r\nI am a big fan of the \"heavier\" Tool material like what is on Undertow and even 10,000 Days... so, Flood was a treat. Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned is my favorites on 10,000 Days, so sweet... I really did enjoy the setlist.  (I understand from reading the <a href=\"http://toolnavy.com/showthread.php?t=114075\" target=\"_blank\">Tool Navy</a> site that the setlist hasn\'t changed much for a while... so, for people who continually see them, it might get old.   For me, it was fine...)\r\n\r\nMaynard, however, didn\'t really seem to be in the show, but at the show.  The vocals were too muffled into the music (not his fualt) but he sat behind some speakers behind his riser (which was right next to the drum riser) during just about all instramental parts and then at the end of the show, left before the last song was done.  He didn\'t come back and left the remaining three members to wave to the fans... Maybe he was pissed or not feeling well, but he is a PROFESSIONAL, he should have at least came out for one bow and then leave.  Throw the crowd a bone, please.\r\n\r\nThe accoustics at the venue, Gwinnett Arena, may be at fault for the muffled vocals.  The instraments were loud and clear most of the time.  This was only my second time at Gwinnett Arean (The original Gigantour was the first...)... and I don\'t remember the accoustics of that show.\r\n\r\nSo, in the end... yes, I am glad that I got to see Tool live but came away a bit disappointed in the accoustics, Maynard\'s non-pressence, and relatively high ticket price... I don\'t have any complaints about the crowd or the setlist (maybe because I was in a section of nice people...).\r\n\r\nTune in tomorrow for my review of the Progressive Nation 2009 show... (HINT: It is going to be a glowing review.)','My Tool Concert Review (Arena at Gwinnet Center)',0,'','publish','open','open','','my-tool-concert-review','','','2009-07-30 15:45:45','2009-07-30 19:45:45','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=370',0,'post','',0),(371,1,'2009-07-30 10:52:17','2009-07-30 14:52:17','I should preface this with: \"I am not a hardcore Tool fan.\"  I am a casual fan who wanted to see the band in concert... I have all of their cd\'s save for the EP and the live disc... so, here we go:\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Before the show...\"]<img title=\"Pre-show\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_001.jpg\" alt=\"Before the show...\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\n\nThis was my first Tool show and hopefully, it is not an idication of how they all are.  At least, when it comes to Maynard.  The atmosphere was right and the lighting/video/laser show was pretty nice (though, I\'d argue Roger Waters last tour was better...).\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Nice laser show\"]<img title=\"Lasers\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_002.jpg\" alt=\"Nice laser show\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\n\nThe band was tight and from my vantage point (in secion 216), I could see Danny clearly and he is the fastest drummer I have ever seen live... Do I like him better than say, Mike Portnoy, no, but I have much more respect for him now than I did before.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Sweet light and video show\"]<img title=\"Lights!\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_003.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet light and video show\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\n\n<strong>Here is the setlist:</strong>\nJambi\nStinkfist\n46 &amp; 2\nSchism\nLost Keys *new audio*\nRosetta Stoned\nFlood\nAenema\nLateralus\nVicarious\n\nI am a big fan of the \"heavier\" Tool material like what is on Undertow and even 10,000 Days... so, Flood was a treat. Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned is my favorites on 10,000 Days, so sweet... I really did enjoy the setlist.  (I understand from reading the Tool Navy site that the setlist hasn\'t changed much for a while... so, for people who continually see them, it might get old.   For me, it was fine...)\n\nMaynard, however, didn\'t really seem to be in the show, but at the show.  The vocals were too muffled into the music (not his fualt) but he sat behind some speakers behind his riser (which was right next to the drum riser) during just about all instramental parts and then at the end of the show, left before the last song was done.  He didn\'t come back and left the remaining three members to wave to the fans... Maybe he was pissed or not feeling well, but he is a PROFESSIONAL, he should have at least came out for one bow and then leave.  Throw the crowd a bone, please.\n\nThe accoustics at the venue, Gwinnett Arena, may be at fault for the muffled vocals.  The instraments were loud and clear most of the time.  This was only my second time at Gwinnett Arean (The original Gigantour was the first...)... and I don\'t remember the accoustics of that show.\n\nSo, in the end... yes, I am glad that I got to see Tool live but came away a bit disappointed in the accoustics, Maynard\'s non-pressence, and relatively high ticket price... I don\'t have any complaints about the crowd or the setlist (maybe because I was in a section of nice people...).\n\nTune in tomorrow for my review of the Progressive Nation 2009 show... (HINT: It is going to be a glowing review.)','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','370-revision','','','2009-07-30 10:52:17','2009-07-30 14:52:17','',370,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=371',0,'revision','',0),(372,1,'2009-07-30 10:52:43','2009-07-30 14:52:43','I should preface this with: \"I am not a hardcore Tool fan.\"  I am a casual fan who wanted to see the band in concert... I have all of their cd\'s save for the EP and the live disc... so, here we go:\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Before the show...\"]<img title=\"Pre-show\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_001.jpg\" alt=\"Before the show...\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis was my first Tool show and hopefully, it is not an idication of how they all are.  At least, when it comes to Maynard.  The atmosphere was right and the lighting/video/laser show was pretty nice (though, I\'d argue Roger Waters last tour was better...).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Nice laser show\"]<img title=\"Lasers\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_002.jpg\" alt=\"Nice laser show\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe band was tight and from my vantage point (in secion 216), I could see Danny clearly and he is the fastest drummer I have ever seen live... Do I like him better than say, Mike Portnoy, no, but I have much more respect for him now than I did before.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Sweet light and video show\"]<img title=\"Lights!\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_003.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet light and video show\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Here is the setlist:</strong>\r\nJambi\r\nStinkfist\r\n46 &amp; 2\r\nSchism\r\nLost Keys *new audio*\r\nRosetta Stoned\r\nFlood\r\nAenema\r\nLateralus\r\nVicarious\r\n\r\nI am a big fan of the \"heavier\" Tool material like what is on Undertow and even 10,000 Days... so, Flood was a treat. Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned is my favorites on 10,000 Days, so sweet... I really did enjoy the setlist.  (I understand from reading the Tool Navy site that the setlist hasn\'t changed much for a while... so, for people who continually see them, it might get old.   For me, it was fine...)\r\n\r\nMaynard, however, didn\'t really seem to be in the show, but at the show.  The vocals were too muffled into the music (not his fualt) but he sat behind some speakers behind his riser (which was right next to the drum riser) during just about all instramental parts and then at the end of the show, left before the last song was done.  He didn\'t come back and left the remaining three members to wave to the fans... Maybe he was pissed or not feeling well, but he is a PROFESSIONAL, he should have at least came out for one bow and then leave.  Throw the crowd a bone, please.\r\n\r\nThe accoustics at the venue, Gwinnett Arena, may be at fault for the muffled vocals.  The instraments were loud and clear most of the time.  This was only my second time at Gwinnett Arean (The original Gigantour was the first...)... and I don\'t remember the accoustics of that show.\r\n\r\nSo, in the end... yes, I am glad that I got to see Tool live but came away a bit disappointed in the accoustics, Maynard\'s non-pressence, and relatively high ticket price... I don\'t have any complaints about the crowd or the setlist (maybe because I was in a section of nice people...).\r\n\r\nTune in tomorrow for my review of the Progressive Nation 2009 show... (HINT: It is going to be a glowing review.)','My Tool Concert Review',0,'','inherit','open','open','','370-revision-2','','','2009-07-30 10:52:43','2009-07-30 14:52:43','',370,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=372',0,'revision','',0),(373,1,'2009-07-31 07:28:39','2009-07-31 11:28:39','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed <a href=\"http://www.scalethesummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Scale the Summit</a>, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/scalethesummit\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  They are an instrumental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see <a href=\"http://www.bigelf.com/\" target=\"_blank\">BigElf</a>.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/bigelf\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen,<a href=\"http://www.zappaplayszappa.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Zappa Plays Zappa</a>.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.  Check out their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/zappaplayszappa\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... <a href=\"http://www.dreamtheater.net\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a>... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a> [MySpace link] really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings called, \"<strong>A Nightmare to Remember</strong>.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"<strong>Prophets of War</strong>\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"<strong>Sacrificed Sons</strong>\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"<strong>A Rite of Passage</strong>\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an interesting instrumental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrument.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"<strong>The Dance of Eternity</strong>\" and \"<strong>One Last Time</strong>\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release] was a real treat for me.  \"<strong>Take the Time</strong>\" from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of \"<strong>Solitary Shell</strong>\" was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with \"<strong>The Count of Tuscany</strong>\" (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','My Progressive Nation 2009 Review (Tabernacle, Atlanta)',0,'','publish','open','open','','my-progressive-nation-2009-review-tabernacle-atlanta','','','2009-07-31 07:44:47','2009-07-31 11:44:47','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=373',0,'post','',2),(374,1,'2009-07-30 15:38:29','2009-07-30 19:38:29','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\n\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:\n\n1) A Nightmare To Remember\n2) Prophets Of War\n3) Sacrificed Sons\n4) A Rite Of Passage\n5) The Dance Of Eternity\n6) One Last Time\n7) Solitary Shell [extended]\n8) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\n----------\n9) The Count Of Tuscany\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\nI have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision','','','2009-07-30 15:38:29','2009-07-30 19:38:29','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=374',0,'revision','',0),(375,1,'2009-07-30 15:40:42','2009-07-30 19:40:42','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:\r\n\r\n1) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2) Prophets Of War\r\n3) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6) One Last Time\r\n7) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\nI have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-2','','','2009-07-30 15:40:42','2009-07-30 19:40:42','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=375',0,'revision','',0),(376,1,'2009-07-30 15:40:46','2009-07-30 19:40:46','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2) Prophets Of War\r\n3) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6) One Last Time\r\n7) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-3','','','2009-07-30 15:40:46','2009-07-30 19:40:46','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=376',0,'revision','',0),(377,1,'2009-07-30 15:41:34','2009-07-30 19:41:34','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-4','','','2009-07-30 15:41:34','2009-07-30 19:41:34','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=377',0,'revision','',0),(378,1,'2009-07-30 15:41:38','2009-07-30 19:41:38','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-5','','','2009-07-30 15:41:38','2009-07-30 19:41:38','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=378',0,'revision','',0),(379,1,'2009-07-30 15:44:14','2009-07-30 19:44:14','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-6','','','2009-07-30 15:44:14','2009-07-30 19:44:14','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=379',0,'revision','',0),(380,1,'2009-07-30 10:53:31','2009-07-30 14:53:31','I should preface this with: \"I am not a hardcore Tool fan.\"  I am a casual fan who wanted to see the band in concert... I have all of their cd\'s save for the EP and the live disc... so, here we go:\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Before the show...\"]<img title=\"Pre-show\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_001.jpg\" alt=\"Before the show...\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThis was my first Tool show and hopefully, it is not an idication of how they all are.  At least, when it comes to Maynard.  The atmosphere was right and the lighting/video/laser show was pretty nice (though, I\'d argue Roger Waters last tour was better...).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Nice laser show\"]<img title=\"Lasers\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_002.jpg\" alt=\"Nice laser show\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe band was tight and from my vantage point (in secion 216), I could see Danny clearly and he is the fastest drummer I have ever seen live... Do I like him better than say, Mike Portnoy, no, but I have much more respect for him now than I did before.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"640\" caption=\"Sweet light and video show\"]<img title=\"Lights!\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/Tool_003.jpg\" alt=\"Sweet light and video show\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Here is the setlist:</strong>\r\nJambi\r\nStinkfist\r\n46 &amp; 2\r\nSchism\r\nLost Keys *new audio*\r\nRosetta Stoned\r\nFlood\r\nAenema\r\nLateralus\r\nVicarious\r\n\r\nI am a big fan of the \"heavier\" Tool material like what is on Undertow and even 10,000 Days... so, Flood was a treat. Lost Keys/Rosetta Stoned is my favorites on 10,000 Days, so sweet... I really did enjoy the setlist.  (I understand from reading the <a href=\"http://toolnavy.com/showthread.php?t=114075\" target=\"_blank\">Tool Navy</a> site that the setlist hasn\'t changed much for a while... so, for people who continually see them, it might get old.   For me, it was fine...)\r\n\r\nMaynard, however, didn\'t really seem to be in the show, but at the show.  The vocals were too muffled into the music (not his fualt) but he sat behind some speakers behind his riser (which was right next to the drum riser) during just about all instramental parts and then at the end of the show, left before the last song was done.  He didn\'t come back and left the remaining three members to wave to the fans... Maybe he was pissed or not feeling well, but he is a PROFESSIONAL, he should have at least came out for one bow and then leave.  Throw the crowd a bone, please.\r\n\r\nThe accoustics at the venue, Gwinnett Arena, may be at fault for the muffled vocals.  The instraments were loud and clear most of the time.  This was only my second time at Gwinnett Arean (The original Gigantour was the first...)... and I don\'t remember the accoustics of that show.\r\n\r\nSo, in the end... yes, I am glad that I got to see Tool live but came away a bit disappointed in the accoustics, Maynard\'s non-pressence, and relatively high ticket price... I don\'t have any complaints about the crowd or the setlist (maybe because I was in a section of nice people...).\r\n\r\nTune in tomorrow for my review of the Progressive Nation 2009 show... (HINT: It is going to be a glowing review.)','My Tool Concert Review',0,'','inherit','open','open','','370-revision-3','','','2009-07-30 10:53:31','2009-07-30 14:53:31','',370,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=380',0,'revision','',0),(381,1,'2009-07-30 15:44:19','2009-07-30 19:44:19','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-7','','','2009-07-30 15:44:19','2009-07-30 19:44:19','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=381',0,'revision','',0),(382,1,'2009-07-31 07:42:53','2009-07-31 11:42:53','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\n\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed <a href=\"http://www.scalethesummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Scale the Summit</a>, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/scalethesummit\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  They are an instrumental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\nI did get there in time to see <a href=\"http://www.bigelf.com/\" target=\"_blank\">BigElf</a>.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/bigelf\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\nThen,<a href=\"http://www.zappaplayszappa.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Zappa Plays Zappa</a>.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.  Check out their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/zappaplayszappa\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... <a href=\"http://www.dreamtheater.net\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a>... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\n\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\n2.) Prophets Of War\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\n6.) One Last Time\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\n----------\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a> [MySpace link] really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings called, \"<strong>A Nightmare to Remember</strong>.\"</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"<strong>Prophets of War</strong>\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"<strong>Sacrificed Sons</strong>\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"<strong>A Rite of Passage</strong>\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an interesting instrumental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrument.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"<strong>The Dance of Eternity</strong>\" and \"<strong>One Last Time</strong>\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  \"<strong>Take the Time</strong>\" from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of \"<strong>Solitary Shell</strong>\" was nothing short of amazing.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\n\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','My Progressive Nation 2009 Review (Tabernacle, Atlanta)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-autosave','','','2009-07-31 07:42:53','2009-07-31 11:42:53','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=382',0,'revision','',0),(383,1,'2009-07-31 07:28:39','2009-07-31 11:28:39','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed Scale the Summit, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their MySpace page.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see BigElf.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their MySpace page.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, Zappa Plays Zappa.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... Dream Theater... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  Dream Theater really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','My Progressive Nation 2009 Review (Tabernacle, Atlanta)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-8','','','2009-07-31 07:28:39','2009-07-31 11:28:39','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=383',0,'revision','',0),(384,1,'2009-07-31 07:37:27','2009-07-31 11:37:27','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed <a href=\"http://www.scalethesummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Scale the Summit</a>, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/scalethesummit\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  They are an instramental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see <a href=\"http://www.bigelf.com/\" target=\"_blank\">BigElf</a>.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/bigelf\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen,<a href=\"http://www.zappaplayszappa.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Zappa Plays Zappa</a>.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.  Check out their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/zappaplayszappa\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... <a href=\"http://www.dreamtheater.net\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a>... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a> [MySpace link] really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"Prophets of War\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"Sacrificed Sons\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"A Rite of Passage\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an intersting intramental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrament.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"The Dance of Eternity\" and \"One Last Time\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  Take the Time from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of Solitary Shell was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with The Count of Tuscany (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','My Progressive Nation 2009 Review (Tabernacle, Atlanta)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-9','','','2009-07-31 07:37:27','2009-07-31 11:37:27','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=384',0,'revision','',0),(385,1,'2009-07-31 07:43:29','2009-07-31 11:43:29','I should start off by saying that I went because I am a big fan (probably a notch below \"hardcore\") of the headliner, Dream Theater... so maybe, this will seem somewhat \"fanboyish.\"\r\n\r\nShow starts at 6:00PM, so I was late due to having this silly thing called \"a job\" that I had to do during the day.  I missed <a href=\"http://www.scalethesummit.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Scale the Summit</a>, but I heard some pretty cool stuff on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/scalethesummit\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  They are an instrumental band, so I could listen to them, but only a bit at a time.  I love instramentals, but vocals are nice, too. ;)  So, I can\'t review their set.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Scale The Summit\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_001.jpg\" alt=\"Taken between sets.  Missed the set.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nI did get there in time to see <a href=\"http://www.bigelf.com/\" target=\"_blank\">BigElf</a>.  They are an interesting band.  In some ways, they felt like a heavy version of a Pink Floyd, at least the keys very Floyd like.  I enjoyed their set.  The songs they played (none of which I remember their names) were better than what I had heard on their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/bigelf\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.  I will have to give them a second look when I have time to visit their MySpace page and listen.  Perhaps, I will be buying one of their cd\'s in the future....\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"BigElf on stage\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"BigElf\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_002.jpg\" alt=\"BigElf on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen,<a href=\"http://www.zappaplayszappa.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Zappa Plays Zappa</a>.  Interesting concept.  Dweezil is a very talented guitarist and there are still legions of Frank Zappa fans.  I, however, never listened to his music before this show.  I did enjoy the set.  I might end up checking out some of Zappa\'s music.  The band he brought into back him was amazingly talented... just as talented as Dweezil, himself.  They are great to watch, Zappa fan or not.  Check out their <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/zappaplayszappa\" target=\"_blank\">MySpace page</a>.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\"]<img title=\"Zappa Plays Zappa\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_003.jpg\" alt=\"Zappa Plays Zappa on stage\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally... the main event... the 800lb gorilla in the room... <a href=\"http://www.dreamtheater.net\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a>... let\'s start with the setlist:</p>\r\n\r\n1.) A Nightmare To Remember\r\n2.) Prophets Of War\r\n3.) Sacrificed Sons\r\n4.) A Rite Of Passage\r\n5.) The Dance Of Eternity\r\n6.) One Last Time\r\n7.) Solitary Shell [extended]\r\n8.) Take The Time [the end was extended, too]\r\n----------\r\n9.) The Count Of Tuscany\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"A Nightmare to Remember - DT\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_004.jpg\" alt=\"DT on stage... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">All I can saw is \"WOW.\"  <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/dreamtheater\" target=\"_blank\">Dream Theater</a> [MySpace link] really wowed me for having such a short set (around 1 hour 45 minutes).  The show started with a song on their latest release, Black Clouds &amp; Silver Linings called, \"<strong>A Nightmare to Remember</strong>.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"DT .. more rom ANTR\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_005.jpg\" alt=\"Still ... A Nightmare to Remember\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">They played songs from almost all of their studio releases.  \"<strong>Prophets of War</strong>\" is not my favorite DT song, in fact, one of my least favorites, but was actally pretty cool live.  \"<strong>Sacrificed Sons</strong>\" is really cool song that has a very mellow opening but finishes pretty heavy.  \"<strong>A Rite of Passage</strong>\" is their first single from BC&amp;SL and a heavy song with an interesting instrumental section featuring a section using the iPhone as an instrument.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seeing \"<strong>The Dance of Eternity</strong>\" and \"<strong>One Last Time</strong>\" from Metropolis Part 2: Scenes from a Memory [still my favorite DT release].  \"<strong>Take the Time</strong>\" from Images &amp; Words is a fan favorite and awesome song... the extended version of \"<strong>Solitary Shell</strong>\" was nothing short of amazing.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Jordan on the &#39;keytar&#39;\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Soliatry Shell (Extended)\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_006.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan on the keytar\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">DT really does amazing extended versions... and to end it with \"<strong>The Count of Tuscany</strong>\" (from BC&amp;SL) was a great way to end it.  That song has a great ending to it and makes a great encore song.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"James singing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_007.jpg\" alt=\"James sining the end of The Count of Tuscany\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I have to give the setlist a 9.5/10.  I am just not a big fan of \"Prophets of War\" but I only knocked .5 off because POW was okay live... The rest of the setlist was amazing to me.  Just when you think they can\'t top themselves... they do!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Mike Portnoy\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_008.jpg\" alt=\"Mike Portnoy acknowledging the crowd.... \" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"576\" caption=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"Bowing\" src=\"http://www.mmolenda.com/blogpix/PN09_009.jpg\" alt=\"Take a bow, guys... job well done.\" width=\"576\" height=\"432\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>NOTE: </strong>These shots were taken with my cell phone, so not good quality... security didn\'t seem to mind cameras as I saw plenty of people with them... oh, well... I won\'t be making money off of these shots...','My Progressive Nation 2009 Review (Tabernacle, Atlanta)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','373-revision-10','','','2009-07-31 07:43:29','2009-07-31 11:43:29','',373,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=385',0,'revision','',0),(386,1,'2009-08-04 14:11:15','2009-08-04 18:11:15','I suppose that almost everybody that Dana and I know  have been told the entire story... but I didn\'t really write about it... so, here it is... \"<strong>the rest of the story</strong>.\"  (<a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=333\" target=\"_blank\">the original post is here</a>.)\r\n\r\nWe arrived in Mentone on a Saturday morning... the entire weekend seemed to be a rain-fest.  That just would not suffice!  We had previously decided to see the town on Saturday afternoon and then go to the falls on Sunday (so, the ring was there but not on her hand!)\r\n\r\n[I had the ring for a week in my laptop backpack.  Both my Mom and my neice, Amber, had seen it the weekend before while we were visiting Huntsville... Dana was there but had no idea... I am so sneaky!]\r\n\r\nSo, for a day and a night, I had a lot of anxiety about what I was about to do.  I did enjoy the weekend, but I knew the reason that we were there had not been revealed to Dana, yet.  And after waking up to rain on Sunday morning, I was getting really bummed out because my whole plan... my whole vision was proposing by the falls (I had never been there nor did I even look at them on the internet prior to the trip... trying to be spontaneous.).  We ate breakfast and even watched a little t.v. that morning as the rain came down.  Normally, rain is very calming, but I was so ready to get down on my knee... but I would have to wait.\r\n\r\nIt eventually let up and quit around lunch time.  We had decided to head out to the falls and then to the park for a picnic lunch.  (and after finding a brochure for Sequoyah Caverns at the cabin... we had decided to check them out...)  We got to the falls and they were beautiful.  Almost the very picturesque setting that I had in mind.  [I had envisioned a picnic lunch there, but the picnic area is in the park.]  I brought my entire camera bag though I had no plans to use both cameras... the ring was in the bag.  [I told you, \"sneaky.\" Also, a bit protective.  I would not let Dana hold the bag as she might look inside and see what I came there to give her.]\r\n\r\nWe viewed the upper falls and then descended down the steps to view the lower falls... I took some pictures and waited for the other couple to go back up the steps so that we would be alone at the lower falls.  I got the ring out of the bag and put it behind my back.  I started a small conversation with Dana and then I got down on one knee and I presented Dana the ring and uttered words I thought I might ever say to any woman... \"will you marry me?\"  Of course, she said \"yes.\"  Not only that, but that she\'d \"marry me a million times.\"  And then and there, at DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL, we were officially engaged.\r\n\r\nThe rest of the trip went well... visiting <a href=\"http://www.sequoyahcaverns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sequoyah Caverns</a> and driving down to Ft. Payne for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays... I tried to make the proposal as romantic and memorable as possible... and the fact that Dana still talks about it, I believe that succeeded.\r\n\r\nThere you have it... the rest of the story.  Hope that you enjoyed it and made you smile.  I know that I smiled while writing it.\r\n\r\nCheck out the <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100116\" target=\"_self\">picture gallery</a> from the Mentone trip on my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>.','Getting Engaged (the rest of the story)',0,'','publish','open','open','','getting-engaged-the-rest-of-the-story','','','2009-08-04 14:13:20','2009-08-04 18:13:20','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=386',0,'post','',1),(387,1,'2009-08-04 13:50:44','2009-08-04 17:50:44','I suppose that almost everybody that Dana and I know  have been told the entire story... but I didn\'t really write about it... so, here it is... \"<strong>the rest of the story</strong>.\"  (the original post is here.)','Getting Engaged (the rest of the story)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','386-revision','','','2009-08-04 13:50:44','2009-08-04 17:50:44','',386,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=387',0,'revision','',0),(388,1,'2009-08-04 14:07:54','2009-08-04 18:07:54','I suppose that almost everybody that Dana and I know  have been told the entire story... but I didn\'t really write about it... so, here it is... \"<strong>the rest of the story</strong>.\"  (<a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=333\" target=\"_blank\">the original post is here</a>.)\n\nWe arrived in Mentone on a Saturday morning... the entire weekend seemed to be a rainfest.  That just would not suffice!  We had previously decided to see the town on Saturday afternoon and then go to the falls on Sunday (so, the ring was there but not on her hand!)\n\n[I had the ring for a week in my laptop backpack.  Both my Mom and my neice, Amber, had seen it the weekend before while we were visiting Huntsville... Dana was there but had no idea... I am so sneaky!]\n\nSo, for a day and a night, I had a lot of anxiety about what I was about to do.  I did enjoy the weekend, but I knew the reason that we were there had not been revealed to Dana, yet.  And after waking up to rain on Sunday morning, I was getting really bummed out because my whole plan... my whole vision was proposing by the falls (I had never been there nor did I even look at them on the internet prior to the trip... trying to be spontaneous.).  We ate breakfast and even watched a little t.v. that morning as the rain came down.  Normally, rain is very calming, but I was so ready to get down on my knee... but I would have to wait.\n\nIt eventually let up and quit around lunch time.  We had decided to head out to the falls and then to the park for a picnic lunch.  (and after finding a brochure for Sequoyah Caverns at the cabin... we had decided to check them out...)  We got to the falls and they were beautiful.  Almost the very picturesque setting that I had in mind.  [I had envisioned a picnic lunch there, but the picnic area is in the park.]  I brought my entire camera bag though I had no plans to use both cameras... the ring was in the bag.  [I told you, \"sneaky.\" Also, a bit protective.  I would not let Dana hold the bag as she might look inside and see what I came there to give her.]\n\nWe viewed the upper falls and then descended down the steps to view the lower falls... I took some pictures and waited for the other couple to go back up the steps so that we would be alone at the lower falls.  I got the ring out of the bag and put it behind my back.  I started a small conversation with Dana and then I got down on one knee and I presented Dana the ring and uttered words I thought I might ever say to any woman... \"will you marry me?\"  Of course, she said \"yes.\"  Not only that, but that she\'s \"marry me a million times.\"  And then and there, at DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL, we were officially engaged.\n\nThe rest of the trip went well... visiting <a href=\"http://www.sequoyahcaverns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sequoyah Caverns</a> and driving down to Ft. Payne for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays... I tried to make the proposal as romantic and memorable as possible... and the fact that Dana still talks about it, I believe that succeeded.\n\nThere you have it... the rest of the story.  Hope that you enjoyed it and made you smile.  I know that I smiled while writing it.','Getting Engaged (the rest of the story)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','386-revision-2','','','2009-08-04 14:07:54','2009-08-04 18:07:54','',386,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=388',0,'revision','',0),(389,1,'2009-08-04 14:11:11','2009-08-04 18:11:11','I suppose that almost everybody that Dana and I know  have been told the entire story... but I didn\'t really write about it... so, here it is... \"<strong>the rest of the story</strong>.\"  (<a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=333\" target=\"_blank\">the original post is here</a>.)\n\nWe arrived in Mentone on a Saturday morning... the entire weekend seemed to be a rain-fest.  That just would not suffice!  We had previously decided to see the town on Saturday afternoon and then go to the falls on Sunday (so, the ring was there but not on her hand!)\n\n[I had the ring for a week in my laptop backpack.  Both my Mom and my neice, Amber, had seen it the weekend before while we were visiting Huntsville... Dana was there but had no idea... I am so sneaky!]\n\nSo, for a day and a night, I had a lot of anxiety about what I was about to do.  I did enjoy the weekend, but I knew the reason that we were there had not been revealed to Dana, yet.  And after waking up to rain on Sunday morning, I was getting really bummed out because my whole plan... my whole vision was proposing by the falls (I had never been there nor did I even look at them on the internet prior to the trip... trying to be spontaneous.).  We ate breakfast and even watched a little t.v. that morning as the rain came down.  Normally, rain is very calming, but I was so ready to get down on my knee... but I would have to wait.\n\nIt eventually let up and quit around lunch time.  We had decided to head out to the falls and then to the park for a picnic lunch.  (and after finding a brochure for Sequoyah Caverns at the cabin... we had decided to check them out...)  We got to the falls and they were beautiful.  Almost the very picturesque setting that I had in mind.  [I had envisioned a picnic lunch there, but the picnic area is in the park.]  I brought my entire camera bag though I had no plans to use both cameras... the ring was in the bag.  [I told you, \"sneaky.\" Also, a bit protective.  I would not let Dana hold the bag as she might look inside and see what I came there to give her.]\n\nWe viewed the upper falls and then descended down the steps to view the lower falls... I took some pictures and waited for the other couple to go back up the steps so that we would be alone at the lower falls.  I got the ring out of the bag and put it behind my back.  I started a small conversation with Dana and then I got down on one knee and I presented Dana the ring and uttered words I thought I might ever say to any woman... \"will you marry me?\"  Of course, she said \"yes.\"  Not only that, but that she\'s \"marry me a million times.\"  And then and there, at DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL, we were officially engaged.\n\nThe rest of the trip went well... visiting <a href=\"http://www.sequoyahcaverns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sequoyah Caverns</a> and driving down to Ft. Payne for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays... I tried to make the proposal as romantic and memorable as possible... and the fact that Dana still talks about it, I believe that succeeded.\n\nThere you have it... the rest of the story.  Hope that you enjoyed it and made you smile.  I know that I smiled while writing it.\n\nCheck out the <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100116\" target=\"_self\">picture gallery</a> from the Mentone trip on my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>.','Getting Engaged (the rest of the story)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','386-revision-3','','','2009-08-04 14:11:11','2009-08-04 18:11:11','',386,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=389',0,'revision','',0),(390,1,'2009-08-04 14:11:15','2009-08-04 18:11:15','I suppose that almost everybody that Dana and I know  have been told the entire story... but I didn\'t really write about it... so, here it is... \"<strong>the rest of the story</strong>.\"  (<a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=333\" target=\"_blank\">the original post is here</a>.)\r\n\r\nWe arrived in Mentone on a Saturday morning... the entire weekend seemed to be a rain-fest.  That just would not suffice!  We had previously decided to see the town on Saturday afternoon and then go to the falls on Sunday (so, the ring was there but not on her hand!)\r\n\r\n[I had the ring for a week in my laptop backpack.  Both my Mom and my neice, Amber, had seen it the weekend before while we were visiting Huntsville... Dana was there but had no idea... I am so sneaky!]\r\n\r\nSo, for a day and a night, I had a lot of anxiety about what I was about to do.  I did enjoy the weekend, but I knew the reason that we were there had not been revealed to Dana, yet.  And after waking up to rain on Sunday morning, I was getting really bummed out because my whole plan... my whole vision was proposing by the falls (I had never been there nor did I even look at them on the internet prior to the trip... trying to be spontaneous.).  We ate breakfast and even watched a little t.v. that morning as the rain came down.  Normally, rain is very calming, but I was so ready to get down on my knee... but I would have to wait.\r\n\r\nIt eventually let up and quit around lunch time.  We had decided to head out to the falls and then to the park for a picnic lunch.  (and after finding a brochure for Sequoyah Caverns at the cabin... we had decided to check them out...)  We got to the falls and they were beautiful.  Almost the very picturesque setting that I had in mind.  [I had envisioned a picnic lunch there, but the picnic area is in the park.]  I brought my entire camera bag though I had no plans to use both cameras... the ring was in the bag.  [I told you, \"sneaky.\" Also, a bit protective.  I would not let Dana hold the bag as she might look inside and see what I came there to give her.]\r\n\r\nWe viewed the upper falls and then descended down the steps to view the lower falls... I took some pictures and waited for the other couple to go back up the steps so that we would be alone at the lower falls.  I got the ring out of the bag and put it behind my back.  I started a small conversation with Dana and then I got down on one knee and I presented Dana the ring and uttered words I thought I might ever say to any woman... \"will you marry me?\"  Of course, she said \"yes.\"  Not only that, but that she\'s \"marry me a million times.\"  And then and there, at DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL, we were officially engaged.\r\n\r\nThe rest of the trip went well... visiting <a href=\"http://www.sequoyahcaverns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sequoyah Caverns</a> and driving down to Ft. Payne for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays... I tried to make the proposal as romantic and memorable as possible... and the fact that Dana still talks about it, I believe that succeeded.\r\n\r\nThere you have it... the rest of the story.  Hope that you enjoyed it and made you smile.  I know that I smiled while writing it.\r\n\r\nCheck out the <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100116\" target=\"_self\">picture gallery</a> from the Mentone trip on my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>.','Getting Engaged (the rest of the story)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','386-revision-4','','','2009-08-04 14:11:15','2009-08-04 18:11:15','',386,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=390',0,'revision','',0),(391,1,'2009-08-11 13:57:22','2009-08-11 17:57:22','Well, we got up at just after 4AM... and hit the road just after 5AM... yes, that is early... much too early for me, but with a 10+ hour ride ahead, it was necessary.\r\n\r\nThe rid through north Georgia and through Tennessee was very smooth.  We did not hit any sort of rush hour in any of the major cities (Chattanooga and Knoxville), so that was very fortunate...\r\n\r\nAfter getting into Kentucky, I came upon what appeared to be a wreck.  There was a pickup truck that looked to have been spun out into the median and a semi-truck parked in the emergency lane.  Dana thought that we should call 911, so I called but let her talk to the 911 operator (since she used to be one, she\'d know exactly what to say...).  We were passed it and didn\'t witness it, so, we carried on our journey...\r\n\r\nWe had decided to head to Cumberland Falls since it was not far off of the interstate and we love waterfalls, so it seemed to be a good place to get out and stretch the legs, etc... We exited the interstate and drive about 10 miles to the falls.  Well... the falls are pretty cool but the river water was dirt brown and thus took away much of the beauty of the falls... there was a really beautiful rainbow in the mist of the falls (their best feature).  The rest of the park is very nice and well maintained.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Here are the dirt brown Cumberland Falls\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"The Falls\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/CumberlandFalls_006/web.jpg?ver=12499061260001\" alt=\"Here are the dirt brown Cumberland Falls\" width=\"491\" height=\"368\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter about 30 minutes of enjoying the falls, the sunshine, and each other... we decided it was time to hit the road...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Us with the falls in the background\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Us\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/CumberlandFalls_022/web.jpg?ver=12499065510001\" alt=\"Us with the falls in the background\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe had another good smooth ride through Kentucky and into Cincinatti... well, that\'s where the troubles began.  Although, Cincy was not too bad, we did hit some construction traffic and then it opened up until DAYTON... oh, my goodness... we hit some major construction delays... and when I say delays, I mean DELAYS.  We saw a sign that said that there was construction ahead and to expect delays around exit 54C... little did we know, after an hour of inching up (about 3 miles an hour)... the interstate was closed at exit 54C and everybody had to exit with NO DETOUR SIGNS... yeah, send people through the city with no detour signs...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The DAYTON construction... cause of frustration...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/OnTheRoad_021/web.jpg?ver=12499070110001\" alt=\"The DAYTON construction... cause of frustration...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nLuckily, Dana has her handy-dandy GPS.  I decided to just follow the traffic and exit where they exited off of the highway (exit 54C) and after Dana got the GPS up and running... it led us back to the interstate... without it, we might have been aimlessly roaming around Dayton.  Not really a good way to increase tourism, Dayton... so, to you, Dayton, I say \"go eff yourself.\"  :)\r\n\r\nAfter we got through the Dayton fiasco... the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine with us... we got to her aunt\'s house a little after 6pm... So, a little under 13 hours after we left, we arrived at our destination.  Which wasn\'t too bad considering the 1 hour we spent off the interstate at Cumberland Falls and the 1 and a half hour fiasco we had in Dayton... and with other stops for gas and food, we probably made it in 10 hours + stops.  Sweet.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Is this thing really legal?\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Legal?\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/OnTheRoad_025/web.jpg?ver=12499070940001\" alt=\"Is this thing really legal?\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Saw lots and lots of corn...\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Corn...\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/OnTheRoad_037/web.jpg?ver=12499073150001\" alt=\"Saw lots and lots of corn...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nTomorrow, Part 2: The Reunion.  Then, on Thursday, Part 3: The ride back.','Ohio Trip (Part 1 of 3): The Drive Up',0,'','publish','open','open','','ohio-trip-part-1-of-3-the-drive-up','','','2009-08-11 13:57:22','2009-08-11 17:57:22','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=391',0,'post','',1),(392,1,'2009-08-11 13:49:46','2009-08-11 17:49:46','Well, we got up at just after 4AM... and hit the road just after 5AM... yes, that is early... much too early for me, but with a 10+ hour ride ahead, it was necessary.\n\nThe rid through north Georgia and through Tennessee was very smooth.  We did not hit any sort of rush hour in any of the major cities (Chattanooga and Knoxville), so that was very fortunate...\n\nAfter getting into Kentucky, I came upon what appeared to be a wreck.  There was a pickup truck that looked to have been spun out into the median and a semi-truck parked in the emergency lane.  Dana thought that we should call 911, so I called but let her talk to the 911 operator (since she used to be one, she\'d know exactly what to say...).  We were passed it and didn\'t witness it, so, we carried on our journey...\n\nWe had decided to head to Cumberland Falls since it was not far off of the interstate and we love waterfalls, so it seemed to be a good place to get out and stretch the legs, etc... We exited the interstate and drive about 10 miles to the falls.  Well... the falls are pretty cool but the river water was dirt brown and thus took away much of the beauty of the falls... there was a really beautiful rainbow in the mist of the falls (their best feature).  The rest of the park is very nice and well maintained.\n\nAfter about 30 minutes of enjoying the falls, the sunshine, and each other... we decided it was time to hit the road...\n\nWe had another good smooth ride through Kentucky and into Cincinatti... well, that\'s where the troubles began.  Although, Cincy was not too bad, we did hit some construction traffic and then it opened up until DAYTON... oh, my goodness... we hit some major construction delays... and when I say delays, I mean DELAYS.  We saw a sign that said that there was construction ahead and to expect delays around exit 54C... little did we know, after an hour of inching up (about 3 miles an hour)... the interstate was closed at exit 54C and everytbody had to exit with NO DETOUR SIGNS... yeah, send people through the city with no detour signs...\n\nLuckily, Dana has her handy-dandy GPS.  I decided to just follow the traffic and exit where they exited off of the highway (exit 54C) and after Dana got the GPS up and running... it led us back to the interstate... without it, we might have been aimlessly roaming aroudn Dayton.  Not really a good way to increase tourism, Dayton... so, to you, Dayton, I say \"go eff yourself.\"  :)\n\nAfter we got through the Dayton fiasco... the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine with us... we got to her aunt\'s house a little after 6pm... So, a little under 13 hours after we left, we arrived at our destination.  Which wasn\'t too bad considering the 1 hour we spent off the interstate at Cumberland Falls and the 1 and a half hour fiasco we had in Dayton... and with other stops for gas and food, we probably made it in 10 hours + stops.  Sweet.\n\nTomorrow, Part 2: The Reunion.  Then, on Thursday, Part 3: The ride back.','Ohio Trip (Part 1 of 3): The Drive Up',0,'','inherit','open','open','','391-revision','','','2009-08-11 13:49:46','2009-08-11 17:49:46','',391,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=392',0,'revision','',0),(393,1,'2009-08-11 13:50:57','2009-08-11 17:50:57','Well, we got up at just after 4AM... and hit the road just after 5AM... yes, that is early... much too early for me, but with a 10+ hour ride ahead, it was necessary.\r\n\r\nThe rid through north Georgia and through Tennessee was very smooth.  We did not hit any sort of rush hour in any of the major cities (Chattanooga and Knoxville), so that was very fortunate...\r\n\r\nAfter getting into Kentucky, I came upon what appeared to be a wreck.  There was a pickup truck that looked to have been spun out into the median and a semi-truck parked in the emergency lane.  Dana thought that we should call 911, so I called but let her talk to the 911 operator (since she used to be one, she\'d know exactly what to say...).  We were passed it and didn\'t witness it, so, we carried on our journey...\r\n\r\nWe had decided to head to Cumberland Falls since it was not far off of the interstate and we love waterfalls, so it seemed to be a good place to get out and stretch the legs, etc... We exited the interstate and drive about 10 miles to the falls.  Well... the falls are pretty cool but the river water was dirt brown and thus took away much of the beauty of the falls... there was a really beautiful rainbow in the mist of the falls (their best feature).  The rest of the park is very nice and well maintained.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"819\" caption=\"Here are the dirt brown Cumberland Falls\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"The Falls\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/CumberlandFalls_006/web.jpg?ver=12499061260001\" alt=\"Here are the dirt brown Cumberland Falls\" width=\"819\" height=\"614\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter about 30 minutes of enjoying the falls, the sunshine, and each other... we decided it was time to hit the road...\r\n\r\nWe had another good smooth ride through Kentucky and into Cincinatti... well, that\'s where the troubles began.  Although, Cincy was not too bad, we did hit some construction traffic and then it opened up until DAYTON... oh, my goodness... we hit some major construction delays... and when I say delays, I mean DELAYS.  We saw a sign that said that there was construction ahead and to expect delays around exit 54C... little did we know, after an hour of inching up (about 3 miles an hour)... the interstate was closed at exit 54C and everytbody had to exit with NO DETOUR SIGNS... yeah, send people through the city with no detour signs...\r\n\r\nLuckily, Dana has her handy-dandy GPS.  I decided to just follow the traffic and exit where they exited off of the highway (exit 54C) and after Dana got the GPS up and running... it led us back to the interstate... without it, we might have been aimlessly roaming aroudn Dayton.  Not really a good way to increase tourism, Dayton... so, to you, Dayton, I say \"go eff yourself.\"  :)\r\n\r\nAfter we got through the Dayton fiasco... the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine with us... we got to her aunt\'s house a little after 6pm... So, a little under 13 hours after we left, we arrived at our destination.  Which wasn\'t too bad considering the 1 hour we spent off the interstate at Cumberland Falls and the 1 and a half hour fiasco we had in Dayton... and with other stops for gas and food, we probably made it in 10 hours + stops.  Sweet.\r\n\r\nTomorrow, Part 2: The Reunion.  Then, on Thursday, Part 3: The ride back.','Ohio Trip (Part 1 of 3): The Drive Up',0,'','inherit','open','open','','391-revision-2','','','2009-08-11 13:50:57','2009-08-11 17:50:57','',391,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=393',0,'revision','',0),(394,1,'2009-08-11 13:51:01','2009-08-11 17:51:01','Well, we got up at just after 4AM... and hit the road just after 5AM... yes, that is early... much too early for me, but with a 10+ hour ride ahead, it was necessary.\r\n\r\nThe rid through north Georgia and through Tennessee was very smooth.  We did not hit any sort of rush hour in any of the major cities (Chattanooga and Knoxville), so that was very fortunate...\r\n\r\nAfter getting into Kentucky, I came upon what appeared to be a wreck.  There was a pickup truck that looked to have been spun out into the median and a semi-truck parked in the emergency lane.  Dana thought that we should call 911, so I called but let her talk to the 911 operator (since she used to be one, she\'d know exactly what to say...).  We were passed it and didn\'t witness it, so, we carried on our journey...\r\n\r\nWe had decided to head to Cumberland Falls since it was not far off of the interstate and we love waterfalls, so it seemed to be a good place to get out and stretch the legs, etc... We exited the interstate and drive about 10 miles to the falls.  Well... the falls are pretty cool but the river water was dirt brown and thus took away much of the beauty of the falls... there was a really beautiful rainbow in the mist of the falls (their best feature).  The rest of the park is very nice and well maintained.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"819\" caption=\"Here are the dirt brown Cumberland Falls\"]<img class=\" \" title=\"The Falls\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/CumberlandFalls_006/web.jpg?ver=12499061260001\" alt=\"Here are the dirt brown Cumberland Falls\" width=\"819\" height=\"614\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nAfter about 30 minutes of enjoying the falls, the sunshine, and each other... we decided it was time to hit the road...\r\n\r\nWe had another good smooth ride through Kentucky and into Cincinatti... well, that\'s where the troubles began.  Although, Cincy was not too bad, we did hit some construction traffic and then it opened up until DAYTON... oh, my goodness... we hit some major construction delays... and when I say delays, I mean DELAYS.  We saw a sign that said that there was construction ahead and to expect delays around exit 54C... little did we know, after an hour of inching up (about 3 miles an hour)... the interstate was closed at exit 54C and everytbody had to exit with NO DETOUR SIGNS... yeah, send people through the city with no detour signs...\r\n\r\nLuckily, Dana has her handy-dandy GPS.  I decided to just follow the traffic and exit where they exited off of the highway (exit 54C) and after Dana got the GPS up and running... it led us back to the interstate... without it, we might have been aimlessly roaming aroudn Dayton.  Not really a good way to increase tourism, Dayton... so, to you, Dayton, I say \"go eff yourself.\"  :)\r\n\r\nAfter we got through the Dayton fiasco... the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine with us... we got to her aunt\'s house a little after 6pm... So, a little under 13 hours after we left, we arrived at our destination.  Which wasn\'t too bad considering the 1 hour we spent off the interstate at Cumberland Falls and the 1 and a half hour fiasco we had in Dayton... and with other stops for gas and food, we probably made it in 10 hours + stops.  Sweet.\r\n\r\nTomorrow, Part 2: The Reunion.  Then, on Thursday, Part 3: The ride back.','Ohio Trip (Part 1 of 3): The Drive Up',0,'','inherit','open','open','','391-revision-3','','','2009-08-11 13:51:01','2009-08-11 17:51:01','',391,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=394',0,'revision','',0),(395,1,'2009-08-13 17:00:02','2009-08-13 21:00:02','We got up and relaxed for a bit and eventually got ready to leave.  We had to don our yellow shirts... (there were 9 brothers and sisters including my fiancee\'s late grandfather... so, each brother/sister and their respective families wore a uniform color.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"5 of the 9 brothers and sisters and spouces\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_048/web.jpg?ver=12498764810001\" alt=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThere was pink, purple, yellow, red, blue, orange, green, etc. and we drew yellow...).  Those of you who know me... know that I am not really fond of yellow shirts.  (Turns out, most of us \"yellow shirts\" didn\'t care for them, either...).\r\n\r\nWe got to the hall a bit earlier than most folks.  In fact we were like only the 2nd and 3rd yellow shirt there... (Dana\'s Aunt Diane was the other and she was an organizer...).  Soon enough, people started coming and coming and coming... there were upwards of like 80 to 90 people at this gathering.  Pretty impressive to me.  Some came from AZ, WA, GA, OH... pretty spread out, I\'d say.\r\n\r\nIt was well organized.  There was a list of acitivities and times on a card in front of each table...\r\n\r\nFirst was meet and greet... well, did quite a bit of greeting.  It was a little overwhelming for me.  But they all welcomed me with open arms, so that is a good feeling.\r\n\r\nThen, we had a prayer (both in German and English.  The Ellings are of German heritage.  The Molendas are Polish.  What a match! ;))\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Greeting\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_002/web.jpg?ver=12498754490001\" alt=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nNext, some family history and happy birhday to Aunt Alma who will turn 90 soon...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s Aunt Alma - 90 years old\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Alma\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_024/web.jpg?ver=12498758970001\" alt=\"Danas Aunt Alma - 90 years old\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nthen a little family trivia for bragging rights and the right to eat first, which was quickly revoked to go in order by the tables... either way, we were going to eat.  It was a big \"pot luck\" style buffet.  It was highlighted by some \"beef barbeque\" minus any barbeque sauce!  Anyway, I had plenty to eat including many deserts.  Can you say, \"sugar high?\"  I knew you could.\r\n\r\nAfter lunch, we headed outside for some family group pics.  Lots of people in similar colored shirts... :)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Dana&#39;s Grandfather, Rudy\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_033/web.jpg?ver=12498761130001\" alt=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Danas Grandfather, Rudy\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, more socializing and games for the kids... we probably spent about 2 hours just chit-chatting.  Until it really was time to go.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Chit-Chat\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_074/web.jpg?ver=12498770950001\" alt=\"Chit-Chat\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe went back to Dana\'s Aunt Jill\'s house (where we stayed) and got ready to go visiting... we went to visit her Uncle Dennis, who is pretty funny.  Then to visit her great Aunt Wilma, who I liked very much.\r\n\r\nAfter going to visit her family (and one day, my extended family, too), we went to Pizza Hut and ate before heading home.\r\n\r\nAll of the pictures that I took are on my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100217\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>.\r\n\r\nThis was a day late, so part 3 will be a day late as well.','Ohio Trip (part 2 of 3): The Renuion Day ',0,'','publish','open','open','','ohio-trip-part-2-of-3-the-renuion-day','','','2009-08-13 17:02:42','2009-08-13 21:02:42','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=395',0,'post','',1),(396,1,'2009-08-13 16:59:22','2009-08-13 20:59:22','We got up and relaxed for a bit and eventually got ready to leave.  We had to don our yellow shirts... (there were 9 brothers and sisters including my fiancee\'s late grandfather... so, each brother/sister and their respective families wore a uniform color.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_048/web.jpg?ver=12498764810001\" alt=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nThere was pink, purple, yellow, red, blue, orange, green, etc. and we drew yellow...).  Those of you who know me... know that I am not really fond of yellow shirts.  (Turns out, most of us \"yellow shirts\" didn\'t care for them, either...).\n\nWe got to the hall a bit earlier than most folks.  In fact we were like only the 2nd and 3rd yellow shirt there... (Dana\'s Aunt Diane was the other and she was an organizer...).  Soon enough, people started coming and coming and coming... there were upwards of like 80 to 90 people at this gathering.  Pretty impressive to me.  Some came from AZ, WA, GA, OH... pretty spread out, I\'d say.\n\nIt was well organized.  There was a list of acitivities and times on a card in front of each table...\n\nFirst was meet and greet... well, did quite a bit of greeting.  It was a little overwhelming for me.  But they all welcomed me with open arms, so that is a good feeling.\n\nThen, we had a prayer (both in German and English.  The Ellings are of German heritage.  The Molendas are Polish.  What a match! ;))\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Greeting\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_002/web.jpg?ver=12498754490001\" alt=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nNext, some family history and happy birhday to Aunt Alma who will turn 90 soon...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s Aunt Alma - 90 years old\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Alma\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_024/web.jpg?ver=12498758970001\" alt=\"Danas Aunt Alma - 90 years old\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nthen a little family trivia for bragging rights and the right to eat first, which was quickly revoked to go in order by the tables... either way, we were going to eat.  It was a big \"pot luck\" style buffet.  It was highlighted by some \"beef barbeque\" minus any barbeque sauce!  Anyway, I had plenty to eat including many deserts.  Can you say, \"sugar high?\"  I knew you could.\n\nAfter lunch, we headed outside for some family group pics.  Lots of people in similar colored shirts... :)\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Dana&#39;s Grandfather, Rudy\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_033/web.jpg?ver=12498761130001\" alt=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Danas Grandfather, Rudy\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nThen, more socializing and games for the kids... we probably spent about 2 hours just chit-chatting.  Until it really was time to go.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Chit-Chat\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_074/web.jpg?ver=12498770950001\" alt=\"Chit-Chat\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nWe went back to Dana\'s Aunt Jill\'s house (where we stayed) and got ready to go visiting... we went to visit her Uncle Dennis, who is pretty funny.  Then to visit her great Aunt Wilma, who I liked very much.\n\nAfter going to visit her family (and one day, my extended family, too), we went to Pizza Hut and ate before heading home.\n\nThis was a day late, so part 3 will be a day late as well.','Ohio Trip (part 2 of 3): The Renuion Day ',0,'','inherit','open','open','','395-revision','','','2009-08-13 16:59:22','2009-08-13 20:59:22','',395,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=396',0,'revision','',0),(397,1,'2009-08-13 17:00:02','2009-08-13 21:00:02','We got up and relaxed for a bit and eventually got ready to leave.  We had to don our yellow shirts... (there were 9 brothers and sisters including my fiancee\'s late grandfather... so, each brother/sister and their respective families wore a uniform color.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_048/web.jpg?ver=12498764810001\" alt=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThere was pink, purple, yellow, red, blue, orange, green, etc. and we drew yellow...).  Those of you who know me... know that I am not really fond of yellow shirts.  (Turns out, most of us \"yellow shirts\" didn\'t care for them, either...).\r\n\r\nWe got to the hall a bit earlier than most folks.  In fact we were like only the 2nd and 3rd yellow shirt there... (Dana\'s Aunt Diane was the other and she was an organizer...).  Soon enough, people started coming and coming and coming... there were upwards of like 80 to 90 people at this gathering.  Pretty impressive to me.  Some came from AZ, WA, GA, OH... pretty spread out, I\'d say.\r\n\r\nIt was well organized.  There was a list of acitivities and times on a card in front of each table...\r\n\r\nFirst was meet and greet... well, did quite a bit of greeting.  It was a little overwhelming for me.  But they all welcomed me with open arms, so that is a good feeling.\r\n\r\nThen, we had a prayer (both in German and English.  The Ellings are of German heritage.  The Molendas are Polish.  What a match! ;))\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Greeting\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_002/web.jpg?ver=12498754490001\" alt=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nNext, some family history and happy birhday to Aunt Alma who will turn 90 soon...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s Aunt Alma - 90 years old\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Alma\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_024/web.jpg?ver=12498758970001\" alt=\"Danas Aunt Alma - 90 years old\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nthen a little family trivia for bragging rights and the right to eat first, which was quickly revoked to go in order by the tables... either way, we were going to eat.  It was a big \"pot luck\" style buffet.  It was highlighted by some \"beef barbeque\" minus any barbeque sauce!  Anyway, I had plenty to eat including many deserts.  Can you say, \"sugar high?\"  I knew you could.\r\n\r\nAfter lunch, we headed outside for some family group pics.  Lots of people in similar colored shirts... :)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Dana&#39;s Grandfather, Rudy\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_033/web.jpg?ver=12498761130001\" alt=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Danas Grandfather, Rudy\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, more socializing and games for the kids... we probably spent about 2 hours just chit-chatting.  Until it really was time to go.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Chit-Chat\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_074/web.jpg?ver=12498770950001\" alt=\"Chit-Chat\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe went back to Dana\'s Aunt Jill\'s house (where we stayed) and got ready to go visiting... we went to visit her Uncle Dennis, who is pretty funny.  Then to visit her great Aunt Wilma, who I liked very much.\r\n\r\nAfter going to visit her family (and one day, my extended family, too), we went to Pizza Hut and ate before heading home.\r\n\r\nThis was a day late, so part 3 will be a day late as well.','Ohio Trip (part 2 of 3): The Renuion Day ',0,'','inherit','open','open','','395-revision-2','','','2009-08-13 17:00:02','2009-08-13 21:00:02','',395,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=397',0,'revision','',0),(398,1,'2009-08-13 17:02:31','2009-08-13 21:02:31','We got up and relaxed for a bit and eventually got ready to leave.  We had to don our yellow shirts... (there were 9 brothers and sisters including my fiancee\'s late grandfather... so, each brother/sister and their respective families wore a uniform color.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"5 of the 9 brothers and sisters and spouces\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_048/web.jpg?ver=12498764810001\" alt=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nThere was pink, purple, yellow, red, blue, orange, green, etc. and we drew yellow...).  Those of you who know me... know that I am not really fond of yellow shirts.  (Turns out, most of us \"yellow shirts\" didn\'t care for them, either...).\n\nWe got to the hall a bit earlier than most folks.  In fact we were like only the 2nd and 3rd yellow shirt there... (Dana\'s Aunt Diane was the other and she was an organizer...).  Soon enough, people started coming and coming and coming... there were upwards of like 80 to 90 people at this gathering.  Pretty impressive to me.  Some came from AZ, WA, GA, OH... pretty spread out, I\'d say.\n\nIt was well organized.  There was a list of acitivities and times on a card in front of each table...\n\nFirst was meet and greet... well, did quite a bit of greeting.  It was a little overwhelming for me.  But they all welcomed me with open arms, so that is a good feeling.\n\nThen, we had a prayer (both in German and English.  The Ellings are of German heritage.  The Molendas are Polish.  What a match! ;))\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Greeting\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_002/web.jpg?ver=12498754490001\" alt=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nNext, some family history and happy birhday to Aunt Alma who will turn 90 soon...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s Aunt Alma - 90 years old\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Alma\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_024/web.jpg?ver=12498758970001\" alt=\"Danas Aunt Alma - 90 years old\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nthen a little family trivia for bragging rights and the right to eat first, which was quickly revoked to go in order by the tables... either way, we were going to eat.  It was a big \"pot luck\" style buffet.  It was highlighted by some \"beef barbeque\" minus any barbeque sauce!  Anyway, I had plenty to eat including many deserts.  Can you say, \"sugar high?\"  I knew you could.\n\nAfter lunch, we headed outside for some family group pics.  Lots of people in similar colored shirts... :)\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Dana&#39;s Grandfather, Rudy\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_033/web.jpg?ver=12498761130001\" alt=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Danas Grandfather, Rudy\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nThen, more socializing and games for the kids... we probably spent about 2 hours just chit-chatting.  Until it really was time to go.\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Chit-Chat\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_074/web.jpg?ver=12498770950001\" alt=\"Chit-Chat\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nWe went back to Dana\'s Aunt Jill\'s house (where we stayed) and got ready to go visiting... we went to visit her Uncle Dennis, who is pretty funny.  Then to visit her great Aunt Wilma, who I liked very much.\n\nAfter going to visit her family (and one day, my extended family, too), we went to Pizza Hut and ate before heading home.\n\nAll of the pictures that I took are on my MobileMe Gallery.\n\nThis was a day late, so part 3 will be a day late as well.','Ohio Trip (part 2 of 3): The Renuion Day ',0,'','inherit','open','open','','395-autosave','','','2009-08-13 17:02:31','2009-08-13 21:02:31','',395,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=398',0,'revision','',0),(399,1,'2009-08-13 17:01:27','2009-08-13 21:01:27','We got up and relaxed for a bit and eventually got ready to leave.  We had to don our yellow shirts... (there were 9 brothers and sisters including my fiancee\'s late grandfather... so, each brother/sister and their respective families wore a uniform color.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"5 of the 9 brothers and sisters and spouces\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_048/web.jpg?ver=12498764810001\" alt=\"7 of the 9 brothers and sisters\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThere was pink, purple, yellow, red, blue, orange, green, etc. and we drew yellow...).  Those of you who know me... know that I am not really fond of yellow shirts.  (Turns out, most of us \"yellow shirts\" didn\'t care for them, either...).\r\n\r\nWe got to the hall a bit earlier than most folks.  In fact we were like only the 2nd and 3rd yellow shirt there... (Dana\'s Aunt Diane was the other and she was an organizer...).  Soon enough, people started coming and coming and coming... there were upwards of like 80 to 90 people at this gathering.  Pretty impressive to me.  Some came from AZ, WA, GA, OH... pretty spread out, I\'d say.\r\n\r\nIt was well organized.  There was a list of acitivities and times on a card in front of each table...\r\n\r\nFirst was meet and greet... well, did quite a bit of greeting.  It was a little overwhelming for me.  But they all welcomed me with open arms, so that is a good feeling.\r\n\r\nThen, we had a prayer (both in German and English.  The Ellings are of German heritage.  The Molendas are Polish.  What a match! ;))\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Greeting\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_002/web.jpg?ver=12498754490001\" alt=\"Mike gives us a welcome and family history\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nNext, some family history and happy birhday to Aunt Alma who will turn 90 soon...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana&#39;s Aunt Alma - 90 years old\"]<img class=\"  \" title=\"Alma\" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_024/web.jpg?ver=12498758970001\" alt=\"Danas Aunt Alma - 90 years old\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nthen a little family trivia for bragging rights and the right to eat first, which was quickly revoked to go in order by the tables... either way, we were going to eat.  It was a big \"pot luck\" style buffet.  It was highlighted by some \"beef barbeque\" minus any barbeque sauce!  Anyway, I had plenty to eat including many deserts.  Can you say, \"sugar high?\"  I knew you could.\r\n\r\nAfter lunch, we headed outside for some family group pics.  Lots of people in similar colored shirts... :)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Dana&#39;s Grandfather, Rudy\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_033/web.jpg?ver=12498761130001\" alt=\"The Yellow Shirts... Family of Danas Grandfather, Rudy\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThen, more socializing and games for the kids... we probably spent about 2 hours just chit-chatting.  Until it really was time to go.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Chit-Chat\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100217/EllingFamilyReunion2009_074/web.jpg?ver=12498770950001\" alt=\"Chit-Chat\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe went back to Dana\'s Aunt Jill\'s house (where we stayed) and got ready to go visiting... we went to visit her Uncle Dennis, who is pretty funny.  Then to visit her great Aunt Wilma, who I liked very much.\r\n\r\nAfter going to visit her family (and one day, my extended family, too), we went to Pizza Hut and ate before heading home.\r\n\r\nThis was a day late, so part 3 will be a day late as well.','Ohio Trip (part 2 of 3): The Renuion Day ',0,'','inherit','open','open','','395-revision-3','','','2009-08-13 17:01:27','2009-08-13 21:01:27','',395,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=399',0,'revision','',0),(400,1,'2009-08-14 14:18:47','2009-08-14 18:18:47','We got up after sleeping in a bit... Dana\'s Anut Jill was making breakfast for us and the rest of the long guest list: Dana\'s brother and family, along with Jill\'s children: Toby and Kristin.  That was a minor house-full of family (and me) for breakfast... we all got to visit for a while before leaving just after 10AM... and what a journey home it was...\r\n\r\nWell, the drive down to Dayton was pretty uneventful... but as we got closer, we had no idea how the traffic would be (it was Sunday, after all... could it be that bad?).  Well, it was a rough ride on the roads through Dayton, but there were no real delays.  Whew.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_008/web.jpg?ver=12499075300001\" alt=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe got through Cincy pretty well and into Kentucky... and it again was a very pretty drive.  We stopped just outside Lexington in Georgetown to eat at a KFC... imagine that... Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky... haha!  We enjoyed our lunch and took off towards Tennessee... but came upon major delay... we had no idea what it was at first... just knew that the southbound side of I-75 was coming to a holt... it wasn\'t for a while that we noticed that the northbound side was pretty scarce, too...\r\n\r\nWe got closer and closer and realized that there had been some sort of accident.  (Anybody that knows me... well, I was snapping pictures... and got several of the wreckage.)  The wreckage looked like some sort of trailer that was carrying a trike... (I hope all knows what that is...).  There was wood and assortated materials spread across part of the northbound lanes and all in the median..\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The backup begins...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_015/web.jpg?ver=12499076710001\" alt=\"The backup begins...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"What is that?\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_017/web.jpg?ver=12499077410001\" alt=\"What is that?\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_021/web.jpg?ver=12499078760001\" alt=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt took us about a half-hour to clear the accident.  But then we noticed the backup on the northbound side.  [it was like Energizer]  It kept going...and going...and going...and going for about 6 miles with more cars headed towards the backup.  People were getting out of their cars and probably stretching their legs and maybe even talking to their neighbor cars.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Northbound backup begins...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_024/web.jpg?ver=12499079640001\" alt=\"Northbound backup begins...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_027/web.jpg?ver=12499080370001\" alt=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Yes, six miles...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_043/web.jpg?ver=12499084350001\" alt=\"Yes, six miles...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe had a very nice ride through Tennessee and Georgia... in fact, the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine by us.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Tennessee Mountains\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_053/web.jpg?ver=12499086300001\" alt=\"Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"More Tennessee Mountains\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_054/web.jpg?ver=12499086460001\" alt=\"More Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nBoth the trip up and back their share of issues.  Neither was smooth, but we made it there and back safe and had a good time.  It has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back to normal since I has to go right back to work on Monday.  Most assuredly, by the time next Monday comes around, all will be right again...\r\n\r\nAll pictures come from my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100225\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>...\r\n\r\nThanks for reading my blogs on the trip to Ohio... I am pretty sure the next one will be about seeing Sir Paul McCartney in concert at Piedmont Park on Saturday... so psyched for this one!','Ohio Trip (part 3 of 3): The Return Trip Home',0,'','publish','open','open','','ohio-trip-part-3-of-3-the-return-trip-home','','','2009-08-14 14:19:54','2009-08-14 18:19:54','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=400',0,'post','',2),(401,1,'2009-08-14 14:08:50','2009-08-14 18:08:50','We got up after sleeping in a bit... Dana\'s Anut Jill was making breakfast for us and the rest of the long guest list: Dana\'s brother and family, along with Jill\'s children: Toby and Kristin.  That was a minor house-full of family (and me) for breakfast... we all got to visit for a while before leaving just after 10AM... and what a journey home it was...\n\nWell, the drive down to Dayton was pretty uneventful... but as we got closer, we had no idea how the traffic would be (it was Sunday, after all... could it be that bad?).  Well, it was a rough ride on the roads through Dayton, but there were no real delays.  Whew.\n\nWe got through Cincy pretty well and into Kentucky... and it again was a very pretty drive.  We stopped just outside Lexington in Georgetown to eat at a KFC... imagine that... Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky... haha!  We enjoyed our lunch and took off towards Tennessee... but came upon major delay... we had no idea what it was at first... just knew that the southbound side of I-75 was coming to a holt... it wasn\'t for a while that we noticed that the northbound side was pretty scarce, too...\n\nWe got closer and closer and realized that there had been some sort of accident.  (Anybody that knows me... well, I was snapping pictures... and got several of the wreckage.)  The wreckage looked like some sort of trailer that was carrying a trike... (I hope all knows what that is...).  There was wood and assortated materials spread across part of the northbound lanes and all in the median..\n\nIt took us about a half-hour to clear the accident.  But then we noticed the backup on the northbound side.  [it was like Energizer]  It kept going...and going...and going...and going for about 6 miles with more cars headed towards the backup.  People were getting out of their cars and probably stretching their legs and maybe even talking to their neighbor cars.\n\nWe had a very nice ride through Tennessee and Georgia... in fact, the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine by us.  Both the trip up and back their share of issues.  Neither was smooth, but we made it there and back safe and had a good time.  It has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back to normal since I has to go right back to work on Monday.  Most assuredly, by the time next Monday comes around, all will be right again...\n\nThanks for reading my blogs on the trip to Ohio... I am pretty sure the next one will be about seeing Sir Paul McCartney in concert at Piedmont Park on Saturday... so psyched for this one!','Ohio Trip (3 of 3): The Return Trip Home',0,'','inherit','open','open','','400-revision','','','2009-08-14 14:08:50','2009-08-14 18:08:50','',400,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=401',0,'revision','',0),(402,1,'2009-08-14 14:16:21','2009-08-14 18:16:21','We got up after sleeping in a bit... Dana\'s Anut Jill was making breakfast for us and the rest of the long guest list: Dana\'s brother and family, along with Jill\'s children: Toby and Kristin.  That was a minor house-full of family (and me) for breakfast... we all got to visit for a while before leaving just after 10AM... and what a journey home it was...\n\nWell, the drive down to Dayton was pretty uneventful... but as we got closer, we had no idea how the traffic would be (it was Sunday, after all... could it be that bad?).  Well, it was a rough ride on the roads through Dayton, but there were no real delays.  Whew.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_008/web.jpg?ver=12499075300001\" alt=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\nWe got through Cincy pretty well and into Kentucky... and it again was a very pretty drive.  We stopped just outside Lexington in Georgetown to eat at a KFC... imagine that... Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky... haha!  We enjoyed our lunch and took off towards Tennessee... but came upon major delay... we had no idea what it was at first... just knew that the southbound side of I-75 was coming to a holt... it wasn\'t for a while that we noticed that the northbound side was pretty scarce, too...\n\nWe got closer and closer and realized that there had been some sort of accident.  (Anybody that knows me... well, I was snapping pictures... and got several of the wreckage.)  The wreckage looked like some sort of trailer that was carrying a trike... (I hope all knows what that is...).  There was wood and assortated materials spread across part of the northbound lanes and all in the median..\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"The backup begins...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_015/web.jpg?ver=12499076710001\" alt=\"The backup begins...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"What is that?\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_017/web.jpg?ver=12499077410001\" alt=\"What is that?\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_021/web.jpg?ver=12499078760001\" alt=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\nIt took us about a half-hour to clear the accident.  But then we noticed the backup on the northbound side.  [it was like Energizer]  It kept going...and going...and going...and going for about 6 miles with more cars headed towards the backup.  People were getting out of their cars and probably stretching their legs and maybe even talking to their neighbor cars.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Northbound backup begins...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_024/web.jpg?ver=12499079640001\" alt=\"Northbound backup begins...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_027/web.jpg?ver=12499080370001\" alt=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Yes, six miles...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_043/web.jpg?ver=12499084350001\" alt=\"Yes, six miles...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\nWe had a very nice ride through Tennessee and Georgia... in fact, the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine by us.\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Tennessee Mountains\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_053/web.jpg?ver=12499086300001\" alt=\"Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\n\nBoth the trip up and back their share of issues.  Neither was smooth, but we made it there and back safe and had a good time.  It has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back to normal since I has to go right back to work on Monday.  Most assuredly, by the time next Monday comes around, all will be right again...\n\nThanks for reading my blogs on the trip to Ohio... I am pretty sure the next one will be about seeing Sir Paul McCartney in concert at Piedmont Park on Saturday... so psyched for this one!','Ohio Trip (part 3 of 3): The Return Trip Home',0,'','inherit','open','open','','400-revision-2','','','2009-08-14 14:16:21','2009-08-14 18:16:21','',400,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=402',0,'revision','',0),(403,1,'2009-08-14 14:16:56','2009-08-14 18:16:56','We got up after sleeping in a bit... Dana\'s Anut Jill was making breakfast for us and the rest of the long guest list: Dana\'s brother and family, along with Jill\'s children: Toby and Kristin.  That was a minor house-full of family (and me) for breakfast... we all got to visit for a while before leaving just after 10AM... and what a journey home it was...\r\n\r\nWell, the drive down to Dayton was pretty uneventful... but as we got closer, we had no idea how the traffic would be (it was Sunday, after all... could it be that bad?).  Well, it was a rough ride on the roads through Dayton, but there were no real delays.  Whew.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_008/web.jpg?ver=12499075300001\" alt=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe got through Cincy pretty well and into Kentucky... and it again was a very pretty drive.  We stopped just outside Lexington in Georgetown to eat at a KFC... imagine that... Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky... haha!  We enjoyed our lunch and took off towards Tennessee... but came upon major delay... we had no idea what it was at first... just knew that the southbound side of I-75 was coming to a holt... it wasn\'t for a while that we noticed that the northbound side was pretty scarce, too...\r\n\r\nWe got closer and closer and realized that there had been some sort of accident.  (Anybody that knows me... well, I was snapping pictures... and got several of the wreckage.)  The wreckage looked like some sort of trailer that was carrying a trike... (I hope all knows what that is...).  There was wood and assortated materials spread across part of the northbound lanes and all in the median..\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"The backup begins...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_015/web.jpg?ver=12499076710001\" alt=\"The backup begins...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"What is that?\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_017/web.jpg?ver=12499077410001\" alt=\"What is that?\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_021/web.jpg?ver=12499078760001\" alt=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt took us about a half-hour to clear the accident.  But then we noticed the backup on the northbound side.  [it was like Energizer]  It kept going...and going...and going...and going for about 6 miles with more cars headed towards the backup.  People were getting out of their cars and probably stretching their legs and maybe even talking to their neighbor cars.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Northbound backup begins...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_024/web.jpg?ver=12499079640001\" alt=\"Northbound backup begins...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_027/web.jpg?ver=12499080370001\" alt=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Yes, six miles...\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_043/web.jpg?ver=12499084350001\" alt=\"Yes, six miles...\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe had a very nice ride through Tennessee and Georgia... in fact, the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine by us.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"Tennessee Mountains\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_053/web.jpg?ver=12499086300001\" alt=\"Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\" caption=\"More Tennessee Mountains\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_054/web.jpg?ver=12499086460001\" alt=\"More Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nBoth the trip up and back their share of issues.  Neither was smooth, but we made it there and back safe and had a good time.  It has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back to normal since I has to go right back to work on Monday.  Most assuredly, by the time next Monday comes around, all will be right again...\r\n\r\nThanks for reading my blogs on the trip to Ohio... I am pretty sure the next one will be about seeing Sir Paul McCartney in concert at Piedmont Park on Saturday... so psyched for this one!','Ohio Trip (part 3 of 3): The Return Trip Home',0,'','inherit','open','open','','400-revision-3','','','2009-08-14 14:16:56','2009-08-14 18:16:56','',400,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=403',0,'revision','',0),(404,1,'2009-08-14 14:18:47','2009-08-14 18:18:47','We got up after sleeping in a bit... Dana\'s Anut Jill was making breakfast for us and the rest of the long guest list: Dana\'s brother and family, along with Jill\'s children: Toby and Kristin.  That was a minor house-full of family (and me) for breakfast... we all got to visit for a while before leaving just after 10AM... and what a journey home it was...\r\n\r\nWell, the drive down to Dayton was pretty uneventful... but as we got closer, we had no idea how the traffic would be (it was Sunday, after all... could it be that bad?).  Well, it was a rough ride on the roads through Dayton, but there were no real delays.  Whew.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_008/web.jpg?ver=12499075300001\" alt=\"Rough I-75 in Dayton\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe got through Cincy pretty well and into Kentucky... and it again was a very pretty drive.  We stopped just outside Lexington in Georgetown to eat at a KFC... imagine that... Kentucky Fried Chicken in Kentucky... haha!  We enjoyed our lunch and took off towards Tennessee... but came upon major delay... we had no idea what it was at first... just knew that the southbound side of I-75 was coming to a holt... it wasn\'t for a while that we noticed that the northbound side was pretty scarce, too...\r\n\r\nWe got closer and closer and realized that there had been some sort of accident.  (Anybody that knows me... well, I was snapping pictures... and got several of the wreckage.)  The wreckage looked like some sort of trailer that was carrying a trike... (I hope all knows what that is...).  There was wood and assortated materials spread across part of the northbound lanes and all in the median..\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The backup begins...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_015/web.jpg?ver=12499076710001\" alt=\"The backup begins...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"What is that?\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_017/web.jpg?ver=12499077410001\" alt=\"What is that?\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_021/web.jpg?ver=12499078760001\" alt=\"Looks rough...especially for the trike\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt took us about a half-hour to clear the accident.  But then we noticed the backup on the northbound side.  [it was like Energizer]  It kept going...and going...and going...and going for about 6 miles with more cars headed towards the backup.  People were getting out of their cars and probably stretching their legs and maybe even talking to their neighbor cars.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Northbound backup begins...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_024/web.jpg?ver=12499079640001\" alt=\"Northbound backup begins...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_027/web.jpg?ver=12499080370001\" alt=\"This is what we saw for six miles...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Yes, six miles...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_043/web.jpg?ver=12499084350001\" alt=\"Yes, six miles...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nWe had a very nice ride through Tennessee and Georgia... in fact, the rest of the trip was uneventful and that was just fine by us.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Tennessee Mountains\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_053/web.jpg?ver=12499086300001\" alt=\"Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"More Tennessee Mountains\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100225/TheRideHome_054/web.jpg?ver=12499086460001\" alt=\"More Tennessee Mountains\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nBoth the trip up and back their share of issues.  Neither was smooth, but we made it there and back safe and had a good time.  It has been a bit of a struggle for me to get back to normal since I has to go right back to work on Monday.  Most assuredly, by the time next Monday comes around, all will be right again...\r\n\r\nThanks for reading my blogs on the trip to Ohio... I am pretty sure the next one will be about seeing Sir Paul McCartney in concert at Piedmont Park on Saturday... so psyched for this one!','Ohio Trip (part 3 of 3): The Return Trip Home',0,'','inherit','open','open','','400-revision-4','','','2009-08-14 14:18:47','2009-08-14 18:18:47','',400,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=404',0,'revision','',0),(405,1,'2009-08-16 14:54:36','2009-08-16 18:54:36','Yes... it was the living legend, Sir James Paul McCartney... and what an amazing show it was.  It is hard to take it all in even now as it hasn\'t even been 24 hours... but I\'ll start with part one...\r\n\r\n<strong>I. Getting There</strong>\r\n\r\nWe had to take MARTA (it was a \"car-less\" event) to get there.  Piedmont Park wouldn\'t have enough parking for everybody, anyway.  I suppose we could have parked closer than the nearest MARTA station, North Springs, but it is the most convenient.  Getting there was not a big deal as the trains weren\'t that full at 2:30PM.  But we got to the Midtown station and walked to the park and got in the long line at about 4... and were seated on the ground at about 5:15 (that\'s about when I tweeded about it).\r\n\r\n<strong>II. The SHOW!</strong>\r\n\r\nIt started about 7pm with the opening act, The Script.  They were actually pretty good.  Not exactly my musical tastes to buy the cd (however, Dana probably will, so I\'ll get it by default) but I wouldn\'t turn the radio station if they were on AND I listened to radio for music...\r\n\r\nThen about 8:30, it was time for McCartney to hit the stage... and it was everything I wanted in a show.  He had more energy than I thought... he moved around and was very spry for a 67-year old man... hell, for a 45-year old man or even me and I am just 36-years old...\r\n\r\nHere is the setlist (I believe it is the same setlist as previous tour stops.  I got this from a review of the CitiField show in NYC):\r\n\r\nDrive My Car\r\nJet\r\nOnly Mama Knows\r\nFlaming Pie\r\nGot To Get You Into My Life\r\nLet Me Roll It *with Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” mixed in at the end*\r\nHighway\r\nLong And Winding Road\r\nMy Love\r\nBlackbird\r\nHere Today\r\nDance Tonight\r\nCalico Skies\r\nMrs. Vanderbilt\r\nEleanor Rigby\r\nSing The Changes\r\nBand On The Run\r\nBack In The USSR\r\nI’m Down\r\nSomething\r\nI’ve Got A Feeling\r\nPaperback Writer\r\nA Day In The Life – Give Peace A Chance\r\nLet It Be\r\nLive And Let Die\r\nHey Jude\r\nEncore 1:\r\nDay Tripper\r\nLady Madonna\r\nI Saw Her Standing There\r\n\r\nEncore 2:\r\nYesterday\r\nHelter Skelter\r\nGet Back\r\nSgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band/The End\r\n\r\nI admit that I don\'t know much of this post-Beatles catalog, but I really enjoyed every song.  Time for me to start buying some of this Wings and solo stuff...\r\n\r\nI could go on an on about the show but I can sum it up like this: AMAZING.  I can\'t really describe how amazing the show was and how I felt about seeing McCartney live.  I have missed him twice before in Atlanta and I wasn\'t about to miss him again.  I am so glad I did.  I am very happy that I was able to see the show with Dana.  We share a love for the Beatles, so that makes the show even more special...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"From Playing &quot;Jet&quot;\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_031/web.jpg?ver=12504373040001\" alt=\"From Playing Jet\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"His big wardrobe change... :)\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_027/web.jpg?ver=12504373120001\" alt=\"His big wardrobe change... :)\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne thing: it came a nice pouring rain about halfway through the show.  It raining and a bit miserable... but no amount of rain could get me to leave... not even a monsoon... (though I imagine the show would have been stopped at that point.)  My tour book got just about completely destroyed... but that\'s ok.  It is still around and I am proud of it\'s battle wounds! ;)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Playing &quot;Live and Let Die&quot;\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_007/web.jpg?ver=12504373620001\" alt=\"Playing Live and Let Die\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are many more p<a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100240\" target=\"_blank\">ictures of the show</a> I took (no cameras were allowed, but they didn\'t exactly search for them...)... Enjoy.\r\n\r\n<strong>III. Getting Home</strong>\r\n\r\nAs you can imagine, there were a boat-load of people trying to get on the trains (once we finally got to the Arts Center Station).  We kind of followed the crowd and ended up at a different station than we got off of getting there... The trains, by the time they got to us were packed like sardines.. so, I suggested to Dana that we take the southbound train a few stations south and get on the trains before they get packed... so, we did and it worked.  We got good seats on the train and were able to rest our weary feet... We left the house around 2:15PM and got home around 1:45AM (after getting some Krystals... we were really kind of hungry...) Nearly 12 hours... it was worth every minute and every minor pain that we felt or the walks... I would do it again tonight if he were playing here again.','The Green Concert at Piedmont Park',0,'','publish','open','open','','the-green-concert-at-piedmont-park','','','2009-08-21 11:07:54','2009-08-21 15:07:54','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=405',0,'post','',0),(406,1,'2009-08-16 14:49:56','2009-08-16 18:49:56','Yes... it was the living legend, Sir James Paul McCartney... and what an amazing show it was.  It is hard to take it all in even now as it hasn\'t even been 24 hours... but I\'ll start with part one...\n\n<strong>I. Getting There</strong>\n\nWe had to take MARTA (it was a \"car-less\" event) to get there.  Piedmont Park wouldn\'t have enough parking for everybody, anyway.  I suppose we could have parked closer than the nearest MARTA station, North Springs, but it is the most convenient.  Getting there was not a big deal as the trains weren\'t that full at 2:30PM.  But we got to the Midtown station and walked to the park and got in the long line at about 4... and were seated on the ground at about 5:15 (that\'s about when I tweeded about it).\n\n<strong>II. The SHOW!</strong>\n\nIt started about 7pm with the opening act, The Script.  They were actually pretty good.  Not exactly my musical tastes to buy the cd (however, Dana probably will, so I\'ll get it by default) but I wouldn\'t turn the radio station if they were on AND I listened to radio for music...\n\nThen about 8:30, it was time for McCartney to hit the stage... and it was everything I wanted in a show.  He had more energy than I thought... he moved around and was very spry for a 67-year old man... hell, for a 45-year old man or even me and I am just 36-years old...\n\nHere is the setlist (I believe it is the same setlist as previous tour stops.  I got this from a review of the CitiField show in NYC):\n\nDrive My Car\nJet\nOnly Mama Knows\nFlaming Pie\nGot To Get You Into My Life\nLet Me Roll It *with Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” mixed in at the end*\nHighway\nLong And Winding Road\nMy Love\nBlackbird\nHere Today\nDance Tonight\nCalico Skies\nMrs. Vanderbilt\nEleanor Rigby\nSing The Changes\nBand On The Run\nBack In The USSR\nI’m Down\nSomething\nI’ve Got A Feeling\nPaperback Writer\nA Day In The Life – Give Peace A Chance\nLet It Be\nLive And Let Die\nHey Jude\nEncore 1:\nDay Tripper\nLady Madonna\nI Saw Her Standing There\n\nEncore 2:\nYesterday\nHelter Skelter\nGet Back\nSgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band/The End\n\nI admit that I don\'t know much of this post-Beatles catalog, but I really enjoyed every song.  Time for me to start buying some of this Wings and solo stuff...\n\nI could go on an on about the show but I can sum it up like this: AMAZING.  I can\'t really describe how amazing the show was and how I felt about seeing McCartney live.  I have missed him twice before in Atlanta and I wasn\'t about to miss him again.  I am so glad I did.  I am very happy that I was able to see the show with Dana.  We share a love for the Beatles, so that makes the show even more special...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"From Playing &quot;Jet&quot;\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_031/web.jpg?ver=12504373040001\" alt=\"From Playing Jet\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\n\nOne thing: it came a nice pouring rain about halfway through the show.  It raining and a bit miserable... but no amount of rain could get me to leave... not even a monsoon... (though I imagine the show would have been stopped at that point.)  My tour book got just about completely destroyed... but that\'s ok.  It is still around and I am proud of it\'s battle wounds! ;)\n\nThere are p<a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100240\" target=\"_blank\">ictures of the show</a> I took (no cameras were allowed, but they didn\'t exactly search for them...)... Enjoy.\n\n<strong>III. Getting Home</strong>\n\nAs you can imagine, there were a boat-load of people trying to get on the trains (once we finally got to the Arts Center Station).  We kind of followed the crowd and ended up at a different station than we got off of getting there... The trains, by the time they got to us were packed like sardines.. so, I suggested to Dana that we take the southbound train a few stations south and get on the trains before they get packed... so, we did and it worked.  We got good seats on the train and were able to rest our weary feet... We left the house around 2:15PM and got home around 1:45AM (after getting some Krystals... we were really kind of hungry...) Nearly 12 hours... it was worth every minute and every minor pain that we felt or the walks... I would do it again tonight if he were playing here again.','The Green Concert at Piedmont Park',0,'','inherit','open','open','','405-revision','','','2009-08-16 14:49:56','2009-08-16 18:49:56','',405,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=406',0,'revision','',0),(407,1,'2009-08-16 14:54:16','2009-08-16 18:54:16','Yes... it was the living legend, Sir James Paul McCartney... and what an amazing show it was.  It is hard to take it all in even now as it hasn\'t even been 24 hours... but I\'ll start with part one...\n\n<strong>I. Getting There</strong>\n\nWe had to take MARTA (it was a \"car-less\" event) to get there.  Piedmont Park wouldn\'t have enough parking for everybody, anyway.  I suppose we could have parked closer than the nearest MARTA station, North Springs, but it is the most convenient.  Getting there was not a big deal as the trains weren\'t that full at 2:30PM.  But we got to the Midtown station and walked to the park and got in the long line at about 4... and were seated on the ground at about 5:15 (that\'s about when I tweeded about it).\n\n<strong>II. The SHOW!</strong>\n\nIt started about 7pm with the opening act, The Script.  They were actually pretty good.  Not exactly my musical tastes to buy the cd (however, Dana probably will, so I\'ll get it by default) but I wouldn\'t turn the radio station if they were on AND I listened to radio for music...\n\nThen about 8:30, it was time for McCartney to hit the stage... and it was everything I wanted in a show.  He had more energy than I thought... he moved around and was very spry for a 67-year old man... hell, for a 45-year old man or even me and I am just 36-years old...\n\nHere is the setlist (I believe it is the same setlist as previous tour stops.  I got this from a review of the CitiField show in NYC):\n\nDrive My Car\nJet\nOnly Mama Knows\nFlaming Pie\nGot To Get You Into My Life\nLet Me Roll It *with Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” mixed in at the end*\nHighway\nLong And Winding Road\nMy Love\nBlackbird\nHere Today\nDance Tonight\nCalico Skies\nMrs. Vanderbilt\nEleanor Rigby\nSing The Changes\nBand On The Run\nBack In The USSR\nI’m Down\nSomething\nI’ve Got A Feeling\nPaperback Writer\nA Day In The Life – Give Peace A Chance\nLet It Be\nLive And Let Die\nHey Jude\nEncore 1:\nDay Tripper\nLady Madonna\nI Saw Her Standing There\n\nEncore 2:\nYesterday\nHelter Skelter\nGet Back\nSgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band/The End\n\nI admit that I don\'t know much of this post-Beatles catalog, but I really enjoyed every song.  Time for me to start buying some of this Wings and solo stuff...\n\nI could go on an on about the show but I can sum it up like this: AMAZING.  I can\'t really describe how amazing the show was and how I felt about seeing McCartney live.  I have missed him twice before in Atlanta and I wasn\'t about to miss him again.  I am so glad I did.  I am very happy that I was able to see the show with Dana.  We share a love for the Beatles, so that makes the show even more special...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"From Playing &quot;Jet&quot;\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_031/web.jpg?ver=12504373040001\" alt=\"From Playing Jet\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"His big wardrobe change... :)\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_027/web.jpg?ver=12504373120001\" alt=\"His big wardrobe change... :)\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\n\nOne thing: it came a nice pouring rain about halfway through the show.  It raining and a bit miserable... but no amount of rain could get me to leave... not even a monsoon... (though I imagine the show would have been stopped at that point.)  My tour book got just about completely destroyed... but that\'s ok.  It is still around and I am proud of it\'s battle wounds! ;)\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Playing &quot;Live and Let Die&quot;\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_007/web.jpg?ver=12504373620001\" alt=\"Playing Live and Let Die\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nThere are many p<a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100240\" target=\"_blank\">ictures of the show</a> I took (no cameras were allowed, but they didn\'t exactly search for them...)... Enjoy.\n\n<strong>III. Getting Home</strong>\n\nAs you can imagine, there were a boat-load of people trying to get on the trains (once we finally got to the Arts Center Station).  We kind of followed the crowd and ended up at a different station than we got off of getting there... The trains, by the time they got to us were packed like sardines.. so, I suggested to Dana that we take the southbound train a few stations south and get on the trains before they get packed... so, we did and it worked.  We got good seats on the train and were able to rest our weary feet... We left the house around 2:15PM and got home around 1:45AM (after getting some Krystals... we were really kind of hungry...) Nearly 12 hours... it was worth every minute and every minor pain that we felt or the walks... I would do it again tonight if he were playing here again.','The Green Concert at Piedmont Park',0,'','inherit','open','open','','405-revision-2','','','2009-08-16 14:54:16','2009-08-16 18:54:16','',405,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=407',0,'revision','',0),(408,1,'2009-08-19 14:57:28','2009-08-19 18:57:28','As of Sunday, May 24, 2009, I am engaged to my wondeful girlfriend, Dana... It was part of a \"magical\" weekend in Mentone, AL.  We took the weekend trip there because I had always wanted to take a girlfriend there and she was my girlfriend and it is the one year anniversary of becoming an official couple.  It was already special, but getting engaged made it even more special.\n\nSo, at DeSoto Falls (Mentone, AL), the day unfolds like this...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-335\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_053.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_053\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\n\nDana... before the ring...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-334\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_054-640x480.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_054-640x480\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\n\nMe... not quite engaged...\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-336\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_057.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_057\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" /></p>\n\nDeSoto Falls (where the magic happened...)\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-337\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_064.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_064\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\n\nThe rock... of course, she said \"yes.\"\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-338\" title=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mentonetrip2009_067.jpg\" alt=\"mentonetrip2009_067\" width=\"448\" height=\"336\" /></p>\n\nShowing off the ring... the happy couple...\n\nNow, we are engaged and the wedding planning begins... we are actually hoping to get married during the Memorial Day weekend next year... that woud bring everything full circle...','Getting Engaged (the story)...',0,'','inherit','open','open','','333-autosave','','','2009-08-19 14:57:28','2009-08-19 18:57:28','',333,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=408',0,'revision','',0),(409,1,'2009-08-19 14:58:51','2009-08-19 18:58:51','I suppose that almost everybody that Dana and I know  have been told the entire story... but I didn\'t really write about it... so, here it is... \"<strong>the rest of the story</strong>.\"  (<a href=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=333\" target=\"_blank\">the original post is here</a>.)\n\nWe arrived in Mentone on a Saturday morning... the entire weekend seemed to be a rain-fest.  That just would not suffice!  We had previously decided to see the town on Saturday afternoon and then go to the falls on Sunday (so, the ring was there but not on her hand!)\n\n[I had the ring for a week in my laptop backpack.  Both my Mom and my neice, Amber, had seen it the weekend before while we were visiting Huntsville... Dana was there but had no idea... I am so sneaky!]\n\nSo, for a day and a night, I had a lot of anxiety about what I was about to do.  I did enjoy the weekend, but I knew the reason that we were there had not been revealed to Dana, yet.  And after waking up to rain on Sunday morning, I was getting really bummed out because my whole plan... my whole vision was proposing by the falls (I had never been there nor did I even look at them on the internet prior to the trip... trying to be spontaneous.).  We ate breakfast and even watched a little t.v. that morning as the rain came down.  Normally, rain is very calming, but I was so ready to get down on my knee... but I would have to wait.\n\nIt eventually let up and quit around lunch time.  We had decided to head out to the falls and then to the park for a picnic lunch.  (and after finding a brochure for Sequoyah Caverns at the cabin... we had decided to check them out...)  We got to the falls and they were beautiful.  Almost the very picturesque setting that I had in mind.  [I had envisioned a picnic lunch there, but the picnic area is in the park.]  I brought my entire camera bag though I had no plans to use both cameras... the ring was in the bag.  [I told you, \"sneaky.\" Also, a bit protective.  I would not let Dana hold the bag as she might look inside and see what I came there to give her.]\n\nWe viewed the upper falls and then descended down the steps to view the lower falls... I took some pictures and waited for the other couple to go back up the steps so that we would be alone at the lower falls.  I got the ring out of the bag and put it behind my back.  I started a small conversation with Dana and then I got down on one knee and I presented Dana the ring and uttered words I thought I might ever say to any woman... \"will you marry me?\"  Of course, she said \"yes.\"  Not only that, but that she\'d \"marry me a million times.\"  And then and there, at DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL, we were officially engaged.\n\nThe rest of the trip went well... visiting <a href=\"http://www.sequoyahcaverns.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sequoyah Caverns</a> and driving down to Ft. Payne for dinner at a Ruby Tuesdays... I tried to make the proposal as romantic and memorable as possible... and the fact that Dana still talks about it, I believe that succeeded.\n\nThere you have it... the rest of the story.  Hope that you enjoyed it and made you smile.  I know that I smiled while writing it.\n\nCheck out the <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100116\" target=\"_self\">picture gallery</a> from the Mentone trip on my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>.','Getting Engaged (the rest of the story)',0,'','inherit','open','open','','386-autosave','','','2009-08-19 14:58:51','2009-08-19 18:58:51','',386,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=409',0,'revision','',0),(412,1,'2009-08-16 14:54:36','2009-08-16 18:54:36','Yes... it was the living legend, Sir James Paul McCartney... and what an amazing show it was.  It is hard to take it all in even now as it hasn\'t even been 24 hours... but I\'ll start with part one...\r\n\r\n<strong>I. Getting There</strong>\r\n\r\nWe had to take MARTA (it was a \"car-less\" event) to get there.  Piedmont Park wouldn\'t have enough parking for everybody, anyway.  I suppose we could have parked closer than the nearest MARTA station, North Springs, but it is the most convenient.  Getting there was not a big deal as the trains weren\'t that full at 2:30PM.  But we got to the Midtown station and walked to the park and got in the long line at about 4... and were seated on the ground at about 5:15 (that\'s about when I tweeded about it).\r\n\r\n<strong>II. The SHOW!</strong>\r\n\r\nIt started about 7pm with the opening act, The Script.  They were actually pretty good.  Not exactly my musical tastes to buy the cd (however, Dana probably will, so I\'ll get it by default) but I wouldn\'t turn the radio station if they were on AND I listened to radio for music...\r\n\r\nThen about 8:30, it was time for McCartney to hit the stage... and it was everything I wanted in a show.  He had more energy than I thought... he moved around and was very spry for a 67-year old man... hell, for a 45-year old man or even me and I am just 36-years old...\r\n\r\nHere is the setlist (I believe it is the same setlist as previous tour stops.  I got this from a review of the CitiField show in NYC):\r\n\r\nDrive My Car\r\nJet\r\nOnly Mama Knows\r\nFlaming Pie\r\nGot To Get You Into My Life\r\nLet Me Roll It *with Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” mixed in at the end*\r\nHighway\r\nLong And Winding Road\r\nMy Love\r\nBlackbird\r\nHere Today\r\nDance Tonight\r\nCalico Skies\r\nMrs. Vanderbilt\r\nEleanor Rigby\r\nSing The Changes\r\nBand On The Run\r\nBack In The USSR\r\nI’m Down\r\nSomething\r\nI’ve Got A Feeling\r\nPaperback Writer\r\nA Day In The Life – Give Peace A Chance\r\nLet It Be\r\nLive And Let Die\r\nHey Jude\r\nEncore 1:\r\nDay Tripper\r\nLady Madonna\r\nI Saw Her Standing There\r\n\r\nEncore 2:\r\nYesterday\r\nHelter Skelter\r\nGet Back\r\nSgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band/The End\r\n\r\nI admit that I don\'t know much of this post-Beatles catalog, but I really enjoyed every song.  Time for me to start buying some of this Wings and solo stuff...\r\n\r\nI could go on an on about the show but I can sum it up like this: AMAZING.  I can\'t really describe how amazing the show was and how I felt about seeing McCartney live.  I have missed him twice before in Atlanta and I wasn\'t about to miss him again.  I am so glad I did.  I am very happy that I was able to see the show with Dana.  We share a love for the Beatles, so that makes the show even more special...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"From Playing &quot;Jet&quot;\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_031/web.jpg?ver=12504373040001\" alt=\"From Playing Jet\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"369\" caption=\"His big wardrobe change... :)\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_027/web.jpg?ver=12504373120001\" alt=\"His big wardrobe change... :)\" width=\"369\" height=\"491\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne thing: it came a nice pouring rain about halfway through the show.  It raining and a bit miserable... but no amount of rain could get me to leave... not even a monsoon... (though I imagine the show would have been stopped at that point.)  My tour book got just about completely destroyed... but that\'s ok.  It is still around and I am proud of it\'s battle wounds! ;)\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Playing &quot;Live and Let Die&quot;\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100240/McCartney_007/web.jpg?ver=12504373620001\" alt=\"Playing Live and Let Die\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThere are many more p<a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100240\" target=\"_blank\">ictures of the show</a> I took (no cameras were allowed, but they didn\'t exactly search for them...)... Enjoy.\r\n\r\n<strong>III. Getting Home</strong>\r\n\r\nAs you can imagine, there were a boat-load of people trying to get on the trains (once we finally got to the Arts Center Station).  We kind of followed the crowd and ended up at a different station than we got off of getting there... The trains, by the time they got to us were packed like sardines.. so, I suggested to Dana that we take the southbound train a few stations south and get on the trains before they get packed... so, we did and it worked.  We got good seats on the train and were able to rest our weary feet... We left the house around 2:15PM and got home around 1:45AM (after getting some Krystals... we were really kind of hungry...) Nearly 12 hours... it was worth every minute and every minor pain that we felt or the walks... I would do it again tonight if he were playing here again.','The Green Concert at Piedmont Park',0,'','inherit','open','open','','405-revision-3','','','2009-08-16 14:54:36','2009-08-16 18:54:36','',405,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=412',0,'revision','',0),(411,1,'2009-08-21 11:05:32','2009-08-21 15:05:32','That\'s what I am.  I have no trouble waking up in the morning and feel fine physically, but I can\'t get my mind going.  It takes it so long to remember evertyhing that I need to do.   Today was kind of a breaking point... I spent 20 minutes looking for my glasses.  I had  them on and took them off (because I don\'t need them to read or use the computer when the monitor is up close...).  I was ready to go to work and ... \"Where are my glasses?\"  I looked and looked and I finally found them on the ottoman next to the computer desk... If they had been a snake, they\'d bit me as I had been by there several times already.\r\n\r\nAfter a rough May, June, and half of July... the past month has been pretty calm.  There was the trip to Ohio earlier this month and the McCartney show... those were somewhat tiring in themselves...\r\n\r\nMy vacation is just 2 weeks away but it feels like it is a year away.  I don\'t believe I have ever needed a vacation more than I do now.  I am not even going anywhere... it\'s a \"staycation\" at least for the first 6 days (There are 9 days off including the weekend days...) and then to Huntsville for a 3 day weekend with Dana.  Hoping that we will get to drive around the town and show her some of the town that I haven\'t had time to show her thus far.\r\n\r\nI really feel like I may try to go home early today even after coming in an hour late.  I feel like I might need it.','Mentally Exhausted',0,'','publish','open','open','','mentally-exhausted','','','2009-08-21 11:05:32','2009-08-21 15:05:32','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=411',0,'post','',0),(413,1,'2009-07-22 11:51:07','2009-07-22 15:51:07','Wow... it\'s about time for the month stretch where I will be going to 4 concerts at 4 different venues in the metro... I am ready for some live music...\r\n\r\n<strong>7/27 - Tool at Gwinnett Arena. </strong> This will be my first time to see them live.  I am not a huge Tool fan but I do enjoy all of their music... so, I am finally getting a chance to see them.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUXBCdt5IPg\r\n\r\n<strong>7/28 - Progressive Nation 2009 at The Tabernacle. </strong> This will be my 6th time to see Dream Theater and my first for the rest of the bill.  None of the bands do I already listen to.  That includes Zappa.  Maybe I will come out with a new band to listen to.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W70LZxzp2js\r\n\r\n<strong>8/15 - Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park. </strong>So very excited for this one... Sir Paul!  I am taking Dana to this show that will be possibly my favorite show ever... (currently, that is Pink Floyd\'s last tour).  I have had other chances to see Sir Paul (couldn\'t afford tickets), but I was not going to miss this one.\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCwQiIqWpRY\r\n\r\n<strong>8/29 - Crue Fest 2 at Lakewood. </strong> Dana is a big Crue fan (maybe a bigger fan of Mr. Sixx than the Crue), so I decided that we would go to this show as well.  I am a Motley fan from the 80\'s as most are... is really hard to believe that Dr. Feelgood has been around 20 years...\r\n\r\nhttpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asYKHetZFds\r\n\r\nSo, yeah, gonna be an awesome stretch of shows... :)','It\'s concert season!',0,'','inherit','open','open','','358-revision-3','','','2009-07-22 11:51:07','2009-07-22 15:51:07','',358,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=413',0,'revision','',0),(414,1,'2009-08-28 17:43:32','2009-08-28 21:43:32','It\'s fair to say that I have drank the \"Apple Kool-Aid.\"  And I like the way it tastes.  No, the flavor isn\'t perfect but better than any other kool-aid out there... so, cliches aside... I am not a full-fledged \"fanboy\" but I am a loyal customer/user.  Let\'s face it... there are \"fanboys\"/\"fangirls\" of just about anything (anybody who is a fan of a particular product/brand... guess what, you are are a \"fanboy\" or \"fangirl.\").  There are few debates as bitter as the Mac/PC discussions... (the only others that seem to envoke as much passion are: Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft and before that it was Nintendo/Sega... Basically, Nintendo versus whoever else is popular...).\r\n\r\nFunny that it\'s Nintendo vs the world... because it\'s often Apple vs the world... And that Nintendo and Apple are often in the same breath quite often.  Hmmmm...\r\n\r\nWell, to the point... I am loyal.  Why?  I like their products.  Just that simple.  I fully embrace their business model.  One that has many challengers (open source advoates, Microsoft advocates...) but none of these have detered Apple from running it\'s business as it sees fit.  They are not violating any current monopoly or anti-trust laws, no matter how hard people try to state their case, otherwise.  It is their business model.  They have had the same model for almost the entirety of their existence.  With the exception of some Apple II clones (namely the Laser 2000 and the Franklin Ace) and some licensed clones of the Macs in the 90\'s... Apple has basically been the captain of their ship and they control who can board ths ship.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-418\" title=\"Old AppleLogo\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Old-AppleLogo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Old AppleLogo\" width=\"47\" height=\"47\" />I owned (well, my Dad technically...) and Apple //c back in the 80\'s and it was great but one of my friend\'s Dad had a PC (prior to this, the only contact with PC\'s I had were in school... no, not even running Windows.  In middle school, I did most of my writing on an IBM PC jr...) running Windows 3.1.  I thought it was fantastic.   In fact, I totally lost track of what Apple was doing beyond the Apple IIGS [I wanted one, but so expensive!].  I had to have one of these computers.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-420\" title=\"windows_logo\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/windows_logo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"windows_logo\" width=\"73\" height=\"73\" />I convinced my Dad to buy a Gateway 2000 with DOS 6.2/Windows 3.1.  It was hard to choose when there is PC Magazine with so many brands of computers running Windows, most with similar specs and prices.  We settled on Gateway due to a friend recommendation... and thus, I began down the path of Windows leaving Apple behind.  Who has 2500 for a Mac then?\r\n\r\nA few years ago, I got a 3rd Gen iPod.  I heard so much about these iPods and because I am a big music fan (and admitted Dream Theater fanboy) that I wanted an iPod... they were very popular and the Apple store was a very friendly and inviting place to shop.  I loved that thing.  It was the best piece of tech I had ever bought... yeah, I said it.  Well, like many, that started a passion for Apple that eventually led to me buying a 1st Gen Black MacBook, which I affectionately called \"BlackBook.\"  I have never looked back since.  I bought a Mac Mini as my first desktop Mac, although it was meant for my budding home theater at the time, but my TV didn\'t really like it... never could get them to work right together, so I hooked the Mini to a monitor and began using it daily... and I found that I enjoyed using Mac OS X much more than Windows XP.   Well, the Mini got fried (and then so did my main HDD in my Dell.  Burns me up til this day.) and I was back to a Dell (running XP) and my BlackBook.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-417\" title=\"logo apple\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/logo-apple-150x150.gif\" alt=\"logo apple\" width=\"62\" height=\"62\" />I decided to buy an iMac and was an amazing purchase.  It serves my every need.  Rarely needs maintainance or even re-boots.  The hardware/software are so in-tune with each other, that I would not want Apple to licesnse out OS X to just anybody.  The clones would have to be tightly controlled as in the 90\'s... that does go against the whole Apple ecosystem they have cultivated (which is not much different than the ecosystem that surrounds a modern video game system... with the exception that you can\'t buy MS\'s Xboc360 OS or Sony PS3 OS as a retail product but would you if they offerend?  Probably not.).\r\n\r\nSince then, I replaced my BlackBook with a uni-body MacBook (I wish it did have firewire, tho...).  It is, like my BlackBook before it, my constant companion.  It take it everywhere and neither laptop has ever let me down.  [Currently, the BlackBook is permanently attached to my TV where I can watch videos and surf the internet from the couch.]\r\n\r\nI think Mac OS X is the best operating system I have used. (Note: I didn\'t make the claim as the best OS ever, but the best one I have ever used.  My opinion.)  To give some background, I have used: DOS/Windows 3.1;Windows 95;Windows 98;Windows XP;Windows 2000;briefly Windows Vista;Beta and RC version of Windows 7;Ubuntu 7.10;Ubuntu 8.04.  Sure, OS X has it\'s faults as no software is perfect but I prefer it over any of these other OSes.\r\n\r\nI think of myself as a sort of techie... first computer was a TI99/4A and used many different machines over the years and I am quite happy with Apple... thus, drinking the kool-aid really wasn\'t a hard decision.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-421\" title=\"windows_7_logo2\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/windows_7_logo2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"windows_7_logo2\" width=\"66\" height=\"66\" />(For the record, I did pre-order Windows 7 for my fiancee\'s old HP/Compaq computer.  I will have Windows in my house, but will be rarely used... 3 Macs and a PC all living in harmony... now if only the fanboys/fangirls could do the same.)','Apple: Why am I so loyal?',0,'','publish','open','open','','apple-why-am-i-so-loyal','','','2009-08-28 17:55:00','2009-08-28 21:55:00','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=414',0,'post','',0),(415,1,'2009-08-28 17:43:28','2009-08-28 21:43:28','It\'s fair to say that I have drank the \"Apple Kool-Aid.\"  And I like the way it tastes.  No, the flavor isn\'t perfect but better than any other kool-aid out there... so, cliches aside... I am not a full-fledged \"fanboy\" but I am a loyal customer/user.  Let\'s face it... there are \"fanboys\"/\"fangirls\" of just about anything (anybody who is a fan of a particular product/brand... guess what, you are are a \"fanboy\" or \"fangirl.\").  There are few debates as bitter as the Mac/PC discussions... (the only others that seem to envoke as much passion are: Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft and before that it was Nintendo/Sega... Basically, Nintendo versus whoever else is popular...).\n\nFunny that it\'s Nintendo vs the world... because it\'s often Apple vs the world... And that Nintendo and Apple are often in the same breath quite often.  Hmmmm...\n\nWell, to the point... I am loyal.  Why?  I like their products.  Just that simple.  I fully embrace their business model.  One that has many challengers (open source advoates, Microsoft advocates...) but none of these have detered Apple from running it\'s business as it sees fit.  They are not violating any current monopoly or anti-trust laws, no matter how hard people try to state their case, otherwise.  It is their business model.  They have had the same model for almost the entirety of their existance.  With the exception of some Apple II clones (namely the Laser 2000 and the Franklin Ace) and some licensed clones of the Macs in the 90\'s... Apple has basically been the captain of their ship and they control who can board ths ship.\n\nI owned (well, my Dad technically...) and Apple //c back in the 80\'s and it was great but one of my friend\'s Dad had a PC (prior to this, the only contact with PC\'s I had were in school... no, not even running Windows.  In middle school, I did most of my writing on an IBM PC jr...) running Windows 3.1.  I thought it was fantastic.   In fact, I totally lost track of what Apple was doing beyond the Apple IIGS [I wanted one, but so expensive!].  I had to have one of these computers.  I convinced my Dad to buy a Gateway 2000.  It was hard to choose when there is PC Magazine with so many brands of computers running Windows, most with similar specs and prices.  We settled on Gateway due to a friend reccomendation... and thus, I began down the path of Windows leaving Apple behind.  Who has 2500 for a Mac then?\n\nA few years ago, I got a 3rd Gen iPod.  I heard so much about these iPods and because I am a big music fan (and admitted Dream Theater fanboy) that I wanted an iPod... they were very popular and the Apple store was a very friendly and inviting place to shop.  I loved that thing.  It was the best piece of tech I had ever bought... yeah, I said it.  Well, like many, that started a passion for Apple that eventually led to me buying a 1st Gen Black MacBook, which I affectionately called \"BlackBook.\"  I have never looked back since.  I bought a Mac Mini as my first desktop Mac, although it was meant for my budding home theater at the time, but my TV didn\'t really like it... never could get them to work right together, so I hooked the Mini to a monitor and began using it daily... and I found that I enjoyed using Mac OS X much more than Windows XP.   Well, the Mini got fried (and then so did my main HDD in my Dell.  Burns me up til this day.) and I was back to a Dell (running XP) and my BlackBook.\n\nI decided to buy an iMac and was an amazing purchase.  It serves my every need.  Rarely needs maintainance or even re-boots.  The hardware/software are so in-tune with each other, that I would not want Apple to licesnse out OS X to just anybody.  The clones would have to be tightly controlled as in the 90\'s... that does go against the whole Apple ecosystem they have cultivated (which is not much different than the ecosystem that surrounds a modern video game system... with the exception that you can\'t buy MS\'s Xboc360 OS or Sony PS3 OS as a retail product but would you if they offerend?  Probably not.).\n\nSince then, I replaced my BlackBook with a uni-body MacBook (I wish it did have firewire, tho...).  It is, like my BlackBook before it, my constant companion.  It take it everywhere and neither laptop has ever let me down.  [Currently, the BlackBook is permanently attached to my TV where I can watch videos and surf the internet from the couch.]\n\nI think Mac OS X is the best operating system I have used. (Note: I didn\'t make the claim as the best OS ever, but the best one I have ever used.  My opinion.)  To give some background, I have used: DOS/Windows 3.1;Windows 95;Windows 98;Windows XP;Windows 2000;briefly Windows Vista;Beta and RC version of Windows 7;Ubuntu 7.10;Ubuntu 8.04.  Sure, OS X has it\'s faults as no software is perfect but I prefer it over any of these other OSes.\n\nI think of myself as a sort of techie... first computer was a TI99/4A and used many different machines over the years and I am quite happy with Apple... thus, drinking the kool-aid really wasn\'t a hard decision.  (For the record, I did pre-order Windows 7 for my fiancee\'s old HP/Compaq computer.  I will have Windows in my house, but will be rarely used... 3 Macs and a PC all living in harmony... now if only the fanboys/fangirls could do the same.)','Apple: Why am I so loyal?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','414-revision','','','2009-08-28 17:43:28','2009-08-28 21:43:28','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=415',0,'revision','',0),(416,1,'2009-08-28 17:43:32','2009-08-28 21:43:32','It\'s fair to say that I have drank the \"Apple Kool-Aid.\"  And I like the way it tastes.  No, the flavor isn\'t perfect but better than any other kool-aid out there... so, cliches aside... I am not a full-fledged \"fanboy\" but I am a loyal customer/user.  Let\'s face it... there are \"fanboys\"/\"fangirls\" of just about anything (anybody who is a fan of a particular product/brand... guess what, you are are a \"fanboy\" or \"fangirl.\").  There are few debates as bitter as the Mac/PC discussions... (the only others that seem to envoke as much passion are: Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft and before that it was Nintendo/Sega... Basically, Nintendo versus whoever else is popular...).\r\n\r\nFunny that it\'s Nintendo vs the world... because it\'s often Apple vs the world... And that Nintendo and Apple are often in the same breath quite often.  Hmmmm...\r\n\r\nWell, to the point... I am loyal.  Why?  I like their products.  Just that simple.  I fully embrace their business model.  One that has many challengers (open source advoates, Microsoft advocates...) but none of these have detered Apple from running it\'s business as it sees fit.  They are not violating any current monopoly or anti-trust laws, no matter how hard people try to state their case, otherwise.  It is their business model.  They have had the same model for almost the entirety of their existance.  With the exception of some Apple II clones (namely the Laser 2000 and the Franklin Ace) and some licensed clones of the Macs in the 90\'s... Apple has basically been the captain of their ship and they control who can board ths ship.\r\n\r\nI owned (well, my Dad technically...) and Apple //c back in the 80\'s and it was great but one of my friend\'s Dad had a PC (prior to this, the only contact with PC\'s I had were in school... no, not even running Windows.  In middle school, I did most of my writing on an IBM PC jr...) running Windows 3.1.  I thought it was fantastic.   In fact, I totally lost track of what Apple was doing beyond the Apple IIGS [I wanted one, but so expensive!].  I had to have one of these computers.  I convinced my Dad to buy a Gateway 2000.  It was hard to choose when there is PC Magazine with so many brands of computers running Windows, most with similar specs and prices.  We settled on Gateway due to a friend reccomendation... and thus, I began down the path of Windows leaving Apple behind.  Who has 2500 for a Mac then?\r\n\r\nA few years ago, I got a 3rd Gen iPod.  I heard so much about these iPods and because I am a big music fan (and admitted Dream Theater fanboy) that I wanted an iPod... they were very popular and the Apple store was a very friendly and inviting place to shop.  I loved that thing.  It was the best piece of tech I had ever bought... yeah, I said it.  Well, like many, that started a passion for Apple that eventually led to me buying a 1st Gen Black MacBook, which I affectionately called \"BlackBook.\"  I have never looked back since.  I bought a Mac Mini as my first desktop Mac, although it was meant for my budding home theater at the time, but my TV didn\'t really like it... never could get them to work right together, so I hooked the Mini to a monitor and began using it daily... and I found that I enjoyed using Mac OS X much more than Windows XP.   Well, the Mini got fried (and then so did my main HDD in my Dell.  Burns me up til this day.) and I was back to a Dell (running XP) and my BlackBook.\r\n\r\nI decided to buy an iMac and was an amazing purchase.  It serves my every need.  Rarely needs maintainance or even re-boots.  The hardware/software are so in-tune with each other, that I would not want Apple to licesnse out OS X to just anybody.  The clones would have to be tightly controlled as in the 90\'s... that does go against the whole Apple ecosystem they have cultivated (which is not much different than the ecosystem that surrounds a modern video game system... with the exception that you can\'t buy MS\'s Xboc360 OS or Sony PS3 OS as a retail product but would you if they offerend?  Probably not.).\r\n\r\nSince then, I replaced my BlackBook with a uni-body MacBook (I wish it did have firewire, tho...).  It is, like my BlackBook before it, my constant companion.  It take it everywhere and neither laptop has ever let me down.  [Currently, the BlackBook is permanently attached to my TV where I can watch videos and surf the internet from the couch.]\r\n\r\nI think Mac OS X is the best operating system I have used. (Note: I didn\'t make the claim as the best OS ever, but the best one I have ever used.  My opinion.)  To give some background, I have used: DOS/Windows 3.1;Windows 95;Windows 98;Windows XP;Windows 2000;briefly Windows Vista;Beta and RC version of Windows 7;Ubuntu 7.10;Ubuntu 8.04.  Sure, OS X has it\'s faults as no software is perfect but I prefer it over any of these other OSes.\r\n\r\nI think of myself as a sort of techie... first computer was a TI99/4A and used many different machines over the years and I am quite happy with Apple... thus, drinking the kool-aid really wasn\'t a hard decision.  (For the record, I did pre-order Windows 7 for my fiancee\'s old HP/Compaq computer.  I will have Windows in my house, but will be rarely used... 3 Macs and a PC all living in harmony... now if only the fanboys/fangirls could do the same.)','Apple: Why am I so loyal?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','414-revision-2','','','2009-08-28 17:43:32','2009-08-28 21:43:32','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=416',0,'revision','',0),(417,1,'2009-08-28 17:48:04','2009-08-28 21:48:04','','logo apple',0,'','inherit','open','open','','logo-apple','','','2009-08-28 17:48:04','2009-08-28 21:48:04','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/logo-apple.gif',0,'attachment','image/gif',0),(418,1,'2009-08-28 17:48:05','2009-08-28 21:48:05','','Old AppleLogo',0,'','inherit','open','open','','old-applelogo','','','2009-08-28 17:48:05','2009-08-28 21:48:05','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Old-AppleLogo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(419,1,'2009-08-28 17:44:00','2009-08-28 21:44:00','It\'s fair to say that I have drank the \"Apple Kool-Aid.\"  And I like the way it tastes.  No, the flavor isn\'t perfect but better than any other kool-aid out there... so, cliches aside... I am not a full-fledged \"fanboy\" but I am a loyal customer/user.  Let\'s face it... there are \"fanboys\"/\"fangirls\" of just about anything (anybody who is a fan of a particular product/brand... guess what, you are are a \"fanboy\" or \"fangirl.\").  There are few debates as bitter as the Mac/PC discussions... (the only others that seem to envoke as much passion are: Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft and before that it was Nintendo/Sega... Basically, Nintendo versus whoever else is popular...).\r\n\r\nFunny that it\'s Nintendo vs the world... because it\'s often Apple vs the world... And that Nintendo and Apple are often in the same breath quite often.  Hmmmm...\r\n\r\nWell, to the point... I am loyal.  Why?  I like their products.  Just that simple.  I fully embrace their business model.  One that has many challengers (open source advoates, Microsoft advocates...) but none of these have detered Apple from running it\'s business as it sees fit.  They are not violating any current monopoly or anti-trust laws, no matter how hard people try to state their case, otherwise.  It is their business model.  They have had the same model for almost the entirety of their existence.  With the exception of some Apple II clones (namely the Laser 2000 and the Franklin Ace) and some licensed clones of the Macs in the 90\'s... Apple has basically been the captain of their ship and they control who can board ths ship.\r\n\r\nI owned (well, my Dad technically...) and Apple //c back in the 80\'s and it was great but one of my friend\'s Dad had a PC (prior to this, the only contact with PC\'s I had were in school... no, not even running Windows.  In middle school, I did most of my writing on an IBM PC jr...) running Windows 3.1.  I thought it was fantastic.   In fact, I totally lost track of what Apple was doing beyond the Apple IIGS [I wanted one, but so expensive!].  I had to have one of these computers.  I convinced my Dad to buy a Gateway 2000.  It was hard to choose when there is PC Magazine with so many brands of computers running Windows, most with similar specs and prices.  We settled on Gateway due to a friend recommendation... and thus, I began down the path of Windows leaving Apple behind.  Who has 2500 for a Mac then?\r\n\r\nA few years ago, I got a 3rd Gen iPod.  I heard so much about these iPods and because I am a big music fan (and admitted Dream Theater fanboy) that I wanted an iPod... they were very popular and the Apple store was a very friendly and inviting place to shop.  I loved that thing.  It was the best piece of tech I had ever bought... yeah, I said it.  Well, like many, that started a passion for Apple that eventually led to me buying a 1st Gen Black MacBook, which I affectionately called \"BlackBook.\"  I have never looked back since.  I bought a Mac Mini as my first desktop Mac, although it was meant for my budding home theater at the time, but my TV didn\'t really like it... never could get them to work right together, so I hooked the Mini to a monitor and began using it daily... and I found that I enjoyed using Mac OS X much more than Windows XP.   Well, the Mini got fried (and then so did my main HDD in my Dell.  Burns me up til this day.) and I was back to a Dell (running XP) and my BlackBook.\r\n\r\nI decided to buy an iMac and was an amazing purchase.  It serves my every need.  Rarely needs maintainance or even re-boots.  The hardware/software are so in-tune with each other, that I would not want Apple to licesnse out OS X to just anybody.  The clones would have to be tightly controlled as in the 90\'s... that does go against the whole Apple ecosystem they have cultivated (which is not much different than the ecosystem that surrounds a modern video game system... with the exception that you can\'t buy MS\'s Xboc360 OS or Sony PS3 OS as a retail product but would you if they offerend?  Probably not.).\r\n\r\nSince then, I replaced my BlackBook with a uni-body MacBook (I wish it did have firewire, tho...).  It is, like my BlackBook before it, my constant companion.  It take it everywhere and neither laptop has ever let me down.  [Currently, the BlackBook is permanently attached to my TV where I can watch videos and surf the internet from the couch.]\r\n\r\nI think Mac OS X is the best operating system I have used. (Note: I didn\'t make the claim as the best OS ever, but the best one I have ever used.  My opinion.)  To give some background, I have used: DOS/Windows 3.1;Windows 95;Windows 98;Windows XP;Windows 2000;briefly Windows Vista;Beta and RC version of Windows 7;Ubuntu 7.10;Ubuntu 8.04.  Sure, OS X has it\'s faults as no software is perfect but I prefer it over any of these other OSes.\r\n\r\nI think of myself as a sort of techie... first computer was a TI99/4A and used many different machines over the years and I am quite happy with Apple... thus, drinking the kool-aid really wasn\'t a hard decision.  (For the record, I did pre-order Windows 7 for my fiancee\'s old HP/Compaq computer.  I will have Windows in my house, but will be rarely used... 3 Macs and a PC all living in harmony... now if only the fanboys/fangirls could do the same.)','Apple: Why am I so loyal?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','414-revision-3','','','2009-08-28 17:44:00','2009-08-28 21:44:00','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=419',0,'revision','',0),(420,1,'2009-08-28 17:53:07','2009-08-28 21:53:07','','windows_logo',0,'','inherit','open','open','','windows_logo','','','2009-08-28 17:53:07','2009-08-28 21:53:07','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/windows_logo.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(421,1,'2009-08-28 17:53:07','2009-08-28 21:53:07','','windows_7_logo2',0,'','inherit','open','open','','windows_7_logo2','','','2009-08-28 17:53:07','2009-08-28 21:53:07','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/windows_7_logo2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(422,1,'2009-08-28 17:54:49','2009-08-28 21:54:49','It\'s fair to say that I have drank the \"Apple Kool-Aid.\"  And I like the way it tastes.  No, the flavor isn\'t perfect but better than any other kool-aid out there... so, cliches aside... I am not a full-fledged \"fanboy\" but I am a loyal customer/user.  Let\'s face it... there are \"fanboys\"/\"fangirls\" of just about anything (anybody who is a fan of a particular product/brand... guess what, you are are a \"fanboy\" or \"fangirl.\").  There are few debates as bitter as the Mac/PC discussions... (the only others that seem to envoke as much passion are: Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft and before that it was Nintendo/Sega... Basically, Nintendo versus whoever else is popular...).\n\nFunny that it\'s Nintendo vs the world... because it\'s often Apple vs the world... And that Nintendo and Apple are often in the same breath quite often.  Hmmmm...\n\nWell, to the point... I am loyal.  Why?  I like their products.  Just that simple.  I fully embrace their business model.  One that has many challengers (open source advoates, Microsoft advocates...) but none of these have detered Apple from running it\'s business as it sees fit.  They are not violating any current monopoly or anti-trust laws, no matter how hard people try to state their case, otherwise.  It is their business model.  They have had the same model for almost the entirety of their existence.  With the exception of some Apple II clones (namely the Laser 2000 and the Franklin Ace) and some licensed clones of the Macs in the 90\'s... Apple has basically been the captain of their ship and they control who can board ths ship.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-418\" title=\"Old AppleLogo\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Old-AppleLogo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Old AppleLogo\" width=\"47\" height=\"47\" />I owned (well, my Dad technically...) and Apple //c back in the 80\'s and it was great but one of my friend\'s Dad had a PC (prior to this, the only contact with PC\'s I had were in school... no, not even running Windows.  In middle school, I did most of my writing on an IBM PC jr...) running Windows 3.1.  I thought it was fantastic.   In fact, I totally lost track of what Apple was doing beyond the Apple IIGS [I wanted one, but so expensive!].  I had to have one of these computers.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-420\" title=\"windows_logo\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/windows_logo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"windows_logo\" width=\"73\" height=\"73\" />I convinced my Dad to buy a Gateway 2000 with DOS 6.2/Windows 3.1.  It was hard to choose when there is PC Magazine with so many brands of computers running Windows, most with similar specs and prices.  We settled on Gateway due to a friend recommendation... and thus, I began down the path of Windows leaving Apple behind.  Who has 2500 for a Mac then?\n\nA few years ago, I got a 3rd Gen iPod.  I heard so much about these iPods and because I am a big music fan (and admitted Dream Theater fanboy) that I wanted an iPod... they were very popular and the Apple store was a very friendly and inviting place to shop.  I loved that thing.  It was the best piece of tech I had ever bought... yeah, I said it.  Well, like many, that started a passion for Apple that eventually led to me buying a 1st Gen Black MacBook, which I affectionately called \"BlackBook.\"  I have never looked back since.  I bought a Mac Mini as my first desktop Mac, although it was meant for my budding home theater at the time, but my TV didn\'t really like it... never could get them to work right together, so I hooked the Mini to a monitor and began using it daily... and I found that I enjoyed using Mac OS X much more than Windows XP.   Well, the Mini got fried (and then so did my main HDD in my Dell.  Burns me up til this day.) and I was back to a Dell (running XP) and my BlackBook.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-417\" title=\"logo apple\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/logo-apple-150x150.gif\" alt=\"logo apple\" width=\"62\" height=\"62\" />I decided to buy an iMac and was an amazing purchase.  It serves my every need.  Rarely needs maintainance or even re-boots.  The hardware/software are so in-tune with each other, that I would not want Apple to licesnse out OS X to just anybody.  The clones would have to be tightly controlled as in the 90\'s... that does go against the whole Apple ecosystem they have cultivated (which is not much different than the ecosystem that surrounds a modern video game system... with the exception that you can\'t buy MS\'s Xboc360 OS or Sony PS3 OS as a retail product but would you if they offerend?  Probably not.).\n\nSince then, I replaced my BlackBook with a uni-body MacBook (I wish it did have firewire, tho...).  It is, like my BlackBook before it, my constant companion.  It take it everywhere and neither laptop has ever let me down.  [Currently, the BlackBook is permanently attached to my TV where I can watch videos and surf the internet from the couch.]\n\nI think Mac OS X is the best operating system I have used. (Note: I didn\'t make the claim as the best OS ever, but the best one I have ever used.  My opinion.)  To give some background, I have used: DOS/Windows 3.1;Windows 95;Windows 98;Windows XP;Windows 2000;briefly Windows Vista;Beta and RC version of Windows 7;Ubuntu 7.10;Ubuntu 8.04.  Sure, OS X has it\'s faults as no software is perfect but I prefer it over any of these other OSes.\n\nI think of myself as a sort of techie... first computer was a TI99/4A and used many different machines over the years and I am quite happy with Apple... thus, drinking the kool-aid really wasn\'t a hard decision.\n\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-421\" title=\"windows_7_logo2\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/windows_7_logo2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"windows_7_logo2\" width=\"66\" height=\"66\" />(For the record, I did pre-order Windows 7 for my fiancee\'s old HP/Compaq computer.  I will have Windows in my house, but will be rarely used... 3 Macs and a PC all living in harmony... now if only the fanboys/fangirls could do the same.)','Apple: Why am I so loyal?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','414-autosave','','','2009-08-28 17:54:49','2009-08-28 21:54:49','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=422',0,'revision','',0),(423,1,'2009-08-28 17:51:05','2009-08-28 21:51:05','It\'s fair to say that I have drank the \"Apple Kool-Aid.\"  And I like the way it tastes.  No, the flavor isn\'t perfect but better than any other kool-aid out there... so, cliches aside... I am not a full-fledged \"fanboy\" but I am a loyal customer/user.  Let\'s face it... there are \"fanboys\"/\"fangirls\" of just about anything (anybody who is a fan of a particular product/brand... guess what, you are are a \"fanboy\" or \"fangirl.\").  There are few debates as bitter as the Mac/PC discussions... (the only others that seem to envoke as much passion are: Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft and before that it was Nintendo/Sega... Basically, Nintendo versus whoever else is popular...).\r\n\r\nFunny that it\'s Nintendo vs the world... because it\'s often Apple vs the world... And that Nintendo and Apple are often in the same breath quite often.  Hmmmm...\r\n\r\nWell, to the point... I am loyal.  Why?  I like their products.  Just that simple.  I fully embrace their business model.  One that has many challengers (open source advoates, Microsoft advocates...) but none of these have detered Apple from running it\'s business as it sees fit.  They are not violating any current monopoly or anti-trust laws, no matter how hard people try to state their case, otherwise.  It is their business model.  They have had the same model for almost the entirety of their existence.  With the exception of some Apple II clones (namely the Laser 2000 and the Franklin Ace) and some licensed clones of the Macs in the 90\'s... Apple has basically been the captain of their ship and they control who can board ths ship.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-418\" title=\"Old AppleLogo\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Old-AppleLogo-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Old AppleLogo\" width=\"47\" height=\"47\" />I owned (well, my Dad technically...) and Apple //c back in the 80\'s and it was great but one of my friend\'s Dad had a PC (prior to this, the only contact with PC\'s I had were in school... no, not even running Windows.  In middle school, I did most of my writing on an IBM PC jr...) running Windows 3.1.  I thought it was fantastic.   In fact, I totally lost track of what Apple was doing beyond the Apple IIGS [I wanted one, but so expensive!].  I had to have one of these computers.  I convinced my Dad to buy a Gateway 2000.  It was hard to choose when there is PC Magazine with so many brands of computers running Windows, most with similar specs and prices.  We settled on Gateway due to a friend recommendation... and thus, I began down the path of Windows leaving Apple behind.  Who has 2500 for a Mac then?\r\n\r\nA few years ago, I got a 3rd Gen iPod.  I heard so much about these iPods and because I am a big music fan (and admitted Dream Theater fanboy) that I wanted an iPod... they were very popular and the Apple store was a very friendly and inviting place to shop.  I loved that thing.  It was the best piece of tech I had ever bought... yeah, I said it.  Well, like many, that started a passion for Apple that eventually led to me buying a 1st Gen Black MacBook, which I affectionately called \"BlackBook.\"  I have never looked back since.  I bought a Mac Mini as my first desktop Mac, although it was meant for my budding home theater at the time, but my TV didn\'t really like it... never could get them to work right together, so I hooked the Mini to a monitor and began using it daily... and I found that I enjoyed using Mac OS X much more than Windows XP.   Well, the Mini got fried (and then so did my main HDD in my Dell.  Burns me up til this day.) and I was back to a Dell (running XP) and my BlackBook.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-417\" title=\"logo apple\" src=\"http://mmolenda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/logo-apple-150x150.gif\" alt=\"logo apple\" width=\"62\" height=\"62\" />I decided to buy an iMac and was an amazing purchase.  It serves my every need.  Rarely needs maintainance or even re-boots.  The hardware/software are so in-tune with each other, that I would not want Apple to licesnse out OS X to just anybody.  The clones would have to be tightly controlled as in the 90\'s... that does go against the whole Apple ecosystem they have cultivated (which is not much different than the ecosystem that surrounds a modern video game system... with the exception that you can\'t buy MS\'s Xboc360 OS or Sony PS3 OS as a retail product but would you if they offerend?  Probably not.).\r\n\r\nSince then, I replaced my BlackBook with a uni-body MacBook (I wish it did have firewire, tho...).  It is, like my BlackBook before it, my constant companion.  It take it everywhere and neither laptop has ever let me down.  [Currently, the BlackBook is permanently attached to my TV where I can watch videos and surf the internet from the couch.]\r\n\r\nI think Mac OS X is the best operating system I have used. (Note: I didn\'t make the claim as the best OS ever, but the best one I have ever used.  My opinion.)  To give some background, I have used: DOS/Windows 3.1;Windows 95;Windows 98;Windows XP;Windows 2000;briefly Windows Vista;Beta and RC version of Windows 7;Ubuntu 7.10;Ubuntu 8.04.  Sure, OS X has it\'s faults as no software is perfect but I prefer it over any of these other OSes.\r\n\r\nI think of myself as a sort of techie... first computer was a TI99/4A and used many different machines over the years and I am quite happy with Apple... thus, drinking the kool-aid really wasn\'t a hard decision.  (For the record, I did pre-order Windows 7 for my fiancee\'s old HP/Compaq computer.  I will have Windows in my house, but will be rarely used... 3 Macs and a PC all living in harmony... now if only the fanboys/fangirls could do the same.)','Apple: Why am I so loyal?',0,'','inherit','open','open','','414-revision-4','','','2009-08-28 17:51:05','2009-08-28 21:51:05','',414,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=423',0,'revision','',0),(424,1,'2009-08-29 11:59:38','2009-08-29 15:59:38','<strong>The Launch</strong>\r\n\r\nUneventful.  Not like the Leopard launch.  More like the launch of a new iLife or iWork package... but hey, I got it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Installation</strong>\r\n\r\nWent flawlessly on all 3 Macs... and there were reduced hard-drive usage.  From what I have heard, mostly from not installing unused printer drivers... in the past, there would be tons of printer drivers installed for absolutely no reason at all... but many of the apps were slimmed down (probably because they went from \"universal\" to \"Intel\" i.e. they stripped out any PPC code...).\r\n\r\n<strong>Hard Drive Reduction\r\n</strong>\r\n\r\nMacBook (Aluminum): 10.4 GB\r\niMac: 12.0 GB\r\nMacBook (Black): 7.8 GB\r\n\r\nThat\'s not too bad!  Any regained hard drive space is always appreciated.\r\n\r\n<strong>Speed</strong>\r\n\r\nThis is apparently in startup/shutdown and waking up the laptops from sleep mode.  Not drastic, but definitely noticeable.  I think most of the speed improvements are yet to come when developers optimize their applications for the new technologies (64-bit, Grand Central Dispatch, and Open CL).  The iMac and MacBook (Aluminum) are 64-bit and can take advantage of that technology, only the MacBook (Aluminum) can take advantage of OpenCL but they all can take advantage of GCD.  So, while a nice upgrade now, it will really shine in the future.\r\n\r\n<strong>IU Enhancements</strong>\r\n\r\nNone that are really apparent except for Quicktime X.\r\n\r\n<strong>Overall</strong>\r\n\r\nIt was worth the upgrade.  49.99 for up to 5 machines (I used 3... that is 16.67 per machine...) and no major issues on my machines.  There will be still applications that will have to update for compatibility reasons and then new versions to take advantage of the OS... I believe that the future looks bright for Snow Leopard.','Apple: Mac OSX Snow Leopard',0,'','publish','open','open','','apple-mac-osx-snow-leopard','','','2009-08-29 11:59:38','2009-08-29 15:59:38','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=424',0,'post','',0),(425,1,'2009-08-29 11:59:28','2009-08-29 15:59:28','<strong>The Launch</strong>\n\nUneventful.  Not like the Leopard launch.  More like the launch of a new iLife or iWork package... but hey, I got it.\n\n<strong>Installation</strong>\n\nWent flawlessly on all 3 Macs... and there were reduced hard-drive usage.  From what I have heard, mostly from not installing unused printer drivers... in the past, there would be tons of printer drivers installed for absolutely no reason at all... but many of the apps were slimmed down (probably because they went from \"universal\" to \"Intel\" i.e. they stripped out any PPC code...).\n\n<strong>Hard Drive Reduction\n</strong>\n\nMacBook (Aluminum): 10.4 GB\niMac: 12.0 GB\nMacBook (Black): 7.8 GB\n\nThat\'s not too bad!  Any regained hard drive space is always appreciated.\n\n<strong>Speed</strong>\n\nThis is apparently in startup/shutdown and waking up the laptops from sleep mode.  Not drastic, but definitely noticeable.  I think most of the speed improvements are yet to come when developers optimize their applications for the new technologies (64-bit, Grand Central Dispatch, and Open CL).  The iMac and MacBook (Aluminum) are 64-bit and can take advantage of that technology, only the MacBook (Aluminum) can take advantage of OpenCL but they all can take advantage of GCD.  So, while a nice upgrade now, it will really shine in the future.\n\n<strong>IU Enhancements</strong>\n\nNone that are really apparent except for Quicktime X.\n\n<strong>Overall</strong>\n\nIt was worth the upgrade.  49.99 for up to 5 machines (I used 3... that is 16.67 per machine...) and no major issues on my machines.  There will be still applications that will have to update for compatibility reasons and then new versions to take advantage of the OS... I believe that the future looks bright for Snow Leopard.','Apple: Mac OSX Snow Leopard',0,'','inherit','open','open','','424-revision','','','2009-08-29 11:59:28','2009-08-29 15:59:28','',424,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=425',0,'revision','',0),(426,1,'2009-08-31 10:34:53','2009-08-31 14:34:53','Dana and I got there a little later than planned due to me and my navigational skills.  well, in my defense, the sign off of the exit that said which way to go was partially hidden by a tree limb.  I took the wrong direction and after a bit, I realized that we should have been there already... so, by the time we got there, we missed Charm City Devils (which we had planned to miss) and all but 2 songs from Drowning Pool\'s set (which we wanted to see)... that sets the stage for the rest of the review.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana and I after getting seated on the lawn\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_002/web.jpg?ver=12516534700001\" alt=\"Dana and I after getting seated on the lawn\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Drowning Pool</strong>: Entertaining.  They did do that song that most everybody knows, \"Bodies.\"  You know... let the bodies hit the floor... but I am still not a fan.  I probably wont\' be buying any DP music soon.  [I did like the ode to Metallica they did at the very end with a snippit of \"Creeping Death.\"  Nice touch.]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Drowning Pool\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_001/web.jpg?ver=12516534640001\" alt=\"Drowning Pool\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>\r\nTheory of a Deadman: </strong>Good, but they sound similar to Drowning Pool.  The final two songs they played, \"Hate My Life\" and \"Bad Girlfriend\" were the best 2 of the set.  Dana seemed to like them, but I was, \"meh.\"\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Theory of a Deadman\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_003/web.jpg?ver=12516534770001\" alt=\"Theory of a Deadman\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Godsmack:</strong> I will start off by saying, I don\'t get why they are so popular.  Even their music was sort of similar to the 2 bands that preceeded them.   The crowd seemed to be really into them except me, of course.  The songs were ok.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Godsmack\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_011/web.jpg?ver=12516535580001\" alt=\"Godsmack\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The best part of the set was the \"drumming duet\" towards the end of the set with a nice medley of covers including Black Sabbath, Rush, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin.  Funny how the best of their set, to me, was the covers...</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dueling Drummers\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_013/web.jpg?ver=12516535700001\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I will say that they were very entertaining.  Much more than when I saw them on Ozzfest 2000 (where after the lead singer told us to \"get up or get the fuck out\".  I made sure I sat right there and stare.  How dare they say some bs like that... and by the way, when Pantera took the stage afterwards, everybody stood up.  Nice!).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Motley Crue:</strong> Ah, the reason I was there.  It makred the return of Tommy on the skins due to a hand injury.  The Crue was pretty tight and Vince was decent.  He is not the same singer he was in the 80\'s.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Motley Crue ... Dr. Feelgood\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_016/web.jpg?ver=12516536080001\" alt=\"Motley Crue ... Dr. Feelgood\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">He did miss some lyrics here and there, but Motley would not be the same band without him (they tried that...) and you kind of have to accept Vince as he is.  They did \"Dr. Feelgood\" from beginning to end and then about 5 more songs.  \"Wild Side\" \"Saints of Los Angeles\" \"Shout of the Devil\" and then encore with \"Home Sweet Home\" and \"Girls Girls Girls.\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Stage\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_018/web.jpg?ver=12516536220001\" alt=\"The Stage\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe only real dissappointment is Motley only played like 90 minutes.  I realize it\'s a festival, but they could have still played 2 hours...\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Pyrotechnics\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_021/web.jpg?ver=12516536490001\" alt=\"Pyrotechnics\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Tommy addresses the crowd...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_025/web.jpg?ver=12516536920001\" alt=\"Tommy addresses the crowd...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"></p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The end of the show...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_045/web.jpg?ver=12516539240001\" alt=\"The end of the show...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Overall, the experience was good.  Lakewood was better than I had remembered.  Got in and out pretty well.  Accoustics were much improved over Ozzfest 2000.  The three bands prior to Motley, I would rank about a 3/5.  Motley, I give 3.5/5.  Good Set but very short.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73#100258\" target=\"_blank\">More pictures</a> on my <a href=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoe73\" target=\"_blank\">MobileMe Gallery</a>... Enjoy.</p>','Review of Crue Fest 2',0,'','publish','open','open','','review-of-crue-fest-2','','','2009-08-31 10:37:20','2009-08-31 14:37:20','',0,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=426',0,'post','',0),(427,1,'2009-08-31 10:34:37','2009-08-31 14:34:37','Dana and I got there a little later than planned due to me and my navigational skills.  well, in my defense, the sign off of the exit that said which way to go was partially hidden by a tree limb.  I took the wrong direction and after a bit, I realized that we should have been there already... so, by the time we got there, we missed Charm City Devils (which we had planned to miss) and all but 2 songs from Drowning Pool\'s set (which we wanted to see)... that sets the stage for the rest of the review.\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana and I after getting seated on the lawn\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_002/web.jpg?ver=12516534700001\" alt=\"Dana and I after getting seated on the lawn\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\n<strong>Drowning Pool</strong>: Entertaining.  They did do that song that most everybody knows, \"Bodies.\"  You know... let the bodies hit the floor... but I am still not a fan.  I probably wont\' be buying any DP music soon.  [I did like the ode to Metallica they did at the very end with a snippit of \"Creeping Death.\"  Nice touch.]\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Drowning Pool\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_001/web.jpg?ver=12516534640001\" alt=\"Drowning Pool\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\n<strong>\nTheory of a Deadman: </strong>Good, but they sound similar to Drowning Pool.  The final two songs they played, \"Hate My Life\" and \"Bad Girlfriend\" were the best 2 of the set.  Dana seemed to like them, but I was, \"meh.\"\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Theory of a Deadman\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_003/web.jpg?ver=12516534770001\" alt=\"Theory of a Deadman\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Godsmack:</strong> I will start off by saying, I don\'t get why they are so popular.  Even their music was sort of similar to the 2 bands that preceeded them.   The crowd seemed to be really into them except me, of course.  The songs were ok.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Godsmack\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_011/web.jpg?ver=12516535580001\" alt=\"Godsmack\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The best part of the set was the \"drumming duet\" towards the end of the set with a nice medley of covers including Black Sabbath, Rush, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin.  Funny how the best of their set, to me, was the covers...</p>\n\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dueling Drummers\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_013/web.jpg?ver=12516535700001\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I will say that they were very entertaining.  Much more than when I saw them on Ozzfest 2000 (where after the lead singer told us to \"get up or get the fuck out\".  I made sure I sat right there and stare.  How dare they say some bs like that... and by the way, when Pantera took the stage afterwards, everybody stood up.  Nice!).</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Motley Crue:</strong> Ah, the reason I was there.  It makred the return of Tommy on the skins due to a hand injury.  The Crue was pretty tight and Vince was decent.  He is not the same singer he was in the 80\'s.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Motley Crue ... Dr. Feelgood\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_016/web.jpg?ver=12516536080001\" alt=\"Motley Crue ... Dr. Feelgood\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">He did miss some lyrics here and there, but Motley would not be the same band without him (they tried that...) and you kind of have to accept Vince as he is.  They did \"Dr. Feelgood\" from beginning to end and then about 5 more songs.  \"Wild Side\" \"Saints of Los Angeles\" \"Shout of the Devil\" and then encore with \"Home Sweet Home\" and \"Girls Girls Girls.\"</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Stage\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_018/web.jpg?ver=12516536220001\" alt=\"The Stage\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\nThe only real dissappointment is Motley only played like 90 minutes.  I realize it\'s a festival, but they could have still played 2 hours...\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Pyrotechnics\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_021/web.jpg?ver=12516536490001\" alt=\"Pyrotechnics\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Tommy addresses the crowd...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_025/web.jpg?ver=12516536920001\" alt=\"Tommy addresses the crowd...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The end of the show...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_045/web.jpg?ver=12516539240001\" alt=\"The end of the show...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Overall, the experience was good.  Lakewood was better than I had remembered.  Got in and out pretty well.  Accoustics were much improved over Ozzfest 2000.  The three bands prior to Motley, I would rank about a 3/5.  Motley, I give 3.5/5.  Good Set but very short.</p>','Review of Crue Fest 2',0,'','inherit','open','open','','426-revision','','','2009-08-31 10:34:37','2009-08-31 14:34:37','',426,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=427',0,'revision','',0),(428,1,'2009-08-31 10:34:53','2009-08-31 14:34:53','Dana and I got there a little later than planned due to me and my navigational skills.  well, in my defense, the sign off of the exit that said which way to go was partially hidden by a tree limb.  I took the wrong direction and after a bit, I realized that we should have been there already... so, by the time we got there, we missed Charm City Devils (which we had planned to miss) and all but 2 songs from Drowning Pool\'s set (which we wanted to see)... that sets the stage for the rest of the review.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dana and I after getting seated on the lawn\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_002/web.jpg?ver=12516534700001\" alt=\"Dana and I after getting seated on the lawn\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Drowning Pool</strong>: Entertaining.  They did do that song that most everybody knows, \"Bodies.\"  You know... let the bodies hit the floor... but I am still not a fan.  I probably wont\' be buying any DP music soon.  [I did like the ode to Metallica they did at the very end with a snippit of \"Creeping Death.\"  Nice touch.]\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Drowning Pool\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_001/web.jpg?ver=12516534640001\" alt=\"Drowning Pool\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>\r\nTheory of a Deadman: </strong>Good, but they sound similar to Drowning Pool.  The final two songs they played, \"Hate My Life\" and \"Bad Girlfriend\" were the best 2 of the set.  Dana seemed to like them, but I was, \"meh.\"\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Theory of a Deadman\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_003/web.jpg?ver=12516534770001\" alt=\"Theory of a Deadman\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Godsmack:</strong> I will start off by saying, I don\'t get why they are so popular.  Even their music was sort of similar to the 2 bands that preceeded them.   The crowd seemed to be really into them except me, of course.  The songs were ok.</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Godsmack\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_011/web.jpg?ver=12516535580001\" alt=\"Godsmack\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The best part of the set was the \"drumming duet\" towards the end of the set with a nice medley of covers including Black Sabbath, Rush, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin.  Funny how the best of their set, to me, was the covers...</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Dueling Drummers\"]<img src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_013/web.jpg?ver=12516535700001\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I will say that they were very entertaining.  Much more than when I saw them on Ozzfest 2000 (where after the lead singer told us to \"get up or get the fuck out\".  I made sure I sat right there and stare.  How dare they say some bs like that... and by the way, when Pantera took the stage afterwards, everybody stood up.  Nice!).</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Motley Crue:</strong> Ah, the reason I was there.  It makred the return of Tommy on the skins due to a hand injury.  The Crue was pretty tight and Vince was decent.  He is not the same singer he was in the 80\'s.</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Motley Crue ... Dr. Feelgood\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_016/web.jpg?ver=12516536080001\" alt=\"Motley Crue ... Dr. Feelgood\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">He did miss some lyrics here and there, but Motley would not be the same band without him (they tried that...) and you kind of have to accept Vince as he is.  They did \"Dr. Feelgood\" from beginning to end and then about 5 more songs.  \"Wild Side\" \"Saints of Los Angeles\" \"Shout of the Devil\" and then encore with \"Home Sweet Home\" and \"Girls Girls Girls.\"</p>\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The Stage\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_018/web.jpg?ver=12516536220001\" alt=\"The Stage\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\nThe only real dissappointment is Motley only played like 90 minutes.  I realize it\'s a festival, but they could have still played 2 hours...\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Pyrotechnics\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_021/web.jpg?ver=12516536490001\" alt=\"Pyrotechnics\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"Tommy addresses the crowd...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_025/web.jpg?ver=12516536920001\" alt=\"Tommy addresses the crowd...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"491\" caption=\"The end of the show...\"]<img class=\"  \" src=\"http://gallery.me.com/webpoet73/100258/CrueFest2_045/web.jpg?ver=12516539240001\" alt=\"The end of the show...\" width=\"491\" height=\"369\" />[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Overall, the experience was good.  Lakewood was better than I had remembered.  Got in and out pretty well.  Accoustics were much improved over Ozzfest 2000.  The three bands prior to Motley, I would rank about a 3/5.  Motley, I give 3.5/5.  Good Set but very short.</p>','Review of Crue Fest 2',0,'','inherit','open','open','','426-revision-2','','','2009-08-31 10:34:53','2009-08-31 14:34:53','',426,'http://mmolenda.com/blog/?p=428',0,'revision','',0),