subtext.melchman.net

Heavy with Dew

jim@melchman.net — 2008-04-28T17:41:41-04:00

A slow, soaking, sixteen hour rain filled the flowers. These dogwoods are heavy with accumulated rain. The entry to work looks more like a set for a Lord of the Rings movie.

Harbach!

jim@melchman.net — 2008-04-24T18:01:15-04:00

My nephew graduated, got a job and even got his own territory. He lives in Birmingham, AL now. He misses being near friends and family, but he seems to be fitting in the local scene just fine.

June Visit

jim@melchman.net — 2008-04-24T17:38:19-04:00

Charlie and Shannon are planning a trip to see the Yankees before this stadium is history. Hey Charlie, we have the grass ready for you! Of course you will be cheering toward the fake stuff, but we still have lawns for you to see, smell and feel.

Come On, Pelican!

jim@melchman.net — 2008-04-22T17:54:55-04:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning Tarrytown cleans up its act by sweeping the parking lot that is my neighbor. Fortunately Monday and Wednesday night are not heavy drinking nights for me. I am sure this is not the pelican Tony Montana was cheering on, but I still hear the words. Every Tuesday morning, while the Pelican waits for the cars to clear out of the parking lot, I walk to my truck and repeat the refrain: "Come on, pelican!" Once the operator actually heard me and just smiled knowingly.

Spring has Sprung

jim@melchman.net — 2008-04-21T18:38:18-04:00

Spring has happened again! In my favorite corner of the world winter seems to last forever. Then, when you are sure it will not end, fruit trees turn to flower and you remember why you lived through winter's bleak second half. I had to take some time at lunch and just sit under the canopy. It could not be helped.

REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

jim@melchman.net — 2008-04-07T18:29:20-04:00

When did it become illegal to NOT READ your junk mail? ...Does this scare tactic work? I can't even find this code on the web, I know there are federal statues protecting the U.... Mail and USPS employees. Maybe it is a reference to those codes?

Race Fuel

jim@melchman.net — 2008-03-02T15:36:08-05:00

We are watching the race at Las Vegas. My wife created her newest flavor of chili. Yes, that is Yuengling Lager in an official glass!

It's a Caleb

jim@melchman.net — 2008-02-26T18:59:06-05:00

My sister Kim called to share the "pending" baby's name and sex. It will be a boy named Caleb Carlance. Damien was first Caleb is second. I guess the next name will start with "B" and than an Aaron, maybe? Then they will have to stop or go with Zephram.

Snow Day

jim@melchman.net — 2008-02-22T13:03:35-05:00

(null)

Travel 10g

jim@melchman.net — 2008-02-08T17:24:06-05:00

Our company adopted some changes to the travel expense form and I missed the mark with my last submission. The report was sent back to me with a small Post-It ™ Note attached: “Purpose of Trip” is a new field on the form which is required. ...I am sure Kim intended to write “log” after “travel” but the short “l” and tall “O” led my eyes to read 10g. Is it my consumption of too much Oracle Kool Aid or do you see one, zero, and either a “g” or “q” before the “+” sign?

Politics

jim@melchman.net — 2008-01-22T18:40:17-05:00

Saw this and could not resist!

Winter Wonderland

jim@melchman.net — 2008-01-15T07:24:55-05:00

We definitely had the Winter Wonderland look yesterday. It was a beautiful drive to work. The "heat of the day" took it all away, though. Asteroids project and 215 makes me happy.

Humidity as Fog

jim@melchman.net — 2008-01-11T17:41:23-05:00

This one goes out to the AZ crowd... On a clear (AZ Style) day you can see across the parking lot. There is a street light, telephone pole and a building on a hill. When the morning fog has not "burned off," though... There is too much water in the air!

Smacked Again

jim@melchman.net — 2008-01-03T19:47:18-05:00

The driver of a white minivan was distracted and failed to stop for the line of traffic stalled cars. She hit a Crown Victoria cab with enough speed to push it into my bumper. I am not hurt, but will need to make a claim on my nice new NYS insurance.... I have to hand it to Honda, both times I heard the crash and felt a small goose, but was not injured. I am not fond of the $1200 price tag that accompanies these little trips to the adjuster and body shop, but the last time was paid in full rather quickly.

Yule Tide receeding, Back to Work

jim@melchman.net — 2008-01-02T21:57:47-05:00

The holiday is over and it was back to work for me. I was glad to have the generous time off over the holidays.... It really "felt" like a holiday should feel with the snow, cold, lights and trees.... I have to regain control of the camera from my wife, then I can post the holiday nuggets! ...I need my albums for integration to the web publisher, but I don't need to see them every time.

Speak Now?

jim@melchman.net — 2007-12-13T14:45:31-05:00

Actually this is a language school in the mostly Brazilian neighborhood in Danbury, CT.... One of the joys of my long drives to the Danbury factory are the lunches. There is a local lunch spot on the WCSU campus that makes a burger to put Fatburger to shame! ...Everyone feeling the cold here in New England can wish Chuck a Merry Christmas. He and his wife are travelling to Brazil to spend some time with her family.

First Storm

jim@melchman.net — 2007-12-13T14:23:57-05:00

The first snow storm of the season is threatening. The company sent us home at noon to cut the risk to employee safety. It started this morning with really small hail. The morning commute was clean and clear but the clouds were looming. ...The plows were already on it when I hit the road.

Still Dewing It

jim@melchman.net — 2007-12-13T14:19:19-05:00

Yep, I am still drinking the Dew. I know my Countrywide compatriots thought I might give it up, but there it is cooling in the CW Cafe Mug.

Winter Stock

jim@melchman.net — 2007-12-06T20:50:03-05:00

Someone did well for themselves. That's 3 deer all with nice racks! OK All my Arizona readers just vomited in near vegan reaction. The more "country bred" reader will appreciate the amount of food that just drove by me.

Snow

jim@melchman.net — 2007-12-02T11:17:30-05:00

December Snow has fallen. Just a few inches now, but it is still coming down. I made the first pass with the shovel, but I expect I will need another before 4:00. Time for a snowball fight!

Catch and Release

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-30T18:54:40-05:00

The only thing finer than spotting a supercar on the highway... is putting it in your mirrors! Unless of course it is snapping the pictures for Charlie, that is fine, too! Charlie, have Pip send me a message.... He can creatively caption them and get some posting on that bLog!

I is PHr33kin Ur AXess

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-29T08:20:10-05:00

My sister was sporting her Cyber Blue Hair while shopping online. I tried to scam her access but I was busted before she auth'd. She even has the keyboard hidden under the desk to avoid the prying eyes. ...It used to be just me with the 99/4a and C64 playing Seven cities of Gold and coding BASIC like it mattered.... So there it is, my sister with Cyber Hair hacking coupons off the net with my father's rig.

After Turkey

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-26T08:28:08-05:00

Well, the holiday at home is over. Pictures are still on the camera.

5 o'clock Dark!

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-12T21:45:40-05:00

Yep, the clock reads 5 p.... and the window reads midnight. It is getting DARK fast. We are still a full moon from Yule. I might even have to consider rising earlier in the day!

Staples

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-12T21:41:15-05:00

Well, what can I say. It was an advertisement that made me chuckle. Had to share it.

Mail box

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-10T08:41:25-05:00

Home Owner's Association
lot measured in square feet (< .01 acres)
shoe box in the community mail bank
limited range of exterior options
Closed Loop Driveway they aggrandize to roads
perimeter defense systems of walls around the community and each lot
Landscaped Advertisement for the management company at each entrance and the corner of the major intersection

...It is on my property (Scottsdale translation: my lot) so I can easily check my mail when I get out of my car and walk to my house. I can put stamped mail in the mail box, raise a flag and the "Delivery Specialist" takes it to the post office when they return....

Jam mail into the tiny box and tear, fold or mangle half of it.
Fail to deliver our mail
Delivery my neighbor's mail to me
Drop a card explaining I had too much mail and required me to pick it up at the Post Office
Any package, I had to pick up

...Undelivered Mail: I understand that some of my mail did not get delivered because my wife's last name is Oxenford-Melcher.

Frosty!

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-09T22:31:51-05:00

Why the heck would anybody need mirror heaters? I need them. Without them I would not be able to drive on days like today. My view of the other lanes would be similar to my view out the windshield before that Defroster kicks in. I enjoyed my ass, errr, ummm, seat heater, too!

Mist Mountain

jim@melchman.net — 2007-11-05T09:57:56-05:00

This is not a scene from Independence Day, this is New England living! The highway follows a river and this morning the sun had started "burning off" the morning dew. The river is always the last to give up the dew, so there it is, a hill apparently floating on the mist. I know Charlie likes his sunsets, but even he has some river shots.... Something in me need to know the water is there.

Hang the Witch?

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-30T19:54:00-04:00

From Burning to Hanging, New England has never been kind to witches. Halloween is upon us in South Sleepy Hollow. The parade was Sunday Night and included a street party with DJ! ...The light posts are decorated with Jack O'Lanterns and ghosts and witches (as above). The air is finally right for October and tomorrow the kids come ringing.

That thing got a Hemi?

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-25T18:19:29-04:00

We caught John Reap and 4 finalists from Last Comic Standing last night. It was good to get out and have some adult fun. We went to the "fancy" Italian place for dinner.... Finished off at the late night bar and wrapped it up.... 1 bottle of Chianti 5 glasses House Red 3 Amstel Lights 2 Franziskaner

October, Finally

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-13T08:59:35-04:00

Highs in the 80's, A/C running, shorts, the whole deal. ...About 50 hours sometimes with rates of 6 inches per hour.... She has 2 feet of water in the basement. Her neighbor's cars are in it to the steering wheel. ...Highs in the 60's, heater running, sweaters, the whole deal.

The Mythic

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-09T06:48:10-04:00

Perhaps more often in October, but Tarrytown has it's fantastic side.... This view is from the Tappan Zee bridge on a sunny rush hour. Lyndhurst is down below closer to the Hudson Our high school is Sleepy Hollow and their mascot is the Horseman. I have often lived in places where Halloween is "bigger than Christmas" and feel very comfortable here.

Mac Scare 2

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-02T21:14:33-04:00

My iMac "ate" a second PMU. So the repair delayed my subtext relaunch a few days. Good Points: * Apple knows about the problem with the G5 iMac PMU. This makes "negotiating" a repair a simple matter (unlike Icke's nightmare with Apple Support) * Parts are readily available * The turn around is < 4 days * No charge (Manufacturer's defect)

Home (for Now)

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-02T08:14:17-04:00

Built in 1898, the quaint accommodations for this year are just off the municipal parking lot. The address is Washington Street, but I am behind another (newer) home. Downtown is across the parking lot. Stumbling home after a great night on the town will not involve driving!

Tarrytown

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-01T19:00:22-07:00

In an effort to maintain the posting habits of Mr. Charles Cornish, I took this photograph of my new home in Tarrytown, NY Charlie Style! That is Tarrytown on the Eastern shore of the Hudson River. The river is 3 miles wide here and was considered an inland sea by the Dutch settlers. That is three lanes of traffic in my mirror. The blur in the Jersey barriers should indicate ~ 65 miles per hour.

Can I mention Cablevision?

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-01T18:45:03-07:00

One of the many things I missed after leaving Connecticut was the awesome services of Cablevision. They have the best internet access I ever had the pleasure to use. Now that I am back in the real world, I have Cablevision once again. I just uploaded my entire bLog without having to restart the process because the internet connection failed. 30 month in AZ (Cox land) I could not accomplish this small feat.

I'm BAAAACK!

jim@melchman.net — 2007-10-01T18:37:29-07:00

After a transcontinental move and my second PMU meltdown I have returned to blogging. Look for Pictures ala 2 B Da Man.

Sympathy for AG3

jim@melchman.net — 2007-07-05T08:11:33-07:00

Another Gore in the new as he gets stopped and they find "the herb" and other pharmaceuticals in his car. He does not have a prescription for any of them. Here is a tune that Al Gore 3 needs to learn quickly: Song:

Remakes: Strange

jim@melchman.net — 2007-06-23T12:27:37-07:00

Not a top favorite from their catalog, but good in a mix.... friends when we had no money to spare on the "good" music because we spent it on the latest Pop 12" remix for the money gigs. ...Face it at that point Wire was Buzz, Buzzing in my eardrum.... So fast forward to the iPod/iTunes age when I have more cash. I am now acquiring the full albums and there it is an edgy Strange.

Remakes: Punk Can't Die!

jim@melchman.net — 2007-06-17T11:49:54-07:00

In honor of IckMusic's punk post, I am dusting off the old Smash It Up for those who believe it was written specifically for that Batman movie. Captain Sensible brings us... I love the Offspring and they will feature prominently in these posts. I just can't clear Chris O'Donnell trying to be punk from my vision when I hear this otherwise well played remake...

Ickmusic Goes Punk Rock!

jim@melchman.net — 2007-06-17T10:54:25-07:00

Thanks Pete, I love my punk prime. I don't actually have any 999 in my playlist. I do have the Buzzcocks anthem, "What Do I Get" for your Father's Day enjoyment.

Lyrical Celebration

jim@melchman.net — 2007-06-09T13:43:34-07:00

Jesus loves them this I know Zealous Christians told me so To their church I must belong Well I guess I proved them wrong ...Little Ones they now have four Sell their cookies at my door Said they want a bigger yard New neighbors should be on guard ...Speeding signs and safety cones Soon will block your way back home Who has moved in 'cross the street Fam'ly from their church they meet... Thursday night the cars all park 'Round their house 'til after dark Bible Thumpin' is the sound You will hear them as they pound... Social skills are weak and wrong On this block they didn't belong Hindus, Jews and atheists None of us they'll ever miss

Remakes: First and Mojo Intro

jim@melchman.net — 2007-04-09T20:40:49-07:00

Before Blue Collar comedy, TV and Radio happened we had another North Carolina boy preaching to us. His name was Neill, but we called him Mojo Nixon. He was politically astute, down home proud and absolutely scathing when the nation was birthing Political Correctness. ...The big threat to privacy in the early 80's was drug testing by corporations, so Mojo vowed : It wasn't all about picking on people who needed, though. ...Download all his tracks without payin' for 'em. Mojo don't mind cause he ain't "no asshole like Metallica!"

Man Rules: What Are You Thinking?

jim@melchman.net — 2007-04-07T08:51:26-07:00

Don't ask us, "What are you thinking about?" Unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as:

Sex: Frankly, like an animal.
Cars: How great mine feels to drive, how they look, how to make them look a little better or how to get 20 more horsepower
Benefits and problems of a recent rule change or phenomenal strategy in the sport we follow
Strategies for getting to the next level on our current Video Game Obsession
How great a steak would taste right now.

Corollary

1. If you ask a question but you are not sure you want to hear the answer, expect an answer you don't want to hear.... If the answer could be interpreted two ways and one of them makes you sad or angry, we meant it the other way.... We can tell you are lying but pursuing the issue is difficult, will not end well and you just gave us social permission to ignore it by stating, "Nothing" is wrong.

At the Trocadero in Philly

jim@melchman.net — 2007-04-05T18:48:51-07:00

Much later when they scored the Buffy title track I found this nugget.... I am also surprised I didn't "get into" a band with my sense of humor and Star Wars references in the band name. I have been to the Trocadero I know who the Bloodhounds are I know people from Cherry Hill, some are even girls I know precisely how cool wicked awesome was. I know Kenneth Keith Kallenbach can blow smoke through his eyes I had many Yuenglings probably a few at the Troc I have called some people Fuckwad ...Here are some more tracks with more references you can track on your own.

Mountain Dew Page - RELAUNCH

jim@melchman.net — 2007-04-05T07:11:06-07:00

My long lust for the yellow green elixir of caffeine power is immortalized on the Mountain Dew Page. The page is older than 3 of my website management tools and keeps getting lost in translation. I restored the page and included it in the current management solution. Hopefully I can make it seamless if i ever change again. To accompany my morning fill up on 32 ozs.

Intro to Blue Man Group

jim@melchman.net — 2007-04-03T18:51:29-07:00

I am fascinated by the PVC instruments, Drumbone, Chapman Stick and the sheer force of heavy rhythm from the massive and numerous drums. ...Without all the associated light and magic I think something is lost just listening to the music. I still like it, but the "Men" and the critics seem to think the albums need more "approachable" elements.... To make it approachable the producers add a voice to sing the words that the audience normally sings as they recognize the chords of a song like Not that all Blue Man acts are without words, but the audience is usually prompted to participate by a monotone, almost synthetic voice:

iPod

jim@melchman.net — 2007-04-02T19:43:29-07:00

So the last few flights, work outs, bike rides she has taken mine. ...That means I have to dump my playlists and drop her all encompassing library of every song she every actually auditions on the iPod. Well, travel and bike rides are becoming sparse so I reclaimed it. I put my collection of short lists on the iPod. ...WPLJ put this nugget on the air years ago. I just never could let it go.

Blue Man Group

jim@melchman.net — 2007-03-20T18:59:43-07:00

We got out to see the Blue Man Group while we were in Las Vegas. I love the experience and physical sound. Just being in the room with drums that large you can feel the music. The light play and humor also appeal to me. Here is a track to enjoy.

Calla Lilies

jim@melchman.net — 2007-02-06T20:39:02-07:00

I am not sure why calla lilies were the top solution on her very busy brain, but we needed calla lilies for the basket above the bathroom cabinet. It was not the big business problems that would face her in less than an hour. It was not the papers, case studies and other projects needed to obtain a Master's degree. ...There are two kinds of flowers in the flower shop: roses and bunches. ...We discussed the "other" flowers that I might find at flower shop.

Training New Employees Makes Me Fat

jim@melchman.net — 2007-01-30T19:57:05-07:00

We filled two of our open requisitions at work. Training the new employees is turning out to be a full time job. It also encourages me to eat bad food. I need to get a handle on my schedule.... This leads to breakfast at the fast food joints on the way in or a quick snacky breakfast consisting primarily of an over sized sugar and carbohydrate laden muffin.

Civilization III Ate My bLog

jim@melchman.net — 2007-01-17T09:10:20-07:00

It is the perfect blend of Risk and SimCity I was hoping to find. ...Trouble is, each turn takes about a minute and there are about 500 turns in a game. The first game I won was 7 hours, 48 minutes and 13 seconds (468.2 minutes) and 511 turns. When you win it tells you how long you spent on the game. Nice feature to remind you how much of your life is consumed by this diversion.

Reliable Technology

jim@melchman.net — 2006-12-16T12:02:11-07:00

Fellow geeks, consider a technology service that is deployed to millions of users with high uptime, small learning curve and variable hardware implementations. ...After several upgrades to the telephone system (touch tone, fax service, data service, *69) including the successful interlink with parallel technologies (cellular, Internet) I find myself at my heavily used iMac2 receiving an electronic mail message from my telephone voice mail system. ...Before I could look at the number of the caller in the emailed voice mail, my service went high and dry again. ...This was my third and final clue. In a reliable system it is always the simple (often physical) stuff that causes the problem. ...This whole technological odyssey was caused by a simple physical failure of the full weight of the handset to come to rest on the switch.

More Katie Media

jim@melchman.net — 2006-12-09T18:07:54-07:00

Katie does Commercials!

Man Rules: Color Spectrum

jim@melchman.net — 2006-12-04T20:08:03-07:00

Men see in 16 colors. Pumpkin is a fruit, not a color! Peach is a fruit, not a color! Periwinkle is plant with blue flowers, not a separate color! We have no idea what mauve is.

Holiday Event

jim@melchman.net — 2006-12-04T19:51:16-07:00

We had the second opportunity to attend the ASU, W.... I probably forgot some adjectives, but it was a fine semi formal event. ...If you are Karen you actually double your chips and have enough to buy raffle tickets with the accumulated chips. Then there is a much announced drawing for prizes donated to the charity event. ...We went to a few games already it will be fun.

Wedding Album, Hip and Now

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-21T20:03:52-07:00

I do not usually like songs until years after their release. I have to admit I like this one. It is catchy pop and doesn't pretend to be more. I think the theme is great for a wedding album. I don't understand why it "doesn't do anything" for Pete.

Man Rules: Toilet Seat

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-18T13:33:11-07:00

It is not a woman's right to have the toilet seat up. Do you need a statistical analysis with a computer simulation model based on the labor consumed trying to meet your demands to explain it? ..."If you ever sat on the toilet without the seat down and fell in, you would never leave it up again." ...Men: for a great gag that will only cost about a week of sleeping on the couch, put the seat down. Then place a strip of toilet paper across it like the old "Sanitized for Your Protection" banner you saw in those really classy motels you stayed in as a kid!

Man Rules: Crying

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-16T20:59:22-07:00

Anything else is a plot to make those around you feel guilty to get what you want. ...Some cultures consider crying to be undignified and infantile, casting aspersion on those who cry publicly. In most cultures, it is more socially acceptable for women to cry in public than men.

An insincere display of grief or dishonest remorse is called crocodile tears, from the ancient anecdote that crocodiles would pretend to weep while luring or devouring their prey. ...It has been said (by women) that crying is equally socially unacceptable as cursing (see Expletive), slamming doors or throwing things in anger (see Dammit Tool). The social grievance might be equal, but the verbal and physical violence to inanimate things is an admission of guilt.

She's having a baby - UPDATE

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-16T20:09:51-07:00

Brian finally got to take a breath and started calling everyone with the much anticipated details. ...21" Marcus Aaron James Braden Born 11/10/2006 17:37 ...Brian is the happiest parent I have heard in a long time. I could not resist this post. It makes me giddy just to hear him coping with the changes.

Man Rules: Mind Reading

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-10T19:46:15-07:00

Miller has "Man Laws," Chuck provides "Guy's Rules," I interpret, embellish and publish them as "Man Rules."... To clarify:

Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!

Just say it!

This is the first Rule so let's talk about the format. All Man Rules are number 1.... It is good to be number 1. ...Men already know these rules, this is a repository of simple explanations you can give to women that are not aware of the rules.

Body Nazi: Sign 7

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-10T19:38:03-07:00

There is plenty of walking and running involved in extra cardio.... It is not shake in aisle as the spirit moves you, disturbing, but it is the same vector. ...So there is a treadmill and several minutes of "walking" on the habittrail. I am reaching the limits of understanding why you work out before you work out. ...No, a thief brandishing a weapons did not enter the studio and threaten them.

She's Having A Baby

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-10T19:23:54-07:00

Brian Called He met Jennifer at the hospital at 4:10 PM. Water broke, this is really happening.

Chuck

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-09T18:58:04-07:00

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, splattering it against that freshly painted airplane part you were drying. ...WHITWORTH SOCKETS: Once used for working on older British cars and motorcycles, they are now used mainly for impersonating that 9/16 or 1/2 socket you've been searching for the last 15 minutes. ...PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the lids of old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splash oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads. AIR COMPRESSOR: A machine that takes energy produced in a coal-burning power plant 200 miles away and transforms it into compressed air that travels by hose to a Chicago Pneumatic impact wrench that grips rusty bolts last over tightened 58 years ago by someone at ERCO, and neatly rounds off their heads. ...MECHANIC'S KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts.

Democratic Control

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-08T20:29:36-07:00

This just in... The United States returns to its senses and give control of the House and Senate back to the Democratic Party after 12 years of short cutting due process, closing hearing and bending over backward to please the President. Thank you. You may soon be forgiven for letting that texas moron in control, twice!

Wedding Album, Lovey Dovey Songs

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-08T19:26:39-07:00

There was way too much pressure to do as God intended and live with it. ...The next few postings of his more humorous choices will not overshadow the fact that he is in love. ...UPDATE: I was so taken away while blathering on about my hopes for the new couple I forgot to mention the Track vitals!... This track and "Hanging By A Moment" should be playing on your radio about now. "100 Years" is a great track by "Five for Fighting" who also have a track called "Superman" that you also heard on the radio or the Smallville sound track.

Wedding Album, Wedding Singer Track

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-07T18:25:29-07:00

One back story on this track is William Broad wrote it in protest of his little sister getting married to a man which Billy did not like. I hope that is not why this track made it to the album. ...My sister did not have the best start on life, but pulled herself through way more shit than I will ever be able to pull through.... It is a great thing for a woman who forgets to laugh and is anticipating the worst. ...Hopefully this track is on the disc for its popular ties to the Wedding Singer movie.

Sleepy Dog

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-07T18:00:13-07:00

Larry asked, "what does your dog do all day while you are at work?" ...I told him I can get home early some days and the dog will not even hear me come into the house. ...Larry asked, can you catch him sleeping? ...He didn't even open his eyes until the red eye reducing preflash was going. Yes, the bedding is probably Fleinhardt approved.

Wedding Album, Track 2

jim@melchman.net — 2006-11-05T11:45:06-07:00

Mike has long followed the output of a boy named E. It seemed improbable that at least one eels track would not make it on the album. E is all over the charts in style and tone, but always manages to speak some truth in the oddest possible way. For much more information, free tracks and a directory for another slice of the music world check out the main EELS page.

Halloween Party

jim@melchman.net — 2006-10-29T18:35:42-07:00

We hosted another small gathering in the wake of the successful 36th birthday party. We pulled in some members of her executive MBA class and had a few of my co-workers return. ...I got to tend bar behind my favorite piece of furniture.... We even had a group use the main room to < gasp > talk! ...Good to see and meet all who came out to our place.

The Wedding Album

jim@melchman.net — 2006-10-21T11:56:35-07:00

He doesn't have music bLog like Pete, but he could not resist the publication opportunity provided by a wedding with lots of guests. He compiled some songs relating to the event, love and the modern definitions of it. ...Mike also has an odd sense of humor so most of the songs has a double meaning.... I ripped them all in to iTunes and started the search for humor and meaning in each track. ...So the first featured track from "The Wedding Album is a short little tune form the Bouncing Souls called, ""

Sixth Sign

jim@melchman.net — 2006-10-20T22:27:57-07:00

Wow, that is a religious experience, but, "Oh, the calories!" ...It is just not possible for her to only eat half of an absolute delicacy! I have discovered comfort foods from around the valley and I get " That's great, but the calories! ...I believe I could give her $3 in coins and stand her before a vending machine and she would stare for a moment before saying, "There is nothing GOOD in here!" I brought a salad (with dressing and bacon on it) to her.

NASCAR done rotted my brain!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-09-26T21:27:44-07:00

Those crazy mortgage folks decided maybe with the downturn in the housing market that there might be "gold" in car insurance. They launched automobile insurance in a quicky, kitschy, silly way today. ...All things we should be associating with safe and responsible driving among our future insured! Wait, that is not the funny part, that is just corporate life. ...As I was walking out of the cafeteria with my morning caffeine I passed under a piñata of a racecar.

Walls are primed

jim@melchman.net — 2006-09-23T14:35:12-07:00

The walls are sanded and primed in the bathroom. I am expecting to put up the color on the walls today and tomorrow. Possible getting to the closet in two weeks.

Arcade Site recovery

jim@melchman.net — 2006-09-23T14:25:10-07:00

I had to shut down the Cedar Rock Arcade because my supplier stopped making shrouds. As depressing as this all is, I am reorganizing the arcade section of melchman.net after the crash that caused melchman.net version 3.0 to be here.... I am trying to tie in better with guide.melchman.net/arcade for the common stuff. I had blurbs on each game as a concept, not the actual machines I restored. ...Well, it is fun reliving my arcade restoration career at the very least.

Dr. Chuck Intervention

jim@melchman.net — 2006-09-21T07:48:27-07:00

Dr. Chuck care for music and radio much like Pete at ickmusic. They have very different areas of special interest, but the same depth of interest. ...This is a shameless plea for comments, but it is time for an intervention. ...Store your polymer and aluminum is a nice comfortable scratch-free case library. You can even go retro and get the cases that look like books and put them on the shelf like your very own encyclopedia set.

Fifth Sign

jim@melchman.net — 2006-09-06T18:38:04-07:00

Sign #5

There is nothing a little exercise can't cure! ...She was apparently feeling a little blue a few evenings ago and decided WE needed to go for a walk. ..."You know, there is nothing a little exercise can't cure!" ..."I bet exercise doesn't do a damn thing to cure cancer!" Then I thought, "Paralysis, heel I bet you can't even exercise, how could it cure it?"

Fourth Sign

jim@melchman.net — 2006-09-06T07:07:02-07:00

Sign #4

My health food is too fattening. My trainer recommends < insert brand here > , it has less sugar and fat than the healthy, crunchy nearly indigestible stuff I have asked you to join me in eating. It is very similar, but not as sweet. If I am chewing and grinding up cereal that resembles the stuff I formerly considered to be the shell, not the nut then DO NOT take away the sweet reward!

Katie and WWE

jim@melchman.net — 2006-08-31T20:11:31-07:00

Katie caught a gig on WWE's Smackdown. She was "arm candy" to Super Agent M.... and watch Vito make and (and show his) ass to everyone by wearing a dress and not much underneath to wrestle. Given that Charles is such a fan I consulted with him and found the evidence of her involvement with Professional Wrestling. See photo 35 for a familiar face.

Moving fast now

jim@melchman.net — 2006-08-31T20:08:46-07:00

The plumbing and lighting is nearly complete. The motor for the Jacuzzi is getting wired in tomorrow. It is really looking great now. We should be in the bathroom by Saturday. Check it out: Almost Done!

Tiling is done

jim@melchman.net — 2006-08-29T20:04:50-07:00

The master bath project has hit a great milestone. The tile work is done. We should be in the bathroom by Saturday. Check it out: Tile!

Early Shift is Frightening

jim@melchman.net — 2006-08-22T18:53:00-07:00

My new just as an application support analyst requires that someone be at the office form 5 a.... so that I can shower, shave and slide down the highway is not something I thought I was capable of doing. This is the second day of the shift and I am discovering I am not able to do it. I was so very tired at work today that I could feel myself pausing to contemplate the answers to simple dialog box questions I normally click through in a nearly precognitive fashion. I wanted nothing more than to drive myself home before falling asleep behind the wheel and hitting the sack!

Birthday Party

jim@melchman.net — 2006-08-20T17:36:54-07:00

I invited some friends over, mostly from Countrywide and we had a good time.... Karen and I got in the pool for a time. ...I started with a Tres Generaciones shot and keep it up at a pretty good pace. ...Thanks to my guests, we also had an excellent shrimp tray, good rums and side salads for the main meat. I whipped up pretty good guacamole for the first round of drinks, too.

Taking Shape

jim@melchman.net — 2006-08-03T18:51:32-07:00

The new circuit for the tub motor is in. The plumbing is nearly complete. Some drywall has gone up and repairs to the rest of the house (to damage done running the circuit) is getting fixed. ...It is a narrow room and much of the space was wasted in dead zones. The new layout has a wider look and utilizes open space for passage while cramming feature into the bath. The body jets in the shower are set. The tub fill is cut into the ceiling.

I Was Joking...

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-23T17:04:53-07:00

Many of you have read the posts or heard me refer to my neighbor as the "Home Owner's Association Nazi" for some of the authoritarian steps he has taken to ensure the property values go up. ...It was easy to make the joke because:

The guy has and umlaut in his first name
He has 4 children that have blonde hair, blue eyes
He is teaching them all to speak German
He stands guard at play time with a stance befitting a good soldier

These thing do not make him a member of a regime bent on world domination and extermination of religious sects. ...This is, however, a magazine called World War II published by thehistorynet.com that promises new revelations from a lost interview with Hermann himself. ...I can read the inside cover has advertisements for Avalon Hill Games miniatures for boys (like me) who never grew up.

Record Heat, High Wind

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-21T19:56:43-07:00

Apparently after a record setting temperature day we are getting a super windy night.

Living at Home is such a Drag

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-21T19:43:50-07:00

We are in full swing on the Master bath project.... The electrician needed to run a circuit for the Jacuzzi tub motor. As with every utility in this house the connection (electric box) is on the opposite side of the house from the appliance! They fished and snaked and finally got the power to the bath room. Everything is covered with plastic to avoid getting dusty.

Religious Intolerance, Do Not Read!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-19T19:11:03-07:00

Upon meeting our new next door neighbors we were invited to "join them Sunday" and for Bible Study Thursday.... The "man of the house" quickly "shushed" her realizing it was probably too soon in the relationship to bring up the subject. ...We can't even discuss the depth of disdain from my neighbors when I did not decorate for the religious holidays in December.... The newest owners of one of our close cluster of homes proudly displays a Buddha on the entry column. ...and wanted to join the Witnesses at their global, arena-sized, weekend-long recruitment drive the information is a below.

System Admin Training

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-18T16:23:27-07:00

Lots of supporting applications have changed since 4.2 and I think they are improvements. Need to rethink how some stuff is deployed in light of the new information. Online classes are very nice on the travel budget, but not as nice to attend.... It gets everywhere and you can feel it when you breathe it. I am gaining an understanding of the 9/11 "ghost look" that covered everyone you could see in the coverage on CNN.

#1 Worldwide, Bullocks

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-16T11:45:17-07:00

Plasticville has more aspects than plastic neighbors and draconian HOAs. ...Never Mind the Sex Pistol, It's Bob Bullock!... He was the #2 Agent worldwide in 2001. Never mind the market has slumped and Bob hasn't made the top ten is over 2 years... ...On average that is only 75,000 less than you paid last year!

Third Sign, Technology Hook

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-16T10:01:55-07:00

Well, it gets strapped to your chest so it can sense heart beats and transmit an RF signal. ...The target heart rate and length of your workout get calculated and sent to the watch (or treadmill or whatever). ...I can check out all the sensors transmitting, fitness equipment recording, internet uploading and get a free Personal Fitness Report.... Well, they have a machine that will measure my lean mass as a percentage of my overall mass combined with a short run on the treadmill with the sensor we can determine the exact amount of pure flab.... Of course with all this applied technology they can upload to the internet and all of you can know just how fat I have become.

Second Sign

jim@melchman.net — 2006-07-12T20:07:14-07:00

When you buy protein shakes. You couldn't pay me to drink these things. They make a mess out of all the glasses and shakers and anything else she can find to mix in while scrambling out the door to make her work out appointment. And forget the jokes about "I got yer protein shake right here!"... AND with all the working out, getting slugged hurts now.

10 Signs You Are a Body Nazi

jim@melchman.net — 2006-06-27T07:01:08-07:00

She is very serious about this process and is making the commitments of time, money and energy to accomplish her goals. ...I am therefore keenly aware of the small changes in her attitude and outlook that accompany changes in diet and exercise. I am unsure if it is inherent in the process or just an attitude you acquire by working out with other fitness freaks, diet dealers and iron pumpers.

Sign #1

"My personal trainer said..." First thing is having a personal trainer. ...Therefore following the advice of someone I consider less intelligent just doesn't make sense.

Working Late

jim@melchman.net — 2006-06-15T06:18:05-07:00

Pretty much blew the whole day getting the system to respond. We had a dozen experts guessing what went wrong and I am not sure anything was fixed. ...I put in a few extra hours monitoring render queues. It is not exciting work, but it is vital. ...I am sure today will be a continuation of the problem and I don't see any glaring configuration problem we can fix to make this system right.

Sovereign Center?

jim@melchman.net — 2006-06-12T21:59:14-07:00

The Blue Man Group is launching another tour. They are planning to span the U.... What better place to start your national tour than the Sovereign Center.... Well, I suppose that is one for the home team! BTW the next stop on the tour is Uncasville, CT.

Smooth Sailing with Short Crew

jim@melchman.net — 2006-06-12T21:54:57-07:00

Today was the first days without our Level 3 Experts. When I started at Countrywide we had two groups of analysts supporting VLF. Our group was called level 2 and a Level 3 group was scattered in California and Texas.... One became our supervisor, one left the company, one switched departments and the other was out sick today. ...Apparently they did a great job transferring the knowledge.

Countrywide Employee

jim@melchman.net — 2006-06-05T21:21:15-07:00

I became a Countrywide employee today. I went in to work at 8:00 a.... I was at my desk like nothing happened by 9:00. So, that was an easy process. Not bad for the first day back after Jamaica.

Captive of GM Ingenuity

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-18T22:02:15-07:00

Take it from me, if your application has a user dialog that includes the words "No Fob Detected" now would be the time to display them. ...Since you either lost or forgot your fob during the last 25 miles of your journey I will ask you to keep running before I shutdown, engage the security system and begin to pretend I don't know you. ...I am not sure of the conversion rate, but a car that gets 17 mpg is going to run out of fuel at some point and I am betting it is less then 9 hours at under half a tank. ...Now I just hope that means the fob detector thingy accepts the unlock signal as permission to start the car. I will call them back when I am close to the car. ...OK, do a little work and take a "smoke break" at the car. Well, now that we are testing the technical facets of OnStar and the somewhat tenuous theory that this will disengage the fob detector I have to have an audience of men who want to see the action.

Other stuff I Forgot to say while I was Lying in bed Sick and thinking.

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-17T18:57:48-07:00

it was been around 100 degrees this week and the Ridgeline A/c has failed I am taking it to them tomorrow to get it fixed. ...Seriously I have a buncha friends who are re buying the PS2 now that it is down to $129 so they can get a rerun on their games in 1080. I thought it was a super geeky thing only I wanted to do, but I am not alone. You know your old one is shot, buy anew one with a net card and get online. ...I am practicing the high level stuff that I was preaching at Purdue and never got to use.

Jamaica Warning

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-17T18:55:08-07:00

Friday the 26th through June 4th there will be no subtext.melchman.net updates. I am in Jamaica. Don't call!... I will be incoherent and drunk and in the pool. Readers may recall we bought the Internet access package last time and I updated anyway.

iPod (belated)

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-17T18:52:02-07:00

Finally bought an iPod nano. Went a little cheap at the 2GB limit but I am "moving up" from a 128 MB player, this is huge. It is impossibly small. I forget to take it out of my pocket sometimes because I forget it is there.

Sick Again

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-17T18:49:16-07:00

Karen was at the JDA User Conference in Las Vegas. She brought a bug home with her. She was wiped out most of the weekend and I was wiped out the rest of it. Didn't get to work until Tuesday. Lost 3 pounds for my agony.

Gun for PS2

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-07T09:11:19-07:00

My favorites have always been the King's Quest, Seven Cities of Gold, Age of Empires, Sim City and other slow paced simulation or world exploring games. ...One, because I suck at video games and because I hoped to learn on the first few chapters.... Not to knock Nintendo Famicon games, but they tended to be more complex than Pac-man, but they never took the time to show you how to play. ...I just get the distinct impression from some games that I need to buy a companion book or I should just know how to do things because I should have already played 50 other title with the same engine. I like the lesson chapters, because they explain things about the controls or things the character would know because they live there and then.

Slowly melchman.net Recovers

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-06T13:36:27-07:00

Well, after much copying pasting reformatting and other string tricks melchman.net is back to a maintainable level.

Big Ooops!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-05-02T20:17:45-07:00

I exported the fictional Melcher Munitions Catalog site over the RW root. I quickly removed the bad export and corrected the problem. I also deleted by RW project files. I will be rebuilding the site for the next few weeks. ...Most of the content is still here, but the index is gone and I will need to recreate it page by page.

Cook the Router!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-18T17:23:00-07:00

I started getting calls on my cell phone this morning that were forwarded from my home (Vonage) number.... IF they detect the phone is not attached to the network, they will forward the incoming call to a number of your choosing. I chose the cell phone and that is my I was getting the calls this morning. ...I came home to find the little bugger flashing its little activity lights but providing no service to any port. I promptly removed it from atop the amplifier and over to the vented corner of the cabinet.

Nieces Today

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-13T07:50:00-07:00

Karen's sister Jill and her girls Pam and Theresa are arriving today.... We will see them this weekend and they fly out on Tuesday. The girls are into pools, so most of the entertainment is probably going to be in the back yard. I will try to interest them in the local attractions though. i don't really know much about "Scottsdale for Kids" though.

Documentum 5

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-12T17:12:00-07:00

I complete the Documentum Technical Fundamentals class today. I had this course under my belt for version 4, but that was years ago. It is fun to see and use some of the features that were talking about then as actual product now.

iPowerWeb?

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-11T21:01:00-07:00

I hope this is the first entry for the new host. Welcome to melchman.net on iPowerWeb.

Powered!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-08T10:28:00-07:00

Kevin is done and the heat pump is raising the pool temperature. Well, it excited me!

Electrician is here

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-08T09:44:00-07:00

Kevin the electrician is here working on powering the heat pump. He is nearly done so we should have warm water today. It appears the neighbors are getting some work done on the pool. There are guys with jackhammers and a dust cloud from the pulverized concrete.... They just backed a truck up in their driveway.

More Power!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-05T07:25:00-07:00

The heat pump is here and hooked up to the pool, but there is no power to run the unit. We called the electrician and have not received a response yet. Hope he can get here soon. I would really like to get warm water.

Heat Pump

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-04T07:56:00-07:00

The installers from Leslie's should be here any moment to install the heat pump so we can use the pool again. The pool season is long here, but from October to April the pool is just chilly. The water is still under 60 Fahrenheit. ...Growing up in Pennsylvania these number seem high, but the air temp differential is much higher. I have not considered why it feels so cold, but I am sure there is a good solid explanation.

I Got Fooled

jim@melchman.net — 2006-04-01T14:39:00-07:00

Half my players called and cancelled today. No Shadowrun for me.

New Host and Registrar

jim@melchman.net — 2006-03-29T20:09:00-07:00

I am switching to iPowerWeb for hosting and domain registrar. I hope the transition is smooth and you won't notice. On the outside chance I am embarking on a disastrous adventure, I thought I should warn you. 209 :-) :-) :-) <== Is this possible?

Mac Scare

jim@melchman.net — 2006-03-29T07:28:00-07:00

Having nothing else to check I tried turing it back on to see if the smell had stopped by power of good design (I was searching for a blessing here!). ...Perhaps I lack some internal Retail Positioning System that most teenage girls seem to have in abundance, but I cannot seem to locate the shortest distance from the Apple store to a parking space. ...You go to apple.com/retail and find your store and use the same friendly concierge system to book a genius. ...Explain to your wife why you can't do the thousands of hours of home projects work you keep putting off until the weekend because you have to drive to Chandler to see the Concierge to book a Genius to tell you what you already know, your nice new Mac that you are so proud of is slowly burning inside. ...Remember this is my third trip to the CFC, one would think by now I could find a short walk to the first floor store from the parking lot.

Ickmusic.com

jim@melchman.net — 2006-03-21T20:01:00-07:00

A guy at work runs a really nice bLog called ickmusic. his name is Pete Icke and the topic is music so, ickmusic it is. Check it out , post a message and tell him Jim sent you! ...It is looking like 4 players so far and should be an all day kind of thing.... We are just strating out, so the other characters will not be so far out in front that you will feel like the schoolyard weakling.

142 Days Without Rain

jim@melchman.net — 2006-03-13T19:52:00-07:00

After 142 days with nothing we got a good solid rain. I think it rain more than 24 hours. My yard is just starting to dry up after being 4" under water in spots. This is not a monsoon rain, though. Monsoon rains flood the pool and the whole yard!

King George Has His Challenge!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-03-08T21:45:00-07:00

Looks like South Dakota is going to serve up the Roe v. Wade challenge for King George Bush's nice new court! I would like to be optimistic about this one and believe the country is not already sold to Fundamentalists and Oil Barons, but I am having extreme doubts!

Nickelback

jim@melchman.net — 2006-03-04T17:15:00-07:00

I am not sure were the showman ends and the truth begins, but the band seemed genuinely happy to be playing the concert.... I am not sure if this was also showmanship or if they were as shocked as I was that anyone was listening "back then." ...They added a "catwalk" that stretched 30 feet into the audience so they could get up close and personal with the fans. ...The cameras featured Chad's "talks" between songs on this screen and the 4 way screen on the scoreboard (normally this arena is for hockey games). ...I don't know if that was the band's crowd (remembering they knew the words to the old stuff, too) or if the thrill of the floor is lost on the newer crop of concert goers.

Old School Hip Hop

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-28T21:41:00-07:00

I picked up some old school tracks from a guy at work. He is my age and enjoyed some of the 80's Hip Hop and rap bands. In fact he is encyclopedic in his knowledge. I liked a few tracks from Run-D.M.C., Fresh Prince Will Smith and L.L.... This guy has it all and remembers who was in each instance of the group when the song was released.

Another Weekend Interruption

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-27T20:19:00-07:00

I was only back up on call this weekend and still the pager went off and the string of disappointing the boss began. I think I need to consider the value of this paycheck compared with the number of weekends I seem to be working.

BTW Sub Text Is Back

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-27T20:18:00-07:00

I upset someone close to me with a posting. I evaluated the content and pulled some entries, but the web log is back. Hopefully I can continue without hurting someone else.

RGVAC

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-27T20:18:00-07:00

I have not looked at the newsgroup in 4 months. I have to check it out more often, I missed a chance to sell some of my rare items.

Quiet Time

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-21T08:41:00-07:00

Apparently, despite the warnings, someone took offensive to my comments. We are in quite mode now.

Master Bath Project Begins

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-17T09:04:00-07:00

We contacted Expo and made an appointment with their designer to update the master bath.

Sleeping with the Windows Open

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-09T21:13:00-07:00

The heat hasn't kicked in for a week, must be time to open the windows! That's right last night we slept with the windows open. In February! Don't tell my mother, she will claim I was heating the neighborhood!

Superbowl Party

jim@melchman.net — 2006-02-07T21:34:00-07:00

Someone else threw the Super Bowl Party this year. No mess to clean up. No leftover drunks to send to work.... It was fun to just enjoy and not worry about costs and clean up. Unfortunately the food was really good.

Someone Else Understands Plasticville!

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-28T09:59:00-07:00

I went to get take out from Flo's and met a guy from Danbury. ...One day the dog got out in front a bit and a man in a golf cart drive full speed toward the dog and makes a sharp skid turn in front of the dog!... "you oughtta leash that animal before someone gets hurt, I got my phone right here I call someone to get this animal off the course, blah blah, threat, empty words..." ...I asked my friend from Danbury why he did not threaten to snap his scrawny neck before his finished dialing his phone for help just for threatening his dog. We laughed at the thought then went back to our beers knowing that is exactly what the cart creep wanted.

I have 6 minutes

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-23T09:11:00-07:00

As mentioned earlier I have some time in the morning before work because I get up well before I need to be there. It is nice not having to rush. It is better feeling awake when the alarm goes off! Karen is trying to get in earlier, but has not succeeded today. She is almost ready and said she would be ready in 6 minutes.

Greg and Carol

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-22T11:35:00-07:00

The onion tart was tasty, but definitely needs to be warm when served. The first few bite were very good, but it lost something as it cooled. Dinner was Swordfish Siracusa and Prosciutto Aspargus with a Mark West Pinot Noir.... It was very good with the swordfish and the guests loved it. ...:-) :-) :-( (Damned beeper went off 3 times during dinner for stuff I could do nothing about!)

Upside

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-20T08:55:00-07:00

Working late has it's upside, I am usually up before I have to leave so i get a moment to update the web log!

MLK Day

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-16T09:36:00-07:00

I don't have to face a Monday this week! Of course, it is a holiday without pay because I am a lowly consultant. ...Mostly hanging art. I have some X10 installs to do. The Nautica room is online, but the library is an outlet short of that goal. I am planning to get the front (porch) lights online and working with the Lounge light to welcome use home.

Shadowrun

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-16T09:22:00-07:00

I did some geography research and found my little town in Salish. By my estimate is is probably in Makah Territory which fits with my anti-anglo theme just fine. ...I am planning to slow that down with and Electro motor up Rocky mountains. Mostly the plot line remains in tact, just some details to correct. I also had an opportunity to bring the Sixth World pages in line with the site style.

Starting To Become A Job

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-13T20:59:00-07:00

The queue is filling up and we are handling trouble tickets at work. We established an on call schedule and are spreading the start times out amoung the team

Short Days

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-12T18:59:00-07:00

I am driving to work in the dark and I get home to less than 30 minutes of daylight. I just can't get anything done during the week!... I replace the old wire that were wrapped up in the root of the plants and trees. I needed to move the lights because the plants they were originally placed to light have grown over them. I got some Home Depot Gift Card this year so I am having a ball spending them.

VLF Training

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-12T18:58:00-07:00

I attended training on the Countrywide Virtual Loan File system for the last two days. The trainer was dynamic. We got piles of trinkets.

Flowers in January

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-08T13:43:00-07:00

It is January but I am still getting flowers! The Hibiscus is loving these temperatures: 70 -75 High and 40-45 overnight. Check out the photos!

Zoran's Strongbad Index

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-08T10:07:00-07:00

I finally got the opportunity to check out Zoran's index of the StrongBad Emails. He put the email episode on a Denny's menu and include hints and easter eggs with every episode synopsis. Puts a new light on some old fun.

Mexico

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-07T11:54:00-07:00

I dropped her off on Wednesday and get to pick her up tomorrow. The Cell is supposed to work there, but I can't get through. She called me to say she was still fighting the cold that gave me pneumonia. She did get upgraded, but she has a room mate this trip. Can't wait to hear about that facet of the trip!

Christmas Shopping

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-07T11:45:00-07:00

I got my Wet Dry Vacuum I have been wanting for some time now. I got the hose hookups so I can suck the saw dust out of the Table saw and not coat the floor in a fine dust! I also bought some landscape lighting stuff to correct some problems with the current lighting. I was out with the DHL friends last night. We hit the Devil's Martini early and had a great time.

Back to Work

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-05T21:52:00-07:00

Fortunately I only missed one day of training and I think I can catch up. I have an electronic mail account now: james_melcher@countrywide.com so you can all send me a note. The team is still ramping up for support. The training is on a system that should (soon) be replaced.... This change adds some pressure for our group to pick it up until it goes away.

Pneumonia

jim@melchman.net — 2006-01-03T16:53:00-07:00

I travelled to Pennsylvania to visit the families and "powered through it" for their sake. ...On the drive home from work on Tuesday I got so dizzy and nauseated I had to pull over 3 times. I decided maybe it was time to call a doctor.... I got an appointment on Thursday afternoon, from another (not my normal) doctor. It took about 5 minutes of listening (and subsequent blood and sputum tests) to confirm pneumonia.

I Have a Commute!

jim@melchman.net — 2005-12-19T18:59:00-07:00

Well, I started at Countrywide today, commute is 35 minutes, not bad! The group is just forming, so everyone is new at this. ...We had a great time on Friday. ...So much fun, we did it again on Saturday until 3 a.... Everyone made it home and slept it off.

Countrywide Mortgage

jim@melchman.net — 2005-12-13T21:43:00-07:00

Did I mention Countrywide? I finally got an interview for a Documentum position. At Countrywide mortgage. It is a support position, but it has management potential and pays 30% more than my current gig. ...Drinks at Rock Bottom for my last day at DHL.

Brett Graduated from Kutztown

jim@melchman.net — 2005-12-13T21:41:00-07:00

Twerp got a 3.45 average! That's .7 more than I got. ...I will be seeing him on Thursday. I will harass him then. BTW, he thinks my "ride" is sweet.

Shadowrun

jim@melchman.net — 2005-12-13T21:39:00-07:00

We got to play on Sunday!!! It was painful to have to recall all the rules, we fumbled a but we managed to complete the run. I usual Style, we played until 1 in the morning, on a work night. I suffered on Monday morning! Brian had a great time and want s to know when the next run is happening!

New Container

jim@melchman.net — 2005-10-03T18:49:00-07:00

So, the City Solid Waste Department has a website!... Today I received a very kind note informing me that the repair crews are quite busy, but this repair order has gone on too long and will be expedited! When I got home I had a working container.... It's not a new container, but it is clean and working. I am just putting trash, er, um, recyclables in it anyway.

Recycling Update

jim@melchman.net — 2005-09-27T17:39:00-07:00

Assuming we count the day of discovery (Friday) as Day 0, we are approaching the deadline! This message is sent at the conclusion of business day two. The notice specifically states I am required to keep the container at the curb for 2 - 3 business days. If it is not fixed tomorrow evening I have to contact the City of Scottsdale. Then "someone will fry" for this!

Plasticville

jim@melchman.net — 2005-09-24T18:59:00-07:00

The driver (sanitation engineer) "noticed it was broken" probably because the lid fell off when the mechanical arm lifted it over the truck to invert it. ...I am then duly informed that I must keep my Scottsdale issued container at the curbside for 3 days until a repair crew can visit my site, asses the damage and repair or replace the malfunctioning unit. ...This portion will serve as my "hall pass" for not storing my recycling bin in a timely manner!... If the container lingers and I do not remedy the situation, I will receive a stern warning in the mail. ...This task is so vital to real estate values that the Association Inspector must make the trip within 3 days of trash collection day and recycling day so that they would notice a pass affixed to the container.

DHL Employee

jim@melchman.net — 2005-09-10T14:30:00-07:00

I am now an employee of DHL. I am no longer just a contractor. Great commute, good people, fair benefits. I have no other leads at this time and need the paycheck, I signed up. I am trying to keep the search alive for a management position.

Assist Isn't Interested

jim@melchman.net — 2005-07-29T17:54:00-07:00

I don't know what happened, but they are not planning to extend an offer at this time. That was a fantastic waste of 3 months. Well, off to other opportunities. Putting this with Intel's decision to seek more candidates, I am feeling a little undervalued.

Interviewed with the Owners Today

jim@melchman.net — 2005-07-15T13:43:00-07:00

We had lunch together at a Carlsbad Tavern. It was a fun place that I may have to visit with Karen. We talked about running development shops and owning your own business. Direct Alliance called back to say my salary was not out of range and I was still being considered. Intel seems to be out, though.

Assist Technologies Interview

jim@melchman.net — 2005-07-14T15:43:00-07:00

Tomorrow is ON! reduced from a full day of interviews to lunch with the principals, but it's on. I am stoked! (I am old enough to use the word stoked.

Palladone Volutarily Pulled

jim@melchman.net — 2005-07-13T15:46:00-07:00

Purdue has now voluntarily pulled Palladone from the market due to an unknown interaction with alcohol. This is like watching a plane crash onto an auto wreck. Where is this stuff originating? What else can go wrong for my friends at Purdue?

AssisTouch on Friday

jim@melchman.net — 2005-07-13T15:44:00-07:00

One more time I travel to Assist Technologies for a Multiple interview. I think. They keep canceling these interviews so we will see.

Don't Use Valley North American Van Lines

jim@melchman.net — 2005-07-05T07:14:00-07:00

A few things were lost in the move and we need to file claims for them.... They crushed our curio cabinets by placing "too heavy" things on top of them. ...As predicted they "lost" my hand truck so my arcade is still in the garage and I have to go buy another hand truck or wait until they find it in their warehouse. They mashed my new work lights, again by placing something on top in a stack that was more than the top bar could bear and it began to tear out of the support pole.... then managed to bend the it in a way that prevents me from assembling it again.

Moving In

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-30T16:37:00-07:00

I am moving the stuff from the apartment to the house. My car thermometer reads 116˚ and I needed a break in the air conditioning. The Nissan Frontier doesn't fit in the garage.

Intel Interview Went Well, I Think

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-30T16:36:00-07:00

The interview for the Documentum job went well, I think. Intel will be closed Monday and Tuesday so no word is expected until WEdnesday at the earliest. DHL wants an interview next week and Direct Alliance is ready to talk on Wednesday. All good things for the Job Search.

Intel interview today

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-28T06:52:00-07:00

I have a technical telephone interview with Intel for the Documentum Job. I should be able to answer their questions easily. Here is hoping...

Modis Interview

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-24T09:03:00-07:00

That went well. I don't think I will get the position for which I applied, but they have another position in mind. It was a vicious interview, three interviewers, rapid questions, kinda like the average user requirements meeting, only very short.

Interview with Modis IT Today

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-23T10:54:00-07:00

I got a call from Jason at Modis. THey want to do the interview today at 3:30 and that will lead to the DHL interview (I hope).

Purdue Cuts Today

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-22T16:27:00-07:00

It's been Bloody! At least half are gone or on 90 days to gone. It's been an emotional ride. I was on IM with some survivors, some short timers and a lot of Ex-employees.

Assist Touch Interview

jim@melchman.net — 2005-06-22T16:24:00-07:00

Well, it was OK. The interviewer did not seem excited, but he didn't seem excitable, either. I don't really know what to expect. The guy was from Boyertown, PA. Small world indeed!