I will be voting for [EDIT].  I really don’t care if he wins, but he certainly will [EDIT] a [EDIT] in how things are [EDIT] done.  I don’t care if he is [EDIT].  He can certainly [EDIT] the Purple Monkey Dishwasher.

P.S. There is a fly buzzing around and annoying the hell out of me!

Who drive, when I am driving.  Seriously stay off the road.  You suck at driving.  Being in the left lane does not make you cool.  Sorry, but I thought you should know.

Fall is a terrible time in my life now.  It’s championship of musical chairs and I am deaf.  (Don’t ask how I got there in the first place.  Blame the French judge.)  In no particular order (ul vs ol), here are the chairs:

• Fallout 3
• Midnight Club: Los Angeles
• Saints Row 2
• Fable 2
• Far Cry 2
• Quantum of Solace (Think Goldeneye in a COD4 engine)
• Shaun White Snowboarding
• Need for Speed Undercover

In addition I’ve been having issues with my spanking new computer.  I get an ATIKMDAG crash/recover when playing World of Warcraft.  It’s fairly annoying and I’ve tried everything short of RMAing stuff.  I’ve decided to just live with it and hope new drivers will fix the issue.  Very naive.  I should RMA the card before it’s too late.  Only issue is that WoW is the only application (including desktop) to cause the issue.  I did get the issue on the desktop when I went to the Cat 10 beta drivers.  That means very little to me considering they are beta drivers.  I have a feeling my sound card may be to blame.  The crashes seem to happen when new sounds or spell effects fire off.  Either graphics or sound related in my book.  (The card is definitely not underpowered.  I’ve got a 4870.  I could run 4 sessions of WoW and still be fine.)

iPhone has worked well since I traded in the POS one for this new one.

New Jack’s Manequin album is out: The Glass Passenger.  Pretty darn good.  My favorite track is American Love.  It’s got some kind of poppy 80s like beat to it that I love.

The wonderful new car broke 2000 miles today.  It received a chip in the windshield about a week ago.  I let a semi merge in front of me, being nice and not 1 second later up comes a rock.  That was a bad morning.

Back to the waterfall of work.  If anyone needs help with Hyperion Financial Management, Data Quality Management or Financial Reports, I’m available.  At the discount rate of $250 an hour plus expenses.

Wish me luck as I try to maintain my youth while I dive into the maw of adulthood.

If I seem a bit down, it’s because it’s near midnight and I’m doing work and not reading, playing games or sleeping.

As some of my readers (Hello all 3 of you!) may know, my best friend Justin recently purchased a home.  He lives there with his wonderful new wife Amber.  There couldn’t be a kinder couple on the face of the earth.  They were looking forward to married life and enjoying the company of each other in their newly purchased house.  They took all the right steps and precautions in purchasing the house.  They had help from experienced home buyers and were fortunate enough to be buying the house from a very nice couple.

During the routine inspections, they had the furnace inspected.  Part of the closing agreement was to ensure that the furnace did not need to be “red tagged” (read: replaced).  The inspector from McQuillan gave them the green light and the house was eventually closed on.

Fast forward a few months.  The furnace has since the inspection not been used and we find ourselves in a frustrating situation.  This is because in an unrelated incident the A/C unit had gone out.  A different company was brought in to replace the A/C unit.  At no cost, the new company performed an inspection of the furnace.  It was at this point that the furnace was “red tagged.”  Keep in mind that the furnace had not been used , if even touched, since McQuillan inspected the furnace.

McQuillan is now fighting tooth and nail to try escape responsibility for poor quality of work.  It’s down right offending to find a company who has no customer loyalty or honor.  They must take no pride in the work they deliver.  If they can’t back up every inspection they do, they don’t deserve to be in business.

If you want to read more about this, make sure you head over to Justin’s site where he gives a much better explanation of why you and anyone you know should avoid ever doing business with McQuillan Brother’s Plumbing and Heating.

shatter terrible business practices

Link to SmugMug with all 98 pics

The new iPhone is a great wonder and a piece of crap.  As I may have stated earlier, my vibrate switch broke the first day I had my iPhone.  That was an annoyance more than anything but everything I read told me to bring it in and they would replace it.  I did that today and I have a new phone that seems to have a working vibrate switch.

However, before today it was able to cause great havok.  As I stated in a previous post, the phone had issues upgrading to 2.0.1.  I had to yoink out the USB cable in the middle of a restore to get it to stop restoring everytime I plugged the damn thing in.  (This did “fix” it.)  A week or two went by and I decided to upgrade to 2.0.2 the other night.  Mistake.  That failed upgrade “bricked” my phone.  Luckily Justin was there to help and provide some insight.  I spent 3-4 hours Tuesday night and Wednesday morning trying to breath life into the phone.  Thank god there is this mode “DFU” (which I think stands for “Definitely Fucked Up”), that allowed me to restore from a software boot (I think that’s what it did.)  It failed 3 times.  2 times trying to go to 2.0.0 and 1 time going to 2.0.2.  One last time before bed I tried to restore to 2.0.2.  I awoke in the morning to find it had succedd and it was looking for a backup image.  That was the final straw.  I brought it in today and told Apple my issues.  They were nice enough to exchange it on teh spot after running some diagnosis programs.

I brought the phone home, tried to restore the previous phones image.  That seemed to succed, but it again asked if I wanted to restore the phone or set up as new phone.  Not having anything to lose I choose to set up as a new phone.  Only this time I named it “Phail” and not “Cube Phone.”  Phail is certainly fitting for as I tried to upgrade to 2.0.2 tonight it again bricked my phone.  I got an error 1602 the first time.  I restarted itunes it saw the phone, thank god (unlike last night), and I tried to restore.  This time I got an error 13.  I fucking hate this piece of shit.  I’m uninstalling itunes and going to reinstall it.  Maybe I have a bad version of something.  I’m also going to switch USB ports.  If that doesn’t work I’m writing Apple a nasty email and I will demand retribution for all of my time.  So far I figure I’ve spent 15 hours, 30 Miles of gas and car use and loss of sleep to try and get this thing to work.   Now to the reinstall and redownload and reimage and reboot and re re re re re re re re re re!!!!

Not happy.

I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss my final choices and ultimate purchase.  Thanks to the constant support of my family and Elizabeth, I came to the conclusion that I don’t need a bleeding edge system.  Instead I choose to opt for a “Bang for your Buck” system.  It you’ve been following the scoping process you will see that I started out with a $4900k price tag (w/o monitor).  From there I moved to a $3.5 price tag (w/ Monitor).  Further thought and research brought the price down to $3k (w/ Monitor).  It was at this time that I had the epiphany and decided to go for a “unique” and more exciting case.  Anyone can do bleeding edge, top of the line, it just takes more money.  To pull off an elegant, cost effective and unique case takes a tad bit more talent.  That said the price of the mouse(G9)+computer+case+cooling/case mods came out to $1630 and I purcahsed a so far wonderful LG 24″ monitor for $350.  Yup, I manage to reign in my spending and come in under $2k.  Here is the part list:

I hope that table shows up decent enough. The parts were all ordered from Newegg, FrozenCPU, Xoxide, Best Buy and Home Depot so far. I’m looking for nuts to fit the Lian Li thumbscrews. Currently I have some #6-32s that were lying around but the thread count on the thumb screws is far higher. The Pops has sent me the location of a store near work that might have what I’m looking for.  Chances are that the thumbscrews are Metric and I just need to find some metric Nuts. (That sounds kinda funny.) Alright enough talking from me, let’s see some exposition pics!

I have 2 case fans that are now 5 years old and they like to make outrageous noises from to time.  Since I’m looking to build a new computer and this one might be going to my parents, I figure I will do them a favor and replace the case fans.

The only thing is that my computer runs perfectly fine right now.  Thus, these 2 small changes could cause it to, in techincal terms, “crap out”.  If that is the case, I will likely not be making any posts for a week while my new computer parts are being shipped.

So here goes nothing!  Also, I realize I need to make it easier to see recent posts so that posts don’t get missed by readers, like the short wedding post last night.

Time to get all Franeknstein on this biatch!

The wedding was amazing.  I’m so happy for the both of them.  Words can barely describe how perfect they are for each other.

The next couple of months will be a fun time as the two of them adjust to married life.  Justin, no longer in his parents’ house.  Amber…living with Justin.

A cool fact is that they are now within Jogging distance of where I am currently living.  Maybe I’ll get to see them more.  If work doesn’t dominate my life, that is.

Ok, short post, tomorrow is the gift openeing and I actually have to wake up earlier tomorrow morning than I did this morning.  So goodnight,  good luck and god speed.  Live long and prosper.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=5997941#post5997941

I have to hand it to apple, they know how to provide one sexy GUI. It is a pleasure to use the device (for the most part.) I was worried about the on screen keyboard, but the phone has a wonderful system for predicting what you want. In most cases I don’t have any issues getting the message across. Only in username and password fields is it an issue.

Microsoft Exchange is up and running with my Accenture email. It is fantastic. I feel so important now. Too bad Best Buy is against, but I can still use webmail to get at my best buy email.

My only gripe so far is that my vibrate switch broke. This seems to be a common problem for some of us and it looks like I will have to take it into one of these so called “genuises” to get it sorted out.

Other than that, I’m so impressed by the apps. Pandora and Twinkle (Twitter with so much more than just tweets) right now are just friggen cool. AIM is functional and there are plenty more free apps to try. I’m tempted to start programming some of my own. We shall see.

I only hope that I can get to bed tonight at a decent hour.

Apps I have and look useful:

• Twinkle
• AIM
• Facebook
• Wordpress
• Google Mobile App
• Pandora

I’m not going to pull the old list, you can find it starting here: http://www.shatteredcube.com/archives/94

I’ve been doing a lot of research in the past few days and I’ve made a major overhaul to the list with these goals in mind:

• Provide the most bang for my buck
• Provide room for future expansion
• Semi-Silent Operation

I debated the option of water cooling, air cooling and stock cooling.  I also debated how future proof I wanted to make the build.  I analyzed where I could overclock after cooling upgrades and save money.  (This mostly applies to the processor.)

I decided that for now I will use stock cooling.  It should be easy enough to convert to water if and when the time comes.  I also can’t justify $1000 on the processor alone and as such took a minor hit in the clock speed.  I decided to go with a giant power supply that has a high efficiency rating.  This means that while I won’t be using even 60% of it’s capacity at full load, the PSU will only draw as much power as it needs.  This actually could result in drawing less power than my current system.  This also affords me the ability to expand in the future.  It accounts for water cooling and Dual or Tri SLI. (It is also modular for better air flow and case management.)  As far as HDD go, I’m going to stick to a decent 640GBs running RAID 0 (Mirrored for backup).  I don’t use all of my 240 gbs right now.  I figure 640 will be plenty for a while.

With that said here is the condensed list straight from new egg:

What you may notice missing is a case. Now for the life of me I can’t choose between two cases. It is my hope that you, my readership, can provide some input.  I want you to ignore the price and help me choose between these two cases:

Lian-Li V2110 (or V2100) and Cooler Master Cosmos S

Rate cases based on looks, functionality and etc.  Only once you have an opinion, then look at cost.  The main questions are:

1. Which would be better for water cooling some day? (Well thought out space for 360mm Radiator and general flow.)
2. Which case provides the most functionality? (Slide out Mother Board, Included case fans, tool less, etc.)
3. Is the cost justified?

After I figure out the case, it’s a matter of ordering and then building.  The build should provide a much more interesting read.  I’ll document the build with photos!  It will be like you’re right along side me at all times.  Creepy!

So don’t forget to cast your opinion in the comments!

• GRiD Racing for Xbox360
• Xbox Racing Wheel for Xbox360
• iPod Classic 80gb
• A rolling garment bag
• A carry-on luggage piece with suitor
• Dress Shirts
• Ties
• Eat out more often

Currently I am in the process of purchasing a 2009 Toyota Corolla S. (Blue Metallic)  I am on the list and in about 40 days it should arive.  This to me was a very wise decision.  While I was looking at and almost purchased this, I decided against it due to a possible house purchase and other purchases in my near future. (Plus gas is expensive and I would burn through it quick with that kind of car.)

With money still left over and not yet sacrificed to any materialistc god…these still remain in my sights:

• iPhone 3G or HTC Touch Pro ($300-$900)
• [Camera+lens] Canon EOS 40D (w/ 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6) ($1200)
• [lens] Canon 50mm f/1.8 ($90)
• [filters] ES-72U (Polarized, Neutral, UV) ($115)
• Build a New Computer ($2000-$3000)
• A Waterski ($600-$1500)
• A sailboat ($3500)
• Other ($6000-$10000)
• Vacation ($1000-$2000)
• Slew of games in the fall (X * $60) [Prerequisite = New Computer]

So as you can see, it never stops.  There is always something else to buy.  Most of these things I don’t need and won’t end up being purchased.  I rather like ratching my various accounts grow.  Now if only the market would turn around, things would be better.

I was training at Oracle University and as such was the only Accenture person in my small training group of 5 people.  The training went really well.  I managed to get ahead of the class and finish all the activities a full day and a half ahead of schedule.  This allowed for me to get a “review” session.  I found that this better reinforced the knowledge that I had gained in the class.

This means that I will be starting at Best Buy this Monday and be there for a good 9 months.  By the end I should be an expert in Hyperion.

This trip was my first experience traveling completely alone both ways.  Also my first experience renting a car and checking into a hotel for myself.  I was able to navigate my way around the New York and Connecticut road ways.  My initiation occurred around midnight after a day of traveling.  In my rented ‘08 Eclipse it was a rather interesting experience.  The Eclipse drives well enough, but one has very limited visibility.  EZ-Pass is also the only way to deal with toll roads.  Wow!  Amazingly easy!

Downtown Stamford was pretty cool.  I’ve never seen a Target in a downtown environment.  There were elevators between floors and the first 2 floors were parking only.  Definitely different from the way suburbs have their stores laid out.

Most of my free time was spent in my hotel room just watching TV and relaxing.  There really wasn’t much to see or down in Stamford.  At least, nothing was open when I had free time.  The food was good in the surrounding area and in the Hotel.

Pretty uneventful week (and that is just fine with me), but certainly gained a good amount of knowledge.  Now it’s just time to apply that knowledge on the job site.

Core Analyst School is over and I’m sad to see it end. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many wonderful and unique individuals. I can only hope and strive to maintain those relationships as the days continue. Thanks to tools like facebook, it should be easier to keep in touch, but not even facebook can truly overcome the difficulties of a busy life.

The two weeks consisted of a “work hard, play hard” mentality. We would rise early in the morning to make our 8:00AM start time. From there we would be in class until 6:00PM. From then on we had the time for ourselves. Every night was spent socializing, networking and building long lasting relationships. Some nights, some of us “networked” too hard. This would lead to difficult mornings. I’m proud to say that I managed to survive with about 4-5 hrs of sleep every night. Right now, I’m looking forward to being able to sleep in or I should say, not have to go to class. My body no longer sleeps in. The sun comes up and so do I.

Bullet list of things that happened (to be expanded upon sometime?)

• 100% of flights I’ve had for Accenture have been delayed. Booo AA/Weather.
• Drank every night
• Learned how to play shuffle board and dominate at it
• Did laundry twice
• Sprained my ankle
• Made a ton of friends
• Experienced the Cadillac Ranch
• Experienced Crobar
• Drank about 80 gallons of water
• Gained 9lbs
• Expanded my professional network
• Got staffed on an amazing (local) project
• Rode in a limo 3 times
• Went to Chicago
• Learned my way around Chicago and St. Charles
• A few people got hurt at CAS (Our leader and another Analyst, poor Ryan)
• Had an amazing time
• Learned a few things
• Watched Spain beat Italy at the ESPN Zone in Chicago. Had amazing seats in front of the HUGE screen
• Performed 2 miracles on computers
• Never late for any class
• Part of the winning Table from Section 4 (Table 4!!!)
• Learned how to take a taxi to and from the airport

I’m sure there is more, but my brain is absolutely tired right now. Considering the condition I woke up this morning in…I’m impressed. The Cadillac Ranch on Thursday night certainly set up many of us for a difficult Friday. Kind of funny considering Friday morning we had to give our big group wrap up presentation. The school best trains you for the lifestyle. Basically, very little sleep and high expectations.

Well let me tell you. High Performance? Yea, it was delivered.

Night all

P.S. I had 8415 emails over 2 weeks.

I started a facebook group for CAS and some of the people are talking of playing sports.  This further complicates my packing issue.  I’m not sure how much to bring or what.  I also have no idea what to wear on the way there.  I’m thinking that I’ll just go in my usual attire, jeans and a t-shirt.  I can’t see any repercussions for wanting to be comfortable on the airplane.

This will also be the first trip where my backpack is not my carry-on item.  In fact it won’t even be making the trip.  It saddens me because that thing has been with me everywhere.  It must feel abused being replaced by my laptop bag.  This will seriously hamper the amount of “fun” stuff I can bring with me.  Pretty much space for only one book.  So to help myself I made a purchase.  I purchased an Ipod.  One of the 80gb classics.  The 32gb touch was incredibly tasty, but for $500 I had to pass.  I’ve spent the majority of today with it syncing.  Oye, it’s annoying, but Sync Must Occur!

I think over the course of the week I will try to update a bit on what new toys I got since starting my job.  It’s expensive getting a job.

I’ve been playing a lot of poker this week.  Standing in for Justin and then some for myself.  I’ve made the money in every one so far.  No big amounts (all freerolls or $1 entry fees), but still many hands of poker.

Time to pack.  These next 2 weeks should be a blast, but I sure am gonna miss a few things.  Mainly getting to spend time with E.  Love you hunny!.

Second week of SDF training is up this week.  We’ve made it past the difficult stuff in my mind (classes.)  Only one more week until we head out to the Q center.  That should be a pretty good time.  Due to some interesting bowling on “First Friday” Greg (from work) and I have lunch paid for on Monday and Tuesday.

Once again, thanks for all the birthday wishes.  Let’s hope this rain lets up!