tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59504542024-03-20T06:41:00.809-05:00Bazzoni BlogSpanning the subjects of technology, politics or even the strange or unique.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-80386800243833922942010-11-30T11:11:00.007-06:002010-11-30T20:39:05.485-06:00It's beginning to look alot like Christmas photo cards this year.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dsqsfYTp_YOaaqpXACcS50hpwkyFi3MorOvoC65uWrw2g9Uc-l6WIksagjUY6NBoDpNGlCXmrWV3K8XYXlvetsHfpdRd2rbWgAQUK3Q3arQF2f-tX9F8NpxnxbQR72UnSnmLUQ/s1600/PHOTOCARD-103-4253-MERCHTHUMB-v128209213500024518.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 164px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dsqsfYTp_YOaaqpXACcS50hpwkyFi3MorOvoC65uWrw2g9Uc-l6WIksagjUY6NBoDpNGlCXmrWV3K8XYXlvetsHfpdRd2rbWgAQUK3Q3arQF2f-tX9F8NpxnxbQR72UnSnmLUQ/s400/PHOTOCARD-103-4253-MERCHTHUMB-v128209213500024518.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545537721859386658" /></a><br /><br /><br />In an attempt to streamline the process of mailing out Christmas cards this year along comes the Christmas photo card. It is a nice way to share greetings and well wishes for Christmas and New Years out to the masses in a quick and compact way. Some people like to write newsletters or send long messages, but simple is better for me. There are so many different places to get these photo cards from. My favorite is <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com">Shutterfly</a>.<br /><br />Having used <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com">Shutterfly</a> in the past I looked at the many different ways they could help me. They have <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards">Christmas photo cards</a> (my choice), <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards">Christmas cards</a> and <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards">Holiday cards</a> among many others to choose from. Each choice than has a long list of design templates to choose from.<br /><br />The first thing to do is pick out pictures of the family to use on the card. You then upload it and go through the many choices. I like to try two or three designs and then put them together online and then pick my favorite. With no minimum orders, it makes it easy to pick multiple cards if I want. That way you could pick a formal one for some and a fun one for others. The choices are endless.<br /><br />After you complete your design you place your order and everything comes to you ready to go. Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com">Shutterfly</a> for all your photo needs.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and I wish everyone all the best in 2011!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-33836722950224781092009-03-25T12:00:00.000-05:002009-03-25T12:01:21.798-05:00Single Grain iPhone 3.0 Beta GiveawayGoing on right now, so jump in if you want 3.0 before most users!<br /><br />On March 25th, 2009 10:00AM PST Will start of the 2nd iPhone 3.0 Beta giveaway. Single Grain has 50 more licenses to give away and it will be on a first come first serve basis. Last time we had this giveaway we ran out of licenses in 6 hours.<br /><br />The giveaway is similar to last time. Heres the details:<br /><br />1. Spread the word. Post this on twitter: “Single Grain’s 50 iPhone 3.0 Beta Giveaway <a href="http://tinyurl.com/c3zxra">http://tinyurl.com/c3zxra</a>” & blog about the giveaway<br /><br />2. Email us where you blogged (URL to blog post) about it and your UDID number (Here’s how you find your UDID Number on your iPhone) And we’ll email you the link to download it. Email your information here: sj@singlegrain.com<br /><br />3. Give Feedback. So once you’ve installed 3.0 OS Beta leave a comment. How do you like it? Any bugs? Any particular apps don’t work? Anything will be helpful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-16008558621797454272009-02-03T14:45:00.003-06:002009-02-03T14:59:12.295-06:00Windows 7 on the MacBook, testing continues...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hI75SNSDe4YRWa0WPZUtEQX6I7uiOLixfY9bzSemR_DbNRV6HS6LiIrhz8cWBeT3RiT7ys8t9xl8FttYNNILAayldoutuvjG2SLU5tV8PB75222LcWu0j2CS_NuWDYpNkBhZ_Q/s1600-h/windows_7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hI75SNSDe4YRWa0WPZUtEQX6I7uiOLixfY9bzSemR_DbNRV6HS6LiIrhz8cWBeT3RiT7ys8t9xl8FttYNNILAayldoutuvjG2SLU5tV8PB75222LcWu0j2CS_NuWDYpNkBhZ_Q/s320/windows_7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298675596799938738" border="0" /></a>♠So I have now been using Windows 7 on my 1st Gen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MacBook</span> for almost 1 month. People have asked for some details on the install, so I want to go over that first.<br /><br />I had Windows <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">XP</span> SP3 loaded on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MacBook</span> prior to getting the Windows 7 beta. To move to Windows 7 I could not just Upgrade Windows, I needed to start over. This gave me a chance to re-partition my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bootcamp</span> (Windows) partition.<br /><br />So I had to go into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OSX</span> and run the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bootcamp</span> manager and remove the Windows partition. Once this was done I then created a new partition and started the installation of Windows 7 using the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bootcamp</span> program. Doing this I had the choice to format using FAT or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NTFS</span>, and I went with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NTFS</span>. The installation of Windows 7 was smooth and fast.<br /><br />Once Windows 7 was installed I needed to load the drivers for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MacBook</span>. You do this by inserting the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">OSX</span> Leopard CD in the computer while in Windows. This worked just like it did in Windows <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">XP</span>. It loaded all of the drivers for this hardware.<br /><br />I have noticed a couple of things that I need to investigate further. One of them is the built-in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Webcam</span>. It is installed, but I am not seeing anything in Windows 7 that uses this. In Windows <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">XP</span> it was under My Computer, it is not under Computer in Windows 7.<br /><br />So far for normal usage everything is working fine. I notice a much faster boot time and am now testing Anti-virus software and various hardware. Check back and I will write more soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-71840123359540064542009-01-12T14:43:00.003-06:002009-01-12T14:45:58.806-06:00Windows 7 on the MacBook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOYbAtlnR7FgElw7zOy0rxVKpfOMJQ0FgyI_MDJQxH73xOAKZjk_AwrqFNJMymOqK7JHOuT-ml2n8PgE6-x0k9v6fRRqgAA0ERY2jwg4VbWq7N35Zr2ztO9QiuvXF4tnEYShCOw/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOYbAtlnR7FgElw7zOy0rxVKpfOMJQ0FgyI_MDJQxH73xOAKZjk_AwrqFNJMymOqK7JHOuT-ml2n8PgE6-x0k9v6fRRqgAA0ERY2jwg4VbWq7N35Zr2ztO9QiuvXF4tnEYShCOw/s320/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290511202203629010" border="0" /></a><br />Got Windows 7 Beta running on my 1st generation MacBook. Works great and no problems loading at all using OS X BootCamp.<br /><br />Will post more as I continue to test.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-4691656578053073282008-12-05T16:20:00.003-06:002008-12-05T20:45:58.856-06:00Follow up on my Apple Store Black Friday funWell I was able to talk to someone at the Apple Store on the phone this week. I was in Denver for business and got a call from an assistant manager. They were very nice and took my suggestions, not sure how far it will go, but I am glad they were interested in the feedback. They also sent me a Procare membership. I still would like to hear from someone at Apple Corporate as this could be an issue worldwide. I feel the suggestions I have could help all of the retail locations.<br /><br />I got my new MacBook in the mail when I got back so I will be having some fun this weekend!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-10814340166011432962008-11-30T09:19:00.006-06:002008-11-30T11:16:57.153-06:00Bad service from Apple on Black FridayWhat a strange Black Friday I had. It started late on Thanksgiving night when I decided to not get up at 3 a.m. as there were no items that seemed interesting.<br /><br />In a really strange turn of events my wife sent me to the Apple store to pickup a new MacBook because she got an email from Apple. She saw that the new MacBook I was looking at for months was on sale and that Apple offered six months no interest. The offer was possible by getting the Juniper iTunes reward Visa card and purchasing one item over $1000. Perfect. The site said it takes 30 seconds to get approved in most cases. Sweet!<br /><br />So I went to the Deer Park, IL Apple Store before noon on Friday. I walked in and they had a very efficient setup with a line to stand in when you were ready to purchase. I walked up and someone helped me immediately. My sales associate walked me through the process of getting the Juniper Visa. I put in my info and it said that they were reviewing my request. I was supposed to get approved right away. "No problem" said the sales associate, this happens. He suggested that I purchase using a different card right now and if I get the approval later from Juniper just come back and switch it over. But, he said "I know it is tempting, but don't open this new MacBook or you will be charge a 10% restocking fee on the return." I asked if he thought this could all be done today. He said it should not be a problem. So I said to him if I pay now and get home and get the card I can just bring back my computer and switch it to get the six months zero interest. He said yes and reiterated the 10% restocking fee and reminded me to do it today to get the $100 off Black Friday deal. I said great and gave him my American Express card. In minutes I was out the door with my MacBook, Apple Care and a renewal for MobileMe. Great, but now to get home and wait for the approval.<br /><br />So I get home and explain this to my wife. She said great and we can plan on going to the Apple store after dinner. So I waited for something from Juniper. After an hour I called Juniper and talked to several people. They said they couldn't give me any info on why I hadn't heard anything yet. They said this may take more than a day. They explained that with the high number of transactions (Black Friday after all) it could be difficult to say when this would be complete. The online hold messages said this also, along with the possibility that it could take 30 days to receive my new card. I didn't think any of that was important. Then they suggested I call the approval center and got a different 800#. One part that happened at the store was a "security question" that I did not know about. They said that may be the issue. So my wife signed up for the card online. Well this time it went through immediately. So great we got the approval, with plenty of credit to buy the MacBook. So now just to wait and go back to the store after dinner.<br /><br />So we went to dinner with the MacBook in tow. After dinner my me, my wife and my 11 month old son drove to the Deer Park store and talked to an associate right away. I told him that I was in earlier today and wanted to switch my purchase over to the Juniper Visa. He said fine, but needed the number. So we went to the Juniper website and pulled up the new account. Then he said he needed to see the manager. He came back and explained that he could not do the transaction. He said that he needed the approval "barcode" from Juniper. He said the only way to get this was to register in the store and the store gets that approval "barcode" and then you can make the purchase. So, if I signed up at home and then went in or, like me, had a problem with my approval and came back later I could not do the process until I had the physical Juniper Visa card on me. He said there was nothing he could do. So I asked to talk to the manager. He came over and explained the same thing to me. I asked what are my options. He said I could take his business card and he would honor the Black Friday price (I didn't take it as it seemed to me to be an empty promise), but I would have to wait to get my card. I said well I could wait up to 30 days and I can't open the box so this was a real problem to me. The manager then denied that there would be a 10% restocking fee, as I was told earlier. He said it is just a transaction swap, so there would not be any restocking fee. Again he said I could just bring it in and see him and he would honor the price. I then asked what would happen if I didn't get the card before my American Express, a monthly paid card, was due. He said I don't know. So I asked what are my options. He said you can take this computer home, open it and wait for the card and then come back in when you have it or you can return it now. I asked if there were any other options, no. So the manager left and I had the sales associate process the return of the MacBook and the other items. The sales associate was very nice and said he was sorry plenty of times. But still we felt nothing but despair and disappointment when we left the store without the MacBook. I wanted to mention to the manager again when I was walking out that I thought this was a bad way to do business, but he disappeared when he walked away from us.<br /><br />So the ride home was not great. We were both disappointed. I posted a bunch of messages on Twitter from my iPhone on the drive home, since my wife was driving. I sent an e-mail to a friend about this and didn't know what to do. I filled out the Apple customer service survey that was at the top of my receipt. <br /><br />After I sat down and cleared my head I said wait a minute we were approved online. Why not purchase online and we still get the six month zero interest. So that is what we did. So I still got the price, rate and will get the MacBook in a few days. But I still have some problems with how the store handled everything. So I have some suggestions for Apple:<br /><br />1. Don't ever suggest that you can do a transaction switch from one card to another later on any purchase by returning the product later. This eliminates the whole issue including whether or not there is a restocking fee.<br />2. Suggest ordering online. (I suspect that they may not have suggested that to maintain sales numbers at that particular store, but don't know for sure)<br />3. Allow customers to pay online and pickup in store. This gives customers another option when paying. They could pay from their checking account, Paypal or other online means. With this flexibility that could help increase sales. It also stops Apple from paying shipping fees to mail out the items you purchase. Sounds like a no brainer to me.<br />4. Be up front on the policies related to the credit card you offer. If there are scenarios that could cause you with purchase trouble(like only being able to register at the store to use the new card that day) just be honest about it. <br />5. Apple should demand a little more from Juniper. Juniper customer service was sketchy at best. Apple is about quality and so should the credit card they offer. It seemed to me that Apple should know more about this card. In many places I saw comments like "don't contact Apple as they will not be able to assist you with the Juniper account." I would expect more from Apple, maybe they could get a special number to give to customers to call about their Juniper account. I would expect Juniper to provide this to Apple. This would give them a higher customer service experience to customer that get the card through Apple.<br /><br />I still hope that Apple Corporate contacts me about this transaction. I am still an Apple fan, and would hope I could pass on these suggestions so this doesn't happen to someone else. This could cause some people to just say forget it and not deal with Apple again. <br /><br />A line I e-mailed my friend summed up the whole experience the best: "It was just a bad scene walking in with my wife and holding my 11 month old son and walking out discouraged like that. After I got home and cleared my head I figured why not just buy online. So by the end of the week I will have my sweet new MacBook, but I will still remember that experience."Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-2773325727188283352008-04-14T08:31:00.008-05:002008-04-14T09:22:49.823-05:00Save Windows XP!<a href="http://www.savexp.com"><object width="460" height="140"><param name="movie" value="http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisedesktop/archives/saveXP_header1.swf"><br /><embed src="http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisedesktop/archives/saveXP_header1.swf" width="460" height="140"></embed></object></a><br /><br />Microsoft plans to end most sales of Windows XP on June 30, despite a deep reluctance by many business and individuals about moving to Vista.<br /><br />InfoWorld magazine has created a website and started a petition to save Windows XP. There are only 76 days left, so sign the petition if you want to keep Windows XP as a choice.<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.savexp.com/">Savexp.com</a> to sign the petition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-2208977078382745162008-03-13T16:37:00.002-05:002008-03-13T16:42:36.503-05:00Smashing Magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG8I8WxJK87MzQXHEQSXIG8ka87YkPo6hGDGDnT3W40JgOZnYTI3W-MRSzV08GCguOZ1cb8MEGVQkisPbi5BqSr6FdQ7MoUl-akxvS5Q33FW1zCxiZOP1Ho8eo9p7wwbw2jzCiQ/s1600-h/logo.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPG8I8WxJK87MzQXHEQSXIG8ka87YkPo6hGDGDnT3W40JgOZnYTI3W-MRSzV08GCguOZ1cb8MEGVQkisPbi5BqSr6FdQ7MoUl-akxvS5Q33FW1zCxiZOP1Ho8eo9p7wwbw2jzCiQ/s320/logo.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177343946750981026" /></a><br /><br />I recently came upon what is now my number one resource for new exciting trends in web design, <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com">Smashing Magazine</a>.<br /><br />From their About Us page: "<span style="font-style:italic;">Founded in September 2006, Smashing Magazine delivers useful and innovative information for designers and web-developers. Our aim is to inform our readers about the latest trends and techniques in web-development - clearly, precisely and regularly. We don’t try to convince you with the quantity, but with the quality of the information we present. That’s what makes us different. In fact, we smash you with the information which will make your life easier. Really.<br /><br />Why Smashing Magazine? Well, why not? We smash our readers with information which might be useful for them, even although they haven’t realized it yet.</span>"<br /><br />Stop by <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com">Smashing Magazine</a> or subscribe to their <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/wp-rss.php">RSS feed</a>, but be warned, you will be overloaded with good design ideas.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-57238932141669850622008-03-11T11:17:00.003-05:002008-03-11T11:21:55.556-05:00Blog Madness!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiC2bp_riCF8Zwsu5UNAX0nwN0X19DqMaIXCT8cRRZCoowk2r8f0RzdINqjx8G5w-QlM-EA-tVRODUB1NI-6Quzh4YmskK9REBiyDrsBJU9B78-mmC5SlZE7xN1gDQXekthLcJQ/s1600-h/blogmadness_accent.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiC2bp_riCF8Zwsu5UNAX0nwN0X19DqMaIXCT8cRRZCoowk2r8f0RzdINqjx8G5w-QlM-EA-tVRODUB1NI-6Quzh4YmskK9REBiyDrsBJU9B78-mmC5SlZE7xN1gDQXekthLcJQ/s320/blogmadness_accent.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176519819836289938" /></a><br />Well the GOP is using a tournament bracket system to name the 2008 Convention Blog. Check it out at <a href="http://www.gopconvention2008.com/blogmadness/">http://www.gopconvention2008.com/blogmadness/</a> <br /><br />Be sure to vote for your favorite names.<br /><br />I am working on getting to the convention and live blogging it using Twitter. I will post some updates on this as I get them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-84589002855783619182008-03-10T12:42:00.004-05:002008-03-10T12:55:30.386-05:00FolderShare returns!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ27DzgBQ7954Uwag0uwsfgKNBeaswJw-wcIMFkYx9PwNippEj23YjNzIQRob2WFE4bwEux6viGTzmTD6N-QI80Zcs_BgFHJ35jRUzyQC0fOdSZg1jsBTg4w0USWblfBy8uCpp9g/s1600-h/fsanim.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ27DzgBQ7954Uwag0uwsfgKNBeaswJw-wcIMFkYx9PwNippEj23YjNzIQRob2WFE4bwEux6viGTzmTD6N-QI80Zcs_BgFHJ35jRUzyQC0fOdSZg1jsBTg4w0USWblfBy8uCpp9g/s320/fsanim.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176171270355317634" /></a><br />A great program that lets you view your files across multiple computers, even a Mac, has returned. Check it out: <a href="http://www.foldershare.com">http://www.foldershare.com</a><br /><br />You can also read their blog at: <a href="http://foldershareteam.spaces.live.com/default.aspx">http://foldershareteam.spaces.live.com/default.aspx</a><br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://majornelson.com/Default.aspx">Major Nelson</a> for the twit on this!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-2395601757144833282007-12-20T08:15:00.000-06:002007-12-20T08:19:04.227-06:00The best car I ever owned<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Qrzt0pOzluMW8DA2y18vs3N4GxEaxr5CL4TM8mCx4rVAPAORHOgakYvlWZxrTHWgWr_KgVv2uvj-deSzAw74JRCfdddQbu7G5Cv7Bc4Ag2BxV0oI8YCAlTT3Q_uZ1QY6qzrbwA/s1600-h/honda_crx.03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Qrzt0pOzluMW8DA2y18vs3N4GxEaxr5CL4TM8mCx4rVAPAORHOgakYvlWZxrTHWgWr_KgVv2uvj-deSzAw74JRCfdddQbu7G5Cv7Bc4Ag2BxV0oI8YCAlTT3Q_uZ1QY6qzrbwA/s320/honda_crx.03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146058944296954322" /></a><br />57 mpg? That's so 20 years ago. Want to drive a cheap car that gets eye-popping mileage? In 1987 you could - and it wasn't even a hybrid.- <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2007/12/17/autos/honda_civic_hf/index.htm?postversion=2007121916">via CNN</a><br /><br />I would buy a new one today if they still made it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-64287101395805602782007-12-18T11:28:00.000-06:002007-12-18T11:31:28.949-06:00Welcome Matthew Bazzoni!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIEP6u0Hec-kfdBDL2HRZQmXabgRpwnVeZGYyaJnaBFGEqcYy7F-zvECu0MCn4bdi_Odv6QHr180CXT3U-4BppoOXLaTb3jFcmvnuEIZTlPxpFynKGCJjFixXF-8XyDdamzei5g/s1600-h/IMG_1626.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIEP6u0Hec-kfdBDL2HRZQmXabgRpwnVeZGYyaJnaBFGEqcYy7F-zvECu0MCn4bdi_Odv6QHr180CXT3U-4BppoOXLaTb3jFcmvnuEIZTlPxpFynKGCJjFixXF-8XyDdamzei5g/s320/IMG_1626.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145366655698381250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">Lisa and I wanted to share with all of you that we welcomed Matthew Lawrence Bazzoni to the world on December 13, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. He weighs 5 pounds 12 ounces and was born at St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, IL. Lisa and Matthew are doing well. I have posted a couple more pictures at <a title="blocked::http://www.bazzoni.net/" href="http://www.bazzoni.net/">www.bazzoni.net</a> and will update the site with more pictures in the next few weeks.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">We want to thank everyone for all their support over the last year. It has meant so much to me, Lisa and Matthew.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">Please feel free to pass this on to anyone I may have missed.</div> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">Take care and we will talk to you soon!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-79204430446175138052007-10-31T09:32:00.000-05:002007-10-31T09:58:40.522-05:00Updating Leopard and BootCamp BewareSo I updated my MacBook to Leopard and everything went well. Being my work system I have Windows XP loaded using BootCamp beta.<br /><br />After I loaded Leopard I did a reboot and checked out Windows XP to make sure it was still running. I rebooted and went into Windows and it was working fine. I got busy working on some files and someone came in to checkout Leopard so I said OK let me boot into Leopard and show you.<br /><br />Oops, big mistake. On boot I got the old Apple prohibitory sign.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cXopdBJD1mu5jd5ndjgLpF4b6AOYcRa6azgvdGkEKYcjMTi6syN_W5HHfxlMx0Om079BaPRkV2A3N3Odoh4GbzPrC-0yQyBxsjl1RdDER_Ssw8GH0QpgfSF3RCrVKThDEY864w/s1600-h/prohibitory_sign.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cXopdBJD1mu5jd5ndjgLpF4b6AOYcRa6azgvdGkEKYcjMTi6syN_W5HHfxlMx0Om079BaPRkV2A3N3Odoh4GbzPrC-0yQyBxsjl1RdDER_Ssw8GH0QpgfSF3RCrVKThDEY864w/s320/prohibitory_sign.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127509311496522770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seems that if you boot into Windows XP using the Boot Camp beta after you updated to Leopard you must insert the Leopard DVD to update the drivers in Windows before you boot back to Leopard.</span><br /><br />Since I did not, I did a clean install of everything. This was good because I did not have any critical files on this system. It also gave me a chance to partition the system a little different than I had done before.<br /><br />Before you update you absolutely have to do these things:<br /><ul><li>Backup everything you need</li><li>Read this blog: <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/19/tuaw-guide-getting-ready-for-leopard/"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="ppt1017461">TUAW Guide: Getting Ready for Leopard</span></span></a></li><li style="font-weight: bold;">Backup everything you need</li></ul> After doing a clean install the MacBook is really fast. It is also nice to have a fresh partition for Windows giving me more equal space for both O/S's.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-57493332720221543872007-10-31T08:34:00.000-05:002007-10-31T09:09:09.453-05:00Leopard spotted at Deer Park store<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI1GhS1LGQAN68Cdnu6xozg8jWEq6AghlkXxidnZrDTJY9awOUvF3791wCdzTswle8kxCuv_m67sbBagRoSUGgbtp9y8L_DB7vXz4kiE8pyjztlcIBFq5FIES1GGjASNBPfzlMQ/s1600-h/tvh_pic.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI1GhS1LGQAN68Cdnu6xozg8jWEq6AghlkXxidnZrDTJY9awOUvF3791wCdzTswle8kxCuv_m67sbBagRoSUGgbtp9y8L_DB7vXz4kiE8pyjztlcIBFq5FIES1GGjASNBPfzlMQ/s320/tvh_pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127498286315473906" /></a><br />Well I got in line last Friday at our new Deer Park, IL Apple store to pick up Leopard and found a Leopard in front of me in line.<br /><br />Actually it was Thomas Van Housen the PC/Mac Guru. You can check out his site at: <a href="http://www.pcmacguru.com/">http://www.pcmacguru.com/</a> It was good to meet Tom. I have driven by his place many times and never actually met him. <br /><br />Fun was had by all as you can tell from the pictures. The rain held off for the most part while we were in line. While I was there I also picked up iLife '08, so I will be updating my website very soon. <br /><br />Here is a picture of me talking to Tom<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwowp4WHqaa4n18hImIy0B3Lh-WJXs7BCEnlGlzd-nPxS0hwOCFlHSkbqZy_sIRXL4XHeUW08Ljf9aUgL0vh7Cf8LR-oJh69fc9Gak58tCNm2vntt5fOWb8nqjcbHprIpMNaseA/s1600-h/2007-10-26+Deer+Park+Leopard+87small.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwowp4WHqaa4n18hImIy0B3Lh-WJXs7BCEnlGlzd-nPxS0hwOCFlHSkbqZy_sIRXL4XHeUW08Ljf9aUgL0vh7Cf8LR-oJh69fc9Gak58tCNm2vntt5fOWb8nqjcbHprIpMNaseA/s320/2007-10-26+Deer+Park+Leopard+87small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127498784531680258" /></a><br /><br />Updating my 12" PowerBook G4 was a breeze. It took about 2 hours, but that was not a big concern. I also upgraded to iLife '08 during that time, so not bad.<br /><br />The PowerBook seems to be running faster with the new update. I have also tested out all my common apps and found no issues. So, if you have an older PowerBook and are on the fence about updating, do it!<br /><br />In my next post I will talk about upgrading my work MacBook with BootCamp beta on it. Please make sure to read it if you are going to update a Mac with BootCamp beta already loaded.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-61711421996690914672007-10-31T08:29:00.001-05:002007-10-31T08:33:20.289-05:00Google 700!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYNoc1_hCo12eK_EZp9spYxNrgU-tyyKEWn_a9MIaBELc8JZ-EYE_fZemqdChyiAwa4oNgiMG2ZxojSxHZeJaFUoaAI7y9XKjq_TAWv2B6WXR5ITAoYDpo5UHALlkKjK79Bxkg/s1600-h/goog_700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiYNoc1_hCo12eK_EZp9spYxNrgU-tyyKEWn_a9MIaBELc8JZ-EYE_fZemqdChyiAwa4oNgiMG2ZxojSxHZeJaFUoaAI7y9XKjq_TAWv2B6WXR5ITAoYDpo5UHALlkKjK79Bxkg/s320/goog_700.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127493261203737570" /></a><br /><br />Wow, Google (goog) breaks the 700 mark in after hours trading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-25422532250913956942007-10-26T15:46:00.000-05:002007-10-26T15:54:18.643-05:00Leopard. after the load...Well, Leopard loaded on my work system in 1 hour 25 minutes. I chose to update rather than start over. All this worked fine. I have not found any apps that are dead yet and I have played with Spaces so far. Very slick and seems faster, but we will see how it goes at home.<br /><br />I am still going to the <a href="http://www.apple.com/retail/deerpark/week/20071021.html">Deer Park, Il </a> Apple store at 6 p.m. tonight and waiting in line for my home version. I like the whole Apple new product experience and missed it on the <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/">iPhone</a>, so I can't wait. Plus the first 500 people get Leopard t-shirts!<br /><br />If you are looking to buy Leopard and do the update, here is a great site to review before you do the update: <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/19/tuaw-guide-getting-ready-for-leopard/"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="ppt1017461">TUAW Guide: Getting Ready for Leopard</span></span></a> I will be following this before I update my 12" PowerBook. I will post again about how this update goes later.<br /><a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2007/10/19/tuaw-guide-getting-ready-for-leopard/"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span id="ppt1017461"></span></span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-84269027390732107962007-10-26T11:54:00.000-05:002007-10-26T11:58:03.567-05:00Leopard Arrives Early!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLlEaREt4Qs9Z925qEVVt0Buc0Huw8t1dg-xGd9dJCMVRXAUPrF_8IH_ugDcxm_jnc_ZLgS57fJx2ONKUflN2rij1nwuKBbLRlZr-PUIb708l-sLMeiypDr1yxDLwk_0q5xjA-w/s1600-h/leopard_box10182007sbm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLlEaREt4Qs9Z925qEVVt0Buc0Huw8t1dg-xGd9dJCMVRXAUPrF_8IH_ugDcxm_jnc_ZLgS57fJx2ONKUflN2rij1nwuKBbLRlZr-PUIb708l-sLMeiypDr1yxDLwk_0q5xjA-w/s200/leopard_box10182007sbm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125690263997647810" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Leopard Arrives Early!<br /></div><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#999999"> <td height="24" width="5"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/images/ascend/shared/spacer.gif" border="0" /></td> <td class="subheaderwhite1" colspan="2">Date/Time</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#e6e6e6" height="1" width="1"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/images/ascend/shared/spacer.gif" border="0" /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="subheaderwhite1">Activity</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#e6e6e6" height="1" width="1"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/images/ascend/shared/spacer.gif" border="0" /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="subheaderwhite1">Location</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#e6e6e6" height="1" width="1"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogger.com/images/ascend/shared/spacer.gif" border="0" /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="subheaderwhite1">Details</td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><b>Oct 26, 2007</b> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 9:37 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan --><b>Delivered </b> </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">MOUNT PROSPECT, IL </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 7:19 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan -->On FedEx vehicle for delivery </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">SCHAUMBURG, IL </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 7:13 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan -->At local FedEx facility </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">SCHAUMBURG, IL </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 6:19 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan -->At dest sort facility </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">CHICAGO, IL </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 4:16 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan -->Arrived at FedEx location </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">CHICAGO, IL </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 3:46 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan -->Departed FedEx location </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">NEWARK, NJ </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td><br /></td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#e6e6e6"> <td height="15"><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"> </td> <td class="small" align="right" valign="top"> 12:28 AM</td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top"><!-- only do bold for the first(latest) scan -->Arrived at FedEx location </td> <td><br /></td> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="small" valign="top">NEWARK, NJ </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Thanks to Apple and FedEx!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-49953247537476940882007-09-12T12:05:00.000-05:002007-10-02T10:58:47.783-05:00In need of a digital reset<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcDSZjo6-RYsWMTGOPDFtvXd38Oh4UiDNcgkTD-O6WR99CgDtWZ6WAUc0oz2A1_yLcICL7F8DlHQrSWpz4Bpju5y7cTFn9oJLN6JjeUUr8z4kD4w5ttEXMtdF86pTQKinesMLJQ/s1600-h/reset_blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcDSZjo6-RYsWMTGOPDFtvXd38Oh4UiDNcgkTD-O6WR99CgDtWZ6WAUc0oz2A1_yLcICL7F8DlHQrSWpz4Bpju5y7cTFn9oJLN6JjeUUr8z4kD4w5ttEXMtdF86pTQKinesMLJQ/s200/reset_blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109421684856142498" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was just reflecting on all of the digital real estate that I have neglected over the last year. It made me think, can I just hit the "reset" button and start over? Yes I can.<br /><br />Since starting to use <a href="http://twitter.com/mbazzoni">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.pownce.com/mbazzoni/">Pownce</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=mbazzoni">Facebook</a> I really haven't posted to this blog. Why? I really don't know. I guess I have been into posting things 140 characters at a time.<br /><br />I have been busy collaborating on a great project called <a href="http://www.renegadegourmet.com/">RenegadeGourmet.com</a>. Cooking for the Culinary Impaired is on <a href="http://www.wcrnradio.com/">WCRN Radio</a> in Boston, Ma. The show just moved to Saturday Mornings from 7 am to 8 am if you are in the area and want to participate live, call in. I just went through a third complete re-design of the website and included a shopping cart system using PayPal. We are contacting many different cooking supplies companies to get the best price and best quality for our listeners.<br /><br />I have been Beta testing like crazy. (The bad part of some Beta tests are the NDA's. I really want to post about some things and can't.) Apple, Microsoft and Symantec (among others) have some great things coming to you very soon.<br /><br />I have been keeping up with the <a href="http://pages.ebay.com/community/chatter/2003Apr/InsideeBay.html">eBay Voices</a> program. It really is an honor to be involved with such a great company in this way.<br /><br />I stopped posting about my Windows Home Server. I liked WHS, but I did not like that it setup your storage for you. But I can see it being a really great thing for non-tech users to have a centralized storage system that is extremely easy to use. I decided to go with Windows Server 2008, aka Longhorn, instead. I can control much more. So, I will put up a post of the final hardware setup and cost analysis very soon.<br /><br />I have been using the Google Reader quite a bit and find tons of other great blog post all the time. So I will start a new <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/public/atom/user/16320902694058224235/state/com.google/broadcast">Shared Items feed</a>, so everyone can read some of the coolest posts I see. It is also a great archive of data, as <a href="http://scobleizer.com/2007/09/12/300000-google-reader-lockins/">Robert Scoble</a> recently mentioned. (Maybe he got me thinking about all of this).<br /><br />But the blog isn't the only thing that needs a reset. I took a hard look at <a href="http://www.bazzoni.net/">Bazzoni.net</a> and said to myself "What kind of low end site is this?" So, for now I am going to upload a site I did using iLife. It will at least have new pictures. It can and will be a better site in the future.<br /><br />I also really miss doing the <a href="http://www.mondaymorningcommute.com">Monday Morning Commute podcast</a>. In fact I found some old CD's of the shows and through them in my car. I cannot tell you how happy I was to listen to the old shows. But, the show took tons of pre- and post-production time. I got a Mac and that time decreased a ton. It was still too much to fit into a normal week. So, I will be re-evaluating this and see if I can get this going again because the end result was always a joy to listen to. I have some ideas and when I get close to a decision I will post it here.<br /><br />So as I start pushing the "reset" button on all of these things. I hope all of you know that I appreciate you taking a look at what I had to say and I will do my best to keep you up to date on everything I can in the future.<br /><br />Take Care, Michael B.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1172257306192681432007-02-23T12:06:00.000-06:002007-02-23T13:01:46.206-06:00Windows Home Server, let the testing beginWell I got the invite to join the Windows Home Server test. I am not sure what I can and cannot blog about, but I think I can post about the new test computer I am building.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/7027/257/1600/641252/pRS1C-2453353w345.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/7027/257/320/19167/pRS1C-2453353w345.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I got started on my new computer by ordering a new case. I just ordered the Ultra Wizard Mid-Tower Blue Case from <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2179652&siteID=lw9MynSeamY-k2T3dUgUltJ2SfXnZA8H7Q">RadioShack.com</a>. They are offering the case for $4.99 after <a href="http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/coupon/r2644140_rebatecoupon.pdf">rebate</a> until 2/28/07, so get them while you can.<br /><br />So now I need to put together a list of what else I need:<br /><br /><ul><li>Power Supply<br /></li><li>Motherboard with Processor (I am thinking Celeron with built in video, audio and 10/100)</li><li>Memory (1GB)<br /></li><li>Hard drive(s) (I am thinking dual 250GB...search for a good price has begun)<br /></li><li>DVD drive (I am going to try an external USB since this is only needed for OS install)<br /></li></ul>This is fun. Unlike Vista testing it is getting me interested it putting together a new computer from the ground up and with a specific purpose in mind, a central storage location. It has been years since I had a reason to build my own computer, so I am really looking forward to it.<br /><br />I will be posting updates on the hardware as I go. So keep watching because I am going to try and put this all together at a good price and I will let you know where I buy from with links, so I can pass on the deals. No, I am not getting anything for these links, I am just passing on the info. Starting out at $4.99 is awesome!<br /><br />Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have to go over my NDA's and start to post about what I can. I need to do more posts about my Apple OSX work (BootCamp, Leopard, etc.) and I should also do a recap post on my Vista testing sometime. Problem is I continue to test...I have already said enough.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1163623108943277862006-11-15T12:45:00.000-06:002006-11-15T14:38:29.026-06:00Microsoft Zune software review with screencastI just loaded the new Zune software on my system. I want share with everyone my first impressions of the software and the new Zune Marketplace.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/1600/zune_marketplace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/320/zune_marketplace.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The installation of the <a href="http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/software.htm">Zune software</a> was easy. I did not like that it asked you to attach the Zune player before continuing to install. It did allow me to Skip after a few seconds, but I juat wanted to try the software and compare it to iTunes. If anyone at Microsoft would like to send me a Zune to test (e-mail me at michael(@)bazzoni.net), I will do another post on the sync aspects of the software as well as the player.<br /><br />Here is a link to my screencast: <a href="http://www.bazzoni.net/images/zune_software.avi">zune_software.avi</a><br /><br />After you install the Zune software, all your MP3 files will have a cool new icon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/1600/zune_mp3_icon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/320/zune_mp3_icon.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The player piece of the software works as expected. In the beginning of the video you will see that I used the rating system to display songs that I like. I did this so you could see this view and also see the items that Zune found album art for. Zune did not find all the album art, but neither did iTunes, so no problem.<br /><br />For the Zune Marketplace I had some issues. As you will see in the video I get errors trying to preview tracks in the marketplace. Not sure what is causing these, I will have to do some more investigation.<br /><br />I will be purchasing some music and testing it out on my system and report back later. I am interested to see what the Beatles catalog looks like on Zune Marektplace...more later.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1162305990922823122006-10-31T08:36:00.000-06:002006-10-31T08:46:31.023-06:00Microsoft parachutes...continuedWell I was way off. Seems the parachutes were thrown from a moving vehicle and it was not IE 7 but Microsoft Accounting Express 2007. <br /><br />You can download software for FREE, if you missed your chance to drive through Willow Springs, IL yesterday and get a CD, at: <a href="http://www.ideawins.com/">http://www.ideawins.com/</a><br /><br />Here is an article in today's Chicago Suntimes, <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/117685,CST-NWS-microsoft31.article">link</a>.<br /><br />Here is an article in today's Chicago Daily Southtown, <a href="http://www.dailysouthtown.com/business/117562,1BIZ1-31.article">link</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1162218973208625242006-10-30T08:30:00.000-06:002006-10-30T10:29:04.106-06:00Microsoft parachutes litter small townLooks like Microsoft is doing something new to promote their software. My guess is this was for IE 7. Reports are that over 2,000 little parachutes with software attached were dropped on the town over night.<br /><br />Here is the latest news from <a href="http://www.wbbm780.com/">WBBM 780</a> in Chicago, <span style="font-style:italic;">Tiny parachutes are littering the lawns and trees of Willow Springs. What is up with that? WBBM's Steve Miller reports</span>, here is a link to the <a href="http://podcast.medianext.com/stations/wbbm/media/mpeg/Little_Parachutes-1162215966.mp3">Podcast</a>.<br /><br />I will keep up with this story and if I can get some pictures or more information I will pass it on. If anyone has any further information, contact me.<br /><br />UPDATE: Here is a link to the news article: <a href="http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/117187.php?contentType=4&contentId=231990">(Micro)soft Landing For Parachutes In Willow Springs</a><br /><br />This article brings up a great point, why Willow Springs, IL?<br /><br /><a href="http://digg.com/tech_news/Microsoft_parachutes_litter_small_town">digg this</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1154720156750497302006-08-04T14:26:00.000-05:002006-08-04T19:35:53.386-05:00Apple WWDC 2006 banner causing a stirLooks like the Apple <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/66488342@N00/206009313/in/set-72157594223273881/"> WWDC 2006 banner</a> at the Moscone Center is causing a stir days before any announcements.<br /><br />I particluarly like this picture:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/1600/206009315_e8e3bfc0bd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/320/206009315_e8e3bfc0bd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />What I like is that this shows a clear break in the banner. Meaning there is more that will be displayed to the right of this. I can't wait to see what it is. I will be watching (or reading) on Monday, like everyone else. It could be a <a href="http://www.applematters.com/index.php/section/comments/one_more_thing/">One More Thing</a>...kind of day.<br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.onedigitallife.com/2006/08/02/wwdc-2006-banner/">One Digital Life</a> for this...<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/apple" rel="tag">Apple</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/osx" rel="tag">OSX</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/macbook" rel="tag">MacBook</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1153517712784622912006-07-21T14:18:00.000-05:002006-07-21T16:35:12.853-05:00A community based Podcast directory, join the cause!<a href="http://www.scripting.com/2006/07/19.html#When:3:41:44AM">Dave Winer</a>, guru extraordinaire and original <a href="http://www.morningcoffeenotes.com/">Podcaster</a>, is proposing a community based Podcast directory. <br /><br />This is a great idea. Now that other sites have gone to advertising based pages, it is more difficult to find new and existing Podcasts. <br /><br />Sure Apple has a directory in iTunes, but what if you don't want to use iTunes? Should you be excluded from downloading cool and unusual Podcasts? NO. What if a Podcaster doesn't want to put their show on iTunes (or some of the other sites)? Should they have some way to reach new listeners? YES.<br /><br />I encourage everyone to <a href="http://www.reallysimplesyndication.com/profiles/sendMail?usernum=304&referer=archivePage">contact Dave</a> and help support this effort! By making a 100% commercial free directory we keep the original roots of Podcasting going. It looks like he will be taking donations. I will do what I can. I hope I can share some of my bandwidth to help the cause.<br /><br />Now I have been <a href="http://www.mondaymorningcommute.com">Podcasting</a> for over a year now. Not one episode made me money (never asked for any), but that isn't why I do it. It is all about the experience and the communication with new and exciting people. <br /><br />Thanks Dave for another great idea!<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/podcasting" rel="tag">Podcasting</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/apple" rel="tag">Apple</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/opml" rel="tag">Opml</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/podshow" rel="tag">Podshow</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950454.post-1153242826920846782006-07-18T12:02:00.000-05:002006-07-18T12:13:46.940-05:00Google Paint Beta, kind of<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/1600/gpaint_logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/320/gpaint_logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Well this is not an "official" Google release, but it is really good. In fact, I would be shocked if Google isn't taking a serious look at this.<br /><br />Here is a link to Gpaint: <a href="http://stuartjmoore.googlepages.com/Gpaint.html">http://stuartjmoore.googlepages.com/Gpaint.html</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/1600/gpaint_screen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7027/257/320/gpaint_screen.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This was done by Stuart Moore. I have to say I really like what he put together. He also has some other great things on his site, like a <a href="http://stuartjmoore.googlepages.com/kmz">Google Earth icon for Mac OS X users</a> and a <a href="http://stuartjmoore.googlepages.com/wmc">WebMedia Center</a> page that he is working on. I also like that he put all of this up using <a href="http://www.googlepages.com">Google Page Creator</a> as well. Good job Stuart!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com