a day in the life

Globe-trotting with Ms. Bristow

// January 19th, 2004 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

At the time the Alias first season DVD box set came out, I had seen maybe 2 or 3 full episodes of the program, including the pilot (which I loved).

My Sunday nights are usually spent watching the Simpsons and then whatever Fox has to offer for the rest of the evening. It rarely occurred to me to fip over to ABC at 8pm, even though I don’t care for Malcom in the Middle, Oliver Beene or what ever else Fox is trying to shove down our throats. As such, I was completely lost when I tried to pick up on the show at the beginning of the 3rd season.

By this time, I had finished watching the entire first season on DVD and was waiting anxiously awaiting the second season set. Now, almost a month after receiving it for Christmas, I’m finally finished with season 2 and I’m ready to pick up where I left off. Thanks to DIVX and some anonymous friends, I’m currently up to the 7th show of Season 3 and hope to be completely caught up by the end of the week. I just hope I can wait a week between episodes now that I’ve gotten the taste of instant gratification the DVDs offer.

Building the perfect beast

// January 4th, 2004 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

For awhile now, I’ve been contemplating replacing my trusty Althon 850 with something new. The computer has served me well since I purchased it almost 4 years ago but in computer years, it’s an Etzel. So I decided it’s time for something new.

At first I wanted to build a computer based upon one of the Shuttle XPC boxes. However, I came to realize that such a machine would lend to itself to little expansion possibilities. Besides, the last time I went to a LAN party was probably 2+ years ago. Plus, I’ve got the iBook for portability.

The first step was to pick the perfect box. After seeing pictures of the Compaq X gaming PC, I fell in love with its Coolermaster Wave Master shell. The all-aluminum design, blue power lights and curved front won me over. I dare say it’s even sexier than the G5 case.

After picking the case, I had to make the tough choice: what processor? I knew that I wanted another AMD processor, due to my satisfaction with my current machine. I just didn’t know if I wanted to go with the proven Athlon XP or perform that leap of faith and go with the Athlon 64.

Two factors figured into the decision. One, the perfect timing of a componentry sale at Mircocenter and, two, with the discounted parts, I realized that I could actually build and Athlon 64 machine for slightly more than what I had figured and Athlon XP 3200+ machine would cost. For I time I also considered the eMachines T6000 Althon 64 but with the spotty history of the machines from this company I thought better of it.

In the end, I opted for the Athlon 64 with the following componentry:

Another year over, a new one just begun…

// January 1st, 2004 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

After all the tragedy and turmoil in the world in 2003, it’s good to get the new year off on the right foot. The resolutions have been made. Now, it’s time to focus on the follow-through.