August 6, 2008 by: Rodspar
closeAuthor: Rodspar
Name: Rod
Email: wargame@stormnet.com
Site:
About: 43yo SWM seeks hawt chik who loves kung-fu movies, Python, Adams, MST3K, gamin' and wrastlin'. Must be (mostly) sane and like exciting underwear. Missing not more than one limb and have more teeth than tatoos. Outer clothing optional. Legendary Viva Pinata Gardener status a plus. Kinky's good but creepy's right out. I have my own kegerator & multiple gaming platforms. Qualified parties inquire within.See Authors Posts (3)
Even tech minded folks like to drink, and when my friend BC recommended that I add my Blood Mary recipe to WTS, I said “Sure!”
Then I forgot to do it and a couple of weeks passed…
Well, he’s reminded me, and I figure sharing a great twist on a classic drink recipe is time well spent (beats working anyway), so here goes!
A warning: As all great cooks will tell you, DON’T SKIMP ON THE INGREDIENTS! This is true in most drink recipes as well as cooked dishes. Quality ingredients make a quality drink. Remember that young drunkawan.
You’re gonna need:
Vodka. Better vodka makes a smoother drink. Unlike all the other ingredients listed here, however, you can skimp a little on the vodka and still end up with a good drink. It just won’t be a great drink. ‘Nuff said.
Tomato Juice. Get the best you can. V8 works too. Do not buy cheap tomato juice or you’ll regret it. Seriously.
Celery Salt, Pepper and Cayenne: We kept these all mixed together in a single shaker, but you can have them separate if you like. Garlic powder can be a good add too if you’re into it.
Pickapeppa Sauce: This is the SOOPER-SEKRET ingredient. It’s a bit pricey, but do not omit!
Tobasco Sauce: You cannot make a Bloody Mary without it. Not even for the wusses out there. You know who you are.
Fresh Lemon or Lime: Either is good.
Ice: Duh.
Garnish: This is a matter of personal choice more than anything. We added a couple of pickled string beans at the bar. A lot of folks like olives or celery. Personally, I like to add a vegetable kebob with olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatos, Greek peppers, etc.
Glassware: Bigger is better. A 20 oz to 24 oz glass is best.
Now let’s get to mixin’!
Bloody Mary’s involve spices and heat, and how much of each a person likes will vary widely from one to another. Therefore, I’m going to give guidelines and not strict amounts on most of the ingredients.
Assumming a larger glass, you’ll want to start by filling it with ice. Ice shape is important and it will affect how your drink tastes. In general, cubes are better than crushed, and small cubes are better than big ones.
Now add vodka. I personally would put in a double shot (2 oz), or up to four if I need to forget.
Next, add the seasonings. Tomato juice is already loaded with sodium, so unless you like super salty foods I wouldn’t add too much celery salt or similar. Lots of pepper is good though.
Grab the Pickapeppa bottle and adde a few “glops” with gusto! A teaspoon is a good place to start, but up to double that can really zest up your drink.
The Tobasco is next. Now, when I say “Tobasco Sauce”, I mean “Tobasco Sauce”, and not some other hot sauce. The flavor of the Tobasco is what you want as much as the heat. Other sauces do not blend as well with the other flavors in the Bloody Mary, although they may provide more kick. If you really do want a super hot BM (insert joke here) add a drop of Dave’s Gourmet Insanity Sauce. Then dial 9 and 1 on your phone and have your thumb over the one so you can press it again when you go into cardiac shock. Personally, I’ll add a generous amount of the Tobasco for just enough heat and lots of flavor. Woot!
Squeeze in some lime or lemon. I prefer lemon in my Bloody Mary’s. You may prefer lime. Whatever.
Now add the most important ingredient - the tomato juice. I hope you didn’t go and buy the grocery store’s house brand, because if you did you’re going to be one sad (but drunk) panda. Fill what room remains in the glass with the red goodness.
Mixing is next. The best way is to pour it back and forth between two same sized glasses until the concoction is thoroughly mixed up. Stirring alone generally doesn’t do the trick unless you can stir it a lot, something that is usually messy in a glass packed to the rim with ice and booze.
Add your garnish. Be creative. Turn your Bloody Mary into a meal if you want.
The last step, of course, is to drink and enjoy!
Rinse and repeat as necessary.
You can mix things up some by trying other types of booze. Some folks like tequila in lieu of vodka, for example. I try not to hang out with those people though. People who drink tequila for breakfast have issues that make mine look paltry by comparison. I do like a Bloody Beer on occasion though. Replace the vodka with half a glass of beer, ditch the ice, and everything else is essentially the same. Not a bad variation for an early AM round on the golf course.
Cheers!
- Rod
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June 24, 2008 by: Brendan
closeAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: b.bibble@gmail.com
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I received an email this week from Google with an updated and consolidated list of Google Maps Enterprise product offerings.
Product Offerings
1.) Google Maps API Premier
Available for Public and Non-Public websites and applications
Pricing (per year-paid in full at signing)
* $10,000 for 2 million page views per year
* $40,000 for 10 million page views per year
* Please call for pricing above 10 million page views per year Page View means a single load of the Google Maps Javascript by the end user’s browser
2.) Google Maps for Asset Tracking
Required for Asset Tracking Applications-applicable when your application locates a moving GPS enabled device location or the location of a moving, physical asset on a map based on current latitude/longitude coordinates provided to such application through the use of a personal sensor. For clarity asset tracking applications means any application for the purpose of tracking field sales or service personnel, vehicles or other assets.
Pricing
* $10,000 annually and $24 per asset, per year for >100 assets
All product offerings include the following deliverables:
* SLA (Service Level Agreement) at 99.9% uptime guarantee
* Control over ads
* Unlimited geocodes
* Support via email and phone
FAQ
How can I try out the Google Maps API?
For development purpose you are authorized to use a Free Google Maps license key as an Enterprise License key for 30 days. This means that you are licensed to use Google Maps behind the firewall, in an internal application, or as part of paid or premium content for 30 days (e.g. the Enterprisefull licensing agreement). The 30 day free trial is still subject to a limit of 15,000 geocodes per day, if you need more than that during the trial please let us know and we will temporarily remove that restriction.
To sign up for the key, please visit http://code.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html. If you have already signed up for a key, please mark the date of this e-mail as the start of your 30 day free trial.
A representative from Google went ahead and answers to some of the questions I had already asked, but here they are anyway:
What is the difference between the free maps api and the enterprise maps api?
There is no difference between the apis, they have the same functionality and use the same infrastructure.
Do you have a solution less than the 10K entry level?
Not at this time, we are investigating options, but a timeframe is not available
Do you have any examples I can view?
Yes. Please visit: http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/demogallery.html
How do I track my page views?
Track your page views with Google Analytics…sign up link below http://www.google.com/analytics/sign_up.html
What happens if I exceed my page views, assets or end users before I complete my term?
Please contact us within 60 days to get the appropriate upgrade options
Are you using Google Maps at the enterprise level? I will most likely be developing an internal solution using a mapping solution from either Google or Microsoft during Q2 of 2009. Until then, I will continue researching.
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June 23, 2008 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: b.bibble@gmail.com
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On Friday, June 20th, I posted a question on Plurk asking for recommendations on a new beer to try for the weekend. The only stipulation was that it needed to be available at Beverages & More so I could pick it up on my way home. I received a solid suggestion from superkash: New Belgium Skinny Dip.
I logged on to BevMo and purchased the Skinny Dip for pickup. When I arrived, they had it waiting for me (along with a couple bottles of wine and a backup beer, Firestone Double Barrel Ale, just in case). I took my spirits home and loaded them up in the refrigerator for later in the evening.
It was finally time to crack open my first Skinny Dip. It poured a copper color as I loaded up my New York Giants frosty mug. My first impression was that it was very light in taste. I had been used to a richer flavor from New Belgium (1554 being one of my favorites, and their Fat Tire above average as well), so this was surprising. However, this can certainly be classified as a “light beer.” I could definitely taste the hint of lime, giving it an accompanying fruity zest without detracting from its core flavors.
It felt very light on the hops and there was virtually no bite in the aftertaste. It was certainly as-advertised: a beer light on calories (114 calories per 12-ounce serving), but a bit disappointing overall. I was expecting to find a lighter beer a cut above, say, Samuel Adams Light, but I would say paying extra for the New Belgium is not worth it. On Sunday night, I tried the beer again, but found myself opening a Firestone DBA later in the evening.
With that said, I would rate it a 2.5 out of 5, and possibly a 3 out of 5 in the light beer category.
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May 12, 2008 by: RodsparcloseAuthor: Rodspar
Name: Rod
Email: wargame@stormnet.com
Site:
About: 43yo SWM seeks hawt chik who loves kung-fu movies, Python, Adams, MST3K, gamin' and wrastlin'. Must be (mostly) sane and like exciting underwear. Missing not more than one limb and have more teeth than tatoos. Outer clothing optional. Legendary Viva Pinata Gardener status a plus. Kinky's good but creepy's right out. I have my own kegerator & multiple gaming platforms. Qualified parties inquire within.See Authors Posts (3)
As I delve deeper into the world of GTA IV, I find myself encountering a feeling of familiarity, even a sense of déjà vu, as I go about my business. There is a lot that is thematically in common with previous GTA games. On the other hand, the quality of the experience is so much greater, and many of the common themes have been expanded upon to the extent that, regardless of the familiarity, everything still has a patina of being different and fresh. This is really saying something, as I have become very jaded about my video gaming as of late.
The main character, Nico Bellic (NB for short), is remarkably compelling. The cut scenes and interactions with his friends and business associates make him a very likable character. So much so, in fact, that it is easy to forget that he has gunned down and/or maimed maybe 100 people so far, including the obligatory “beat up the prostitute and take back the cash” trick which is the cause of so much stir amongst the Jack-Thompsonites.
The way personal relationships are handled in-game is really extraordinary, and the fact that these NPC’s will contact you and express varying emotions depending on how much they like (or dislike) you, what you’ve done for them in the past, and whether you have bothered to contact them recently really adds to the depth of the in-game world. So far I have only dated Michelle, but I swear that I feel a real twinge of guilt when she calls to let me know that I’ve been ignoring her for awhile. Then she laid on the “Let’s make sure no one gets hurt.” line when inviting me up for some “hot coffee” action, which reminded me of a whole slew of failed relationships from my past. Doh!
But this is just more testimony to the greatness of the GTA IV experience. The action is good, but the immersion is excellent. I have spent a great deal of time doing almost nothing in-game, and loving every minute of it.
Okay, on to some game-play stuff!
The quickest way I have found so far to acquire some cash is to do the “procedural” missions, primarily the drug deliveries for Jacob, and the 10 Most Wanted from the police vehicles. Don’t bother with the taxi missions – the money is generally not good for the time it takes. Beating up people in dark allies is also not a good money maker… yet. I haven’t discovered yet if there is the equivalent of the corner drug dealer from San Andreas. That would probably make this game too easy though.
There are also armored vans that drive around town. You know, like the kinds that pick up cash from banks. I haven’t heisted one yet, but I’m betting that they have a good amount of cash in them. I’ll look into it and confirm ASAP.
Regardless, this doesn’t seem like the kind of game where you are destined to become a multi-millionaire like you could in the last two games. There is enough cash to be made to keep yourself well armed and well dressed, but that’s about it. Even in that sense you can burn through what you can make pretty quickly if you’re not careful.
Anyway, I doubled my money doing the Most Wanted missions. The only trick to these is to get a cop car, and that is hardly a trick at all. The guides talk about hitting up a police station parking lot or calling 911 to get one, but neither of those is really necessary. There is one a block away from your starting hideout. It’s always there (although it may not be from the beginning of the game, it certainly appears early on). During the day there will be a couple of cops nearby standing on the sidewalk and talking, and if you jack the car then you will get a wanted level. If you do it at night, however, they are not there and you can take it with impunity as long as there are no patrols nearby. It’s an easy jack regardless though, as all you have to do to dump your wanted level is typically go to the end of the street, turn the corner and within a few seconds you’re clear. These lone cop cars are scattered around town. No need to put yourself into harm’s way by stealing one from a police station!
Here’s something I discovered that sucks: Some of the missions are not repeatable if failed. So far, all the procedural missions have been “re-doable”, but I failed one story mission and it didn’t let me try again. It was the one where you have to chase the bike ganger who is dating the Russian mob boss’ daughter. I got a little squirrely on the bike (Hint: Focus on steering, not on shooting!) and lost the guy when I missed a turn. I failed the mission and when I called Faustin he told me what a nugget I am (he actually used language of a more colorful nature…). I was a pretty sure this was bad, so I rebooted my game, which cost me a few procedural missions which I had to play through again. So there you go.
Another warning: It is easy to feel pretty invincible in the early game. None of the fights are too tough – you can pretty much bully your way through with little/no skill. That changes some while you are still on the first island, and you end up really having to rely on the cover mechanic while on foot, and on being a darn good shooter while in a vehicle (no easy task while driving). As with all the previous GTA games, you will find yourself occasionally having to repeat missions, sometimes multiple times before being able to complete them.
Here’s something good to know about gun combat: When you score a hit with a firearm, the target reacts to it. This generally keeps him from firing back for a bit, often several seconds depending on how hard you hit him. Knowing this, you can cycle between targets to dramatically reduce the number of shots you are taking from the bad(der) guys. So far, it appears the most dramatic effect is gotten by the shotguns. Not only will they cause guys to flinch and duck for cover, they will often knock them off their feet for a quick, easy and free-from-reprisal follow-up shot. Good times!
As with all the GTA series, you are continually spoiled for choice of vehicle. I often find myself abandoning my current ride to jack a new vehicle I hadn’t seen spawn before. Last night I found the dump truck, and took it for a joy ride. As with previous iterations of the series, it’s pretty much good for plowing through any vehicle/bystander in your way.
The real trick in GTA is finding the best vehicles to get around with. Sure, the dump truck is fine, but it is super-slow, and it doesn’t corner well. Some of the faster, muscle-style cars have tons of acceleration, but require a real delicate touch when it comes to steering. The sports cars like the Infernus are a lot of fun, but are also very fragile. The bikes are handy for getting through traffic and into tight spots, but they can be hard to control and any collision typically results in you flying off the handlebars and flying through the air to take some damage. Word to the wise: If you get a flat on your bike, abandon that sucker right away. A bike without two inflated tires is begging for a trip to the hospital.
Regardless, there is something for everyone, vehicle-wise. Heck, even the Vespa-clone was fun to tool around on… only in GTA!
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Posted in Gaming, Grand Theft Auto IV 1 Comment »
May 12, 2008 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: b.bibble@gmail.com
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The beta version of Visual Studio 2008 and the .NET 3.5 framework was released today. Microsoft .NET development guru Scott Guthrie has written a great article about some of the new service pack features, along with some key installation notes. You can review the post here.
This has motivated me to try out VS 2008 again. I used the 60-day trial late last year, but had to maintain so many projects using VS 2005 that I never gave the new version a fair shake. My goal for the end of this week is to find compelling reasons to start my next big marketing project using the .NET 3.5 framework.
I also need to install and test the new framework in our existing .NET 1.1 and 2.0 environments. We have had trouble in the past with the inability to select a framework version for SQL Server 2005. It will always use the latest installed version of the framework. I want to review any errors first-hand and document my resolutions this time around.
I will post updates on my research and conclude with a strong case to move our future development to the new framework.
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May 9, 2008 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: b.bibble@gmail.com
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News about the next expansion to World of Warcraft (titled “Wrath of the Lich King”) broke last night: Details on Death Knights, videos of the new zones, and the continuation of the token reward system. One particular item has my appetite for the expansion completely wet though: all raids in the expansion will be tuned and made available to both groups of 10 and 25 players. Worldofwar.net reported about this after their presentation at Blizzard headquarters with Blizzard’s Jeff Kaplan:
At this point, Kaplan revealed the massive news that Blizzard are changing the way raids are done in Northrend, and making them similar to the 5 man instances, whereby they can be played on two levels of difficulty. All 25 man raids will also be available as 10 man raids. The loot tables will be completely different, the 25 man raids will have better and/or more loot, but this means that most players will get to see the end game content in the 10 man version, if not the 25 man one. He went on to explain the reasons behind this; Karazhan, the 10 man instance in the Burning Crusade, was the most popular instance in the game by far. The 10 man dungeons are obviously popular due to the fewer amount of players needed, and the easier difficulty level. Secondly, a lot of 25 man raiding guilds did not like to have to go through the 10 man raids to get access to the 25 man raids. This new system should please everybody (but I’m certain there will be the usual QQers!). Another interesting fact is that the 10 man raids and the 25 man raids will be on totally separate cool downs. This means that once a guild has completed the 25 man Naxxramas for example, they could go back and complete the 10 man version of it on the same day if they wish.
Hearing this has totally enhanced my anticipation for the expansion! How cool will it be to be able to experience all the game has to offer with groups of 5 (quests/dungeons/heroics) and 10 people (raids)? I’ve been reading about the arguments for “epic” raids, where certain bosses (like the Lich King) shouldn’t be made available for only 10 people. My thoughts are just the opposite: defeating a boss or completing a difficult quest chain with a smaller group feels more epic to me.
In a group of 25 (or think back to 40-person groups), your role and class is one of many. There are typically 2-4 tanks, 5-6 healers, many DPSers, etc. Yes, what you are attempting to defeat has a higher number of HPs, but it doesn’t feel more difficult or epic than a challenging objective with fewer people.
I’m so excited after reading this! It’s a great solution that caters to people that want to group up in large numbers or small. Great job, Blizzard! 
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May 1, 2008 by: BrendancloseAuthor: Brendan
Name: Brendan
Email: b.bibble@gmail.com
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Recently, I have been annoyed by individuals who don’t know how to properly use the elevator. Common courtesy for fellow riders seems to be ignored in this day and age, so here’s my personal guide to practicing good elevator etiquette.
Finding an Appropriate Elevator
When you enter a building with an elevator, it is important to think about whether this elevator (or bank of elevators) is appropriate for you. Not every elevator can reach the floor you desire, so be sure to check for signs that point you in the correct direction.
Your Arrival
Upon your arrival at the inviting up and/or down buttons, first check around to see if anyone is already waiting. If they are, give them their personal space and stand away from them. Never stand between people who are waiting and the elevator doors. This is the same as telling the other person that you are more important than they are.
Calling the Elevator
There is no need to push a call button that has already been lit, it won’t make the elevator show up on your floor any faster. It also gives off two impressions: That the person who originally pressed the call button somehow called the elevator incorrectly, and that you’re not able to comprehend how elevators really work.
Ding!
Ok, you’ve been waiting long enough. How glorious, the elevator has arrived! Before you step inside, you need to check for two things: Are there other people waiting to get on, and also are there people already inside the elevator ready to walk out.
Wait for the elevator doors to completely open and stand back away from the doors. This will create enough space between you and the people needing to get off the elevator. Once the elevator is empty, you can proceed inside.
Before you enter, you need to remember whether or not other people had been waiting to board prior to your arrival. Let all of those people enter first. If there is still room for you inside the elevator, feel free to move in. Otherwise, happily take a step back and wait for the next one.
Where and How to Stand
As you enter, look in both directions for the elevator’s control panel. This panel holds all of the buttons to direct the elevator to the various floors, as well as buttons for opening and closing the doors, stopping the elevator for an emergency, and possibly other functions. Some elevators have two panels (one on each side of the door), while others have only one.
Find the button that corresponds to your floor. Press it once, and then proceed towards the back of the elevator. Turn around so that you are directly facing the elevator doors. If you are standing on the side of the elevator, you should also face forward, most likely looking at the control panel.
Do not stand with your back to the side of the elevator and face the other passengers. If you do, you’re just creeping them out because you’re staring at them.
Holding the Elevator
If you are just arriving and see the doors starting to close for your elevator just stop and wait for the next one. Your tardiness is not a good enough reason to keep everyone else already inside waiting. Sticking your arm between the doors to keep them from closing is an absolute no-no. If it’s you that does that, it’s a wonder how you even made it through college. Oh, you didn’t go to college? Well, that explains it.
Your safest bet is to slow down and not let the people inside see that you wanted to ride with them. That way, they will not feel guilty if they chose not to hold the door for you. Out of site, out of mind.
If you are inside while the doors are closing and you happen to see someone running towards the door, first check your surroundings. Is there anyone else in here with me? If so, don’t do anything. It’s not up to you to decide for everyone else if it’s worth delaying their arrival. In practice, it’s best just to let the doors close since there are more people inside already waiting than there are outside. If you are alone, it is courteous to press the “door open” button and allow them to board, but not required.
Going Up?
Once you have settled yourself in and are ready for the journey, it’s important to let the elevator do its job. Do not mash the “door close” button to pressuring the elevator to close the door faster than what it’s used to. Technically, the door will close faster if you push the button, but it’s not worth the trouble, and definitely not worth the impression you give to everyone else on the elevator. You appear as impatient and aggressive, and generally not a whole lot of fun to be around. Just stand and relax. You’ll get there soon; the elevator promises.
Talking or Making Other Kinds of Noise
Despite the common misconception, it is ok to speak to another person in an elevator, provided you have some kind of knowledge of or relationship with the individual. If you do not know the person, maintain complete silence. In fact, it’s recommended to not make eye contact at all. If you have gas, it is best that you not allow for any flatulence while inside the elevator. If you can, hold it until you get out, and seek the nearest restroom or open-air location. Snorting is also frowned upon.
You Made it!
Finally. You’re now at your floor. Calling, entering, and riding the elevator shouldn’t be that difficult, right? Now it’s time to exit… or is it? First, make sure that the floor that the elevator stops on is yours. Leaving the elevator for an undesired floor, and then swiftly getting back on just makes you look silly. Your co-workers will wonder if you’re capable of actually doing your job at all.
If another passenger wishes to leave and you are towards the front, it is understandable if you step off the elevator to make room for them to exit. Otherwise, shuffling to the opposite side of the person wanting to leave is appropriate.
If the elevator is actually on your floor and you are ready to disembark from your journey and others are blocking your path, a simple, “excuse me” should suffice. Do not push with your arms, hands, or belongings. Nobody wants to be touched.
Your Experiences
Leave your comments here about your elevator experiences and other tips for elevator etiquette. Riding an elevator should be a fun and exciting event for you. I hope these tips will make your next ride a pleasant one.
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April 30, 2008 by: RodsparcloseAuthor: Rodspar
Name: Rod
Email: wargame@stormnet.com
Site:
About: 43yo SWM seeks hawt chik who loves kung-fu movies, Python, Adams, MST3K, gamin' and wrastlin'. Must be (mostly) sane and like exciting underwear. Missing not more than one limb and have more teeth than tatoos. Outer clothing optional. Legendary Viva Pinata Gardener status a plus. Kinky's good but creepy's right out. I have my own kegerator & multiple gaming platforms. Qualified parties inquire within.See Authors Posts (3)
First, my thanks to my buddy BC for letting my post my ramblings. Since I’ve been too lazy to update my webpage, he’s letting me get my writing Jones out here. Thanks mate!
While I didn’t have the energy or patience to attend the midnight GTA IV release, I did run out during my lunch hour on the 29th to grab my copy. Being hesitant to spend $60 on any game any more, I had paid for it in advance by turning in our Xbox and related accessories in lieu of ponying up the cash. After having played the latest in the GTA saga for a few hours, I can say I came waaaaaay ahead on that trade. Take that GameStop!
Now, I am one of those gamers who was around when Pong made its debut, and I’ve seen a lot of things come and go. Gaming of all sorts has been a passion for me, as my good friend BC can testify too after a few years of obsessing over WoW together. Recently, though, I’ve found myself more interested in non-video gaming pursuits, and have not spent much time near a console or PC (outside of work anyway).
But dang it all if GTA ain’t suckin’ me back in.
I’ve always been a fan of the GTA series. They have improved a great formula by leaps and bounds starting with GTA III. Vice City and San Andreas both provided geometrical improvements in enjoyment. GTA IV continues that trend, only more so, no doubt because it utilizes newer console technology.
I had an inordinate amount of free time last night, which is good because I would have ignored any responsibilities to sit down and play the new game anyway. So I grabbed a drink, fired up the 360, sat down in my gaming chair and prepared for whatever may come my way.
Rockstar didn’t waste any time getting you right into the story. There is no “Press here to play” nonsense; it autostarted a new game for me as soon as I booted up and went right into a sequence that introduced the main character, Niko, as the merchant ship he is on prepares to dock in Liberty City. There is some good humor even here, and a bit of kink too. Credits are cleverly laid over the scenes as they p
