RE2PECT !!!!

Well.... HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... apparently it's been an eternity since I last posted... or 20 months.... obviously much has changed in the blogosphere as well as in our national past time... soooo.. I'm not sure how successful this post will be... but.... either way, here goes nada.... Yes.. this is a post written by a true MASSHOLE and die hard Sox fan.... and I'll probably get my balls busted a lot by the Nation... but I'll worry about my balls.... read on... Derek Sanderson Jeter played his final game today... and I, as a sports fan, am sad to see him go... I've heralded this amazing ambassador on this forum in the past and will do so again. Although... what words can I spew that will do this man justice? A stoic 20 year career with a single team.... unheard of.. .310 LIFETIME batting average 6th ALL TIME in career base hits.... behind the likes of Rose, Cobb, Aaron, Musial, Speaker... in that order... and AHEAD of the likes of Wagner, Molitor, Mays, Bonds.. and yes... even our own Yaz and Williams... you know the names and you too can google it. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... what did this amazing ambassador do in his final at bat ever... he got a base hit.... and an RBI... so fitting. Am I bitter???? Hell no..... out of respect Mr Jeter even shook Clay Buccholz hand on his way off the field for the last time...... RE2PECT !!!!!!!!!!! As i said.. I've heralded this amazing ambassador in the past..... and today I honor all he has brought to our national past time... Thank YOU Mr. Jeter..... the game won't be the same without you.......... Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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Youkah is a "traitor" ???? GET REAL !!!

Apparently it's been an eternity since I last posted but recent events and reactions to them in the BUSINESS of baseball (and LIFE) have prompted me to resurrect... Kevin "YOUKAH" (in my bestest masshole accent) has signed with the "enemy". WHAT A TRAITOR !!!! Woe woe woe, let us step back and ANALyze this for a fraction of a moment !!! REALISTICALLY !!!! First off, I'm a born and bred Sox fan... I bleed red and will die with the Boston Red Sox in my heart. HOWEVER, I am a realistic sports fan at the same time and all the bitchin and moanin I've read about Youk signing with the Yankees has conjured up but one conclusion.... SOME so-called Sox fans are no better than fans of the "Evil Empire"... But first, let us analyze that very point.... PERSONALLY, the New York Yankees are but a competitive sports team, an obstacle MY favorite team needs to try to overcome every summer. They aren't my personal enemy, they aren't personally evil to me and as I blogged in the past, when a member of that team reached a milestone, I applauded them publicly on this blog. The sport of baseball is our national past time. Rivalry is abound and healthy but I am not personally on the Sox payroll. And even if I were, why wouldn't I wish a friend and former team mate all the best? No, Youkah isn't my personal friend but I have met him (I have photos, LOL). MUCH more important Kevin is a human being, a human being that had his life and family uprooted last season at the drop of a hat. SO, this season, he did what he felt he needed to do, for himself and for his family. WHO WOULDN'T ?!?!?! I certainly know I wouldn't turn down 12 million dollars for 1 year of service !!! Hell, I won't even have an income in a few weeks... just sayin.... Is it Youk's fault he was cast aside? I'm thinking not. And I challenge anyone that reads this to put your family first as perhaps Kevin has. Anyway, off my soapbox.... how does Kevin signing a sweet deal with another team, Yankees or not, affect MY life ???? IT DOESN'T !!! and it doesn't affect any other fan's either... NUF CED.

As I stated in my Facebook post: "sooooooooooooo.. Youkah signed with the Yanks... good for him... it was obvious the Sox were done with him so he did what he needed to do... do I have the right to question his motivation? Certainly not !!! Could it have been about family? OF COURSE !!! and personally MY family comes first to me !!!!!!!! Is he a "trader"? ummmm... he was released last year... free to do what he needs.... reasons aside Youk was cast aside.... TRUE I'm a diehard born and bred Sox fan... but I can't blame someone for doing what they feel is right.... especially when they were dissed... did I cheer Johnny Damon's return... OF COURSE !!!! These are individuals that have helped define the Boston Red Sox over the recent past, and I'm sure if it were up to them, would define the Sox in the future... give Mr Kevin Youkalis the credit he deserves for helping the Sox while management wanted him to... or not.... I personally wish him luck as I am a sports fan and appreciate all he did in Boston...."
NUF CED !!!!
Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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LET'S PLAY BALL !!!!!!!!!

or...... SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET (Caroline) !!!!!

It was a spectacle.... no wait... a SPECTACULAR night at the Fens last night !!!.. it was ALMOST a spactacle but NEVAH IN BEANTOWN !!!

Kudos to the Boston Red Sox baseball club for kicking off this 2010 campaign with some serious style and showmanship !!! Even Mother Nature must be a Red Sox fan handing out a gorgeous early April night in Beantown and climaxing the overall feeling of the event with a game time temperature of 69 degrees !!!! ok, it was only 67 but.... I'd hate to owe her 2 !!!!! well...  um....

Fly-overs, fireworks, Pedro Martinez' (still looking for his daddy?) return to throw out the first pitch, a serious hottie singing our National Anthem...I couldn't even focus on the words... but I WAS standing at attention during her "inspiring" rendition !!!. even Johnny Pesky, tear-streaked, uttering those 2... um, 3, right Johnny??? immortal words.. "Let's PLAY BALL!".. hell even LeBron James, fresh off a Celtic spanking, and Dr. Dre were in attendance for this glorious event.. sorry "King".... THE HELL I AM !!!!!!!!! see yea in play-offs !!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUT despite the circus-like atmosphere of all these opening night ceremonies, it was a 5 year old that stole the show.. for me at least.. JOSHUA SACCO issued a soon to be classic version of the Herb Brooks' "Miracle on Ice" speech... check this shit out !!!!

You tell 'em kid !!!!!!!!!!! Apparently the Sox were in awe of that speech and couldn't  recover from it's affects until the 5th inning.... more in a bit !!!

Anyway, Steven Tyler sang God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch with yet another hottie, um his girlfriend??.. more like Liv's friend !!!  SHAMOKIN !!!!!!!!!! God bless his 62 year old ass, but I kept thinking a little Joe Perry melody (or a bit of THC) to drown out Tyler's voice may have been easier on the ears... j/k Steve... still love Aerosmith, but apparently one man does not a rock group make !!!!
Even Neil Diamond, donning a "Keep the Dodgers in Brooklyn" jacket????? sang Sweet Carline LIVE... ok dude, but when in Red Sox Nation do as the Nation does... and burn that frigging jacket in effigy !!!!


Sox ACE .. despite what the the "armchair athletes" say.... Josh Beckett took the bump to open this 2010 season. Stick to your recliners boys and let the professionals start on opening night !!! Remember you are ARMCHAIR (wanna-be) Athletes !!! Wanna-be's... the worst critics around.. kinda like an ex-smoker preaching about quitting the nasty "habit"... But I'm not bitter at these guy's pre-season remarks... I'm STILL not sure what I wanna be when I grow up !!!! But, hopefully when they grow up, they'll understand about the intangibles and the finer aspects of the business that is our national past time.

But enough (or MORE) about losers !!! Beckett matched up against Mr Manboobs himself, C.C .....

although it's a toss-up for that title tween Sabathia and Joba the HUTT !!! Man boobs... BLECK !! I prefer THESE myself...

Now THAT's dedication to the Nation - wee doggy !!!

Circus over, the on-field fireworks began !!! although it appeared the Sox had blown their load (who wouldn't with that hottie singing on the BIG stage?) when shooting off their fireworks during the opening ceremonies.

Yup, it was the Yankmees supplying the spark for the first half of the game taking a 5-1 lead into the 5th inning. But THAT my friends is when CC Fatassia ran out of gas... whew, thank God too... have you seen what happens when CC has gas ?????

Not a pretty sight and certainly would have been a BUMmer last night !!!

ANYWAY !!!! Our boys reloaded and brought out the big guns midway (NOT the island!) through the contest !!! The "eruption" started in the bottom of the 5th frame. Garnering only one hit until that point, our boys strung together 3 singles to post a second tally on an RBI single by.... MARCO SCUTARO !!! Genius THEO !!!! and welcome to the Nation, Marco !!!

Despite leaving runners on second and third, the seed of a comeback had been planted.

On to the 6th... Pedey walked and VMart doubled the little guy to third... can you say YOUKAH !?!?!?!?

Youk tripled to right driving in two 2 runs.. wait, what??? did I just say Youkah tripled ???? Who'da thunk he could run 270 feet without stopping for a break.. AND one of his OWN burgers !?!?!?

DeCAF !!!!!!!!!!! I think I can handle this one !!!! (hint, hint) geez that Beckett Burger was an ottoman !!!

Ok, Papi up but he splinters he stick... can you say BELTRE ?!?!?!? Adrian Beltre slams the first offering to center field driving in Youkah to knot it at 5 !!! And a Nation welcome to you too ADRIAN !!!!

On to the 7th... The EVIL Empire strikes back... grrrrrrrrr.. RamRam  and Ut Oh Oki promptly give up 2 runs. Ok(i?) seriously... how the hell does a pitcher that allows two inherited runners to score... AND GIVE UP THE LEAD deserve to earn the victory ?!?!?!? Hey Hadeki... you owe Pedey dinner !!! Take him out for a Youk Burger !!!! (read on).

So, it was at this point that started receiving posts on my FB wall and calls from some Yankmee fan friends asking me what the score was. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!! Obviously typical fans of the "Empire" gloating in short-lived success....

Apparently inspired (I know I was !!!) by Steven Tyler's rendition on God Bless America (or the hottie he was with), da da da da da... Scutaro singles (AGAIN) and Pedey stepped up to the dish... and launched all 5 feet 6 inches and 160 pounds into a high hard one and deposited that pill into the MONSTAH seats !!!!!! TIE GAME - 7-7 !!!!

But they weren't done yet !!! Youkah doubled, scooted to 3rd on a wild pitch and scored the go ahead on a passed ball by Pasada !!!! 8-7 and first and LAST lead of the night for the Sox !!! Oh, Whore Hey, stick to the... oh never mind !!!!!!

Danny Bard held the lead in the 8th... woo, at least PART of the bullpen came to play last night.. geesh !!!! and the Sox weren't done offensively manufacturing an insurance tally in the bottom of the 8th on a single by Mike Cameron, a walk by SCOOT and ANOTHER RBI by the "big" guy... PEDEY !!!

Paps came on in the 9th with visions of playoff ghosts dancing in his head - NOT an Irish Jig mind you !!!! Jigman wiped out all memories of playoffs past picking up his first of many saves to come capping this star-studded spectacular opening night of the 2010 Red Sox baseball season !!!

The Sox banged out 12 hits being led by Youkah's 2... yes, TWO doubles AND that triple and Pedey's big fly and 3 RBI.... Youk's gonna need this day off to recover !!!!

Also, the new Nation trio of Cam, Scoot and Beltre certainly made their induction profound... collectively going 5-9 with 2 walks and 3 RBI... WELCOME TO OUR NATION BOYS !!!! and who the HELL could have said that this offense would be lacking this yeah ?!?!?! musta been them damn Armchair Athletes !!!

Kudos to the schedule makers for giving us this day off to gloat in a great Red Sox victory.. one of many to come....

Next up, Jonny Lester leads the brigade against... um... yuck, bleck, phooey !!! The crybaby himself... A.J. Burnett... hmmm... A.J.... A$$HOLE JERKFACE !?!?!?!?

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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This Is Only a Test !!!

WEEEEEEEEEEE DOGGIEEEEEEEE !!!

 

Alrighty then. I got THAT outta my system. But wait....

THIS IS ONLY A TEST... 

If this had been an actual blog post, you would all been informed of where to tell ME to go !!!!!

AIGHT AIGHT AIGHT, seriousness (yeah OK) for a moment. To a great degree this post is only a test. It's Been Awhile... since I've written on my blog... It's been awhile... Actually it has been quite some time... and for those of you that followed me last year, I'm not sure if you'll take this as a good thing or a bad thing... BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT..... I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK !!! HA HA HA.

I'm glad you've all MISSED me... thank god you can't hit the side of a barn !!!! wait, did I just dis MYSELF ??? WTF ?!?!?

Anyway, my original purpose in life... no wait, my original intent of posting today was to test the links and auto-post services that I had set up last year to be sure they still work.... like I'll ever remember how to fix them if they don't !!! Oh well...

But THEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! drum roll ................................ I logged onto Facebook to find THIS posted on my wall by fellow Nation member Brian Osborn.... This is humbling (ok, you all know how humble I am but it's the thought that counts, right?)

I'm not sure what I did to deserve such an honor... um.... oh YEAH.... I HATE THE YANKEES !!!! Wow, "hate" is SUCH a strong word, but oh so APPROPRIATE !!!!!

Ok, I went off on a tangent there. If you followed me last year, note the changes to my page... NO MORE "F"ING ADS that don't pay shit anyway... THAT'S RIGHT !!!! In case you don't realize the implications..... it means that there is NO ONE "looking over my shoulder" ready to censor me !!!! FREESTYLE !!!!!!!!!  ummmmmmmmm... yeah wut eva.

Damn, I hope I remember how to write. And don't say it's like riding a bike cuz I forgot how to do that too !!!! If ya don't use "it", ya lose it right ????? OHHHHHHHHHHHH.. I'm talking about my writing "skills" !!! Get your minds outta the guttah !!!!

WHEW !!!!! slow down, John... and I haven't even had a cup of coffee YET !!!!!!!!!

To all you "NEWBIES" .... you obviously landed on this page by sheer BAD luck, here's the skinny. This is my blog. NUF CED

No seriously, I had no life last year so I was able to post a lot, mostly recaps (with a twist) of Red Sox games... Over there in the right sidebar there are links to last year's posts... over there >>>>>>>

BACK "ISSUES" (oh, don't worry... you'll know what days my back is killing me!)...

Although I continue to have no life... spring has sprung... or is trying to spring anyway !!!! So, I figured maybe I'd dust off the ole blog page and get ready for beginning of the 2010 RED SOX WORLD SERIES season. I haven't yet decided what approach I'll be takin, but if this post is any indication, now's your chance to abandon ship !!!!!!!!! 

Truth be told, I won't be posting everyday like last year.(you can thank me now!!!) but only when I feel the need to "hear" myself rant and rave (which is usually everyday anyway, so.........) Damn I keep losing it... my train of thought that is !!!! Plus it started stressing me out feeling like I HAD to post... it kinda became like ...... like work, and you all know I do NOT do THAT !!!! (damn I needa job).

OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY !!!! Now for the fine print...............

This is my blog. The matters and opinions expressed on this blog are strictly MY OWN. I take no responsibility for typographical and grammatical errors and/or misuse. (WAIT !!! when did Blogger ditch the spell-checker??? ah CRAP!!!! now I'm really screwed) You understand that you are reading this blog at your own risk. I take no responsibility if you suffer any physical or psychological damage by doing so. Commenting is welcomed and appreciated. Comments are monitored for content - mainly because of all the frigging "spam" that has accrued !!! Personal attacks (been THERE, done THAT) and slander will not tolerated. If you choose to personally attack me, you WILL be featured on this blog (and it won't be pretty !!!).

Ok, I HAD to throw that last line in there due to a douche bag that called me a traitor and disgrace to the Nation last year because MY opinion was that the Sox would have a tough time in the play-offs. Um... wait... They DID, didn't they???? hmmmmm, wuttah frigging moron !!! But, he did receive my buddy's coveted ASSHOLE AWARD !!! If you can't take the heat stay the hell outta my kitchen !!! ooooo, Hell's Kitchen.... reminds me of Daredevil... and you KNOW that reminds me ooooooooooooooooooooooooooof................

 

WOWSER !!!! What a HOTTIE !!! ok, I think I'm having front "issues" now !!!! I gotta go use it so I don't lose it... LMFAO !!!

Smell ya latah... still have some work to do on the blog and other stuff that's connected.. HAH... my blogging buddies that link to my feed are gonna shit when this hits their walls... HA HA HA...

Oh, and to anyone that honored me by saying I could and should write a book... I'd be willing to bet you're having a change of heart right now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHHHHH.. I know, I know... don't quit my day job... oh wait.. I don't have one !!!! This is gonna be a looooong season !!!!!

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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The "Doctor" Is In - The "Net" - continued

While researching independent speed tests on the different different browsers I stumbled upon a couple of sites that I found useful, both for my research and for me as a blogger. In personally testing different browsers I experienced the truth in the fact that different browsers interpret the scripts that my blog page is written in... um DIFFERENTLY !!! But taking a screen shot using each browser honestly didn't occur to me.

Browershots.org
Then I found this free site called browsershots.org. Although most likely an invaluable tool for web designers as there is a section to submit your own personal site designs to share and also a very sophisticated color matching tool, I'm sure that I (and other bloggers?) could definitely find use for this service. I already signed up for a FREE account, and may just try submitting my page for shits and giggles.

But for this post I used it's service that takes screenshots of any website that you supply the URL for, using any or all of the 80 or so different browsers and versions they offer. Unfortunately Google Chrome wasn't in the list.

I was pleased to see that I wasn't going crazy (well...) thinking that my page viewed differently using different browsers. To demonstrate, here are a couple of the shots taken:

What YOU see isn't always what THEY get.... As you can see, even with this very simple page design(I use Firefox, so I see it that way), if you compare the headers which I circled in red, Internet Explorer reads the formatting totally different. Finally I had proof that different browsers read the language differently but this was also a bit upsetting to me, now knowing that my page actually could look like shit depending on which browser views it. But, just one of those things we're stuck with.

Also potentially valuable is that I had browsershots take screenshots on another of my blog pages, The "J" Files, which loads slower due to the embedded playlist. Theses proved at the very least that Internet Explorer is the SLOWEST browser, but again, the shots aren't all taken by the same computer so system resources could effect the results. Assuming that the amount of time this service allows for a page to load before taking the screenshot is consistent, here are the shots from the "Big 3":

As you can see, in the Safari shot, the entire page loaded... the Firefox shot was about halfway loaded.... the Internet Explorer shot didn't even get the playlist loaded, further proving my findings about browser speeds. This may be useful to bloggers as obviously multimedia-rich pages take longer to load.

Pingdom.com
Along those same lines, I also came across this site called pingdom.com when I was researching ping testing. More than just another ping service, pingdom also offers a page load test. Again, input any URL and the service will ping the site and report how fast the page loads. But more than that, it produces a detailed report that shows how long it takes for each ELEMENT of the page to load:
Again, potentially more valuable to bloggers and web designers but it was interesting to see which elements take the longest to load. I will certainly keep it in mind when posting and/or building another blog page.

There's a bit more on my browser testing. This will be the last post that I post on all 3 of my blogs, trying to keep the subject matter of each consistent with each respective theme... PLUS, I've been neglecting the others !!!

Anyway, please bookmark or subscribe to The Doctor Is In to stay up to date.... THANKS !!!

The "doctor" has left the building

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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The Doctor Is In - Lesson 3 - Browsers

All browsers are created equal.. OH CONTRARE !!!!!!

First, let me preface this post by assuming that everyone is already running some soft of protection suite that includes anti-virus, anti-malware, firewall, and identity protection at the very least. And in the age of email and instant messaging, it is important to be sure these utilities also protect those applications. Knowing what ASSuming means, I already have a topic for my next post.

Now that you all have your computer systems and Internet optimized, you're ready to tackle the Internet. So, today I'll share some of my knowledge and experience that I have gained through necessity and testing.

As a point of reference, I will share my bandwidth (speed) test results while using several different browsers. Then I will share my thoughts on them. Understand that in order to be as accurate as possible all the tests were performed at the same site (speakeasy.net) and under the same conditions... immediately after optimizing my computer AND my browsers as described in previous posts, in "private browsing" and with the test site being the only tab open. This is what I got:

Internet Explorer 8..

Firefox 3.5.4............

Safari 4....................

Avant Browser .........

Netscape Navigator 9

Opera 10....................

Google Chrome...........

Well, well, well... looks like a no-brainer as to which browser is faster right ??? Note that these are strictly POTENTIAL data transfer rates and depend on your ISP, system configuration, optimizations etc. But, they are a good place to start at least - or are they ???

Transfer rates aside, there are many technical factors that are involved in how web sites are built and how a particular browser performs, like how they read and interpret the different versions of the "language" used to build pages (** BE SURE TO KEEP JAVA UPDATED !!!), how they compress the data being transferred and the system resources required to do so (hence, the importance of optimizing your computer), to name a few.

I did a LOT of research on browser comparisons. Although Google Chrome has been advertised as the FASTEST browser going, according to my personal data transfer rate (above), that just isn't so. But all the comparison tests point to this being true..... or is it???

I was going to include some tester's personal results but truth be told, their results don't compare to how these browsers worked in conjunction with my personal system and ISP. So, your experiences may differ too. Here's some personal observations. And just to note, all the statistics aside, two personal "tests" are simply how quickly I can scroll a web-page once I have my browser load it - particularly Facebook - and how smoothly videos buffer on Youtube.... maybe archaic but....

Internet Explorer - Internet Explorer is undoubtedly the grand-daddy of browsers, the only test result I could find that rated it number 1 (most rate it SLOWEST - I agree) was from Microsoft... go figure. True that the data transfer rates are among the best, OBVIOUSLY some of the other factors involved need to be visited by IE developers. NOT to mention there seems to be compatibility issues with Blogger... the host of this blog. IE is definitely not near the top of the list of browsers, according to my testing.

Avant Browser - Definitely a fast browser - pages load fast, videos streams fast and data transfer rates amongst the best, definitely high on the speed list. BUT, I personally experienced incompatibility with some sites, including Blogger.

Safari - Honestly probably the fastest browser out there. I wasn't aware that they made a Windows version until recently, but once I did, Safari was definitely my default browser (due to issues with Firefox). One drawback I found was that my Comcast toolbar wasn't compatible with this browser. AND I also found that certain functions in Blogger weren't able to be used.

Google Chrome - Chrome is also a VERY fast browser, despite it's apparent data transfer rate result. Google makes this happen by making it a stripped down version of an IE based browser, but THAT makes it absent of some of the user-friendly features available to users of the "bigger" browsers. Like others, a major drawback to me was the lack of ability to use some features on Blogger... a bit odd as Google owns Blogger. Another drawback was it lacked in it's ability to stream videos, lagging throughout.

Opera - Again a very fast browser, despite it's apparent data transfer rate... pages load fast, videos stream fast and play smoothly. Personal drawbacks include lack of compatibility with particular web-sites, not limited to Texas Hold 'Em poker and once again, Blogger.

Netscape Navigator - Honestly I didn't even know this browser was still functional - actually, it isn't. Although I was able to perform 1 speed test, once I closed it, it wouldn't open again, so further testing wasn't possible - probably a good thing.

Firefox - That leaves Firefox... Firefox is probably one of the few browsers out there that are totally independent of an IE structure - and THAT's a good thing. Although the precipitous for researching other browser options was the fact that Firefox 3.5 had EXTREME issues with crashing, Mozilla has corrected that and I personally have experienced a great surprise in Firefox's newfound stability in version 3.5.4. (**note, I am currently running the Beta version of version 3.6, which was just released).

No, I am not an authority on web browsers, and can only share my personal experiences. That being said, despite the "apparent" low data transfer rate, Firefox obviously has a good handle on data compression. Firefox still appears to me to be the best (and SAFEST) web browser there is.... videos stream fast, pages load fast, ALL aspects of Blogger are compatible... hell, even Facebook pages reload without lag.

These are just my personal experiences based on the browsers I've tried and my own surfing activity. Obviously everyone's own system and activity could result in a different experience. but for MY "money", I'm sticking with Firefox, as long as they can continue to address the past crashing issues...

This is simply a sharing of personal experience. Everyone's activity and system will play a factor in their personal results. But, even if you're happy with the way your browser responds, just know that there ARE other options out there that just may surprise you.

Online (and system) security will be a future post but my next post will "reveal" some helpful information that I have stumbled across for bloggers.... either way, keep reading... PLEASE ?!?!?!?

The "doctor" has left the building

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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The "Doctor" Is In - Part 2A - The "Net"

Yesterday I shared some simple tips to help keep your computer running more efficiently.... REMEMBER THE OPTIMIZER !!!

Today, I'll take it another step to share some tips to try to help your internet experience be a more pleasant one. Again, I'm keeping in mind the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) mentality, mainly because that works best for me !!! So, I will keep it simple while still offering some tips that may help to improve your online time.

The reason for describing SYSTEM optimizing tips first IS simple, the more resources your computer uses to run, the less resources that are available to help your internet connection run smooth, right?

There are many factors that determine how "satisfied" you are with your internet experience - and although many are beyond your control, there are definitely some things to consider to help when you are surfing.

The "Bad" - I'll start with some things that we just have to live with. Unfortunately we are all somewhat at the mercy of others. It can get pretty technical but we have no control over site traffic, server capabilities, "flash" applications, "mime", javascript etc. Suffice to say, the more interactive or "fancy" a particular site is, the more resources needed in order to display it properly.

Websites are built using code known as HTML.. and more recently, XHTML (XML). Although the theory of this language is universal, there are many variations derived from the basic concept, much like English in the USA is spoken differently in different parts of the country - and THAT causes problems.

Facebook users know this all too well and a big part of the problems encountered there are because Facebook developers have created their own version of HTML which isn't always compatible with the versions that all the third party applications use - never mind the compatibility issues between HTML and XML in general. So, we're left to "deal with it".

Our hands are also tied (don't shoot me fellow bloggers) by sites that host multiple pages, streaming audio (guilty), video, multiple pictures, advertisements, "pop-up" clouds, multiple hyperlinks, etc as these all put additional strain on our own system resources.

That's not to say that there aren't things that you can to do to help ease the strain. Again, yesterday's tips for optimizing your system will help. Obviously the very beginning depends on how many programs, browser windows and tabs you are trying to run simultaneously... LESS IS BEST !!!!

And now I'll get into the "good", and help explain some other simple "fixes" that will help you enjoy the internet more. First some points of reference....

Bandwidth (Data Transfer Rate, uh....speed) - The key to your internet experience is the POTENTIAL speed that your ISP (internet service provider - ie, Comcast, AT&T, Charter) provides you with. Basically what this is is the amount of data capable of being transmitted per second. Yesterday I gave you a snapshot of my system, today I will tell you that I have Comcast Internet's 3rd tier - download speeds up to 15 megabits (mb)/second normal, up to 30mb/second with "powerboost" (LOVE THAT). Ok, ok, ok so WTF does THAT mean ?!?! Well, if you understand that 15mb = 1.75 MB (30mb - 3.5MB) and a typical mp3 song is 4-5 MB, it means....

....my ISP (Comcast) provides me with the potential to download files as indicated above.

First, if you don't know what your speed is SUPPOSED to be, then find out from your provider. But understand that what they tell you is the MAXIMUM you will experience. There are other factors involved but you should experience at least 80% of the maximum... ie, if you are rated for 6mbps (AT&T's maximum), expect around 5...

If you're interested (and HIGHLY recommended) you can test your own speed at speakeasy.net and speedtest.net... although there are many, these are the 2 main test sites used by technicians. Note that when you run speed tests you should run a minimum of 3 tests (and take the average)... I usually run at least 5...

"Ping" - Now, WHEN you got to speedtest.net you'll notice a link to another site, pingtest.net... GO THERE TOO !!!! This site will allow you to run a "ping" test, which basically will tell you the amount of time it takes to transfer a packet of data and how much data is "lost" in that transfer... basically it tells you the condition of YOUR line to the server... results look like this...

I recommend that you run these tests BEFORE and AFTER making any changes so that you know how the changes affect your own performance...

Ok, testing done, and whether or not you're happy with your surfing speed, there are things that you can do/change to improve internet performance...

Toolbars , Add-ons, Gadgets.... BAD BAD BAD.... Web browsers and websites offer these wonderful "shortcut" utilities to make browsing "faster". Toolbars are just that, provided by services mainly to keep their names in your face... Yahoo has one, AIM has one, Facebook has one, Twitter has one, etc... Add-ons and gadgets are extensions of your toolbar offered by other services... basically "quick" links to THEIR page or service, or even live feeds from a particular site.... GET RID OF THEM !!!! or at the very least HIDE THEM.... Along with offering a bit of convenience, these "services" suck up bandwidth and resources... ESPECIALLY the animated and "ticker" ones. Bye Bye Bye... I will admit that along with the standard Firefox or Internet Explorer toolbar, I also have the Comcast Toolbar running as it provides me a link to their ant-spy utility.

Private Browsing - Some browsers... Internet Explore, Firefox and Safari, at least, offer "Private Browsing"... USE IT !!!! Although there are "drawbacks" to private browsing as.....

"In a Private Browsing session, [the browser] won't keep any browser history, search history, download history, web form history, cookies, or temporary internet files. "

..the saved bandwidth will make a dramatic difference in performance... if you REALLY need to search your history to find a page you visited, my suggestion is to "bookmark" it next time. Not to mention this way of browsing is safer.

History, Cookies, Temporary Internet Files - DUMP, DUMP, DUMP !!! Even when I do on occasion browse in a non-private mode, I have my browser set to delete all of the above when I close it. All these things do is waste bandwidth... and cookies and Temp Files are actually saved on your hard drive.... GRRRRRR.

Suspend the Interactivity of Websites - I've never actually done this and as a blogger... I'll probably get shot !!! (forgive me fellow bloggers) BUT.... some browsers offer the option to disable audio, video, ads etc from loading on websites. Obviously this is a way to greatly reduce the bandwidth so the pages load faster... but it's also a way to miss out on a lot of great content...

TCP (Internet) Optimization - CRITICAL !!!!!!!!!!! Just as optimizing your system has the most profound impact on the performance of your computer, optimizing your web browser(s) has the greatest POSITIVE impact on your internet experience. This is something too few people realize... When you install a browser, it's default settings are optimized for a dial-up connection speed. I don't know about you but I haven't used dial-up in ages - if you ARE still on dial-up, ignore this. There are definite tweaks that can/should be done to OPTIMIZE your browsers for your particular connection.

Although they can be done manually, I take the easy way out. Many of the Windows Optimizer Utilities described yesterday incorporate an Internet Optimizer integrated into their suite... DONE !!!

If you don't have one of those suites YET... then there are also utilities that can be found on the web. Comcast, for example, offers a TCP Optimizer that appears to be free to anyone as I didn't have to sign into my account to access the download. It can be found here at comcast.net... but you MUST be using Internet Explorer in order to download it.

However, the "standard" TCP Optimizers appear to only be compatible with Internet Explorer and IE-based browsers. BUT, have no fear Firefox users !!!!! I found one for you (and me) too called SpeedyFox. You can download it here. It's a very simple download and a 1-click optimization process... and I gained 15% more speed immediately after doing so. And have no worries, I scanned the file before opening it, so it's clean.

I was going to continue but frankly I'm tired... and this may be a lot for some to absorb. So I'll save the rest for tomorrow, where I will discuss specifics about some different browsers that I tested and my personal conclusions. I hope this helps and if I think of anything else I'll be sure to post it.

Before leaving I will share with you my speed tests performed at speakeasy, before and after cleaning my machine and optimizing Internet Explorer..... you be the judge...

Before....
After....
Note, my download speed went from 21.6mbps to 30.8mbps.... hmmmmm... I'll take THAT !!!!

Just for the record, I had a tech come check my lines one day... when he ran the tests, he was getting 30mbps, while I was getting around 18. His answer to why his was so much faster was, "Better processor". THAT'S why I did some research. Who's pulling 30 NOW !?!?!?!?

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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The "Doctor is in - Lesson 1 - My PC is so slow !!!

Sorry, I haven't been around much. I've been working on a new blog... The "J" Files

Here's a post I just posted there....

I'm going to write a different post today... a bit off topic but this is my forum so... some of it may sound simplistic, but I'm writing it that way on purpose for those that are not as inclined as others. But even for a total novice, there are many ways to improve your computer's performance. I will do a more technical one later.

If you're still with me, I'm going to write about some computer maintenance and performance topics. I have always maintained my own computers (with mixed success, HA !!!) but I do have the determination to research issues thoroughly and have been pretty happy with my personal results.... and note that the topic here is PC, I don't own a Mac (never will) and would be able to offer no solutions there.

First a bit on my machine for reference:

Processor - Intel Celeron (not the greatest by Intel) running at 2.4 gigahertz

RAM - 1 gigabyte installed (2 x 512 megabyte); 2 gigabyte maximum

Operating system - Windows XP Pro; service pack 3

Hard Drive(s) - I have 2 (which aren't "raided" - by choice), 1 is 30 gig and I added a 40 gig which I basically use for multimedia applications and downloads to keep them off the drive that contains my operating system.

"MY COMPUTER IS SO SLOW !!!" How many times have I said and heard THAT?? There are many factors that determine how fast your PC performs.

First and foremost is the hardware, most especially the processor and the amount of physical RAM you have. Most of us are bound by the processor that came with our computers, and although upgrading may be an option, it isn't necessarily a feasible one. Today's computers offer dual processor models which obviously can do twice as much simultaneously. Not all of us are lucky enough to be able to afford that option.

Obviously the processor is the "brain", and not all processors work the same way. Although 2 processors may operate at the same speed of say, 3.0 gigahertz, there are other factors that determine how fast and how much information it processes, like front side BUS and cache... but again, we have what we have.

That takes us to the RAM (Random Access Memory)... Ah memory, obviously the more you have the better. As programs become more sophisticated, the amount of resources needed to run them properly (and simultaneously) becomes greater - increasing the burden on the processor and the memory. As a point of reference, I believe Windows XP requires 256 megabytes of RAM to operate - so if that's all you have, don't even try to run anything else.

You can tell what your computer has by clicking "Start".... then right clicking "My Computer".... then clicking on "properties" (if your "My Computer" is on your desktop, right click on it there)- there are other ways to get here... That will bring up the "System Properties" window.... which hopefully you've all seen before as there are several tabs that include information and utilities about your system.

.... which shows you your processor, RAM and operating system.

RAM is relatively inexpensive these days - at least for older machines (like mine). And if you're running Windows XP, the minimum you should have is 512 megabytes - more if you're running Vista... and probably even more for Windows 7. But before you go out and buy a "bunch" of memory, be sure you understand what your mainboard is capable of supporting, or else it won't read it at all - leaving you helpless.

Although increasing your amount of "Virtual Memory" will help, THAT allocates a portion of your hard drive to be used as "RAM" - virtual memory helps but it also requires use of your processor, leaving less of it's resources available to work for you... there is nothing better than good old fashioned PHYSICAL RAM.

Now, should you not be capable of upgrading your processor and/or RAM, all is not lost. There are several things you could and should do to help the performance and stability of your computer in general... True that there are tweaks in "System Properties" app that can be applied, but the defaults are set to optimize performance - plus those require some level of technical ability and I am technically challenged !!! - although I did increase my Virtual Memory setting... Instead I will explain some extremely simple "fixes" that should prove valuable.

Minimize the number of items on your desktop - This may sound odd (dumb) and I am the worst offender when it comes to a cluttered desktop - call it laziness. However, the more items (icons) that you have on your desktop, the more system resources wasted. If you feel the need to keep a large number of files on your desktop so they are more easily accessible, you should, at the very least, group them in categories and create folders for the categories to store them in. It may take and extra "click-click" to access them but will help eliminate wasting system resources. Ever wonder why Microsoft included the "Unused Desktop Items" utility with "XP" ?

Do NOT install custom desktop themes, wallpapers screen-savers or backgrounds- True they may be "pretty" or "cool" but... Aside from the risks involved in downloading a program from an unknown source, many of these themes (especially animated ones) require more system resources than you should be allocating to making your desktop look pretty.

Minimize the Number of Start-up Programs - Whether you know it (or like it) or not, every time you start your computer, dozens of processes and programs automatically launch and run "in the background". Many of these are not necessary for the operation of your computer but cause your machine to start slower and use resources unnecessarily. Task Manager (ctrl/alt/del) will show you a list of processes that are currently running and allow you to end non-system processes manually. However, if you determine that many of the processes that launch automatically aren't necessary, then you should stop them from doing so. To do this, click "Start"..., then "Run"... in the search box that pops up type "msconfig" and hit "Enter"... that will bring up this utility....

Some third party utility programs offer this also, but I'll get into that more later. As you can see, there are a few default start-up profiles, most likely yours is set on "Normal Startup" - mine is set to "Selective Startup" as I have stopped several processes from launching on startup. "SYSTEM.INI", "WIN.INI" AND "BOOT.INI" are vital to system operation and not knowing enough, I have left them at there default settings. The "Services" tab will show all the processes that are currently running and will allow you to stop them from doing so (to free up resources). The "Startup" tab shows you all the processes that start running when you start your computer. THIS is where you can stop processes to save resources and help your machine boot faster.

Uninstall all unwanted or unneeded programs - Leaving unnecessary programs on your hard drive only wastes system resources by either taking up valuable space on your hard drive OR by your system including them in it's list of start-up processes and having them startup and run automatically.

Clean (and Defragment) your machine !!! - Along with uninstalling unnecessary programs it is important to clean your machine REGULARLY (and especially AFTER uninstallingsomething) in order to keep it performing well... uninstalling and deleting files will leave file fragments and "gaps" on your hard drive, which will definitely slow your machine down - trying to read a fragment or empty space confuses your processor. Too often I ask someone when the last time they cleaned their hard drive was only to be answered by silence.

Running "Disk Cleanup" will eliminate fragments, temporary files and other "dead" files that just take up space and slow your machine down. Again, third party utility programs offer different versions - and different programs are written differently and "see" junk files differently, SO, I often run 3 different cleanup programs in succession. The "default" that comes with Windows can be accessed by clicking "Start"... "All Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... "Disk Cleanup"...

DEFRAG !!! As files and programs are written to your hard drive and removed, PC's are NOT built to automatically utilize hard drive space effectively. In other words, when you delete a file or remove a program, that space on your hard drive remains empty (fragmented). Even when you create new files, they will NOT fill in the empty spaces. Obviously, the more files you delete, the the more fragments your hard drive will have. It is critical to remove these gaps in your hard drive as empty space is the kiss of death for a processor - it takes MUCH more time for it to search a black hole for a file...

As with "cleanup" there are third party applications here but the Windows defrag utility is in the same folder as "Cleanup"... "Start"... "All Programs"... "Accessories"... "System Tools"... "DiskDefragmenter"... although, I don't care for it because it takes forever.

It is imperative for the performance of your computer to run these utilities on a regular basis - at least once a week... and ALWAYS after uninstalling a program or deleting a great number of files. I actually ALSO have my defrag set to run every night at 3 am, just to keep my hard drive optimized.

Anti-malware (spyware, adware) - ANOTHER critical utility for all PC owners. I'm sure everyone has some anti-virus utility to protect against viruses- I have the McAfee suite throughComcast, which, by the way, has it's own cleanup program integrated into it (one of the 3 I use). BUT, it is also crucial to have an anti-malware (anti-malicious software) program running too, IF it isn't integrated with your anti-virus utility - hell, even if it is (As mine is with McAfee), the more the merrier !!!

You can thank the "wonderful" computer gurus of the world for developing and incorporatingmalware into programs and/or websites that when downloaded to your machine can (and WILL) wreak havoc.

Although spyware and adware won't destroy your computer like a virus, certainly spyware can destroy your life, allowing a portal with which personal information on your computer can be accessed. Adware (ASSware) is more just a pain in the butt, causing ads to pop up at random related to whatever website or program infected you... been there done THAT.

I currently have 2 utilities installed dedicated to preventing malware. One is also supplied byComcast and is distributed by CA (Computer Associates). Feeling the need to again triple up here, I also have Windows Defender which is a totally free program, although I'm sure there are others - the point being... BE SURE YOU HAVE ONE !!!

My preference is Defender over the CA version and I have it running continuously in the background (seems to take less resources over CA), although I do have the CA anti-spy program run nightly at 2 am.. just to be sure. Along with the anti-malware utility, Defender also integrates a "Software Explorer" which is a more user friendly way of controlling currently running and/or startup processes as described above. It also includes a software removal tool. And it notifies you if a program is trying to make a change to your system, giving you the opportunity to not allow the change.

Ok, "I've done EVERYTHING above but my PC is still too slow"....

Windows optimizer program - All THAT being said, the most critical utility to have for maintaining PC performance is one of the many optimizer programs available. I haven't seen a free one (although, you CAN download a free trial) but $40 or $50 is well worth the investment. Certainly there are the means described above to help computer performance, but cleaning your hard drive simply isn't enough.... it's all about the registry !!! Explaining the function of the registry is a post in itself, but if you don't clean out and defrag your registry REGULARLY, all the efforts above could go for not. If you don't have at least registry optimizing utility.... GET ONE !!!! And adding and removing programs will fragment your registry, so not a bad idea to incorporate a registry scan into your uninstall process.

Again, there are many optimizing suites out there. Also again, different programs offer different levels of functionality. I currently use a suite by Uniblue, which includes a disk cleanup utility, a disk defrag utility, a registry cleanup/defrag utility, and a driver updating tool as it is also important that you are running your hardware using the most current drivers.

Within each of the modules there are also many options for optimizing specific applications like Windows and WEB BROWSERS, as well as optimizing your processor, physical memory, startupprograms etc.

BUT, the most important part of the suite is the registry optimizer...

and if you don't believe me, download a trial version of one and try it. Although the trial versions are set to only fix a certain amount or percentage of the errors it finds, you'll be amazed at the resulting performance of your computer.

That's it for now. I stress once again... the REGISTRY... and seriously, if you think I'm kidding I tested my internet speed before doing a scan and after... and gained up to 25% !!! But THAT will be lesson 2. I hope this helps.... if you have questions or would like me to research something for ya, just SCREAM at me.....

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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Heir Jordan

There's been a story floating around for a week or so that continues to escalate, causing ME to have an opinion... so, what else is new...

The controversy centers around Marcus Jordan, son of... YOU GOT IT !!!!.... The GREAT, Michael Jordan. MJJ (MJ Junior) is a freshman at the University of Central Florida and a member of the UCF basketball team. (Apparently being the kin to the greatest basketball player of all time has it draw-backs...)

Ok, no big deal right? So, what's the controversy ?!?!? WELL..... it appears that UCF has an athletic apparel contract with Adidas - including footwear (I hate their sneakers, BTW)... See where this is going ??? Marcus, a chip off the ole block, OBVIOUSLY wants to wear.... any guesses ???? AIR JORDANS.... um... manufactured by Nike, of course... why the hell wouldn't he???

This "refusal" has escalated to the point where it could cost UCF $3 million dollars to restructure the existing contract with Adidas that is currently in it's last year anyway. THAT'S total BS... Is this an Adidas/Nike battle, perhaps??? Yes, I absolutely believe in honoring contracts but this just wreaks of exploitation !!!

Let's take a look at the "brief" history of this situation. During UCF's recruiting process of the young Jordan, the Adidas contract situation came up and Marcus was told BY UCF that it wouldn't be an issue... and assured him that he would still be able to wear the shoes so near and dear to his heart... and to his ability - apparel being one thing, BUT basketball sneakers can make or break a player - and certainly Marcus has always worn Air Jordans.

Although ranked as the 115th best HS player in the nation last year, Marcus wasn't necessarily highly recruited... um, hence not attending daddy's alma mater??? None the less, his "ability" to continue to wear his beloved Air Jordans if committing to attend UCF certainly played a critical role in MJJ's selection process.

Important to note is that during this recruitment, UFC officials notified Adidas of the situation and were told that there "would be a workable solution to a unique situation"... armed with that, UCF assured the young Jordan that he could wear the sneakers of his choice - and the Adidas brand JUST doesn't DO IT for Marcus (GO FIGURE !!!)... apparently what Adidas failed to tell UCF is that the "solution" would cost the university $3 million !!! as NOW Adidas is crying "FOUL" !!!

Also critical to note is that previously during this same 5-year contract, a UCF football kicker was allowed to wear a different brand of shoe due to the fit.... with NO penalty to the university... um, I'm not seeing the difference here... sneakers are the most critical part of a basketball player's uniform - they NEED to fit right too... oh wait, I didn't just fall off a turnip truck !!!!!!!!

The difference is we aren't talking about some non-famous football kicker.. we're talking about the son of MICHAEL JORDAN - a multi-kagiillionAIRe spokesman and businessman!!!! Obviously, Adidas has seen an opportunity to "strengthen" their hold on UCF... and fatten their wallets !!! Perhaps I should research the performance of their stock lately!!!!

Adidas is obviously exploiting the university and in turn, Michael Jordan himself.. [FREAK] THAT !!! ... as certainly $3 million would be a huge hit for the university to have to take to be able to honor their promise to Marcus Jordan... quite a dilemma indeed... AND earlier in the week the "penalty" was reported as being "only" $1.1 million... hmmmmm.

Certainly it goes much deeper than this and the actual details of the contract haven't been disclosed... but, I'm thinking the wording is something to the effect of, "... in the event that wearing the Adidas brand is detrimental to the athlete's performance and the university, UCF athletes will be allowed to wear non-Adidas apparel.... (UNLESS they are the child of a world famous multi-millionaire and Adidas can benefit financially by allowing such situation to take place....)

Here's MY pitch, for what it's worth... [FREAK] Adidas and their [crappy] shoes... perhaps MJ should take the "hit" to get UCF through the current contract with Adidas so that Marcus can continue to wear HIS shoes... BUT, in turn, facilitate a contract between UCF and Nike for doing so... uh..... is THAT exploitation too ?!?!?! Right back at ya Adidas !!!!!!!!!

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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STOP RIGHT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!

A friend on Facebook re-posted this note, as did I... it says it's a true story, which it may be, but the REAL truth is that this shit goes on each and every day and NEEDS to be STOPPED !!!

I'm not going to apologize for my language cuz truth be told, the thought of this bullshit makes me want to puke !!! and rip someone's head off !!!

Anyone who has ever done or even remotely had thoughts of doing such horrendous acts to the child THEY brought into this world out of love needs to be strung up by their balls and beaten like a pinata with a sledge hammer... and I've got an 8-pounder at the ready !!!

This is despicable and well beyond my comprehension as a human(e) being... and God help the person that I ever meet that has done something like this... I don't care if it's my kid or not !!!!

Here's the note verbatim...

"Daddy......it hurts"

"This is A TRUE STORY AND IF YOU DON'T PASS THIS ON YOU DON'T
HAVE A SOUL!!!

My name is Chris ,
I am three,
My eyes are swollen..
I cannot see.

I must be stupid,
I must be bad,
What else could have made,
My daddy so mad?

I wish I were better,
I wish I weren't ugly,
Then maybe my mommy,
Would still want to hug me.

I can't do a wrong,
I can't speak at all,
Or else I'm locked up,
All day long.

When I'm awake,
I'm all alone,
The house is dark,
My folks aren't home.

When my mommy does come home,
I'll try and be nice,
So maybe I'll just get,
One whipping tonight.

I just heard a car,
My daddy is back,
From Charlie's bar

I hear him curse,
My name is called ,
I press myself,
Against the wall.

I try to hide,
>From his evil eyes,
I'm so afraid now,
I'm starting to cry.

He finds me weeping,
Calls me ugly words,
He says its my fault,
He suffers at work.

He slaps and hits me,
And yells at me more,
I finally get free,
And run to the door.

He's already locked it,
And I start to bawl,
He takes me and throws me,
Against the hard wall.

I fall to the floor,
With my bones nearly broken,
And my daddy continues,
With more bad words spoken.

'I'm sorry!', I scream,
But it's now much to late,
His face has been twisted,
Into a unimaginable sh ape.

The hurt and the pain,
Again and again,
O please God, have mercy!
O please let it end!

And he finally stops,
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless,
Sprawled on the floor.

My name is Chris ,
I am three,
Tonight my daddy,
Murdered me.

And you can help,
Sickens me to the soul,
If you read this,
And don't pass it on.

I pray for your forgiveness,
You would have to be,
One heartless person,
Not to be affected,
By this Poem.

And because you ARE affected,
Do something about it!
So all I ask you to do,
Is pass this on!


IF YOU ARE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE!
Post this as 'Daddy ... It hurts'

If you do not send this to everyone you know
Then you obviously don't care about child abuse.

At first I thought this was just a chain letter
And I wasn't going to send it either,
But now I realize that this is an important situation.


At least 5 children each day from around the world die from child abuse!!!!

This happens across the board, no matter how much money they have or their ethnicity.
Please help."

Have you hugged YOUR kid today??? If not, please do.... and pray for those innocent children that long for the same love, only to be beaten to death for that... they didn't ASK to be brought into this world.. and they also certainly didn't ask to be taken out !!!!

I ask (challenge) anyone with a blog that reads this to re-post it on your forum as well... this fucking bullshit needs to be stopped... and perhaps if even ONE person reads it and can save a child's life, we've all helped a child that otherwise wouldn't have the chance they deserve. Thank you.

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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Causeway Kids - game from 10/21/09

'Aliens' vs the Predators - New kids on the block

Although not having personally witnessed any of the AVP series of Hollywood's "finest" flicks, I did happen to watch some of the Bruins game last night in which the Predators from Nashville invaded Causeway Street (ok, OFFICIALLY Legends Way BUT... it will always be the Bahston Gahden on Causeway to ME !!!!) to take on an "alien" Bruins team.

What a difference 5 days makes as last nights Bruins team was all but a shell of the team that got bitten in the butt by the Coyotes last Saturday.. ok, ok, ok maybe not a shell ... but the line-up was pretty "foreign" to me... I KNOW ... every NHL line-up is mainly foreign.. GEEEEEEEESH !!!

ANYWAY.... topping the changes to the line-up... Milan Lucic, who was actually a scratch from Saturday's game after breaking his right index finger on a check (NOT a Czech) Friday vs Dallas... cripes, the least he could have done was break it on some one's face !!!!... Milan had his finger surgically repaired and will be "riding the pine" (aluminum?) for at least 4 weeks... but I wonder what effect that screw they inserted will have on Milan's play... or someone else's NOSE !!!

Joining Lucic on the injured list is.... last year's leading scorer, Marc Savard !!! HOLY [CRAP] - Is THIS really happening ??? Well yes, yes it is... Savard suffered a broken foot... wait, what??? When the [freak] did THAT happen ?!?!?! Apparently, Savvy took a shot off the foot in a PRE-season PRACTICE - talk about "friendly fire" - although, it was never diagnosed and he just played through the pain. The injury was re-aggravated (uh, re-broken???) in practice the other day and FINALLY they have gotten Savard off his skates - for the next 4-6 weeks !!!!

Ok, ok, ok off to a slow 3-4 start.... their 2 top forwards out for a month+, things are looking grave, but not impossible... certainly Providence has just what the doctor ordered... call a couple up and off we go right ?!?!?

BUT, as so eloquently stated by Bruins' owner Jeremy Jacobs when asked about the start this season... words like "underachieving" "complacent" and "disappointing" flowed.

SOOOOOOOOOO.. the front office has been very busy this week... shaking up the line-up to try to invoke some spark into a very flat squad... Chuck Kobasew was traded to Minnesota for a few reasons.. least of which was to send a message - shape up or ship out !!! Daniel Paille was obtained from Buffalo for 2 draft picks... Providence standouts Vladimir Bobotka and Brad Marchand were called up to add "energy and enthusiasm", Guillaume Lefebvre continues his yo-yo ride between Providence and Boston... and no doubt players like Steve Begin, Michael Ryder, Dennis Wideman, and the rest of the crew were going to need to step up their play.

ALL that being said, the Predators (2-4-1 and having only scored 10 goals this season) appeared to be a good opponent to test the "new look" Bruins' line-up... even with Shawn Thornton being scratched....

NOT SO FAST !!!!!! Be it nerves or inexperience playing together, the Bs came out as flat as ever... back on their heels... and THAT doesn't sound like a good thing when you're on skates !!! The Predators drew "first blood" (oops, WRONG movie - but I DID see that one !!) 5:55 into the game... the rest of the period was all about the "new" Bruins trying to get their skating legs under them.. AND their timing !!!!

Apparently Coach Julien (or MAYBE Jeremy Jacobs paid a visit) had the magic words during the first intermission... 26 seconds into period number 2..... SCOOOOOOOOOOOOORE !!! Michael Ryder put one into the back of the net, with a little help from his friends, NEWLY called up Brad Marchand and Derek Morris!!!!!! It was Brad's very first point (of MANY) at the NHL level... and it knotted the contest at 1....

The tie was short-lived as, despite some very fine network... uh NET-WORK... by Tim Thomas, the Predators went up 2-1 6:17 into the second... can't save em all RIGHT TIM !!!!!!!!!

BUUUUUUUUUUUT.. NOT to be outdone, Patrice Bergeron... NOW moved up to the first line... scored on a tip of a "Z" shot at 12:38 of the same frame... That line had a fantastic shift as Bergy fought tough behind the Predators net, sent a pass out to "Z" and was able to sit in front of the net-minder for Chara's slapper... SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE !!!!! game tied 2-2... whew !!!

The 3rd period saw the Bruins putting it all together.... skating, timing, checking... you name it, they were all on the same page.. but despite this - and Tim Thomas "flashing" (uh......) in the Bs net, the score remained tied.... UNTIL !!!!!!!!! Until 8:33 into the 3rd... Daniel Paille gained control of the puck deep and attempted a wrap-around goal... his shot was thwarted but bounced to Steve Begin... a snapshot - SNAP shot - later and the Bs had their first lead of the game... SCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE !!!!!!!!

The Bs continued to gel through the rest of the contest and Tim Thomas held the fort, especially at the end of the game, not allowing any more shots to infiltrate the net... Bs win 3-2 in ANOTHER come from behind victory !!!

So, although it should have been a 1-sided contest, the Bs came out slow... as the game progressed, so did the level and cohesiveness of the their play - DEFINITELY a positive note to build on... The new kids on the block MORE than held their own and certainly have fit in nicely... MUCH needed... the Bs get right back at it and take on the "Broad Street Bullies" (Flyers) tonight in the city of brotherly love...

Surely there will be no love lost tonight - is there EVER when these teams play ?? ... and undoubtedly the Bs will be without their muscle in Shawn Thornton again... BUT, rest assured, hot off this sweet victory, the Bs should be ready to take whatever the Flyers try to dish out...

Thanks for stopping in for a visit. It's just my opinion, so please PAHDON it. Y'all come back now, ya heah !! Nuf Ced

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