From what I'm seeing while browsing around JU this morning, Star Dock is being responsive to the users (and their bandwidth bill) by dealing with the spambots that have been plaquing us recently. From what I've seen, the route they've chosen is to completely disable anonymous comments. While this might appear to just be the simplest solution, I believe that it's also the most effective solution, because it also eliminates OTHER problems that have been creeping up in the JU community. ...

Every year, I get reminded of how blessed I am to have four very happy, healthy children. Even my autistic son is the picture of health. Each year, country stations around the nation participate in the Country Cares Radio-thon to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They spend two days broadcasting in a fund raising effort for the wonderful program at St. Jude's. For a good overview on what St. Jude does check out -> Link or read the link at the bottom (which is St...

or anyone who's loved one is away from home too often. For myself - this song strikes home because I've been away from home too often on business. When I'm away, I feel like there's a large chunk of *me* missing. Come Home Soon by SheDAISY Copyright is held by SheDaisy and their record publisher (End of legelese) I put away the groceries And I take my daily bread I dream of your arms around me As I tuck the kids in bed I don't know what you're doing And I don't ...

Hilarous even. Just had this IM conversation with a buddy of mine. (names changed to protect the guilty) [14:30] Me: SQL Server is a gift from SATAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 [14:31] Me: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 [14:31] Me: This "I hate Microsoft" rant brought to you by the letter S, the letter C, and the number 0. [14:32] Him: sco? [14:32] Me: [14:32] Me: *dingdingding* [14:32] Me: Give the man a cookie. [14:33] Him: ...

*SSSSSNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF* eww... I guess it's time to put my shoes back on. I've been a computer programmer/developer for (officially ... 6 years now - unofficially ... it's going on 24) awhile. I've come in on projects that are in it's death throws (aka Maintenance mode) and I've been on projects that, while already going, are still in the middle of an series of active development cycles. I've enjoyed both of these environments. They both mak...

I just got back from spending the weekend in Alabama.  Got word Thursday afternoon that my grandmother (my mom's mom) passed away.  Now, it's sad, and kind of unexpected, but it's not really unexpected.  See, she's been going down hill drastically for the last year (and more) so we were all expecting it, at some point.  The exact timing threw us off, a little. We had family from Virginia, Indiana, Texas, and right there in Alabama converge on my Uncle's house on the Second...

Okay, just a word up front.  This is a whine/rant/venting article.  If you're not interested, please feel free to ignore this. Having said all of that ... Lately, I've been dealing with some odd health issues.  For the last couple of weeks, I've been going through strange symptoms.  I've got weakness (and general aches) in my legs (primarily the hips, knees and ankles, and it's bi-lateral).  I've got issues with being in the sun (after more anything more than a c...

You know how they say, when you're dying, your entire life flashes before your eyes? Well, I had a similar experience this past Labor Day weekend. Only, it wasn't my life flashing before my eyes. It was my daughter's. It's amazing to think that in a span of seconds, memories that span almost four and a half years can flip through your mind. Images of the sweet little girl (that blessed little girl, after three boys) in her mother's arms at the hospital. Images of her sitting in her bo...

For various reasons (including we go too busy, naturally), my wife stopped making her award winning homemade bread. I had forgotten how much I loved this bread... Now, this isn't just any home made bread. It's lovingly craft from fresh grains, ground into flour right before going into the mixer. She literally starts from scratch with every loaf. MMMMM. Smells so good when it's baking. There's nothing that smells quite so good as fresh baked bread. Did I happen to mention that it...