So, I kind of was excited for Windows 7. I just had a feeling the maybe, just maybe Windows 7 could redeem itself and be comparable to the other superior operating systems out there.

Today, when installing it, I was less than thrilled with the process. I had 2 DVD disks sent to me by HP. Following instructions like a good little boy didn't work out so well. First, the HP Upgrade Assistant disk is supposed to help you backup your computer and BIOS if necessary. I stuck it in and got a message "This is not a qualifying computer."

"Um... yes it is. Remember me having to jump through hoops and walk across flaming hot coals to prove it was a legit computer with a legit Windows operating system in the first place? Yeah, that lame process that took weeks for you to verify? That one. This IS a qualifying computer."

So, it had a number to call. 1-877-280-2271. I called. After waiting for 20-30 minutes I was told "its not our fault, we sent you the correct disks." I would have to call the HP Windows 7 team at 1-800-752-0900. I called. After waiting for another 30 minutes, I get a guy that most likely can't tie his own shoes. "Its not our fault," he says and gives me another number, also to HP: 1-800-474-6836. This time, I wisely avoid the prompt to transfer me to Windows 7team, hoping I can get someone with half a brain. After another 30 minutes of waiting, I get a nice lady from India. At least she genuinely tried to help me, and probably is a competent person. Unfortunately, she couldn't help and finally suggested I re-install Windows Vista, then try again.

"Um..... no. Thank you for your help." I figure the disc is probably checking some value in the registry, or requires one of HP's lame programs that hides on the computer when you first buy it. I got rid of that junk long ago.

So I decide to just do this thing by myself. I have the disks, and all I need is the data on those disks, right?

So I do my own version of backups. I install Windows 7. (BTW - It tells me about 15 of my programs that I use won't work with 7. I go for it anyways, even though 1 program I use quite heavily. I am hoping for some upgrades to that program.)

A million hours later, I get to spend another million hours getting my drivers and everything working.

Windows 7 is finally installed and working on my computer.

Whew! Now lets hope Windows 7 works as advertised, and not like their upgrade process! If not, I am already super close to giving up with Windows and going for a much more sophisticated operating system..... like the free Ubuntu! 

In addition to my calling as Elders Quorum Missionary Committee Chairman, the Bishop has also asked me to serve as our Ward Mission Leader.  I feel a little bit overwhelmed, but am confident that I will be fine with the help of the Lord. 

This week happens to be a busy one for me as Ward Mission Leader:  PEC, then Missionary Correlation with the Missionaries, then we are having the Missionaries for dinner, then I have Missionary Committee Meeting, then I need to organize and prepare a lesson for Gospel Essentials, then Stake Committee Meeting, then I am speaking in church, in addition to preparing a Missionary Message for the Priests!  Whew!  Then when all that is done, I still have the actual missionary work to do!

 Pray for my sanity.

 

So, with the economy struggling so much and my company not able to make payroll for several months, me and a couple friends started a new company!

Basically the idea is to help small and new companies to get the work done that they need, for much less the price of hiring employees.  However, we didn't want it to be like contract work, where the work may be sub par due to a lack of vested interest.  So, although we do some project based work, we are focusing on long-term deals where a company can have marketing, business analysis, branding, technology and development, public relations, HR, and more for less than the price of 1 employee!  

We do this by building a talent pool of experienced workers in thier respective fields,  then managing their time and resources effectively, and basically partnering with our clients.  This is not like a Temp agency by any means, its more like a service based partnership!

 So far, we have a few clients that have signed deals, and have done several other projects.  Its nice to have money flowing back into the bank account after a long hiatus!  Hopefully, the clients and contracts will keep coming, and we will be forced to hire more professionals to keep it going!  

Seriously, are you one of the, like, 2 people in the world who haven't seen this video yet?

The series of videos that have this guy named Matt doing a dance are the worlds most watched internet videos.  This one I am posting has over 21 million views on YouTube.   I think they are awesome!

 

So the story goes like this:  This guy quits his job and starts traveling.  As sort of a memento to the places he visits, he would do this lame little dance.  Well, he posted on YouTube and became an overnight Viral hit, when a gum company saw it and asked him to make one for them.  He said sure, but I don't have any more money to travel.  So the gum company hired him, paid for all of his travels, and the result is what you see up there.

Recently, at a technology convention, Matt talked about how there are many YouTube "geniuses" who thought it was all fake and photoshopped.  He went on to pretend it all was a hoax, saying it was all photoshopped and the dancers were an army of robots, the zero gravity was created in hollowed-out Boeing underwater, and the budget was in the tens of millions.  LOL!  Well, some people couldn't take the joke, and it even made it into the news that the internet sensation was a "hoax."

If you youtube Matt hoax was a hoax, you'll find the whole story, its really pretty funny.  Cliffs Notes Version:  It was all real!  He received emails from all over the world, people asking things like "why didn't you come to my town," and his simple reply would be, "We're coming now, do you want to dance to?"  That's why in the early ones (2005 etc) it was just Matt, but I like this latest one (2008) with all the people.

Anyways, the video made me feel good, so I thought I'd post to remember.  Enjoy!

Came across a bug fix from Microsoft that got me laughing:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/168702 

Problem:  Cant import Oracle data into Excel:

Solution:  AND I QUOTE:

"Move Your Mouse Pointer
If you move your mouse pointer continuously while the data is being returned to Microsoft Excel, the query may not fail. Do not stop moving the mouse until all the data has been returned to Microsoft Excel.  "

 

ROFL!