My Life: Bad News My PC Is Dead :(

Really bad news this weekend. The computer that I built on 9/11 2001 is dead. I put the thing together as I watched the coverage of the terrorist attacks on 911. My wife Norma was in PA visiting with her Mom. I was home alone and found myself at home around noon because my company sent all our people home early that day. We were in a 70 story building downtown and it was generally thought tall buildings could be a target that day.

I came home and worked up in my office and put together the machine. Over the past few years I have added parts here and there.

Friday night I turned the machine on and it gave me a ton of hard drive errors. I figured it was a bad hard drive. But, after trying to reformat and re-install windows on EITHER of my hard drives all I got was a machine that kept shutting off. So it could very well be a processor problem as well. Or mother board. I am really not wanting to rip the machine apart and troubleshoot piece by piece. I may very well be better served by just getting a new one.

I am going to take my time and think things through and read a few reviews.

What I use the machine for is:

*transferring video from TiVo to the PC, then cutting the video and burning to dvd (mostly for my classes if there is something good on the history channel to show that relates to what I am teaching)

*holds all my music. I have about 50 gigs of music on a hard drive that I have downloaded and ripped from cd.

*holds all Aidan's pictures. We have a ton, as any reader of this blog would realize.

I used to play games on the PC, but that isn't something I am interested in doing anymore. I play on Xbox 360 and that's it now. It's too hard to keep up with the race in upgrading video cards. And too expensive.

So it looks like I could be in the market for a new computer. I haven't actually bought a PC in a long, long time. My laptop is an HP and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. But, it doesn't have dual hard drives that you need to work with cutting up video well. It's a wonderful wide screen laptop, but not perfect for my needs with creating video.

Anyone buy a machine recently that does the kinds of things I am looking to do? I would love some input. I know there are Pentium D machines now and AMD 64 machines. Not sure which kind I would want.

Any advice would be awesome and appreciated! :)

UPDATE:Well, I didn't wait long. Purchased a Dell. It's pretty much what I needed and for under $1,000 including taxes. Free 19" flat screen monitor. It's a decent machine that will do what I need it to do. I should get it next week. When I do I'll post pictures and a review of it.

Technorati Tags: Tech, PC, Computers

My Life: Why a fun day was so sad

The NFL Draft is something I have always had a strong interest in following. I remember being in the 5th grade and asking to go to the bathroom while I sat on the stall I listened to the draft on a portable radio. This was back in the days when the draft was during the week and during regular school and working hours. It wasn't televised! Can you believe it?

During 7th grade I would run up between classes to ask my math teacher who the Steelers got. I will never forget finding out we got Rod Woodson. I was so pumped!

These were days that I always shared with my Dad. I was pretty sad today because he wasn't there to call, email, and instant message each time the Steelers or Texans picked someone. It was made a lot easier by my friend John coming over and spending the day with me. But, still after John left and the Steelers traded up in the first round to get Santonio Holmes from Ohio State, my first thoughts were - "I have to call my Dad!" I was thinking, he may not realize the Steelers are on the clock. (shaking my head)

It's a strange sensation when someone you love so much is gone. It is almost like the amputee that still feels sensations in their leg that is no longer there. Most of the time though is spent thinking about how terrible it is and how robbed I feel that he is gone. But, every once in a while there is that feeling in your mind that he is still here. Then reality sets in and it is pretty hard to deal.

All I can wish is that my son has that same connection with me. I hope we sit together and watch the draft when he is older and he roots for the Texans. And I hope I can be like my Dad and say, "Wow, that guy is great! We are going to the Super Bowl this year buddy!" :) Those are tough shoes to fill. He was the ultimate homer and the best fan a team could have. A pretty great Dad, too!

My Life: Congrats to Mike and Cass on their new arrival!

Tonight our family got a little bigger. Aida Toshiko Stapleton was born.

Norma's brother Mike and sister-in-law Cass are new parents. Way to go guys! Awesome news.

Sports: Texans 3rd Round? Double our OLine Pleasure!

With the very first two picks of the 3rd round, the Texans took back to back offensive linemen. One of them I had targeted (along with Wintson Justice, T, from USC that went in the second round to Phi) was Eric Winston, T, Miami. He is a former tight end and has pretty good feet and athleticism. I think he has great potential to step in and start at right tackle next fall. He is a big body and a superb pass blocker, which is exactly what the Texans and David Carr need.

He does have a knee injury in his past which slowed his development from TE to OT. But, he played all 12 games last year and should be 100% full strength in that knee by the fall. Our right tackle play for the Texans has been awful and this is a big upgrade. Right now Wiegert is penciled in for RT, but I could see them moving him back to guard where he is more suited if Winston turns out to be solid there. Not bad for a 3rd round pick. If he could be a starter, that's a steal.

Actually taken just before Winston was a guard from the University of Pittsburgh, Charles Spencer. He looks to be a little bit of a project and rough on pass blocking. But, the guys is a massive run blocker. He blows off the line of scrimmage with 352 pounds on a 6'5" frame. Impressive for a guard. Man, this league is massive in size up front. Amazing. Can you even imagine how much this dude eats a day? I wouldn't like to see that food bill.

He is quality depth at least and possibly someone that could step in and challenge for playing time. The thing that impressed me about both of these linemen is that they are noted as being "coachable" and quality teammates in college. High quality character guys. With all four picks so far that's been the stamp on each of them. Great people.

You can say what you want about our pick at the top of the draft, but our owner will not stand for any kind of attitude or behavior issues. The stuff going on with Reggie Bush off the field with his house and parents could not have helped that with owner Bob McNair. He wants to build this team right with only the very best people. If he thought there could even be a possibility that Bush was lying about his involvement (which some are saying he is) I would think McNair would pass on him.

I do believe though that Reggie Bush's problems off the field will disappear soon. Just look back to the off the court problems that LeBron James had before coming to the NBA. Hummer loans and lots of attitude. He's a great player. That stuff seems to work itself out. I believe it will for Bush, too. For the Texans the combo of need at pass rush and Bush being a RB that won't last as long as a DE made a difference. Coach Kubiak has shown at Denver that he can take 4th round running backs and make them into all-pros. Hopefully that happens for Dominick Davis here in Houston.

The two third round picks today on the offensive line should also help that come to fruition. We beefed up the lines on the first day of the draft and that makes me very happy. For all the pissed off Texans fans out there, realize this: You win football games by blocking and tackling. All the Reggie Bush's in the world can't find the endzone if they have to dodge 11 players. And Bush would never have the ball in his hands if our defense couldn't make a stop.

Technorati Tags: Eric Winston, Charles Spencer, NFL Draft, Houston Texans, Reggie Bush, Lebron James

Sports: Texans 2nd Round? DeMeco Ryans, LB, ALA

I was disappointed that the Texans didn't take an offensive lineman in the second round. Linebacker was not a place where I thought they would go. But, DeMeco Ryan slipped out of the first round and some had him going anywhere from 20 to 31. So that is something that probably jumped out at the Texans staff.


Ryans was the heart of the Bama defense last year. Alabama had a great D. #35 was all over the field. I remember watching him vs. LSU and seeing him getting up after lots of tackles. He is supposed to be a super intelligent person and a high character guy. Seems like that means a LOT to the Texans. DeMeco did a lot of charity work for the children of Katrina after the Hurricane.

He should play weak side linebacker for the Texans and hopefully contribute right away as the #1 overall pick Williams will do. Maybe this defense will start to bang on people in 2006? Some 3 and outs would sure be nice.



Technorati Tags: NFL Draft, Houston Texans, DeMeco Ryans, Mario Williams, Sports

Sports: And the Houston Texans Select....

M A R I O
W I L L I A M S
D E
N C S T A T E

{wow}

This was a surprise, everyone here in Houston expected to be getting the dynamic Reggie Bush. That didn't happen. I found out last night. I couldn't believe it.

But, the more I think about it, the more I like it. I want to give Mario a chance. I also know how bad our defense is. And people counter with, yeah but the Texans offense was just as bad. BUT, in 2004 our offense was very productive. There is talent there. We already have a good back in Dom Davis. I am sure we could have found carries and catches for Bush, but our defense is moving to a 4-3 and that defense must have good ends.



Super Mario projects to be the type of defensive end in the Bruce Smith and Reggie White mold. If that is the case, they probably will not regret this pick. If that is the case this defense is going to start putting pressure on the opposing QBs. (Remember we play twice a year against Indy and Payton Manning. And now twice a year vs. Vince Young as well!).

I am going to try to stay positive about it. Everyone else in Houston can cry and moan and complain that we didn't get Vince Young or Reggie Bush. Houstonians are also going to be crying that Bush is playing in New Orleans and it's close by. And Vince Young is going to be in Tennessee and we play them twice a year. There will be a ton of #10 Titan jerseys in town now.

I played defense in college. I love defense. And I will try very hard to embrace and love Mario Williams. I like his style. I like how he is intense and seems to have a passion for the game and for getting after quarterbacks. That's something I can relate to.



Technorati Tags: NFL Draft, Football, Mario Williams, Reggie Bush, Vince Young

Aidan: Pictures from cupcake eating... @ 18 Months

This was fun. Aidan is now a year and a 1/2. Amazing. Time is flying.

Click on the pictures to see full sized.

Aidan: Video of 18 Month B'day Celebration

Today was Aidan's 18 month b'day. He is now 1 year and 1/2 years old. Awesome. Thinking back to him attacking his cake in October as a 1 year-old, it was so cool to see him so grown up today. He was much more 'mature' and knew what he was doing this time. Methodically scooping the icing with his fingers... "Mmmmm." He even ate most of the cake in the cupcake as well.

Such a big boy.



Icing on Vimeo



Cake on Vimeo



Mmmmm Cake! on Vimeo



Happy Birthday (well 1/2 b'day!) on Vimeo

Technorati Tags: Vimeo, Video, Baby, Birthday

Sports: Astros - Best Record in Baseball

My Astros just keep on winning. They are just playing great so far. Tremendous starting pitching. Who needs the Rocket? The Astros are ranked #1 in starting pitching in MLB.

But, you won't hear much about it in the national media. Believe me, this team and this town is used to it. And I don't really care about it anymore. For me, it's my team. I am proud of what they are doing and what they have accomplished. I am going to sit back and enjoy these wins.

The past two seasons have been the best in the history of the club. And this year they have started out with a record month. Can 2006 be even better than their National League Championship 2005? Well, the only thing they could do better would be to win it all. So that's cool with me.

I am enjoying the ride.

Technorati Tags: Houston Astros, MLB, Baseball

CNN.com - Experts: Global warming behind 2005 hurricanes - Apr 25, 2006

Hurricanes are scary. To think we are bringing them on ourselves is frightening.


CNN.com - Experts: Global warming behind 2005 hurricanes - Apr 25, 2006: "'The hurricanes we are seeing are indeed a direct result of climate change and it's no longer something we'll see in the future, it's happening now,' said Greg Holland, a division director at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado."

I wish we could 'globally cool' off things. This summer could be a long one.

Technorati Tags: Hurricanes, Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Katrina, Global Warming, Climate

My Life: Zoo Trip 2006

We finally had a chance to get to the zoo. We went on Monday afternoon. It was a day off in our district for teacher inservice. But, Norma and I were able to 'comp' out by getting all of our hours in for the year. It was a great day to go. A little warm, but very enjoyable because of a breeze.

We took the tour of the zoo in about an hour and a 1/2. Not bad considering how warm it was and the baby is only just under 18 months. Aidan did so well. Really enjoyed seeing the animals and all the kids that were there. He loves to people watch.

The last time we tried to go to the Houston Zoo we picked the worst day to go of the year. We didn't realize it but it was the day the giraffe was about to give birth. Plus it was during Spring Break for most Houston schools. We waited in traffic for over an hour and then couldn't get in because it was packed. Terrible experience on maybe the most beautiful day of the year weather wise.



The baby girafee was really cool. She is a beauty. So little, but yet so big... if you know what I mean? Kinda like our own little guy! Aidan really enjoyed the little African rat looking animals because he could sit in his stroller and see them through the glass. I can't remember what you call them. But, I think they were in Lion King The Movie.

The newest member of the Houston Zoo:


He also loved running up and down the wooden deck at the tiger exhibit. Couldn't see the tiger, he was asleep back behind some trees and bushes, but Aidan didn't care. He loved hearing his little feet pitter-patter against the wood. It was hell getting him back into the stroller, but he would have run up and down the wooden ramp all day long I fear.

We also sat and listened to a story in the children's zoo area. Aidan was getting tired and just sat and stared forward at the woman reading the story.



He did dance a little at the beginning when they were playing the music, but otherwise he just zoned out (pictured above). When we got to the car at the end of the trip Aidan fell asleep before we even got the car out on the freeway. Dude was beat tired.

Overall a very fun day. It is something I will remember for a long time. I will try very hard to forget my dentist appointment later that afternoon. That drill is killer. But, I am sure having my old filling replaced will be a good thing long term. The short term hour of torture was tough though.

So many great pictures from our trip to the zoo. I am sure we will do it again next fall when the weather cools down again. And I am sure we'll do it again many times over the next few years.



Technorati Tags: Houston Zoo, Girafee

Sports: NFL Draft Gets Interesting at the Top

Was Reggie Bush's family living in a home paid for by a buisness man that wanted to represent him and his endorsements? That's the question of the hour. I just finished listening to Liz Mullen of the SportsBusiness Journal as she was on with Dan Patrick on ESPN RADIO. She reports that sworn testimony from two hearings regarding a parole violation indicates that New Era Sports & Entertainment had an agreement of some sort with Bush.

This is pretty damaging if true. It would mean that Bush had dealings with an "agent" (even one that wanted to represent marketing for him) before his eligiblity was up at USC. That would ultimately mean he was ineligible and he would forfeit the Heisman Trophy and USC would forfeit all of their wins in which Bush played.

Pretty crazy!
Could this influence the Houston Texans to not select him? The longer this story continues and the more that it shows it 'has legs', the worse it is for Bush. He denied having done any wrong doing on ESPN last night. See the video here: Bush says family has done 'absolutely nothing wrong'. His agent said that Reggie knew nothing about this. Does that matter? If his family took benefits, would it still make him ineligible?

Wow, crazy stuff. The Texans have reportedly been burning up the phone lines on this one to find out the real deal before they sign him to a contract. That can happen at any time now before or after the draft or until they decide not to draft him. The rumors were that a deal was probably going to come down on Friday afternoon. The two sides were still hammering out details.

Could the deal be more difficult to broker now that this house story has seen the light of day? Could the Texas bargain harder for a lower contract? Bush has reportedly said he wants 24 million. The Texans may come back and low ball him. This could get really interesting.

It is a total shame that this has happened. If it is true it is definitely terrible. If it is not true, it is a shame because most people won't ever believe him. This kind of story seems to stick with you, regardless of your guilt. But, Texans fans will surely forget all about it if Bush turns out to be the next Marshall Faulk. Only time will tell on any of this.

Technorati Tags: NFL Draft, Houston Texans, Reggie Bush, NFL, USC Trojans, Heisman Trophy