Now I just gotta figure out how to get it to work on Linux.

Here’s the interview (thanks to Goozex and their Goozcast).

I’ve taken a step toward Windows liberation. I backed up my hard drive (just in case we don’t mesh) and installed Ubuntu in my system drive. I’ve wet my feet before running the LiveCD but this time it’s a little more permanent.

So far, I’m doing good. I have found replacements for the applications I used in Windows (GIMP instead of Photoshop, Amarok instead of Winamp, k3b instead of Nero, etc…) and some of the applications have stayed the same (Firefox & Thunderbird). One thing is that this operating system is not for the command line squeamish. A lot of the things can be done graphically but it is so much easier in the command line. Thank goodness there is a great community (ubuntuforums.org) where you can get your questions answered before, during and after the transition.

Ever since iTunes started supporting podcasts I’ve been playing around with it. A week or so ago I took the plunge and migrated my mp3 collection to be managed by iTunes. I am completely addicted to correcting all the information in every mp3. From adding correct artist, track, album info to getting the album covers from Amazon or Walmart (now prefer Walmart as they have larger images).

iTunes is so powerful with its smart playlists and just regular ole’ playlists. Also, it is very easy to burn CD’s. Just make a playlist, drop the songs you want in there and click on the burn icon. iTunes will automagically convert the mp3′s to CD audio format and burn. I see Tommie burning many a CD.

Now for the speed tests… The funny thing is that most of the speed tests out there cannot handle the bandwith from FIOS. testmy.net can though…. Here are the results:

:::.. Download Stats ..:::
Connection is:: 15422 Kbps about 15.4 Mbps (tested with 12160 kB)
Download Speed is:: 1883 kB/s
Tested From:: http://testmy.net/ (server2)
Test Time:: Sun Jun 05 2005 17:45:56 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Bottom Line:: 275X faster than 56K 1MB download in 0.54 sec
Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 378.8 % faster than the average for host (verizon.net)
Validation Link:: http://testmy.net/stats/id-F14O2ZJ5X


:::.. Upload Stats ..:::
Connection is:: 1810 Kbps about 1.8 Mbps (tested with 1496 kB)
Upload Speed is:: 221 kB/s
Tested From:: http://testmy.net/ (server2)
Test Time:: Sun Jun 05 2005 17:46:31 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Bottom Line:: 32X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 4.63 sec
Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 285.93 % faster than the average for host (verizon.net)
Validation Link:: http://testmy.net/stats/id-MKP6387GC


Now THAT is fast!… hehehe

we are here in riverwalk country and boy do i miss my broadband…i am “flying” through the information super highway at a blazing speed of 45333 bits/sec (if i’m lucky to hit the maximum)…

all i have to say is…i feel for you lawrence…

I recruited the advice of friends (thanks Law, Lyn and Kat), online literature and literature from Crutchfield to place the speakers in the living room. After arriving at a good initial setup for the speakers, I started hooking up components to the receiver.

Then, came the joy of the project: running speaker wire. I decided to run white 16 gauge wire along the wall to the back of the couch and connected the surround speakers (found really cool placement idea for these here [dolby.com]) placing the them behind the couch pointing up. We’ll see how that works…

I rigged the center speaker on top of the TV, just don’t breath on it or it migh fall. jk… I put the sub in a corner and finally the floorstand front speakers i put at an angle to a person on the couch (front speaker placement [dolby.com]).

So now i’m ready to turn my first born child on now. Read more of the instruction manual, connected power, pushed power button for 5 secs. to clear all memories….hmm…one problem. All the little buttons light up but the main display is very dark.

Well, to cut a long story short, a call to crutchfield later, the tech assist guy didn’t even offer a solution. He just said “we’re sending you a new one on monday”. So, I’m guessing it was somewhat f%#@&d up.

Now, I gotta wait till wednesday to enjoy the glory of DTS and Dolby Digital. Oh well, waited this long, what’s a couple more days…