root of all evil : Update

Busy Year

root — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:14:00 GMT

So safe to say 2009 will be the year root is MIA from eggxpert (and with good reason). Here's a collage of what's going on in my brain right now: Currently engaged, wedding set for 11/1. Root has come to realize planning for World Domination is ten times...(read more)

Update: Crews|Travelling|Bad Scale

root — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:03:00 GMT

A new show that I'm into (what is up with these dancing posts root?), from MTV. It's called America's Best Dance Crew.

First one up is from the west side and holy bullet action batman, that's insane! You have to watch at least the beginning of their routine.

My next favorite one is because of their geeky Starwars reference and their great ending. Jello + Street Fighter? Awesomeness.

And I save the best for last (even though the video/audio quality is poor). Really great routine and it reminded me of the Tomas Crown Affair (newer one), which is one of my fav movies. This upload really doesn't do it justice.

With that out of the way, some of you might have heard that I'm travelling. I'm actually in North Carolina doing IBM training. Because I'm out of the house and not having things to do after work (or in this case training), I've had some free time. Finally got a story idea and I've picked up the metaphoric (electronic) pen again. Got one chapter down, (yay!), and going through the editing process. Got an outline down for book 1 and I'm liking it. And for those of you who don't know--or haven't guessed by now--I'm a writer by hoby.

Which I'm shocked by the quality of this Holiday Inn Express in Triangle Park. Perhaps I've just had some bad experiences with--whoa. Just saw Step Up 2's trailer. Jesus, that's sexy. Heh. Where was I? Oh yeah. Hotel. They got a shuttle service, 5 miles out you can go anywhere for free. Woot! Bar time!

But it is boring, and thus I brought my Netflix movies. Speaking of, I sitll owe those two reviews don't I?

Well I've watched "John Tucker Must Die" which was actually funny, but the ending was poorly done in my opinion and the story direction has been done a million times already. Still funny though.

The other one I've watched is "Final Contract". For the love of God don't rent it. Had maybe 2-3 funny parts but that's it. I put it just a little better than "Cat Woman". You heard me, a little better. Have you ever watched Cat Woman (Ms. Berry)? If not, you must watch it to understand the ultimate rating scale of badness. Like "Ultra Violet" bad.

My third movie that I've yet to watch is classic "Reservior Dogs". I know. I know. I haven't seen it yet but I know a number of it's refrences. I'll probably watch it tomorrow night. I fly back Saturday night, unfortunately.

Until I get back from NC,

Update: Ep5 solution and Computer Tree

root — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:04:00 GMT

Either it's my laptops or my webcam, but the video is always jumpy (as most of you suddenly noticed in ep4). My solution? Buy a real videocam (this is just the excuse I've been waiting for).

So searching newegg, I found a possible candidate. My max budget is around 100 dollars. Any opinions?

DXG DXG-506V Silver Digital Camcorder 4X Digital Zoom 1/1.8" CMOS 1.7" LCD

If anyone has any experiences with digivideo cams and know of a product that they want to rave about, comment up.

I'm itching to make ep5 but can't. Annoying. My "budget" won't be available until end of month (beginning of next month) so looking like 2/9/2008 until ep5 (best case scenario). Oh, and just a lil FYI, because I won't be limited to the Webcam (hooked up to the computer), you can eggxpect videos from me that aren't just for The Source. Hmmm, what is this? You will have to wait and see *grin*.

Anyways, at work (where I'm currently living this past month), so must get back.

As I've stated in the Computer Tree thread, I'll be making some decisions on who gets what since BOT has been quite lately. Pending their approval, we should start moving those donations to their new owners soon.

Until next time users,

Root is posting?

root — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:47:00 GMT

OK, so it's been a while. Talk about being busy. But hey, Holidays are over and root is back!

Yay!

"Great, another spammer is back"

Speaking over spammers, I noticed GmsCool has over 4k posts... almost 5k? Seriously man. You are the new OldSailor. Congrats (...or should I be congratulating you?)!

After 1 PSU blow out, 1 over heated laptop, and my other lappy having 'issues', I can't seem to get Ep5 out without it being seriously choppy slash having no video at all. I tried last night and it was just bad.

PSU is arriving on the 10th (Newegg FTW!) so my main machine will be back on line, and the hot lappy is cooling off in my freezer (hey, it works). In 4 months I'll have a new work lappy too. Although it's dell.... and vista. Which that combo is just wrong.

Anyways, just wanted to say "hey" and that I'm back. Computer Tree is back in full swing and we should have an announcement next week on who gets what and all the fun-loving people that we will be helping. You should all feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Eggxpect more posts by me this week and hopefully ep5 when I can get a stable machine that doesn't carp out on me when I record video. Maybe I should just get a video camera? Surely there is a cheap one....

Until next time users,

Update: Projects|Life|Shows

root — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:14:00 GMT

Some music while you read:

James Blunt and Rap. Yup. That's my eccentric tastes for ya.

So as you may have noticed, this isn't episode 5. That time of year. Christmas, work, family troubles, and A Partridge in a Pear Tree. Good news? The man Pages got a little jump start. Going over the details with the new team. Hopefully we can see something out, officially, by February.

"Did you say February?"

I'm a pessimistic, damnit.

Computer Tree looks like a big hit. Just not enough nominations! But don't worry, if you offered a donation we will end up using it. Just maybe not in time for the holidays. At the time of this posting, we have 2 nominations and 65 computers (laughs). Well, OK, 15 computers. I had to turn down the 50 Dell's. Not enough money to get them shipped, no place to put them, and no one to donate to.

But this leads me to the Big Pictures for Computer Tree. This thought is by no means solely mine, it's been forming in the background by a number of us. It's looking like this could be not just a holiday thing but any day. Have a nomination? We will look into helping your needed friend/family/co-worker/community member/adopted purple alien. Obviously we don't have the money to get everything shipped... nor the man power to get it filtered.

Yet.

Logistics of this is pretty impressive when you actually face them. Also kinda... neat? Perhaps it's the sadistic side of me that enjoys this. But I'll claim it's the puzzle-solving side of me.

Well, it's not at its full potential yet, but it will get there.

Projects... is that everything? Oh, The Source. And Google Workshop. Ep5 will be out probably next weekend. Crunch time at work to get a project done this week. And last weekend wasn't a good one for me. Next weekend might be busy as well but I should be able to get it in Sunday (here's hoping). Google Workshop... maybe on Christmas break. Not that I have one. I picked the short straw and I'm Primary On Call all that week (and the weekend before it). And you wonder why I'm sadistic.

I LOVE this time of year (and yes, I'm hitting that sarcastic button like the good button masher I am)

Speaking of love. Looks like a lot of shows are wrapping up or just starting. My top 2 shows I've really gotten into this year is Dexter and Journeyman. Obviously two really different shows, but I love them. Journeyman I'm a bit worried. It's an AWESOME show that everyone should watch... but NBC doesn't seem to think so. They passed on the option period to pick it up for a second season. Perhaps another station will pick it up? If you haven't heard about it, or watched it, get into it! Now! Hack, steal, buy, whatever you have to do, watch it. By 3rd episode I promise you will be hooked.If not, watch 3 more *grin*.

Think a modern day Quantum Leap with a twist... or three.

And Dexter... well if you don't have Showtime, then you might not know what it's about. If you can get past the sickening part of it all, it's a hilarious show. Granted I have a habit of loving dark humor. Cold Blooded was one of my top movies of all time. Hmmm, and Dead Like Me. Anyways, Dexter is a serial killer who has to kill, but he only kills bad guys. So if you liked the anime Death Note, you will LOVE this show. You will find yourself rooting for the bad guy. And his view on life is just plain funny.

As for the show that my avatar is based off of, The Avatar, it hasn't been the best season. But definitely not horrible. Good news? Chuck and Life got a second season pick up! So I'm not that PO'ed at NBC. They at least did 2 things right. I just can't wait until Burn Notice comes back. But will the WGA strike effect them? argh.

After writing this post, I've come to two conclusions.

1) My tastes are varied by extreams

2) I watch too much TV

So I will try and save myself by ending this with the new official trailer to The Dark Knight.

You know.

Because that's not TV.

c**p.

Until Life settles down,

Update: Sunday

root — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 03:15:00 GMT

Obviously this isn't The Source ep3. This is because I've been laying down tile since Friday till about 30 minutes ago. If you have ever done this, you will know what I mean when I say I'm sore/exhausted.

Ep3 will be out Monday. I promise.

Now my back hurts and I got an advance copy of Jim Butcher's new book Captain's Fury.

Hmmmm, yummy.

Good night users,

Update: TheRootSource@gmail.com

root — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:58:00 GMT

Almost forgot about this (OK, I did forget about it).

I made a new inbox for the show. Reason why I picked gmail? If you have Gtalk, add that inbox (TheRootSource) to your friend's list and send me a voicemail.

ooo voicemail.

This way your voice can be on my show! I can add it right into my editing software so everyone can hear you

Whether it's "Hi root, love/hate the show" or "What is RAID5?", send me a voicemail (or email). You can also do a response in YouTube to any of my episodes... of course then you would realize how hard it is.

"NOW will this replace Ask Root?"

Until next time users,

Update: The Source|Case Contest|Xbox 360 wireless

root — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 18:20:00 GMT

Good morning (or afternoon for you morning people)!

Some music for you while you read my post. This is one of my favorite Tango songs: Gotan Project - Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre):

I figure it's been some time since I've posted up an update post. Let's see here....

I've been getting positive feedback on my new series, The Source. So thanks to all of you who are watching and, more importantly, those providing feedback. I'd like to think ep2 is better than ep1. And hopefully it will continue to get better as I do this more. Like I've mentioned, I'd like to make this weekly and it's looking like I can (knock on wood).

Speaking of The Source...

EggXpert, will we ever get to have our own YouTube media hosting site---EggTube? I'd love to have a site that I can upload more than just 10 minutes of video at a time. Cutting it into parts is a pain. And it would encourage more people to upload original content more geared toward Eggheads. Just a thought.

ATTN ALL LINUX USERS!

I need you

I'm looking to make a number of Linux posts geared toward the Window's users but I need help. Too much stuff on my plate right now (this week has been easy because of the holiday and having the whole week off). These posts (I'm thinking of calling the series "The man Pages") would be a transitional piece for those windows users out there who have never tried Linux but want to get into it.

I'm thinking of first picking a distro and going through the installation process, screen shot by screen shot. Then come up with a series of posts that follow it, going over various subjects (like the folder structure, permissions, packages system, configuring popular packages, etc). My goal is to get more users into Linux, and have a guide for those interested in taking the leap--something that will touch all the basics and give them a good understanding of the OS.

Interested? PM me or post up a comment. We will need to draft up an outline of the series from start to finish. I'll try and help, but I can't promise anything. I'd just like to get it started. Looking for 3-4 people (that should be sufficient) as well as a graphics designer.

Have you guys seen the Case Contest? If not, check out the contestants and vote! I believe the polls close December the 30th (or the 20th, if you believe the Information page). Check out the cases here, and vote here.

And now, my YouTube pick (which doesn't necessarily have to be used on just an Xbox 360 wireless adapter)...

How to boost your xbox 360 wireless signal:

Until next time users,

Update: Frank|Weekends|YouTube|Projects

root — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:25:00 GMT

Some music while you read my post:

*taps foot*

Who doesn't love the Frank?

So this weekend wasn't as busy as I had thought (or maybe I'm just that addicted to this site). Spent most of the day tearing down a make-shift fence and putting in one that dignifies the name 'fence' at my Grandparent's place. Fun stuff (that's sarcasm for the slow). Got back early and tackled my server (again). Got my second drive so RAID1'ed my OS drive. Debating between 64bit and 32bit Debian. Leaning towards the classic (latter) after trying out the 64bit this past week.

You see what I just did? I opened with something manly and went straight to the Geek. That's how I roll.

To continue my Geekiness, I started back up writing. I completely dropped my last series I started (2 books into it) last year and, after a long hiatus, I gave into my writing urges. Working out most of the kinks in the story line but I've got a draft of chapter 1, so that's something.

Not much else to report in 'Life'. As for eggland, I'll be working with LadyTekki and CheapAsianGamerGuy tomorrow on the next Ask Root post... hopefully. I'm aiming for Wednesday for that post but we will see (depending on whether we actually meet up tomorrow or not). I got most of the pictures for the Special Edition posts, which I'll aim for next weekend. I've been lazy on the Ask Root column. Shame on me.

Although the YouTube video of myself was short (thus the title Trailer), I got some views (surprisingly). I also got a number of PM's with more Questions. What am I going to do with my new spiffy webcam? I'm thinking of a new series. The format of the series (all within one episode):

A quick tip
Eggxpert Site news (if any)
Any threads that peak my interest and/or new is the tech field with my own commentary.
A quick lesson in some type of computer term/part
Answering any PM'ed questions (that can be answered quickly)

I'd LOVE to do this weekly but that might not be feasible, so maybe biweekly or monthly.

"Root, you got too many things going on right now. Soon you will be giving out empty promises!"

Tell me about it. So here it is, the projects that I want to pursue and in the order of priority:

Computer Tree
YouTube Posts (still thinking of a name for the project... post up a comment if you have any ideas)
Ask Root (I don't get THAT many questions)
Linux for Window's Users (that transition/101 piece)
Ask Root SE (the special edition posts that go over computer hardware/software installations)

I'd like to combine 3 to 5 into the YouTube project and make it weekly. Only problem is the newsletter (the Ask column, unless I cut the questions part at the end and make it a separate post just for the newsletter... or transcribe it into a blog post) and getting other people involved. Cause lets face it, no one wants to hear my rantings over and over. So if any of you have a webcam and are interested in joining me in my vblog rantings, PM me. Oh, and if any of you have suggestions at video editing software, or are EggXperts at video editing and have some free time to edit for me (one can hope right?), let me know.

I leave you today with a catchy tune, and funny chicks (you finished listening to Frank right?).

Warning, Rated PG-13 for language.

Until next post users,

Update: Ask Root|Linux|Pachelbel

root — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:00:00 GMT

The column.... working on it. I'll leave it at that. Should have most of my material over the weekend.

So I got a PM from some one who want to get into Linux, and wanted to learn it. I was thinking of coming out with a post series for those who want to get into Linux. Steps from picking the right distro for you to how it's different from Windows, pros and cons. If anyone of the few users out there that read my blog are interested (I think there is a whopping 3 people now), post up a comment!

And now, as a new tradition, I leave you with Root's YouTube Pick.

Until next time users,

Update: Ask Root|Chicken|Trailers|Assassins

root — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:28:00 GMT

Next Ask Root post is coming.... definitely in time before the next newsletter so fear not! We will also be having a few Special Edition posts. Will get into those later (if I hadn't already, can't remember and too lazy to look back)

Chicken. Who doesn't like chicken?

Do you know why they call movie trailers trailers? I mean they aren't at the end of the movie. That's right, they use to be at the end, and 'trailers' have just stuck. True story.

So the GF sends me this youtube link and says it's her new favorite show, that we HAVE to go watch it when it comes to theaters. I figured it was some chick flick. And then I remembered she said the same thing about Shoot'em Up.

I love my GF.

Update: Ask Root|Special Editions|Computer Tree

root — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:06:00 GMT

Well we have a few ideas in the works!

Our next Ask Root post will be about installing a brand spanking hard drive (both SATA and PATA) from physically putting them into your case to installing them on a major OS (Windows XP/Vista, Linux).

This spurred off the idea of having a number of Special Editions where we cover all the basics of building a PC from the ground up. After the hard drive install, we will be showing how to install the OS. And now we are thinking about recording it and using YouTube embedded videos (less picture taking that way).

The last idea that's in the works is the Computer Tree. I won't go into the details but think Angel tree for the people in need of a computer this holiday season.

Update

root — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:37:00 GMT

So haven't been on much lately, especially since the cousin's wedding. Work has picked up and between more weddings, funerals, TV shows, building server, and finding the Codex Alera series (Jim Butcher), haven't had a life lately (as appose to...?)

But fear not, still checking my inbox daily and if anything hits any of the couple of threads I'm subscribed to, I'll try and answer any questions (or PM's).

I'm planning on getting another Ask column out, as well as a few classroom 101 posts. I'd also like to get out an FAQ for Storage and Security threads. If anyone would like to co-author it with me, PM me or post up a comment here.