Finally, after what feels like forever, KISS have decided to do an arena tour of the UK. This means I will get the chance to go and see them live in either Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham or London.
Pre-orders started today and I completely forgot I had O2 Priority which means I could have used that… it took until 11:00 to realise which meant that I missed out on the best seats but still got some great ones.
Yes, if it wasn’t obvious from the previous sentence, I have tickets!! The LG Arena, Birmingham will be host to Kiss, the Kiss Army and ME on 5th May 2010! I can’t wait.
And if you thought I was excited you should have seen my Mum when I asked her if she wanted to see Kiss, then told her it’s a good thing I got two tickets then!
It should be great. My first Kiss concert and, from what I hear, these things are like sex, you always remember the first time…
Rock and roll all nite and party every day!! If you are going to the LG too on the 11th May feel free to comment and let me know… especially if you are in Block 16, Row YA, Seat 498 or 501 as I have 499 – 500!
Looking at the seating plan from LG it seems I will be right up close to the stage on Gene’s side. Wow! If only Tommy went on that side to do his solo… I guess he could well be firing those rockets right at me.
Still not decided on going to Wembley on the 13th too. VIP treatment plus seating in roughly the same area as I have for the LG for £169. This includes a before and after party, cloakrooms, the works. But, I will be going alone and if alone I would prefer standing up front somewhere – I can’t do this at the LG as my Mum wouldn’t survive a mosh pit!!
Woo, so excited and it’s given me something to look forward to. So I never made the goal of seeing Kiss before I reach 30 but it’s only a few months off and I paid for the tickets before I hit 30 so I think it’ll count.
Now for 4 hours sleep so I can wake up at 4am and watch the live stream of Kiss on facebook (who’s idea was it to have it at 8:30PST?!)
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Who says there’s a recession?!
I think I must be one of the only people to be complaining about being too busy at the moment… if you saw my current workload you would not think we are still in a recession, or if you heard me complaining about it. But I guess it’s better to have too much work than none at all at the moment. Rich Pyke Computer Services is going strong (and earning me loads of money!)
Just picked up another new client too which is good. Found me on the internet but couldn’t find my number – I guess I better fix that! But they seemed fine with the standard rates and 14 day terms (for the first 3 months at least).
Other crap, well Microsoft have decided to go on another ban wave for Xbox live against all those with modified consoles, play early etc. So far I have been lucky (at the time I write this) and haven’t been caught this year… that said I have bought a new console just in case. Argos had a good deal and it finished today so thought what the hell… if nothing else I now have yet another Xbox 360 to add to the ever growing collection (currently 6) and it’s one closer to getting that multi screen Forza setup going.
Speaking of Forza, the latest one is now out and I have been playing it like it’s going out of fashion. Now you can make and sell vinyl groups and my KISS logos, number plates, mushroom from Mario, Goomba and Pudsey bears are selling pretty well. Also have a nice charity car up too, each one downloaded will add another 1p to my Children In Need donation – currently at about 19p… I think I need to up that 1p to £1 at this rate but hey, I haven’t exactly promoted it.
But what is it with electricity companies? More to the point, what is it with power cuts? In this day and age you would have thought that they would have sorted it out so that if something goes down it doesn’t take out half of the town… but no!! Two power cuts in 3 three days, both when it’s been dark and cold… not good!
Anyway, got a new episode of two and a half men nearly ready to watch in bed so I will have to bid you good bye… for now.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Let it ra1n
At last, well about 2 weeks after getting it, some nice guy has managed to hack the iPhone firmware, which is great as now i can finally change my message tone to the start of Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana!
It also means I can use unsigned code and hacked apps!
Now to pimp my phone…
p.s. happy birthday Robert, 4 today! I will see you in 8 hours and play with your present ;)
Saturday, 3 October 2009
iPhun
Well, after o2 decided to mess me around with the iPhone delivery they eventually sent it yesterday. So I'm now playing with it, adding apps etc and writing this using it. So far it's pretty damn impressive! Now to figure out how to hack 3.1 firmware out of the box...
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Computer on the blink again
Well that’s what you get if you don’t bother replacing the hard drive after around 5 years of constant read/writes… it start to make funny noises and wont boot!
So, just ordered a new 500Gb SataII Western Digital one from eBuyer, should be here tomorrow. I only hope ghost or some other backup imaging tool can read the hdd well enough to do a backup to save me days of setting it all up again.
Fingers crossed! Just booting up with my custom “Rich Pyke Computer Services” ultimate boot disk which contains a whole load of useful tools for situations like this, along with my Rich Pyke Computer Services custom made Hyrens Boot Disk with even more tools on it. Hopefully between them it’ll be up and running again in no time at all.
On the plus side, the card reader in the HTPC decided it would start working again tonight, however I have a feeling it will stop working as soon as it hits 60 degrees – which is around about now (I really should move it from being above the TV but sandwiched between the old AV selector and the cable box!)
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Blogging made easier
As if it wasn’t easy enough to set up a free blogging account with the many different suppliers and write everything you want to with ease Microsoft have made it much easier for you, and have been for some time (but I never got around to using it).
Part of the Live Essentials free download (Windows Live Messenger co.) is windows Live Writer which is basically a WYSIWYG HTML editor which can take your blog details and automatically post for you.
It’s got some great tools and features and makes a complex blog full of pictures and videos ever so easy. I recommend it to all (I’m writing this with it!).
Media Live HTPC Report
As mentioned last time, the report for the HTPC is here… it’s not 100% yet as the card reader needs connecting up and the cooling of it needs a little attention but that is all simple to do and, for the purposes of this report, it matters not. Below is the Summary, more reports to come later.
EVEREST Ultimate Edition
Version
EVEREST v5.02.1810 Beta
Benchmark Module
2.4.258.0
Homepage
http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type
Summary
Computer
MEDIALIVE
Generator
Rich
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600
Date
2009-09-23
Time
17:07
Summary
Computer:
Computer Type
ACPI x86-based PC
Chassis
MSI Media Live Silver
Power Supply
200w
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
OS Service Pack
-
Internet Explorer
8.0.7600.16385
DirectX
DirectX 11.0
Computer Name
MEDIALIVE
User Name
Rich
Logon Domain
MediaLive
Date / Time
2009-09-23 / 17:07
Motherboard:
CPU Type
DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2900 MHz (14.5 x 200) 5600+
CPU Cooler
Bubble LP
Motherboard Name
MSI Media Live (MS-7329) (1 PCI, 4 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Video, Gigabit LAN, IEEE-1394)
Motherboard Chipset
nVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE, AMD Hammer
System Memory
3200 MB (DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM)
DIMM1: Nanya M2Y1GH64TU8HD6B-AC
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-18 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-12 @ 266 MHz) (3-3-3-9 @ 200 MHz)
DIMM2: Nanya M2Y1GH64TU8HD6B-AC
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (5-5-5-18 @ 400 MHz) (4-4-4-12 @ 266 MHz) (3-3-3-9 @ 200 MHz)
DIMM3: Crucial RM12864AA800.8FE
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (6-6-6-18 @ 400 MHz) (5-5-5-15 @ 333 MHz) (4-4-4-12 @ 266 MHz)
DIMM4: Crucial RM12864AA800.8FE
1 GB DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM (6-6-6-18 @ 400 MHz) (5-5-5-15 @ 333 MHz) (4-4-4-12 @ 266 MHz)
BIOS Type
AMI (08/20/08)
Display:
Video Adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE (128 MB)
Video Adapter
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE (128 MB)
3D Accelerator
nVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Monitor
Generic PnP Monitor [NoDB] (181116843009)
Multimedia:
Audio Adapter
nVIDIA nForce 430 (MCP51) - High Definition Audio Controller
Storage:
IDE Controller
Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Storage Controller
NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller
Storage Controller
NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller
Disk Drive
WDC WD32 00AAJS-00L7A SCSI Disk Device (298 GB)
WDC WD75 00AAKS-00RBA SCSI Disk Device (698 GB)
SMART Hard Disks Status
OK
Partitions:
C: (NTFS)
298.0 GB (279.0 GB free)
D: (NTFS)
698.6 GB (26.9 GB free)
Total Size
996.6 GB (305.8 GB free)
Input:
Keyboard
HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard
HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard
Microsoft eHome MCIR 109 Keyboard
Keyboard
Microsoft eHome MCIR Keyboard
Keyboard
Microsoft eHome Remote Control Keyboard keys
Mouse
HID-compliant mouse
Mouse
HID-compliant mouse
Network:
Primary IP Address
XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX
Primary MAC Address
XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX
Network Adapter
802.11g MiniUSB 2.0 Wireless Bluetooth Combo (XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX)
Network Adapter
Bluetooth Device (Personal Area Network)
Network Adapter
Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter
Network Adapter
NVIDIA nForce 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Peripherals:
Printer
HP Officejet 6300 series
FireWire Controller
VIA VT6306/6307 Fire II IEEE1394 Host Controller (PHY: VIA VT6307)
Infrared Controller
eHome Infrared Receiver (USBCIR)
Infrared Controller
Microsoft eHome Infrared Transceiver
USB1 Controller
nVIDIA nForce 430 (MCP51) - OHCI USB 1.1 Controller
USB2 Controller
nVIDIA nForce 430 (MCP51) - EHCI USB 2.0 Controller
USB Device
802.11g MiniUSB 2.0 Wireless Bluetooth Combo
USB Device
eHome Infrared Receiver (USBCIR)
USB Device
Generic Bluetooth Adapter
USB Device
Generic USB Hub
USB Device
USB Composite Device
USB Device
USB Composite Device
USB Device
USB Input Device
USB Device
USB Input Device
USB Device
USB Input Device
USB Device
USB Input Device
DMI:
DMI BIOS Vendor
American Megatrends Inc.
DMI BIOS Version
080013
DMI System Manufacturer
MSI
DMI System Product
MS-7329
DMI System Version
2.0
DMI System UUID
00020003-00040005-00060007-00080009
DMI Motherboard Manufacturer
MSI
DMI Motherboard Product
MS-7329
DMI Motherboard Version
2.0
DMI Total / Free Memory Sockets
4 / 0
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Sonic Boom!
Hell yeah, the wait was worth it and the new songs more than make up for the lame ass album title.
Kiss - Sonic Boom is what I am on about! And it is just how it should be... it is Kiss at their finest and I would just like to say a big screw you to all who complain about Tommy & Eric... this proves they belong in KISS!!
Kiss forever! Go buy Sonic Boom when it's released!! Go preorder it now!!
Kiss - Sonic Boom is what I am on about! And it is just how it should be... it is Kiss at their finest and I would just like to say a big screw you to all who complain about Tommy & Eric... this proves they belong in KISS!!
Kiss forever! Go buy Sonic Boom when it's released!! Go preorder it now!!
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Desktop build complete
Finally, the desktop build is completed and everything is running fine... or almost everything.
Windows 7 seems to want to play silly beggers with the network and connect one LAN connection to two networks, my Home network and an "undifined" network but this is easily sorted, every time it boots up, by disabling and re-enabeling the network... not ideal but hey, it's Windows 7, it's new (it's not even out yet!)
Still some software to install, such as setpoint for the logitech keyboard/mouse but it isn't required and they don't have a version for Windows 7 yet so I will wait rather than install the Vista version run in compatibility mode.
Benchmarking the system and it comes up close to the top of the list, it's actually in the top 5 for some things, and this is against builds which have processors which are three or four times the cost of the one installed! Both reports can be found here and here for those interested.
Reports for the HTPC will be coming shortly however that one is still having some problems which is to be expected due to the complexity of the machine and it's purpose. I'll blog about that another time.
Windows 7 seems to want to play silly beggers with the network and connect one LAN connection to two networks, my Home network and an "undifined" network but this is easily sorted, every time it boots up, by disabling and re-enabeling the network... not ideal but hey, it's Windows 7, it's new (it's not even out yet!)
Still some software to install, such as setpoint for the logitech keyboard/mouse but it isn't required and they don't have a version for Windows 7 yet so I will wait rather than install the Vista version run in compatibility mode.
Benchmarking the system and it comes up close to the top of the list, it's actually in the top 5 for some things, and this is against builds which have processors which are three or four times the cost of the one installed! Both reports can be found here and here for those interested.
Reports for the HTPC will be coming shortly however that one is still having some problems which is to be expected due to the complexity of the machine and it's purpose. I'll blog about that another time.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Update on the car
At long last, I got the car back in to Dave Loudoun's for it's repairs... it only took the best part of 11 weeks to get it in!! But, it's now back and I *think* everything except for the climate control panel is fixed (I agreed I would sort the climate control as they couldn't get hold of one but I can get it refurbished for £35).
There was a fair bit wrong with the car once I picked it up - hardly any of it showed up on the test drive but all of it had to be done free of charge. The list included;
CD Changer didn't read discs.
SRS light on dash constantly on (occupancy sensor, seat belt tensioner).
Passenger airbag de-activated.
Roof and roof cover clashed on operation of roof (tension straps).
Car wouldn't start on occasions (bad earth).
Gear knob come off in hand.
Windscreen wipers didn't work.
Climate Control panel intermittent fault (bad capacitor).
But, so far so good... I haven't come across any other major problems. The only ones I need to sort out myself are the climate control panel as mentioned, a few interior lamps have died (ash trays, lighter) and replace the rear windscreen or attempt to clean it up.
I also have the number plate holders to fit now too, but need to strategically position the fake number plate bolts on the plates to alter the 9 to make it look more like a y.
I'm tempted to get the front end resprayed or touched up due to the stone chips, I also need the alarm settings changed as it auto arms after about 5 seconds which is a right pain in the ass!
But, nearly 3 months after buying it, it is almost how it should be. However, watch this be the end of summer - we have the best days when I don't have the car, sod's law and all that...
There was a fair bit wrong with the car once I picked it up - hardly any of it showed up on the test drive but all of it had to be done free of charge. The list included;
CD Changer didn't read discs.
SRS light on dash constantly on (occupancy sensor, seat belt tensioner).
Passenger airbag de-activated.
Roof and roof cover clashed on operation of roof (tension straps).
Car wouldn't start on occasions (bad earth).
Gear knob come off in hand.
Windscreen wipers didn't work.
Climate Control panel intermittent fault (bad capacitor).
But, so far so good... I haven't come across any other major problems. The only ones I need to sort out myself are the climate control panel as mentioned, a few interior lamps have died (ash trays, lighter) and replace the rear windscreen or attempt to clean it up.
I also have the number plate holders to fit now too, but need to strategically position the fake number plate bolts on the plates to alter the 9 to make it look more like a y.
I'm tempted to get the front end resprayed or touched up due to the stone chips, I also need the alarm settings changed as it auto arms after about 5 seconds which is a right pain in the ass!
But, nearly 3 months after buying it, it is almost how it should be. However, watch this be the end of summer - we have the best days when I don't have the car, sod's law and all that...
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Disposal of Clutter?
The time has come that I must finally do something about all of the crap that's lying around, under my bed, in cupboards etc.
Again, only about 2 weeks since the last time, I ended up sharing my bedroom with one hell of a spider (not just long skinny legs, huge body, huge hairy thick legs...)
Chances are there are more in there too... I haven't a clue as to what's under the bed or even at the bottom of it!
So, as a result, I need to get rid of all the clutter which I have kept for over 5 years and never used. I have no idea how I will do this, I thought ebay at first but it'll cost me and the shit wont sell. I may end up taking it to the tip, or most of it... some of it'll sell such as the 2 guitars, the bass guitar, the bass amp, the guitar amp, the PSP etc. but other shit like my two old xboxs wont, neither will any of the shit I have stored in the box of misc. electronic bits (which 90% probably doesn't work!).
Anyway, if anyone has a good idea on how I can clear my crap please comment and let me know. Or if anyone wants to buy a very cheap xbox console modified to run XBMC (google it, it kicks ass but I have no need now I have the HTPC) or guitar or, well, anything... comment and let me know.
Then it's time to get to finally finishing off the wall with my TV on, building the cupboard, putting in the shelves etc... I started it in January...
Again, only about 2 weeks since the last time, I ended up sharing my bedroom with one hell of a spider (not just long skinny legs, huge body, huge hairy thick legs...)
Chances are there are more in there too... I haven't a clue as to what's under the bed or even at the bottom of it!
So, as a result, I need to get rid of all the clutter which I have kept for over 5 years and never used. I have no idea how I will do this, I thought ebay at first but it'll cost me and the shit wont sell. I may end up taking it to the tip, or most of it... some of it'll sell such as the 2 guitars, the bass guitar, the bass amp, the guitar amp, the PSP etc. but other shit like my two old xboxs wont, neither will any of the shit I have stored in the box of misc. electronic bits (which 90% probably doesn't work!).
Anyway, if anyone has a good idea on how I can clear my crap please comment and let me know. Or if anyone wants to buy a very cheap xbox console modified to run XBMC (google it, it kicks ass but I have no need now I have the HTPC) or guitar or, well, anything... comment and let me know.
Then it's time to get to finally finishing off the wall with my TV on, building the cupboard, putting in the shelves etc... I started it in January...
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
I'm worth £3025 (I'm worth so much more!!)
Hair:
[x] Brown - £100
[ ] Blonde - £50
[ ] Black - £15
[ ] Bald - £5
[ ] Other-£75
---------------------------------------------------Total:£100
[x] Brown - £100
[ ] Blonde - £50
[ ] Black - £15
[ ] Bald - £5
[ ] Other-£75
---------------------------------------------------Total:£100
Eye Color:
[ ] Brown - £50
[ ] Green - £75
[x] Blue - £150
[ ] Hazel - £100
[ ] Other - £15
----------------------------------------------------Total: £150
Height:
[ ] Over 7′ - £200
[ ] 6′8″ to 7′ - £175
[ ] 6′0″ to 6′7″ - £150
[x] 5′10″ to 5′11″ - £75
[ ] 5′4″ to 5′10″ - £85
[ ] Under 5'4 - £95
----------------------------------------------------Total:£75
Age:
[ ] 50 to 56 - £175
[ ] 46 to 50 - £150
[ ] 41 to 45 - £125
[ ] 31 to 40 - £100
[x] 26 to 30 - £75
[ ] 21 to 25 - £50
[ ] 19 to 20 - £25
[ ] 0 to 18 - £100
----------------------------------------------------Total:£75
Birth Order:
[ ] Twins or more than twins - £700
[ ] First born - £320
[ ] Only child - £250
[x] Second born £100
[ ] Third born - £550
[ ] Fourth born - £300
[ ] Fifth born - £400
[ ] Sixth born - £215
----------------------------------------------------Total: £100
Drink:
[x] I did like once £400
[ ] Only holidays or occasions - £250
[ ] Sometimes - £215
[ ] Yes - £200
[ ] Only weekends when I can - £300
[ ] Every other day - £50
[ ] Once a day - £15
[ ] I live from the bottle - £Bankrupt£ [[back to £ZERO]]
[ ] No - £0
----------------------------------------------------Total: £400
Vision
[x] Perfect vision - £400
[ ] Need/have glasses but don't wear them - £200
[ ] No correction - £100
[ ] Glasses - £50
[ ] Contacts - £25
[ ] Surgical correction - £100
[ ] Some times Blurry eye site-£300
---------------------------------------------------- Total: £400
Shoe Size:
[ ] 13+ - £300
[ ] 12 and a half to 13 - £250
[ ] 11 to 12 - £400
[x] 7 to 10 - £500
[ ] Under 7- £450
----------------------------------------------------Total: £500
Favorite Colour:
[ ]Green-£800
[ ] Red - £600
[ ] Black - £100
[ ] Yellow -£475
[ ] Brown - £300
[x] Purple - £225
[ ] White - £400
[ ] Aqua - £350
[ ] Orange - £300
[ ] Blue - £300
[ ] Pink - £100
[ ] Other - £500
----------------------------------------------------Total:£225
Did you use a calculator to add it all up?
[ ] Yes - £0
[x] Nope - £1000
[ ] Some - £750
----------------------------------------------------Final Total: £3025
[ ] Brown - £50
[ ] Green - £75
[x] Blue - £150
[ ] Hazel - £100
[ ] Other - £15
--------------------------
Height:
[ ] Over 7′ - £200
[ ] 6′8″ to 7′ - £175
[ ] 6′0″ to 6′7″ - £150
[x] 5′10″ to 5′11″ - £75
[ ] 5′4″ to 5′10″ - £85
[ ] Under 5'4 - £95
--------------------------
Age:
[ ] 50 to 56 - £175
[ ] 46 to 50 - £150
[ ] 41 to 45 - £125
[ ] 31 to 40 - £100
[x] 26 to 30 - £75
[ ] 21 to 25 - £50
[ ] 19 to 20 - £25
[ ] 0 to 18 - £100
--------------------------
Birth Order:
[ ] Twins or more than twins - £700
[ ] First born - £320
[ ] Only child - £250
[x] Second born £100
[ ] Third born - £550
[ ] Fourth born - £300
[ ] Fifth born - £400
[ ] Sixth born - £215
--------------------------
Drink:
[x] I did like once £400
[ ] Only holidays or occasions - £250
[ ] Sometimes - £215
[ ] Yes - £200
[ ] Only weekends when I can - £300
[ ] Every other day - £50
[ ] Once a day - £15
[ ] I live from the bottle - £Bankrupt£ [[back to £ZERO]]
[ ] No - £0
--------------------------
Vision
[x] Perfect vision - £400
[ ] Need/have glasses but don't wear them - £200
[ ] No correction - £100
[ ] Glasses - £50
[ ] Contacts - £25
[ ] Surgical correction - £100
[ ] Some times Blurry eye site-£300
--------------------------
Shoe Size:
[ ] 13+ - £300
[ ] 12 and a half to 13 - £250
[ ] 11 to 12 - £400
[x] 7 to 10 - £500
[ ] Under 7- £450
--------------------------
Favorite Colour:
[ ]Green-£800
[ ] Red - £600
[ ] Black - £100
[ ] Yellow -£475
[ ] Brown - £300
[x] Purple - £225
[ ] White - £400
[ ] Aqua - £350
[ ] Orange - £300
[ ] Blue - £300
[ ] Pink - £100
[ ] Other - £500
--------------------------
Did you use a calculator to add it all up?
[ ] Yes - £0
[x] Nope - £1000
[ ] Some - £750
--------------------------
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Realizations...
1. I've come to realize that my hair: Is probably the best hair in the world.
2. I've come to realize that when I talk: Few people listen but I carry on regardless.
3. I've come to realize that if I make a mistake: I make damn sure nobody knows about it.
4. I've come to realize that all I really need is: Money. It really can buy you happiness.
5. I've come to realize that I've lost: My soul. I believe the Devil still has it but he was due to return it on the 13th February - hiring it out is much better than selling it.
6. I've come to realize that I hate: Fat people. Seriously, they should make it illegal to be fat!
7. I've come to realize that if I were to get drunk: I would have been spiked. Alcohol is for losers. T-Total for the best part of 4 years now I believe!
8. I've come to realize that money: Is the most important thing in life. Fuck love, that wont put food on the table or pay for the operation you need. Money is, and always will be, the most powerful force in the world. Sorry but I don't make the rules.
9. I've come to realize that when I get old: I will probably be a little more wrinkly but have shit loads of money.
10. I've come to realize that I'll always be: an asshole.
11. I've come to realize that I have a crush on: that good looking bloke in every mirror.
12. I've come to realize that the last time I cried: was when watching the Michael Jackson memorial - sad times.
13. I've come to realize that my cell phone: Needs to be updated, iPhone or Blackberry? Both will confuse the shit out of me.
14. I've come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: I'm already 10 minutes late for work!
15. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night I: really should get out of my clothes and turn off the lights...
16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about: how much money has come up so far in this thingy-ma-bob.
17. I've come to realize that my life: Is what you make it (so let's make it rock). I made mine great and it just so happens that I have some humble pie ready for a certain uncle to eat... fucking funny holes in roads I'm digging aren't they?
18. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook: Too many people are telling me what they have done every 5 fucking minutes!
19. I've come to realize that today I will: Only keep getting better and better.
20. I've come to realize that tonight I will: Probably not do very much.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will: Probably sleep most of the day.
22. I've come to realize that I really want: A shit. Back in a mo!
23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is: Absolutly nobody.
24. I've come to realize that relationships: are better left well alone,
25. I've come to realize that love: Is a myth.
26. I've come to realize my best guy friends: Would probably be shite wingmen and more of a cockblock.
27. I've come to realize my best girl friends: Have the biggest boobs.
28. I've come to realize food can: Interesting.
29: I've come to realize that this summer: It'll rain.
30. I've come to realize heartbreak: Is better when giving than receiving.
31. I've come to realize that my ex: means nothing to me however I do hope she caught some weird and wonderful tropical STD after leaving me and making out it was my fault when all she really wanted to do was to become a cheap Gloucester whore.
32. I've come to realize that my sister(s): Are non existant.
33. I've come to realize that crying: Makes you no less of a man, damnit!
34. I've come to realize that death: Is something that makes me shit myself.
35. I've come to realize that if I'm sick: I carry on working but complain like a hooker who's not been paid!
36. I've come to realize when I'm bored: I have no work to do.
.38. I've come to realize that work: Is what keeps me sane.
39. I've come to realize that my family: Is quite a funny TV show.
40. I've come to realize when I go shopping: I don't buy anything - I must be too cheap/tight.
41. I've come to realize: I just wasted about an hour on this crap...
2. I've come to realize that when I talk: Few people listen but I carry on regardless.
3. I've come to realize that if I make a mistake: I make damn sure nobody knows about it.
4. I've come to realize that all I really need is: Money. It really can buy you happiness.
5. I've come to realize that I've lost: My soul. I believe the Devil still has it but he was due to return it on the 13th February - hiring it out is much better than selling it.
6. I've come to realize that I hate: Fat people. Seriously, they should make it illegal to be fat!
7. I've come to realize that if I were to get drunk: I would have been spiked. Alcohol is for losers. T-Total for the best part of 4 years now I believe!
8. I've come to realize that money: Is the most important thing in life. Fuck love, that wont put food on the table or pay for the operation you need. Money is, and always will be, the most powerful force in the world. Sorry but I don't make the rules.
9. I've come to realize that when I get old: I will probably be a little more wrinkly but have shit loads of money.
10. I've come to realize that I'll always be: an asshole.
11. I've come to realize that I have a crush on: that good looking bloke in every mirror.
12. I've come to realize that the last time I cried: was when watching the Michael Jackson memorial - sad times.
13. I've come to realize that my cell phone: Needs to be updated, iPhone or Blackberry? Both will confuse the shit out of me.
14. I've come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: I'm already 10 minutes late for work!
15. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night I: really should get out of my clothes and turn off the lights...
16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about: how much money has come up so far in this thingy-ma-bob.
17. I've come to realize that my life: Is what you make it (so let's make it rock). I made mine great and it just so happens that I have some humble pie ready for a certain uncle to eat... fucking funny holes in roads I'm digging aren't they?
18. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook: Too many people are telling me what they have done every 5 fucking minutes!
19. I've come to realize that today I will: Only keep getting better and better.
20. I've come to realize that tonight I will: Probably not do very much.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will: Probably sleep most of the day.
22. I've come to realize that I really want: A shit. Back in a mo!
23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is: Absolutly nobody.
24. I've come to realize that relationships: are better left well alone,
25. I've come to realize that love: Is a myth.
26. I've come to realize my best guy friends: Would probably be shite wingmen and more of a cockblock.
27. I've come to realize my best girl friends: Have the biggest boobs.
28. I've come to realize food can: Interesting.
29: I've come to realize that this summer: It'll rain.
30. I've come to realize heartbreak: Is better when giving than receiving.
31. I've come to realize that my ex: means nothing to me however I do hope she caught some weird and wonderful tropical STD after leaving me and making out it was my fault when all she really wanted to do was to become a cheap Gloucester whore.
32. I've come to realize that my sister(s): Are non existant.
33. I've come to realize that crying: Makes you no less of a man, damnit!
34. I've come to realize that death: Is something that makes me shit myself.
35. I've come to realize that if I'm sick: I carry on working but complain like a hooker who's not been paid!
36. I've come to realize when I'm bored: I have no work to do.
.38. I've come to realize that work: Is what keeps me sane.
39. I've come to realize that my family: Is quite a funny TV show.
40. I've come to realize when I go shopping: I don't buy anything - I must be too cheap/tight.
41. I've come to realize: I just wasted about an hour on this crap...
Friday, 31 July 2009
Windows 7
Well, at long last Microsoft have finally sorted out the RTM for Windows 7 which means it's time to have a play with it.
I got my hands on both the x86 (32bit) and x64(64bit) versions however my keys wont be turning up for about 3 months, these are purely for OEM manufacturers not for home users so it's to be expected that the keys wont be ready yet.
Anyway, I installed it on to the old Vaio laptop on Wednesday and it seems that a laptop built for Windows XP about 5 or 6 years ago (if not longer) isn't too great at running 7. No drivers and no way to download them. So that's a no go for now.
Will be updating the main PC to 7 shortly and using the rearm command until I get the key through, then I can check out all of it's new features etc. But as of now I only have access to a few things and first impressions is that it looks and feels almost the same as Vista but with a new, updated, task bar. The settings all seem similar with a few cosmetic tweaks but nothing much... it's more like Windows 98 to Windows 95 - not much difference but worth the upgrade.
Will see how it goes, the upgrade is planned for this weekend but it all depends on the workload as I can't be without my main PC for long if I have people on my back asking for work to be done.
I got my hands on both the x86 (32bit) and x64(64bit) versions however my keys wont be turning up for about 3 months, these are purely for OEM manufacturers not for home users so it's to be expected that the keys wont be ready yet.
Anyway, I installed it on to the old Vaio laptop on Wednesday and it seems that a laptop built for Windows XP about 5 or 6 years ago (if not longer) isn't too great at running 7. No drivers and no way to download them. So that's a no go for now.
Will be updating the main PC to 7 shortly and using the rearm command until I get the key through, then I can check out all of it's new features etc. But as of now I only have access to a few things and first impressions is that it looks and feels almost the same as Vista but with a new, updated, task bar. The settings all seem similar with a few cosmetic tweaks but nothing much... it's more like Windows 98 to Windows 95 - not much difference but worth the upgrade.
Will see how it goes, the upgrade is planned for this weekend but it all depends on the workload as I can't be without my main PC for long if I have people on my back asking for work to be done.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
The new car
Well, as said before, the new car is here and was just in time to catch what is probably the last of the summer.
While it may have a few problems, which is totally understandable for a used car, overall it's great.
The list of minor problems is not too big and hopefully they should sort them all out when it goes back in to have it's seatbelt tensioner fixed. It's basically just the a/c controller is shot, a few bits of trim are loose (however most I have sorted) and the CD changer (which I don't think they realised it had) isn't fixed in or working at all.
Anyway, I had the chance to take a few photos of her this afternoon after a quick car wash session, here they are...
While it may have a few problems, which is totally understandable for a used car, overall it's great.
The list of minor problems is not too big and hopefully they should sort them all out when it goes back in to have it's seatbelt tensioner fixed. It's basically just the a/c controller is shot, a few bits of trim are loose (however most I have sorted) and the CD changer (which I don't think they realised it had) isn't fixed in or working at all.
Anyway, I had the chance to take a few photos of her this afternoon after a quick car wash session, here they are...
Friday, 26 June 2009
Goodbye my friend
I can't imagine anyone hasn't heard this by now but last night we lost one of the true great's of this world... my childhood icon and a man that inspired me to dance and sing (only inspired, didn't teach unfortunately)... the King of pop, Michael Jackson.
He has always been an icon to me (may be obvious from my display picture I have everywhere... fedora tipped forwards), even through the periods when he was up for all manner of charges.
The one thing that gets me is how everyone now says what a legend he was, how great he was and how much he will be missed... a lot of these people are the same people who had already said he was guilty of everything thrown at him, said he was a freak, said he was just weird. Now, all of a sudden, they change their tune and praise him? Two-faced assholes if you ask me! It was these people who drove him to depression, and probably caused a lot of the stress which eventually killed him. I blame these people for the death of a true legend!
They say, the star that shines twice as bright only shines half as long... well MJ did more than shine twice as bright, more like a million times a bright, I am grateful for what he gave us it's just a huge shame he has been taken from us so soon and so suddenly.
Real legends never die... Michael Jackson will never die!
He has always been an icon to me (may be obvious from my display picture I have everywhere... fedora tipped forwards), even through the periods when he was up for all manner of charges.
The one thing that gets me is how everyone now says what a legend he was, how great he was and how much he will be missed... a lot of these people are the same people who had already said he was guilty of everything thrown at him, said he was a freak, said he was just weird. Now, all of a sudden, they change their tune and praise him? Two-faced assholes if you ask me! It was these people who drove him to depression, and probably caused a lot of the stress which eventually killed him. I blame these people for the death of a true legend!
They say, the star that shines twice as bright only shines half as long... well MJ did more than shine twice as bright, more like a million times a bright, I am grateful for what he gave us it's just a huge shame he has been taken from us so soon and so suddenly.
Real legends never die... Michael Jackson will never die!
Thursday, 25 June 2009
OK, so I've been busy
OK, so I never did get round to finishing off the last entry I made. I have been a little busy recently so it never happened. Hell, the faulty GHWT guitar & game are still waiting to be sent back (even though the £10 Amazon voucher has been spent).
Anyway, to get back up to date.
Work, loads on, never enough time to do it and currently losing the will to do it which further slows me down.
Car, just sold the MR2 for just over £100 (a loss of around £17,900). Part exchanged the Civic for a nice little BMW 328i Cabrio which I picked up yesterday...
Rants, well the new car lasted a whole 14 hours before something went wrong... the A/C control panel now refuses to work at all, it's constantly blowing cold air as per the last settings which were 16 deg. Not good! Hopefully the dealer will fix it FOC though, they have to fix the srs warning light FOC anyway so let's hope they do this too.
Also found the CD changer which I wasn't aware of. I knew it had been prepped for it but didn't expect the changer to drop when I opened the cubby... needs bolting in properly and I need to get it to read my CD-Rs (hopefully just due to burning with WMP not anything decent).
Still busy with work, car, everything... hope I get to have a chance to tinker with the car tonight, the plates need changing at least!!
For now, that'll do...
Anyway, to get back up to date.
Work, loads on, never enough time to do it and currently losing the will to do it which further slows me down.
Car, just sold the MR2 for just over £100 (a loss of around £17,900). Part exchanged the Civic for a nice little BMW 328i Cabrio which I picked up yesterday...
Rants, well the new car lasted a whole 14 hours before something went wrong... the A/C control panel now refuses to work at all, it's constantly blowing cold air as per the last settings which were 16 deg. Not good! Hopefully the dealer will fix it FOC though, they have to fix the srs warning light FOC anyway so let's hope they do this too.
Also found the CD changer which I wasn't aware of. I knew it had been prepped for it but didn't expect the changer to drop when I opened the cubby... needs bolting in properly and I need to get it to read my CD-Rs (hopefully just due to burning with WMP not anything decent).
Still busy with work, car, everything... hope I get to have a chance to tinker with the car tonight, the plates need changing at least!!
For now, that'll do...
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Quick update (to be followed up later)
Just a very quick update, which I will follow up later with many more details, photos etc.
First item, holiday. Was good. Almost died climbing back up Clovelly, sunburnt my hands a little, got some funny videos of some more rock band gaming, lost at cheat, won at spot the intro and generally had a good week away.
Second, the dentist. The Tuesday after the return from holiday was the end of the dentist visits for my front teeth and they are now all done. Just got to go around the 5 teeth that have slight decay on them and get those sorted but that shouldn't be much and then back to having good teeth again! The smile is now great and I will be showing off what my £2k+ has paid for.
Lastly, work... and debt recovery. I have managed to get blood from a stone, burn some bridges and cross over them once more as if nothing happened... my secret? You'll have to wait for that one!
Updates on all of the above and possibly more later, once I have more time.
First item, holiday. Was good. Almost died climbing back up Clovelly, sunburnt my hands a little, got some funny videos of some more rock band gaming, lost at cheat, won at spot the intro and generally had a good week away.
Second, the dentist. The Tuesday after the return from holiday was the end of the dentist visits for my front teeth and they are now all done. Just got to go around the 5 teeth that have slight decay on them and get those sorted but that shouldn't be much and then back to having good teeth again! The smile is now great and I will be showing off what my £2k+ has paid for.
Lastly, work... and debt recovery. I have managed to get blood from a stone, burn some bridges and cross over them once more as if nothing happened... my secret? You'll have to wait for that one!
Updates on all of the above and possibly more later, once I have more time.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Rants
Time for a few rants to finish off before I get some shut eye...
1. Credit cards! What a joke! MBNA, while they may give me interest free if I pay in full and give me points when I spend (points which I will be using to buy my nephews Lego for his birthday, so I shouldn't really complain) they screw you if you have "cash transactions. I used it to put some money in to my William Hill account the other day so I could back a 300 to 1 horse or some crazy thing, and paid an extra £3 in cash transaction charges, £1 interest for the month and another £1 interest this month. Trying to talk to them is like talking to bubbles the fucking chimp! So far they have charged me an extra 50%, they are charging 10% interest a month, my apr isn't even that high, and no explanation. I can see a legal case coming if the monkeys at MBNA don't sort this out!!
2. Electrical goods, or instrument controllers for the guitar hero/rockband games. I got Guitar Hero World Tour and the guitar yesterday... it doesn't work right!! The tilt sensor is always on, unless I point it to the floor, the touch strip is over sensitive and it tends to strum itself! I was failing songs with this new guitar which I can FC with the old x-ploder guitar from GH2... if only I could get a wireless one of them I would be happy!
3. Amazon. As number 2, amazon is where it come from. I emailed them as they have no other method to speak to them and explained how I needed the guitar for holiday, it was unacceptable and a replacement is needed... they replied saying that it's unclear what I want to happen... unclear? I said a replacement is required urgently! It's not hard to work that out, not even for a Polish numbnuts working at Amazon!!
4. Grumpy old men. As the earlier post explains, I have to get rid of my MR2. This is because the grumpy old man is throwing a hissy fit about it now, and literally throwing the bodykit around his garage. Does he not know the kit is worth £5,000 new?! He expects it gone, which is fair enough as I did say I would get it gone but what he doesnt seem to think about is the fact I work every day (not just week days, every day!) and every evening. I have little time to fuck around trying to sell something I don't really want to sell. I have been trying, I have been making the ebay listing but need to find out the photos... but now, because it's just not worth it, it's posted on ebay without the photos. If people want the car they will see it when they come to pick it up. It says it's not a car to buy and drive off in and it's got explanations but I know that wont be enough, someone will bid and win, see the car and say "oh, it's not roadworthy then?" and not buy it.
Anyway, enough ranting, time for sleep so I don't fall asleep tomorrow at work... gonna have a lot to get sorted so I can go on holiday and not get any phone calls (I give it 4 hours before the ring on Monday).
1. Credit cards! What a joke! MBNA, while they may give me interest free if I pay in full and give me points when I spend (points which I will be using to buy my nephews Lego for his birthday, so I shouldn't really complain) they screw you if you have "cash transactions. I used it to put some money in to my William Hill account the other day so I could back a 300 to 1 horse or some crazy thing, and paid an extra £3 in cash transaction charges, £1 interest for the month and another £1 interest this month. Trying to talk to them is like talking to bubbles the fucking chimp! So far they have charged me an extra 50%, they are charging 10% interest a month, my apr isn't even that high, and no explanation. I can see a legal case coming if the monkeys at MBNA don't sort this out!!
2. Electrical goods, or instrument controllers for the guitar hero/rockband games. I got Guitar Hero World Tour and the guitar yesterday... it doesn't work right!! The tilt sensor is always on, unless I point it to the floor, the touch strip is over sensitive and it tends to strum itself! I was failing songs with this new guitar which I can FC with the old x-ploder guitar from GH2... if only I could get a wireless one of them I would be happy!
3. Amazon. As number 2, amazon is where it come from. I emailed them as they have no other method to speak to them and explained how I needed the guitar for holiday, it was unacceptable and a replacement is needed... they replied saying that it's unclear what I want to happen... unclear? I said a replacement is required urgently! It's not hard to work that out, not even for a Polish numbnuts working at Amazon!!
4. Grumpy old men. As the earlier post explains, I have to get rid of my MR2. This is because the grumpy old man is throwing a hissy fit about it now, and literally throwing the bodykit around his garage. Does he not know the kit is worth £5,000 new?! He expects it gone, which is fair enough as I did say I would get it gone but what he doesnt seem to think about is the fact I work every day (not just week days, every day!) and every evening. I have little time to fuck around trying to sell something I don't really want to sell. I have been trying, I have been making the ebay listing but need to find out the photos... but now, because it's just not worth it, it's posted on ebay without the photos. If people want the car they will see it when they come to pick it up. It says it's not a car to buy and drive off in and it's got explanations but I know that wont be enough, someone will bid and win, see the car and say "oh, it's not roadworthy then?" and not buy it.
Anyway, enough ranting, time for sleep so I don't fall asleep tomorrow at work... gonna have a lot to get sorted so I can go on holiday and not get any phone calls (I give it 4 hours before the ring on Monday).
I want to do a poo in Paul's bathroom
Seriously, what is with the glade adverts? Touch and fresh, great product no doubt but do they really need to have an advert with a little midget telling his mum that he needs a poo but wont do it at home, he has to do it at "Paul's" because he has touch and fresh.
Who is this Paul? Can I use his bathroom? I want to be touched and freshened while I have a poo! Well, maybe not, I think I just went a little too far there.
Who is this Paul? Can I use his bathroom? I want to be touched and freshened while I have a poo! Well, maybe not, I think I just went a little too far there.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
MR2 for sale
Not a happy time but it has got to be done. No time left and no where to put it so the MR2 has been put on ebay for 10 days.
Don't really want to get rid of it but I have no choice... but on the bright side, hopefully someone will be after a project and will see it and buy it, finish it and I'll see it at the shows in years to come.
If anyone wants it please go to ebay and bid on it.
A tribute to the MR2... how she looked in all her glory...
Don't really want to get rid of it but I have no choice... but on the bright side, hopefully someone will be after a project and will see it and buy it, finish it and I'll see it at the shows in years to come.
If anyone wants it please go to ebay and bid on it.
A tribute to the MR2... how she looked in all her glory...
Friday, 8 May 2009
Free PC help
How about £40 worth of free help? Or how about we go by PC World's prices and say £120-£200?
If you have ever forgotten your log in password or the administrator password for you Windows XP computer help is at hand. I guess Rich Pyke Computer Services are just generous like that.
Change/Clear User Account Password in Microsoft Windows XP.
* MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR WINDOWS XP PRODUCT KEY[1] BEFORE STARTING THIS PROCESS *
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.
4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.
It should read something like
If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it
Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one (you should only have one), it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy[1]).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.
Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your changes will be lost.
Now that your password problem is fixed, you should make a point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk.
How to create a Password Reset Disk
1. Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
2. Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
3. This will initiate a wizard.
4. Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
5. Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
6. Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
7. Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk
1. Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything.
2. This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password.
3. Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard.
4. Insert your password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard which will let you choose a new password to use for your account.
[1] Product key should be on a sticker on your PC or with your XP setup disc. If you are unable to find it you can download WinKeyFinder which will get it from your computer. Download from www.RichPykeComputerServices.com/files/WinKeyFinder.exe
If you have ever forgotten your log in password or the administrator password for you Windows XP computer help is at hand. I guess Rich Pyke Computer Services are just generous like that.
Change/Clear User Account Password in Microsoft Windows XP.
* MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR WINDOWS XP PRODUCT KEY[1] BEFORE STARTING THIS PROCESS *
1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)
2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”
3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.
4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now
5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.
6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.
It should read something like
If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it
Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one (you should only have one), it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.
7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.
8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”
9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.
10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.
11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.
12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After you’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy[1]).
13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.
Cancelling will just result in Setup resuming at bootup and your changes will be lost.
Now that your password problem is fixed, you should make a point to prevent it from ever happening again by creating a Password Reset Disk.
How to create a Password Reset Disk
1. Go to the Control Panel and open up User Accounts.
2. Choose your account (under Pick An Account to Change) and under Related Tasks, click "Prevent a forgotten password".
3. This will initiate a wizard.
4. Click Next and then insert a blank formatted floppy disk into your A: drive.
5. Click Next and enter your logon password in the password box.
6. Click Next to begin the creation of your Password disk.
7. Once completed, label and save the disk to a safe place
How to Log on to your PC Using Your Password Reset Disk
1. Start your computer and at the logon screen, click your user name and leave the password box blank or just type in anything.
2. This will bring up a Logon Failure box and you will then see the option to use your Password Reset disk to create a new password.
3. Click it which will initiate the Password Reset wizard.
4. Insert your password reset disk into your floppy drive and follow the wizard which will let you choose a new password to use for your account.
[1] Product key should be on a sticker on your PC or with your XP setup disc. If you are unable to find it you can download WinKeyFinder which will get it from your computer. Download from www.RichPykeComputerServices.com/files/WinKeyFinder.exe
Monday, 13 April 2009
Update on the teeth
OK, time for another update on the teeth now that I have had another dentist visit since last update (another 2 actually).
Start with visit number 1... ROOT TREATMENT.
A lot of people think root treatment hurts... it did first time I had it done with my old dentist and that made me a little nervous when I learnt I needed it done again. But, pain was not an issue what so ever. The only two things that hurt were the initial injections (all 5), but that wasnt much pain at all, hell, I have had a tattoo done, that's nothing really! And the only other thing that hurt was when they said "That'll be £120 please".
To put it in some perspective, I was literally falling asleep in the chair while it was being done and it was only when he blew the air on the teeth that I jumped... not due to pain but I wasn't expecting the noise!
Root treatment all done, xray to show how good it is and I have to say, it looks good (as far as I can tell, but I'm not really qualified to say if a canal down a tooth is good or not).
Visit 2... prep the tooth for the crown, a couple of fillings.
Again, NO PAIN... I have now officially gone from hating the dentist to loving the dentist. I actually look forward to my next appointment! It's about the only time I ever really relax.
So, the pin is now in and a temporary crown on it, and 5 of the 6 front teeth (kaynine to kaynine) are sorted, and I am VERY impressed (well worth the £650 it's cost so far).
Here are some photos.....
Before any treatment to the front teeth... this is what my old dentist said was OK!
After visit number 1. First Insisor to kaynine on the right (my right, so your left)
After visit number 3. First Insisor to kaynine on the left (my left, so your right) (Note: second insisor from middle is temporary crown).
Click the photos for bigger ones. Sorry about the quality of number 3, I'll do some better ones when I have more time.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Certified?
I finally found the time to take a look in to getting certified. Not the bad kind of certified where they lock you up in a padded cell (although some say that may be a good idea) but the good kind, well, good for me.
Microsoft Certified... well, MCDST most probably but I may go all out and chase after all of them, including the office application ones, just to give me a few more letters I can tell people I have.
I should (hopefully) walk through the 70-271 & 70-272, after all I have been doing everything they cover for over 10 years now, all that's changed is the OS from Win9x to WinXP. Each costs around £88 + VAT, but I can claim that as expenses and not pay tax on it as it will be for my work... which by the way has some news too...
The news is, posted on the website but never-the-less, I'll say here too. No more will I be trading as R. Pyke but, as of 5th April 2009 I will be trading as "Rich Pyke Computer Services". It's all good, and all hopefully going to catapult me in to a whole new pile of clients just itching to give me their money. Even have the fancy new logo and everything sorted!
Time for sleep. Candyfloss wishes and marshmallow dreams...
Microsoft Certified... well, MCDST most probably but I may go all out and chase after all of them, including the office application ones, just to give me a few more letters I can tell people I have.
I should (hopefully) walk through the 70-271 & 70-272, after all I have been doing everything they cover for over 10 years now, all that's changed is the OS from Win9x to WinXP. Each costs around £88 + VAT, but I can claim that as expenses and not pay tax on it as it will be for my work... which by the way has some news too...
The news is, posted on the website but never-the-less, I'll say here too. No more will I be trading as R. Pyke but, as of 5th April 2009 I will be trading as "Rich Pyke Computer Services". It's all good, and all hopefully going to catapult me in to a whole new pile of clients just itching to give me their money. Even have the fancy new logo and everything sorted!
Time for sleep. Candyfloss wishes and marshmallow dreams...
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
As always, no time to do a blog
Just what I thought would happen, I start a blog and don't have the time to actually post in it!
A recap since last post...
New stereo is in the car now, after much effort trying to fit it all in the restricted space given in the car. Even now my hands are still cut up a lot thanks to the tight spaces and sharp edges. But it's in, it's secure, it looks good and best of all, I once again have my iPod in the car along with DVD.
Just need to sort out fitting the xbox/xbox360 (undecided which yet), tidy up all of the processors, switches, cables etc. then decide if it's worth fitting new speakers in the car - I have the genesis 6x9 subs, amp and passive crossover from the MR2 which aren't being used so I may build an enclosure for the subs and fit the kit in the Civic. The current speakers are shit, distored, can't handle the sounds and not of good sound quality - not good enough for the £1300 worth of headunit in there anyway! I think I just talked myself in to fitting it all.
Work has been coming in thick and fast, with a rush job last week which earnt me much more than the standard rates, and this was at the client's request! This client is my kind of client. Not only did they request I invoice them £30 for various drawing changes - which I was doing without charging as it's in the original price, but they tell me they will approve an invoice of £100 for 5 drawings if they are done overnight! The total opposite of another client who currently is trying to dispute £10 because I gave a saving on 2 of the 4 items so they expect the saving to apply to all 4 items. I should not have given the saving, perhaps then they wouldn't question it and I would be £10 better off!
Also have now sorted out the excel document for analysing the figures, storing the information and creating the invoices for all of my work. It took some time to set up but will now pay for itself in the time saving it will do for all future work. Good use of SUMIF, VLOOKUP, IF, SUM, TEXT and a whole load of other functions in excel which are seldom known but very handy (thanks MrExcel)! A simple drop down list to select the client, a few cells for putting down the description of the work and the cost, and the rest is taken care of by excel... it even outputs a chart to show which client spends how much money, over how many sales, for a given time period! I may even market this baby and make some serious money off of it (I've seem what others charge for excel dashboards and worksheets/books).
The next challenge/project is the excel workbook for managing a fleet of vehicles, including milage, servicing info, repair info and pretty much anything else to do with the vehicles. It's something I will be taking care of at B&B so it's another thing that will be built by a person who uses it - always better than these software houses who haven't a clue on what it all means.
Video games wise, you could check out my xbox360's blog, it's on my website, or you could just carry on reading. Got hold of Halo Wars a few days early, not that great a game really, I had it finished (all bar the online rank achievements) by the Sunday after it's Friday release! Online it is boring and has many flaws... depending on who you choose you can either dominate the other teams and win pretty much instantly, protect yourself so much that they cannot win or get totally dominated. There is no real "rock, paper, scissors" to this game online!
Also played through Spiderman: FOF. Again, not a long game and it only took 2 days, so a total of around 4 to 6 hours, to beat 100%. Fun game, don't get me wrong, but not £40 worth of fun!
And now it's on to Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 again (thanks to Microsoft resetting me so I have had to make a new account and play all 114 games again). It's a good think I have always loved the Smackdown! series of games as I have 2007 & 2008 to play through once 2009 is finished. But for now it's time for The Demonic Spaceman to dominate the WWE once again - and soon to dominate the Legends of Wrestlemania once it is out.
Anyway, back to work... lots to do for a consultant who, well, the words "fucking" and "useless" spring to mind... let's see how long it takes for the approval of drawings this time - keep checking back for that one, they were sent last night so they could be back... well, it's still anyone's guess.
A recap since last post...
New stereo is in the car now, after much effort trying to fit it all in the restricted space given in the car. Even now my hands are still cut up a lot thanks to the tight spaces and sharp edges. But it's in, it's secure, it looks good and best of all, I once again have my iPod in the car along with DVD.
Just need to sort out fitting the xbox/xbox360 (undecided which yet), tidy up all of the processors, switches, cables etc. then decide if it's worth fitting new speakers in the car - I have the genesis 6x9 subs, amp and passive crossover from the MR2 which aren't being used so I may build an enclosure for the subs and fit the kit in the Civic. The current speakers are shit, distored, can't handle the sounds and not of good sound quality - not good enough for the £1300 worth of headunit in there anyway! I think I just talked myself in to fitting it all.
Work has been coming in thick and fast, with a rush job last week which earnt me much more than the standard rates, and this was at the client's request! This client is my kind of client. Not only did they request I invoice them £30 for various drawing changes - which I was doing without charging as it's in the original price, but they tell me they will approve an invoice of £100 for 5 drawings if they are done overnight! The total opposite of another client who currently is trying to dispute £10 because I gave a saving on 2 of the 4 items so they expect the saving to apply to all 4 items. I should not have given the saving, perhaps then they wouldn't question it and I would be £10 better off!
Also have now sorted out the excel document for analysing the figures, storing the information and creating the invoices for all of my work. It took some time to set up but will now pay for itself in the time saving it will do for all future work. Good use of SUMIF, VLOOKUP, IF, SUM, TEXT and a whole load of other functions in excel which are seldom known but very handy (thanks MrExcel)! A simple drop down list to select the client, a few cells for putting down the description of the work and the cost, and the rest is taken care of by excel... it even outputs a chart to show which client spends how much money, over how many sales, for a given time period! I may even market this baby and make some serious money off of it (I've seem what others charge for excel dashboards and worksheets/books).
The next challenge/project is the excel workbook for managing a fleet of vehicles, including milage, servicing info, repair info and pretty much anything else to do with the vehicles. It's something I will be taking care of at B&B so it's another thing that will be built by a person who uses it - always better than these software houses who haven't a clue on what it all means.
Video games wise, you could check out my xbox360's blog, it's on my website, or you could just carry on reading. Got hold of Halo Wars a few days early, not that great a game really, I had it finished (all bar the online rank achievements) by the Sunday after it's Friday release! Online it is boring and has many flaws... depending on who you choose you can either dominate the other teams and win pretty much instantly, protect yourself so much that they cannot win or get totally dominated. There is no real "rock, paper, scissors" to this game online!
Also played through Spiderman: FOF. Again, not a long game and it only took 2 days, so a total of around 4 to 6 hours, to beat 100%. Fun game, don't get me wrong, but not £40 worth of fun!
And now it's on to Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 again (thanks to Microsoft resetting me so I have had to make a new account and play all 114 games again). It's a good think I have always loved the Smackdown! series of games as I have 2007 & 2008 to play through once 2009 is finished. But for now it's time for The Demonic Spaceman to dominate the WWE once again - and soon to dominate the Legends of Wrestlemania once it is out.
Anyway, back to work... lots to do for a consultant who, well, the words "fucking" and "useless" spring to mind... let's see how long it takes for the approval of drawings this time - keep checking back for that one, they were sent last night so they could be back... well, it's still anyone's guess.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Halfway there
Well, halfway there with the teeth now.
Had 3 fillings done and I have to say the teeth look good now, more like teeth than they have in a long time!
Got 3 more to sort, one needing root treatment, but if it's anything like today the most painful bit will be when they say how much I owe them - especially as it's all private work!
Not a lot else happened today...
Had 3 fillings done and I have to say the teeth look good now, more like teeth than they have in a long time!
Got 3 more to sort, one needing root treatment, but if it's anything like today the most painful bit will be when they say how much I owe them - especially as it's all private work!
Not a lot else happened today...
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Another day, another dollar...
I hate this week... I hate this week so bad!
Explain this, the project is designed by someone else. He produces drawings which we rebadge as our own. We issue them as working drawings... well that's usually the case. Not this time. The architect/client changes the building, the designer/consultant (prick) then tells us to change our drawings... which we don't yet have because he hasn't done them. He then goes on to say that us updating his drawings will be best all round... best for him, sure, not for us! We haven't the money in the job for that and it's his fucking job!
So anyway, it looks like I will have my work cut out sorting his drawings out. I'm fucked if I will be doing them in his drawing sheets though! If he has problems sourcing someone to do his CAD work then perhaps he should come to me directly, after all, that is my primary business!!
Also had to sit in a 2.5 hour long meeting for a new job yesterday. Damn it was hard to stay awake!!
But, at least I finally found time to check out the GTA4 add-on the Lost and damned properly! After working my arse off getting the laptop back up and running, sorting out a few email template problems and checking out some modifications needed for a schematic.
Explain this, the project is designed by someone else. He produces drawings which we rebadge as our own. We issue them as working drawings... well that's usually the case. Not this time. The architect/client changes the building, the designer/consultant (prick) then tells us to change our drawings... which we don't yet have because he hasn't done them. He then goes on to say that us updating his drawings will be best all round... best for him, sure, not for us! We haven't the money in the job for that and it's his fucking job!
So anyway, it looks like I will have my work cut out sorting his drawings out. I'm fucked if I will be doing them in his drawing sheets though! If he has problems sourcing someone to do his CAD work then perhaps he should come to me directly, after all, that is my primary business!!
Also had to sit in a 2.5 hour long meeting for a new job yesterday. Damn it was hard to stay awake!!
But, at least I finally found time to check out the GTA4 add-on the Lost and damned properly! After working my arse off getting the laptop back up and running, sorting out a few email template problems and checking out some modifications needed for a schematic.
So, GTA4 the Lost and Damned... well they didn't use this opportunity to improve the graphics at all, in fact in places it seems worse with the grainy textures. Perhaps it's the new, bigger, TV I am playing it on this time around?
The story, so far, is great, and graphic... from lots of blood to something I found quite strange and nauseating they included a penis in a cut scene. Please, Rockstar, we don't wish to see that!! Give us the tits, bums etc. but no peni (is that the plural?) please!
The addition of some new music for the radio stations is a good addition. Now, to go along with The Who and Queen we have Deep Purple, Metalica, Bon Jovi and Alice Cooper to name a few. Got to love it, especially when in convoy with a bunch of other bikers, all on your choppers, cruising down the highway to Wanted, Dead or Alive! while firing off a few shots from the sawn off at the rival gangs or police.
Seems somewhat short though, unless I am missing something... only 4 hours in and already I'm the leader of The Lost... but I guess the races, the gang wars and all of the other side mission crap will fill in the rest of the time needed to play the game to justify it's cost.
Again, I've had to write yesterdays blog today... I'm behind a little but shouldn't complain, the reason for that is work and work makes me money, money makes me happy...
That Tuesday feeling
A little late in writing this one I know but yesterday was just manic from the time I woke up until the time I went to sleep!
Work was... busy... what with needing lab results pretty damn quick and not being able to contact the labs. Finally getting the all clear at 3:30 which was just in time - I must have aged 50 years in 5 hours!
Also got the 2 new laptops which had to be set up. I hate Vista! Everything I had to do wouldn't work thank's to Microsoft's stupid idea of security! But I finally sorted them out in the end.
Then stuck at a clients until 5 trying to sort out the email templates which were not working correctly. Turns out I had forgotten that the latest outlook doesn't like to make templates and I have to do them in 2003 to avoid the attachments. This lead to the huge problem of using the laptop to make them on - when it has a few problems! Not to mention the lack of internet and screwed up desktop when I got home too!
Good news is I managed to get hold of GTA4's add on, the lost and damned. It's pretty good too! Got to love the bike races, you can whack people off their bikes with a bat - brought back memories of road rash! A full review of this will come when I have more time and have played it for longer than a few minutes!
Work was... busy... what with needing lab results pretty damn quick and not being able to contact the labs. Finally getting the all clear at 3:30 which was just in time - I must have aged 50 years in 5 hours!
Also got the 2 new laptops which had to be set up. I hate Vista! Everything I had to do wouldn't work thank's to Microsoft's stupid idea of security! But I finally sorted them out in the end.
Then stuck at a clients until 5 trying to sort out the email templates which were not working correctly. Turns out I had forgotten that the latest outlook doesn't like to make templates and I have to do them in 2003 to avoid the attachments. This lead to the huge problem of using the laptop to make them on - when it has a few problems! Not to mention the lack of internet and screwed up desktop when I got home too!
Good news is I managed to get hold of GTA4's add on, the lost and damned. It's pretty good too! Got to love the bike races, you can whack people off their bikes with a bat - brought back memories of road rash! A full review of this will come when I have more time and have played it for longer than a few minutes!
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Just another manic Monday
Just like in that classic Bangles song, it's just another manic Monday.
As always on a Monday I have trouble remembering what I did last week so take an age to fill in my timesheet for work - if anyone knows what I was doing Friday please let me know!
A fun filled day packed full of trying to contact people who don't answer their phones, chasing up whatever the hell is going on with the 2 laptops I ordered from Viking and filling in a shit load of incomplete test sheets... oh the joys!
Not only that but popping in to a client's on the way home meant that I had to try and get BBC iPlayer working again so they can have the radio! No idea what's up with it, it wont play any sound at all!! So that was 30 minutes wasted there. But the good news is another client requested I invoice them for work which I didn't plan on charging and even if I did it wouldn't be as much as they requested! So I'm quids in there.
Website, well didn't do much today on it. Added a few features to the main page, added tracking through google, got my 360 to start blogging on it's own for the games page (not yet live, watch this space) and that's pretty much it.
Gaming wise, played a little GTA4, picked up another text message car, done another most wanted, then put it down for the day - The lost and damned is out tomorrow so looks like the side bits of the original storyline will be forgotten about for a bit.
And then went on to register for the latest Poker site to advertise on the TV. Lots of amatures on there meant I doubled my original $50 steak within an hour. Only snag is I lost almost all of that in the following 2 hours when I thought my hand was a sure thing, and someone else had a better one. But it's all good fun.
Nearly hit the £3,000 mark on my "millionaire before 30" kick, well that's only my own work there, I have more stashed away too, but with only three hundred and thirty something days to go it's looking more and more like it wont happen... I will not let that stop me trying though!
As always on a Monday I have trouble remembering what I did last week so take an age to fill in my timesheet for work - if anyone knows what I was doing Friday please let me know!
A fun filled day packed full of trying to contact people who don't answer their phones, chasing up whatever the hell is going on with the 2 laptops I ordered from Viking and filling in a shit load of incomplete test sheets... oh the joys!
Not only that but popping in to a client's on the way home meant that I had to try and get BBC iPlayer working again so they can have the radio! No idea what's up with it, it wont play any sound at all!! So that was 30 minutes wasted there. But the good news is another client requested I invoice them for work which I didn't plan on charging and even if I did it wouldn't be as much as they requested! So I'm quids in there.
Website, well didn't do much today on it. Added a few features to the main page, added tracking through google, got my 360 to start blogging on it's own for the games page (not yet live, watch this space) and that's pretty much it.
Gaming wise, played a little GTA4, picked up another text message car, done another most wanted, then put it down for the day - The lost and damned is out tomorrow so looks like the side bits of the original storyline will be forgotten about for a bit.
And then went on to register for the latest Poker site to advertise on the TV. Lots of amatures on there meant I doubled my original $50 steak within an hour. Only snag is I lost almost all of that in the following 2 hours when I thought my hand was a sure thing, and someone else had a better one. But it's all good fun.
Nearly hit the £3,000 mark on my "millionaire before 30" kick, well that's only my own work there, I have more stashed away too, but with only three hundred and thirty something days to go it's looking more and more like it wont happen... I will not let that stop me trying though!
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Weekend
Not much going on this weekend really so was the perfect time to get the .info site sorted out and add those last remaining pages to it, including this blog.
Had a little work to do for Holland's this weekend too, some email templates and some drawings, not much work but was a nice £65 worth which makes the total turnover since the end of July 2008 up to £2426.50, not bad considering the current financial climate and the past 2 months being quiet (too quiet).
Spent some time on GTA4 again, trying to get that 100% again since having to change gamertag, and trying to do it before Tuesday when The lost and damned addon is released but there isn't much chance of that now!
Lets hope next week is a better week and not quite as empty as this one has been. Friday should be interesting as there is a 1.5 hour dentist appointment with my name on it, but hopefully that will mean come Friday lunchtime I will be able to smile again without having to worry what people will think of my teeth...
And that's all I got to say about that!
Had a little work to do for Holland's this weekend too, some email templates and some drawings, not much work but was a nice £65 worth which makes the total turnover since the end of July 2008 up to £2426.50, not bad considering the current financial climate and the past 2 months being quiet (too quiet).
Spent some time on GTA4 again, trying to get that 100% again since having to change gamertag, and trying to do it before Tuesday when The lost and damned addon is released but there isn't much chance of that now!
Lets hope next week is a better week and not quite as empty as this one has been. Friday should be interesting as there is a 1.5 hour dentist appointment with my name on it, but hopefully that will mean come Friday lunchtime I will be able to smile again without having to worry what people will think of my teeth...
And that's all I got to say about that!
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Blog page
Looks like the blog page seems to be working just fine now over at richpyke.info. This should mean it can be updated regularly with all of my thoughts, feelings and that rubbish.
Took a bit of doing to get the website to import properly without too much of the rubbish, formatting etc. but I got there in the end. It also needed PHP5 not PHP4 which the server was running. A simple update sorted that out though and I guess PHP5 is going to be better than PHP4 anyway so it needed doing.
The blog is also 'burned' with feedburner and set up for it's own url of feeds.richpyke.info, or at least will be when the DNS servers all catch up.
That's me done for today on the website. There's real work that needs doing now, namely email templates and drawings... oh the joys of working 24/7!
Took a bit of doing to get the website to import properly without too much of the rubbish, formatting etc. but I got there in the end. It also needed PHP5 not PHP4 which the server was running. A simple update sorted that out though and I guess PHP5 is going to be better than PHP4 anyway so it needed doing.
The blog is also 'burned' with feedburner and set up for it's own url of feeds.richpyke.info, or at least will be when the DNS servers all catch up.
That's me done for today on the website. There's real work that needs doing now, namely email templates and drawings... oh the joys of working 24/7!
First Post
Interestingly enough this is the first post (of many? No idea, we'll see).
With a bit of luck this should import nicely in to RichPyke.info's blog page - if not I need to work more on my PHP skills I guess.
That'll do for now. Need to get back to watching some classic Saved By The Bells and playing some more GTA4 before the addon comes out Tuesday.
With a bit of luck this should import nicely in to RichPyke.info's blog page - if not I need to work more on my PHP skills I guess.
That'll do for now. Need to get back to watching some classic Saved By The Bells and playing some more GTA4 before the addon comes out Tuesday.
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