Tuesday, May 31, 2005

I once had an abundance of hair!

1972-07 eric mug shot

Our nephew is in the newspaper !!!

Amy and I could not be more proud of Will. He's a sophmore at Fort Payne High School in Fort Payne, Al. He just took second place at a Southeastern Junior Golf Tour event at Terrapin Hills Country Club
.IMG_0643
This is his family. Good lookin' family, huh ? (Will is on the left)

Monday, May 30, 2005

Houston welcomes our friends...

Over the course of the next couple of months, some of our closest friends are moving to Houston. I grew up within 15 miles of that town. I love so much of what that town has to offer. I still love Austin, but Houston holds a soft spot in my heart. We will miss seeing these friends as often as we normally do, but I'm looking forward to rediscovering Houston with a whole new group of friends. I want them to try some of my favorite things in Houston.
When they're homesick for Austin, these favorite Austin things are available in Houston
And then there are the things they should try to stay away from completely
  • Severe head injuries at Waterworld
  • A roomate with a tent his room (Hey, Randy !)
  • Running a computer store with zero customers.
There are also Once In A Lifetime Opportunities that will be unavailable to them
Originally Posted 05-30-2005, 10:43 PM. I will continue to add to this list and republish it.
Updated 09:21am, Sept 4, 2005

Sunday, May 29, 2005

HBO: Six Feet Under

Everything. Everyone. Everywhere. Ends. HBO presents the fifth and final season of the award-winning hit series Six Feet Under - now premiering every Monday night starting in June.

Apache helicopters in formation...

IMG_3553
IMG_3553
Originally uploaded by eschulz.
I took this yesterday at Fiesta Amistad. I was standing in the middle of the street and they were almost exactly overhead. It was a very impressive sight, just after the presentation of colors and the 21 gun salute.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Our former Mimosa tree


IMG_3519
Originally uploaded by eschulz.
This is a picture I just took of the tree in our front yard. My real estate agent called it a Mimosa. Everyone who's ever seen it called it a Mimosa. So why is this post titled "Our former Mimosa tree"?

I was going to link to the Mimosa entry on Wikipedia, just to be clever. That's when I see the following:
The name Mimosa has also been misapplied to several other related species with similar pinnate or bipinnate leaves, most commonly to Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree) and Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle).
So this picture is of our Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree).

In order to help forget this sordid chapter of our lives, please drink a cocktail composed of six parts champagne and four parts thoroughly chilled orange juice, traditionally served in a tall champagne flute.

Fiesta Amistad

El Amistad Club of Round Rock, Texas is a non-profit civic organization created in 1968. The founders joined forces to support efforts emphasizing education, community services, veterans recognition and Hispanic cultural awareness. The club planned annual events and invited area businesses who share a common goal for the good of our community.

The club's premier fund raiser is Fiesta Amistad which was originally held at Veterans Memorial Park on the banks of Brushy Creek. In 1988, the annual fiesta outgrew its original location and was moved to downtown Round Rock. It has continued to grow into Central Texas' largest Hispanic two day event. Fiesta Amistad is always held on Memorial Day weekend and features live music, plenty of food, and family entertainment.
We're gonna head over there in about an hour. Feel free to join us there!

Latino Comedy Project

Last night, we went with a group of Amy's coworkers to see the The Latino Comedy Project in “Citizen QuiĆ©n?”. Another of Amy's coworkers is one of the perfomers in the troupe. It was funny and we really enjoyed it. It was in the downstairs theatre at The Hideout Theatre.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Lost Vs American Idol

Tonight, there's a controversy about what you're watching and what you're recording. Tonight, we are recording the season finale of both Lost and American Idol. That way we can fast forward through all of the commercials.

Do you want a bag ?

This simple phrase must be the first thing taught to new convenience store employees.
I finally made it to the counter. I'm third in line, so it won't be long. As soon as the clerk tells his girlfriend that some jerk just threw up in the bathroom, he's gonna start checking people out. Luckily, the woman in front took advantage of the ten minute wait to check out which lottery tickets to buy and because of that, it only took her seven minutes to decide. I'm second in line. The guy in front of me must have missed the 42 signs that checks aren't allowed, but I feel sure that they'll make an exception this one time. Finally, after having been in the store for just 23 minutes, I get four cans of Diet Dr. Pepper and bag of pretzels. I pay with a $20 and he gives me some random amount of money for change. He then says those magical words "Do you want a bag ?". Convenience, my ass.
(The above is a rant and may contain some exaggeration. I may have only been there 22 minutes.)

Monday, May 23, 2005

Con on Comedy Central

This show is silly and over the top, but I really like it. So sue me.
From strolls down the red carpet to a singing gig at a baseball game, Skyler Stone can get anything he wants for free. Why? Because he's a con man. And his new show is about showing you how you can live the con lifestyle, too! This half-hour reality series finds the ever-charming Skyler Stone conning his way through life, documenting the entire process of executing his next 'hit.' Each episode features a new scam, a new mark, and a new perfect con for the history books.

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema presents...

From the Alamo Drafthouse website:
In 2005, the Alamo is setting out on a 6000 mile, 21 day journey, across the west for a series of film screenings that will take the movie-going experience to a whole new level. We will be screening 12 famous films in their original shooting locations, chosen specifically to intensify the viewing experience.

A pass is available for all of the screenings, or you can pick and choose a la carte. The website will be updated with complete driving directions, as well as other attractions in the area.

Apple's Jobs Announces iTunes Podcast Support

From eWeek.com:
CARLSBAD, Calif.—Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs demonstrated a new version of iTunes here Sunday that adds a Podcast directory and one-click subscription.

Speaking at the D: All Things Digital conference, Jobs showed off the new version of iTunes, which will include a searchable directory of Podcasts. Apple plans to make it easy to find and subscribe to Podcasts via iTunes—it will take just a single click to subscribe to a Podcast once it has been located.

Photography Day


IMG_3495
Originally uploaded by eschulz.
Yesterday, Amy and I went riding around Lake Travis looking for photography opportunities with friends. I wasn't that pleased with most of the shots I took, but I did like this one. This is my friend Al and my lovely wife, Amy.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Radio - Accelerating its imminent demise...

As you remember, I stopped listening to radio about 6 months ago. My wife hasn't, and yesterday we were driving and heard that 101X is giving away one iPod mini every day in May. It seems incredibly short-sighted to me. With an MP3 player, some people are going to start listening to Podcasts and other available content and realize they no longer need to listen to radio.

Thursday, May 19, 2005

Blog Birthday Wishes 2

My wife calls the voice mail line to wish me a happy blog anniversary.
this is an audio post - click to play

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

And the winner is...

J-Money! Jeff !
He's a fan of my blog
and he knows where it's at.
Even in a drunken fog
his rhymes are phat.
Thanks to everyone who entered. We may do this again sometime.

The contest is over...

There were eleven entrants. I haven't yet verified the eligibility of all those. The eligible entrants will be numbered (in the order they were received) and will then go to random.org and have it choose a number in that range. The winner will be announced tonight. Stay tuned...

Blog Birthday Wishes 1

Submitted by a friend of ours (and friend of the the blog):
Your blog makes me smile,
your research goes the extra mile
good days-bad days, it matters not,
maybe your blog just makes me hot

I look to your blog for wisdom and hope
Without your blog I could hardly cope
Sometimes your bloggin' makes me dance
I wish it could fit inside of my pants

Links for music and technical stuff
Your carpal tunnel from typing must be tough
Oh, how I wish I could blog like you
It would be overwhelming, what would i do

Do you blog on the toilet or when you cook
Maybe you blog while you're reading a book
So much information, where is the time
Having blog talent as yours should be a crime

Pics of blue bonnets and even your cats
mountains of info, comments and stats
So what will be your new Fortune Today
Jeff wins the contest, yippee, hooray!!!
With that attitude, you just might!

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

The contest will end in 72 minutes...

It seems as though everyone waited until the last day to enter the contest. I am going to bed, but see that the entries are still pouring in. If it arrives by midnight (as measured by GMAIL) , you will be entered.

Build Your Own Modular Dwelling

Inspired by prefab architecture, this 100-square-foot structure, made with simple materials, can be assembled in just over a week. Kit includes blue line prints, step-by-step instructions, and tips.
I found this on the pages of ReadyMade magazine and want one. Got it ?

ReadyMade Magazine

ReadyMade is a bimonthly print magazine for people who like to make stuff, who see the flicker of invention in everyday objects -- the perfectly round yolk in the mundane egg.
I looked at a coworker's copy today at lunch and was impressed. It targets a different audience than Make, but there are strong similarities.

The redesign is complete

Thanks for your patience. If there are any issues, please leave a comment to this post and I will try to work on them.

Does the fun ever start ? Birthday

This blog was created one year ago today! Several things are planned for the celebration. The first is that I am currently working on a redesign of the site. I plan to use template that will allow for a higher level of device independence. Right now, the site doesn't really exploit high resolution monitors very well. If you reload the site for the next hour, it may look different each time. Stay tuned!

Four Auburn Players Taken In First Round Of NFL Draft

The Auburn football program made history during the first day of the 2005 National Football League Draft Saturday as four Tigers were drafted in the first round, becoming the first school in Southeastern Conference history to have four first round draft picks in the same year. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams were taken by the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the second and fifth overall picks, while cornerback Carlos Rogers and quarterback Jason Campbell were both taken by the Washington Redskins with the ninth and 25th overall selections.

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Culture Weekend - Saturday

Tonight, Amy & I are going to dine at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill. We've been there once before for a special occassion and really had a wonderful evening. After that, we're going to see Swan Lake performed by Ballet Austin at the Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas campus.

Culture Weekend - Friday

Last night, after work, Amy and I met a friend at Matt's El Rancho and then the three of us went to see Will Taylor and Strings Attached and AJ Croce. It was a spectacular night. We weren't familiar with AJ's music until last night. Amy won an autographed copy of the new CD (his fifth). AJ is an astonishing piano player, songwriter and singer.

While reading the program, I noticed that my friend Tony Kyle is the photographer for Strings Attached. You can check out his pictures of the show at his site.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Treo 600 Smartphone

I can't wait until June 18th, 2005. On that date, Verizon Wireless is going to let me upgrade my piece of crap phone. I could do it today, but if I wait until that day, I get $100 off. Getting that large a discount can get me into a smartphone for not a lot of coin. I'm leaning towards a Palm Treo 600 ($150 after rebate). I've always been a Windows CE user, but I no longer want to carry a dedicated PDA. This should give me the ability to blog or even moblog.

Yes, I know that there's a later version of the Treo, the 650. It adds a better screen, bluetooth and a couple of hundred dollars to the price. It's easy for me to justify a $150 Phone / PDA. It's much tougher to justify a $350 phone / PDA. For $350, whatever I got would have to come with WiFi and neither of the Treo's do.

I guess I'll be looking for a cheap 1G SD card soon...

Y! Music Unlimited

Yahoo! Music Unlimited is a subscription service that gives you access to over 1 million songs for as little as $4.99/month with an annual subscription. You can listen, transfer to compatible devices and explore music with your friends. You can also buy burnable downloads for just $.79!

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

McAfee Internet Security 2005

FREE after mail in rebate - McAfee Internet Security 2005

Contest - Announcement III

Be sure and enter the Does the fun ever start? contest. It ends one week from today (or at 30 entries). Think of a good story and share it!

Rocketboom

Rocketboom is a three minute daily video weblog based in New York City. We cover and create a wide range of information and commentary from top news stories to quirky internet culture. Agenda includes releasing each new clip at 9am EST, Monday through Friday. With a heavy emphasis on international arts, technology and weblog drama, Rocketboom is presented via online video and widely distributed through RSS.
There are several RSS feeds and I subscribed to the Windows Media Video (WMV) version in Doppler 2.0. Y'all might remember that about 6 months ago, I stopped listening to radio (and that hasn't changed) in favor of podcasts. Video will not supplant my podcast listening (because I listen to those mostly when I'm driving). It might, however, cut into my television viewing.

Monday, May 09, 2005

More Fortunes from last week...

You will have good luck in business affairs.

A good reputation is more valuable than money.

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Lazy Sunday....


collage-1
Originally uploaded by eschulz.
The whole family spent a lazy Sunday at home. Amy and I watched the DVR for a few hours and caught up on Lost and Alias. We didn't leave the house.

Sabrina (top) and Toby (bottom) were almost as productive.

Austin City Limits - 2005 Festival

The Austin City Limits Music Festival has announced the lineup for 2005. The fourth annual festival will again be held at Zilker Park in Austin, TX. It will start on Friday, September 23rd and will end on Sunday, September 25th.

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Blogger - Recently Updated


Blogger - Recently Updated
Originally uploaded by eschulz.
I've never seen my name on this list.
It's an honor just to be nominated.

Todays Date: 05/05/05

Ain't that cool ?

Today's fortune...

It is best to consult others before taking unusual actions.


(I went to Panda Express for lunch today. It was quite good)

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

An open letter to dog owners...

Dog owners live on either side of my house. To the left, there's some kind of dark knee-high brown dog. To the right, there is a smaller white dog and a larger tan dog. I have no idea what breed they are. Both neighbors have wooden fences. I'm not really
aware of them having dogs until I step foot into my backyard. All three of them bark until I decide to go back in. If I'm out there for two hours, they will bark for two hours.

The owners clearly have no concept of personal responsibility.

I also don't understand what these dogs provide to their owners. I don't know why the people don't give the dogs away to someone who will cherish them and show them the attention they deserve.

Contest - Announcement II

Be sure and enter the Does the fun ever start? contest. It ends two weeks from today (or at 30 entries). Think of a good story and share it!

Monday, May 02, 2005

Yahoo! Traffic Information

Yahoo! Maps has traffic information for most major cities across the country, and they're expanding coverage all the time.

FlipStart.

The Vulcan FlipStart combines the performance and functionality of the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system with always-on connectivity that fits in the palm of your hand. This combination re-defines mobile computing for users who want access to business-critical software, email, and the Web while on the go.

It's looking like Vaporware to me. It was previewed at DEMO 2004, which was well over a year ago and there still is no pricing information available. I'd love to have one if it's ever available.

Sunday, May 01, 2005

Muvo Micro N200


IMG_3335
Originally uploaded by eschulz.
Here's a picture of my Creative Labs Muvo Micro N200. The rubber band isn't just there for looks. It's a hack. I dropped the unit several weeks ago and the battery cover won't stay on without the rubber band. It also provides traction, so it doens't slide around on the console of my truck.

OutNotes.com

chances are you or someone you love has struggled with their sexuality. this site is about these people breaking out of the shackles of an oppressive society and reaching out to the ones they love. it is a collection of letters written in search of acceptance.

Open Media Network

OMN is a free public service designed to help you enjoy a broad selection of movies, public TV and radio, video blogs and podcasts while protecting producer's copyrights.

I downloaded and viewed several programs. There's not a lot out there yet, but it certainly is interesting.

PostSecret

PostSecret is a really unusual site. If you like, you can snail mail them a 4x6 postcard containing a secret. If chosen, it will be posted. The blog is a gallery of those postcards. They are all over the place. Check it out.

Batman Begins...

It's been nearly a year since I first posted about the upcoming movie, Batman Begins. Its release date is June 15th. The latest trailer is out and looks awesome. Here's the synopsis:

Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.

He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.