Categories
Random

MSN Messenger 8.0 Beta Invites

I have MSN Messenger 8.0 Beta Invites if anyone would like one. MSN must think I have like 80 people on my list as I get like 5 more invites every 3 days, and I think I have given one out to pretty much everyone on my list that ever comes online. Just drop a comment here with your hotmail/msn messenger address if you would like one.

you dont need an invite anymore, go here instead http://ideas.live.com/signup.aspx?versionId=0eccd94b-eb48-497c-8e60-c6313f7ebb73

Categories
Life

Still Getting Xmas Gifts

I got a Amazon Gift Card for xmas from a friend, 25$. I was unsure on what to buy, but then decided to buy some books. I purchased 6 used books (all from different Amazon partners). The shipping came to 25$, and the total was like 25$ so I really ended up paying 25$ for 6 books, not bad. Thing is, they all come on different days, so I have been getting a book every couple days now, which is cool. The first one I got, I am about half way through already 🙂

Categories
Life

Disappointment

I had 130$ in gift cards at Best Buy, and it was burning a hold in my pocket. So today I decided to spend it. I purchased this Fast Track USB Recording device (100$), which has the ability to take 1/4 inch input, XLR Input, and then output to RCA or 1/8th inch, or just to the pc. It is a small package, and it says it comes with some basic recording software.

Currently I use Cakewalk Music Creator 2003 and it just isn’t working for me, so I have been eyeing up Sony ACID Music Studio (70$). I decided to purchase that, and with another certificate I had, I only paid 30$ total.

So I get home and get it all set up.

#1 – I cant get my acoustic/electric guitar to record in stereo (not a huge deal – but it sucks).
#2 – Fast Track USB Takes over my sound settings when it is plugged in so it is a debacle to try to configure things.
#3 – ACID Music Studio – on the back of the package one of the features is “Live Recording” – well once you install it, that is like not even apparent. I looked it the help and it is like “it is a small feature that has minimal ability to record”, etc – what BS!!
#4 – so I decide to install the Lite recorder that came with the USB Device. All in all this has the post potential but it is alot of bells and whistles to configure.

Bottom line – I have 70 dollar ACID software which is pretty much worthless, hopefully I can find a use for it. Hopefully also when I get some more patience I will figure out the USB recording device.

Categories
Blogging

Pages Goofed in Firefox

well, I guess I will have to dig into it, but my other pages on my site, when viewed the firefox, the white column doesnt extend down the whole page. Works fine in IE though. Dang!

 Update: I think I fixed it 😛

Categories
Blogging

WordPress

Well, I changed by blog over to WordPress instead of blogger. My hosting site has a thing where it sets it all up and everything, pretty cool. I just imported my blogger blog over to here, and update my blog url to blog.stevienova.com. I figure if it is good enough for Aaron and Scoble, it must be good enough for me 🙂

Categories
Life

last.fm

If you don’t mind other people knowing what you listen to, then check this out. http://www.last.fm – builds a music profile for you from things you listen to. Pretty cool, I just signed up. Once I get some more songs played I will probably add the little widget to my site 🙂

last.fm

My last.fm profile

Categories
Geeky/Programming

.NET Framework Mistake

I think the .NET Framework is great. It is great for web and fat client apps, web services, etc. I think the mistake Microsoft made with it, is it isn’t required with the OS. Too many people don’t have it. It isn’t feasible to develop a fat client app with .NET and expect widespread installations. People that don’t have the framework will be put of by the whopping ~23MB size of the install. I think it is just goofy that Microsoft tries to push .NET down our throats (as developers) – everything is .NET this, .NET that – and it is good, it can do a lot. Thing is – if you want to get an application to the masses, you still have to fall back on C/C++ as it will 99.9% run natively.

Instead of making the .NET framework a optional update on Windows Update, I think that if it was a required update, it would make things a lot better in terms of developers wanting to target a larger audience. Microsoft says that Vista will have .NET Framework 2.0 – but it is too late. Too many people have XP (9X even!) that they will probably never switch to Vista.

I think managed code is good. I don’t think I should have to develop in unmanaged code because it is too much of a PITA to get the framework to end user machines.

🙂

Categories
Life

Imagine

Imagine – what a great song. Perfect lyrics, melody, rhythm. I recorded this back on 12/19/2005 – I didn’t post it up because I used it as part of a Christmas gift to people, with a few other songs. Thought it would be good to post up 🙂

Imagine

Categories
Geeky/Programming

Microsoft Themes

Looks like you can get some microsoft “Themes” for free. Aquarium, Nature, Space, Da Vinci.

Even the english installer is in French, so if you can get your way through that you will have the themes. If you are the kind of person who likes themed cursors and icons and sounds, this is for you!

Microsoft Themes

Categories
Geeky/Programming

Automate your Piano with WinFX

this is awesome. automate your grand piano to take soap messages and play the notes, and vice versa. totally cool.

MSDN TV Holiday Episode III (note: I couldn’t get this to work in firefox)