http://www.tiggiler.com Tiggiler.com Blog - I'm an avid movie collector, gamer, web developer and email marketer who doesn't get out too much but when I do, I usually have something to say about it. Enjoy! Copyright 2012 Tiggiler.com. All content is protected under applicable copyright laws. sitedeveloper@tiggiler.com en-us http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
What are your thoughts? Do you think the NFL playoffs should be a "best of" series? Let me know.]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog iTunes to 10.5 not too long ago and began to have problems with it not connecting to the store. The library worked just fine but nothing else. I looked online and found reports of people having similar problems with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 after this update but they all appeared to be receiving an error message which I was not.

I left it it alone for a while figuring that Apple would become aware of the problem and release a patch to fix the issue. Well, about a month went by and still nothing. I decided to continue researching the issue online and found nothing so I contacted Apple's customer support.
They were very quick to respond and I was pointed to an article describing my particular symptoms and what they suggested as a fix. [http://tigurl.com/fF]

I read the article and was able to come to the conclusion that it was my network card interfering. So began my research into other complaints from users in the same boat. It turns out I needed to update my firmware version for the network card as they released a fix for this issue. I hadn't updated it since I bought the computer about 1.5 years ago... who knew?

I'm happy to report that everything seems to be working fine now and wanted to pass along this info to anyone else who might be struggling with the same issue. I'm not sure if it relates to all the network cards from Bigfoot Networks but I've listed my details below just in case you want to isolate a specific instance.

Please comment back with your specifics if you run into the issue under different specs and this fixes your problem.

SPECS:
Windows 7 64-bit
Killer Xeno Pro Network Card
iTunes 10.5]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
It is a huge maze which is great but they block off sections in an attempt to "change up" the route. However, there are no clues as to which way you are supposed to head. We ended up seeing the same spot three times by taking completely different paths. You can apparently ask the staff for helpful hints but on many occasions people were getting frustrated as their helpfulness was somewhat un-helpful. Walking the grounds I can't even count how many times I heard "I hate this place" mixed in with a couple of "I don't even think the workers know how to get out of here".

When you first start out and hear those comments you kind of laugh because you think there's no way that it could be that hard or that they would employ people who were just as lost the quests. Let me tell you, by the end of the experience, which lasted a couple of hours, I was making the same comments. We ended up walking back through the entrance and leaving without completing the course to go have lunch and not return.

The Pros: Adequate parking, large maze and well placed activities throughout the maze for children to complete

The Cons: No clues, unhelpful staff and very frustrating

I do not recommend this unless you 1. like to walk around aimlessly in corn stalks for hours on end or 2. bring up the map on a cell phone or print one prior to going.

Davis Mega Maze Website]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
RIP Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
Again, you toyed with my emotions and began charging me extra for the pleasure of high-definition. I felt I could live with this since we had been through so much and for so long. I'm not quite sure when but streaming fell somewhere in there during our relationship which to me wasn't a real turn on or off but not an inconvenience either so it stayed. Time passed and Blu-rays began to skip as the DVDs in the generation before it had.

Then, the final blow...

You began charging WAY too much for what you now considered to be two services. Streaming and by mail became two business units and thus required separate pricing structures which you had no problem combining and raking up our monthly fee to fatten your pockets with. No explanation for this irratic and very sudden behavior... it just happened and we were stuck footing the bill.

You have been good over the years despite the ups and down which is why it pains me to say this...

I'm breaking up with you.

You aren't worth the expense or aggrevation. For the amount of movies I actually watch in a month I can get it cheaper from on-demand and right when it's released. (Something you stopped offering in yet another attempt to fatten your wallet.) I don't think we should be friends either. It's better to just make a clean break. I'm sorry but this is the way it has to be.]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
I've started looking online for reviews and can't think of bad thing said about it. It was also recommended to us by a couple of customers in the EMS store who said they had one for a couple of years and loved it. My only concern would be trying to fit a 6' adult and a 5 year old in front. We were also shown a beginner kayak that wasn't expensive but had an open cockpit just for this purpose but my feeling is why should the person paddling with an extra body also have to deal with the back and forth tracking as well. I figured get everyone a good kayak to start with.

My other thought is getting a multi-person kayak but what would I do if I ever wanted to go out by myself? It'd be kind of much to manage that big of a kayak by myself.

Readers... I would really love your thoughts and experiences on this matter. Feel free to post suggestions and recommendations.

Thanks.]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
Linkedin! While all the social networking sites have their place, in this situation I found this site to be of the most use (even more so than Monster). Prior to the events that recently transpired I was a so-so user only linking to those people who I knew really well and I was semi-selective about who I would add as I didn't really see its true potential. I relaxed my requirements a bit and began to add people who I had worked with and thought were ethically in the same place as me to their career approach (hard working, honest, etc.).

Doing this allowed me to connect to a number of recruiters via 2nd and 3rd level links from those that were linked to my profile. In addition I could see those in my network's network and begin to research companies for job openings that I wouldn't have necessarily thought of prior. I'm sure there are a number of other ways to use LinkedIn but I found this to be the most convenient and effective way for me.

I once heard the saying that "the best companies to work for don't advertise". They don't need to. Word of mouth is enough to keep their workforce full unless of course their business is just absolutely booming and they need to bring on a large number of people at once. This is probably why my success didn't come from Monster and why I feel it was actually a bit of a downer. I would see jobs posted for things that I wasn't qualified for in my area or things I was qualified for in areas that were too far for me to travel.

If you haven't already, I would recommend creating an account and beginning to network with people you have worked with or currently work with. Who knows when you'll be facing the same situation I was and if you already have your network established you'll be that much ahead of the game. Also asked those in your network to recommend your work. I've found through experience as an employee and employer that LinkedIn is cross-referenced on candidates more and more and if they can see your accomplishments and selling points up front, you are more likely to get a call for an interview. From there, the ball's in your court.

Let me hear from you. Tell me what you think. Do you use LinkedIn? If so, how? What features or abilities do you find especially useful? What's missing?]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
In the documents it claims that WB and "friends" said that Charlie was at the time suffering from a mental and physical disability. During this time they released him from his contract a.k.a they fired his booze laiden, drug filled ass. However I am pretty sure it's illegal to fire someone suffering from a disability or at least due to it. I'm sure the lawyers for Charlie will argue that his recent rants were a result of his condition or his detoxing in the public eye and therefore are grounds for the suit.

It also claims that WB/Chuck Lorre already had plans to fire him but this gave them the excuse they needed to pull the trigger. He claims that he was told he could come back to work at the beginning of February but that it was pushed back two weeks because of lack of script. This is Chuck's responsibility I might add. Plus, they apparently cut the eight episodes back to four because Chuck refused to develop the remainder. Again, Chuck's responsibility.

If all the allegations in the court filing hold true then I can see a legitimate case for Charlie and hope that he wins at least some of what he is asking for. But, he still sounds like he's strung out on something during every interview he's given recently.

Good luck Charlie and don't forget the little people you stepped on to get to where you are and those of the lives you screwed over for your own self-centered amusement.]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
While it is a sad statistic, 25% of resolutions won't make it past the first week. However there is some good news... 46% will make it 6 months or more. Those who make a resolution (or two, or three...) are 10x more likely to attain their goals than those who don't.

So break out that pen and paper. Write down your ideas for things you'd like to accomplish in 2011. Narrow it down to 1 or 2 and make yourself some kind of reminder to keep you on track. Post a note by the door, fridge, or next to the bed. Create a desktop or screensaver for your computer. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you have the initial commitment to getting it done.

I'd like to hear from you. Please take a moment to post your resolution and what you are doing to keep yourself on track. In a couple months come back and post an update on your progress.

I know most of us don't like to share these types of things with others outside our immediate family but the blog allows you to be fairly anonymous. I'll be a good sport and get things started.

My New Year's Resolution is to lose 20 pounds by November. I have an annual trip to Disney and would like to walk around without as much extra baggage (get it?... baggage... nevermind...). How I get there, I'm not quite sure of yet. At least I've got the "what". Now I just have to work on the "how". Part II of this goal is to make sure I don't breach the 200 pound mark again. I'm sure it'll take me some time to get into a rhythm with my weight loss and I want to make sure I don't continue to gain while I get there.

Good luck to everyone and Happy New Year!]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog

Sue will be greatly missed by all who knew her and my prayers are with Uncle Mike and the rest of Sue's family.

You can sign her memorial guest book at potterfuneralhome.com]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
The new law also takes aim at drivers under the age of 18 by making it illegal for them to use a mobile phone or electronic device while driving. Think the elderly are clear from this law? Think again... it also requires anyone over the age of 75 to pass a vision test prior to having their license renewed.

Finally!... a law that is heading in the right direction. Personally, I don't think the law imposes a heavy enough penalty and I would like to see the use of a mobile device prohibited for all drivers. I understand why this law imposed the harsher restrictions on young drivers but I can't tell you how many adult drivers I see on a daily basis talking on the phone and driving who can't concentrate on both.

Anyone over the age of 20 lived in a time where cell phones didn't exist and we were able to make it from point A to point B without having the distraction. There's no reason we can't today. Have a call that is that important? Pull over!]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
There were four talented acts in the finals but Michael had some not so good performances leading up to the finale. The opera singer doesn't do much except stand and sing opera. Don't get me wrong, she's a phenomenal singer but not worthy of a Vegas act.

Fighting gravity is neat to watch but their performances have been deteriorating each week and they are just another spin on an act we've already seen... Blue Man Group. Could they get a Vegas show? Probably but is it worthy of one as a result of America's Got Talent? I don't think so.

Prince Poppycock... His performances were original and he came up with something new and spectacular each week. I will give you that his finale performance wasn't his best but we are supposed to be looking at the talent as a culmination of their performances and ask ourselves if they have been improving, if we would go see them in a show, and what they could potentially do with a bunch of production money behind them.

They ask the judges on a regular basis if America got it right and they always say "America always gets it right". I whole heartedly disagree. America did not get it right. Instead of an act that would probably reinvent themselves on a regular basis, we get a Michael Bolten sound-a-like.

Awesome work America... better luck next season.]]> http://www.tiggiler.com/blog
BP (British Petroleum) was to blame and the government was not stepping up to hold them accountable and get the issue resolved in an appropriate manner. How can a company that does business in the U.S. not adhere to the demands (wishes) of our government? The politicians are in their pocket, that's how. Why can't the government force them to get their act together and live up to their responsibilities? Again, the politicians are in their pocket and they have something we can't go without.

We can't go without... that is very scary. We are so dependent on oil that we have no leg to stand on to offer an ultimatum. If a major player in the oil industry left us life would change drastically. Oil and everything thereafter would become more expensive. We would have a hard time finding some of the regular goods we have become accustomed to.

Watching this show made me sick to my stomach and pissed me off to no end. How can the majority of America or humanity not feel the same way? "Don't ask don't tell"? I truly believe that we are so far removed from the situation that we view the destruction as far less detrimental than it really is. If this were in our backyard, we'd be yelling at every politician we could find to make a reform and get shit done.

I am sorely disappointed in Obama and the current government for the way they are deciding to handle this situation. He was not on my top list of favorite people to begin with but he has now sunk even further.

Want to help? Here's how you can make an impact.

Donate funds. The National Wildlife Federation is seeking donations in any amount to help the group preserve the many species that are threatened by the spill. The Environmental Defense Fund also needs funds so its emergency response team can continue working.

Reduce your oil consumption. Oil is everywhere in our homes, including the places you'd least expect - cosmetics, paint and cleaning products. Cutting back may just be one of the most powerful ways you can make a difference.

Spread awareness. Participate in demonstrations in your area, forward news stories to your contacts or simply discuss the spill on Twitter, Facebook and blogs.

Push for legislative action. 2010 is an election year, but only a fraction of registered voters typically turn up for mid-term voting. Head to the polls and vote for local candidates who support environmental protection, including a new U.S. energy policy.

You can also send a message to President Obama demanding a stop to offshore drilling through a form at the Sierra Club website.]]>