Iceberg for Desert

We finished off the night of horror at Iceberg getting a shake. Cool beans.

Pizza Factory

We met George in Spanish Fork at the Pizza Factory for lunch. It was a foreign country for him.

Traffic

Commuters. What a sorry lot. I have been on the road for far too long tonight. I can't imagine doing this everyday. How do commuters stay happy?

The Jazz Game

I am in the Zrii box at the Jazz game. Life is good.

Still Working.

Still working in the data center...

Quote of the Day...

If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed. Albert Einstein

Good Times

Life is all about good memories. I have so many moments in my life that I remember as happy. I saw a couple old friends for lunch today, and it made me remember so many happy times. I hope to have many more happy moments ahead.

The Gateway

We are hanging at the Gateway today...

Happy Sumo

Oh, Happy, Happy.

Iggy's

It's great.

IHOP

IHOP for dinner. Brit really likes the pancakes.

Work...

Dave and I are here at the data center. It is 2:18 am....

Clint Hoaldridge

Sushi

It is Sushi time...

The Rodeo

This is the pretty Danielle at the Ute Stampede.

Mac Vs. PC

The dreaded question for an IT guy, Mac vs. PC? I am asked this question almost daily lately. I have been in IT now for 10 years, and I think I can give a very objective opinion on the subject. I have done mostly support for all 10 of those years, and so I will try to give an opinion that matters.

Let's start out by talking about your average computer user. The average computer user these days is fairly web savvy, and uses email well. They may also be able to instant message well. Those are the 3 main things people use computers for. Hopefully they use computers to play music, watch videos, keep track of their photos, and "occasionally" work.

The average user can surf the web and do email on the mac, with their web based email without too many issues. Safari and Firefox still have problems with certain sites though, and sad but true, you sometimes still need Internet Explorer. This causes a problem when they run into one of these sites, I get a call and people want me to fix it, and sometimes it just can't be done. The only solution is to check it on Internet Explorer. I am not happy about this problem, but it does exist, so you can say something like "I don't need IE", but right now, you just do sometimes. I especially see this in work applications, more so then with your MySpace, Facebooks, or other sites you need outside of work....

Instant messaging is another interesting item. Your average user can usually setup their IM on a PC, and with a little more work, on the Mac as well, but it isn't easy for most people. I have watched the average Mac user over the years just get frustrated with installing software. Everyone says this is an easier process on the Mac, but when you just can't double click on an install, people get confused. "I have to copy this to my Application folder? Where is that?" "I can't find the program that I installed.” People are just used to PC's. That may change over time, but right now, people are more familiar with Windows.

Music. People know iTunes these days, because of the popular iPod. Most people can figure out that on both Mac and PC, but I get a lot of questions about this. I personally don't like iTunes, but I can't say that Windows Media player is any easier to use, that is for sure. People just need to sit down and figure out iTunes, that is a sad state of affairs in my opinion, but in the long run, you will be better off.

Video. I think personally that Windows Media Player handles this a little better. There is a lot of opinion there, so take that how you want. QuickTime works, but it seems like it needs more maintenance, just like iTunes.

Photos. Everyone seems to think that the Mac handles photos better. I see no evidence of that. Most of the Mac lovers I know seem to think that this is the Mac's strongest area. I disagree, there is nothing that makes the Mac better in this area at all. You can do anything on PC you can with the Mac, and you save a lot of money, it is just that simple. The Adobe suite works just as well on PC, for half the price on the hardware. Why do people think that Mac's are better? I have read more on this subject over the years with Mac vs. PC, and I am not convinced that you need a Mac for that.

Work. Work is a pain on a Mac, plain and simple. I don't know why Microsoft doesn't fix Excel on the Mac, but they just haven't. I have yet to find a piece of HR, Accounting, or IT management software that works well on the Mac. Most of the time, there just isn't a Mac client. Mac's still have no place in the business world. I am sad to say that, because they are pretty, but keep them out of the office. If you can't use them at the office, then keep them out of the home too.

Everywhere that I have worked has had Mac's and they have more hardware and software issues percentage wise then PC's, plain and simple. They cost more, they can't do everything, and users have just as hard a problem figuring out how to do something on the Mac as the PC. You get no advantage as far as I can see on the Mac. OK, I spoke to quickly, the Mac's boot faster, but is that really worth the cost? I would rather use Linux one hundred times over than a Mac, and that is an entirely other discussion.

Buy a PC. Don't go to Mac. Once everything is web based, then it won't matter, but right now it does....

Here at the Stadium of Fire...

Texting in a Movie

Last night I went to the movie Hancock. It was a good movie, I enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised, it wasn't the movie that I expected, and that always makes me happy. I like strange plot twist in an otherwise predictable movie.

During the movie, I recieved a couple of text messages at the same time. My buddy Phil sent me a text asking me what I was doing and so did my daughter. I didn't even think about it, and started to reply to the text messages.

I guess I was taking a little too long, because some dude behind me asked me to put my phone away. I said "no." He then said that if I didn't put it away, he would go and get them to kick me out of the theater. I then replied, "thank you for being so nice" and stopped my texting. I went out a few minutes later to the aisle, where I could still see the movie, and finished my texting.

Admittedly, texting during in a movie is probably a little annoying to other people. I am not saying that it isn't. I am just wondering if the dude really needed to ask me to stop. Did he really think that I was going to text all movie or something? How long does it take the average person to send text messages? I think that dude just needed to relax a little bit.

If the dude ever reads this, I am sorry to shine a small little light the the row in front of him for a few minutes. I am also disappointed in his humanity for not having a little patience and suffering for the few minutes while I send a text message.

I will probably try not to send a text message again sitting in the theater. I will also never ask anyone to stop sending text messages in a theater....

Miley Cyrus is on her way out

Entertainment Scientists Warn Miley Cyrus Will Be Depleted by 2013

Flaming Gorge Pic

I recently went to Flaming Gorge with the kids, and it turns out that Danielle and Bradley do get along. Here is a picture for proof.

The Motorcycle Accident

Dad and Danielle where in a motorcycle accident in Provo canyon yesterday. Danielle is doing just fine. She has some scrapes, but other then that, she is good. Dad had surgery this morning to reattach his thumb and that seems to have gone well. His shoulder is dislocated, but they cleaned it up inside this morning. He will be having another surgery in a week to fix that up. Here is a link to the pictures:
The Wreck Pictures

Family BBQ

Here we are at the Provo Hoaldridge residence. A BBQ with Melanie, Vincent, Grandma B, My Fam and Curt's Fam.

It is just me Brit and Brad this morning at Grandma's

Good Day

Brad, Brit, and I are hanging in Provo today. The grand parents are in California on vacation. Grandma Barton is here hanging with us. We are having a relaxing day. We saw Kung Fu Panda last night, and we will probably see The Incredible Hulk today. I also got a new camera yesterday, so there will probably be better photos showing up here on the blog. My camera phone just wasn't cutting it.

The Joy of Mona

My buddy William was driving by Mona and took this Pic. What is strange, is that he is passing Mona, but you can't even see the town. It isn't much from the freeway (or when you are standing in it).

It is a good time to see it from another person's perspective. Mona is an interesting place, any comments?

Tired

I felt tired last night, so I went to bed early. I think I was asleep by 8:30 or so. The problem with that of course, is that I woke up early. I woke up at around 4:30 and I can't get back to sleep. I guess I am up for the day.

Home from Lagoon

Well, finally home from Lagoon. It was a long day, but very good. Merrilee and the kids left a bit ago to the wonderful town of Mona. Then, less than 10 minutes later, came back, the drive is just too far. They are all pajamaed up and ready for bed. I hope for some sleep and back to work in the morning....

Bumper Cars

Brad and Brit were excited for the bumper cars. It was fun to see Brit drive for the first time.

Cold Brad at Lagoon A Beach

It seams silly to take the kids swimming at 6:30, but time just got away from us. I didn't swim, 'cause I knew it would be cold. Merrilee and the kids looked really cold.

Brit and the Snowie

Brit and I are waiting for the others while they go on the Spider. I thought I would get her a Snowie to help on the long wait.

On The Sky Ride

Me and Brad were in front of the girls on the Sky Ride. Brit liked it a lot.

Ladybug Bop

Brittney was a little scared on this one...

The First Ride

This is the kids first ride of the day! The Dragonfly, the kids are happy.

Lagoon Day

I am heading to Lagoon today with Merrilee and the kids. Merrilee called and invited me yesterday. I am sure the kids will have fun, I will Twitter the happenings.

Fun Things on the Web

Here is an interesting time waster I found on Digg.com:

Time Wasters

Thought of the Day

Here is a couple quick quotes that I really enjoy, we all know how I hate to dress up....

Dressing up is inevitably a substitute for good ideas. It is no coincidence that technically inept business types are known as "suits."
Paul Graham, September 2004

Nerds don't just happen to dress informally. They do it too consistently. Consciously or not, they dress informally as a prophylactic measure against stupidity.
Paul Graham, September 2004

Nerds

To Much Work

I just have to much work to do.... That is all...

Juab County

I am here at my son's baseball game in Nephi, UT. I am pondering why someone would live in this place.

I lived here from '84 to '92. I did enjoy my high school years, but I can see some serious advantages in going to a larger school now. I seriously think that the education system is flawed in Juab county. I don't have any actual data to back that up, only my own experience. I think I will do some research on the subject before I pass official judgement. This subject is important to me because my children go to school here. Their mother also teaches here, so that makes it doubly important to find out.

Now let's look at this from a job perspective. I love what I do, I am an Information Technology Systems Administrator. I can only work for companies of a certain size, with certain needs. As I sit here thinking about this place, there must be very few, if any, companies I could work for here. I don't think any company here could give me the financial security I am looking for.

Cost of living is next. Housing is cheaper in Nephi, but not Mona. When I say cheaper or not, I am comparing it to Utah county where it is possible for me to work. Housing is just one factor, shopping is almost nonexistent in Juab county. Most people drive at least to Payson to shop, further if it is for anything you don't want to get at Wal-Mart. Part of the cost of living is fuel...

I don't like to drive, plain and simple. Fuel costs are completely out of hand. The time wasted every day as a commuter is so sad to me. I work long hours and adding 2 hours a day for commuting is crazy. I think that living in the 'burbs and driving long distances to work is ruining society, but that is a discussion for another time.

Wait. After reading this before I post, I just realized this is a little negative. I am trying to become a more positive person, so I will start listing some good things about Juab county as soon I think of some.

Who Kicks Ass at Miniature Golf?

I was cleaning out my bag and came upon this little gem. On May 3rd, I won miniature golf. The players were my brother Curt, his daughter Madison, my daughter Danielle, and myself. The reason why this is such a big deal is Curt is the best golfer in the family. I am not sure that this will happen again in our lives. I will brag about it while I can....

Life or Something Like It

Life is only as hard as we all make it. I have decided to make my life as easy as possible. What does that mean? Well, it is more about attitude then anything else. I have too much to do, and not enough time to do it, but I feel good.

I am going to try and be more positive in everything that I do. I am writing this here as a reminder to myself. I am going to try and make a serious effort to be a better person everyday.

Special Olympics of Music

Country Music. Need I say more? Country is the Special Olympics of music. It has disappointed me in it's simplicity and twang for the 34 long years that I have lived. Perhaps I am being too harsh, perhaps not. It is an opinion after all, aren't we all entitled to our opinions?

Something Better to Do?

That quote I posted today has me thinking. What better things do I have to do on Sunday? How about good quality family time? The kids don't have to complain about going to church, no one has to rush to get ready. I don't have to prepare a lesson of any sort to teach. I can go shopping, take care of any other errands. It is like having two Saturdays every weekend. Let's not forget that extra sleep in time on Sunday morning, you can't under value that....

Thought of the Day

Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There's a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning.
Bill Gates (1955 - ), Time Magazine, January 13, 1996

Thought of the Day

It is always easier to believe than to deny. Our minds are naturally affirmative.
John Burroughs (1837 - 1921)

Thought of the Day

Ask a deeply religious Christian if he’d rather live next to a bearded Muslim that may or may not be plotting a terror attack, or an atheist that may or may not show him how to set up a wireless network in his house. On the scale of prejudice, atheists don’t seem so bad lately.

Scott Adams (1957 - ), The Dilbert Blog: Atheists: The New Gays, 11-19-06

Easter Weekend

It has been a great Easter weekend with the kids. Their poor mother has been sick for the last week, so she missed it. We spend the weekend in Provo at my parents. We did the easter egg thing on Saturday. Let the good times roll!

Favorite Quote

I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.

Gerry Spence, 'How to Argue and Win Every Time'