January 17, 2009 by hr.

From time to time I will help out friends with their computer related issues pro bono.  Since I work in technology, it’s a easy thing to do.  When I assist others they often comment on what they think I have at home.  Typically they think I have something awesome at home.  Usually they are right.

Over the next few weeks I will begin a series outlining the tools and technologies I have at home.  In addition, I will outline how you can create a similar set-up on a budget.

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December 31, 2008 by hr.

This is the official fix from Redmond:

"Early this morning we were alerted by our customers that there was a widespread issue affecting our 2006 model Zune 30GB devices (a large number of which are still actively being used).  The technical team jumped on the problem immediately and isolated the issue: a bug in the internal clock driver related to the way the device handles a leap year. 

The issue should be resolved over the next 24 hours as the time change moves to January 1, 2009.   We expect the internal clock on the Zune 30GB devices will automatically reset tomorrow (noon, GMT). By tomorrow you should allow the battery to fully run out of power before the unit can restart successfully then simply ensure that your device is recharged, then turn it back on.  If you’re a Zune Pass subscriber, you may need to sync your device with your PC to refresh the rights to the subscription content you have downloaded to your device. 

Customers can continue to stay informed via the support page on zune.net (zune.net/support).

We know this has been a big inconvenience to our customers and we are sorry for that, and want to thank them for their patience. 

Q:  Why is this issue isolated to the Zune 30 device?

It is a bug in a driver for a part that is only used in the Zune 30 device.

Q:  What fixes or patches are you putting in place to resolve this situation? 

This situation should remedy itself over the next 24 hours as the time flips to January 1st.

Q:  What’s the timeline on a fix?

The issue Zune 30GB customers are experiencing today will self resolve as time changes to January 1.

Q:  Why did this occur at precisely 12:01 a.m. on December 31, 2008? 

There is a bug in the internal clock driver causing the 30GB device to improperly handle the last day of a leap year.

Q:  What is Zune doing to fix this issue? 

The issue should resolve itself.

Q:  Are you sure that this won’t happen to all 80, 120 or other flash devices? 

This issue is related to a part that is only used in Zune 30 devices.

Q:  How many 30GB Zune devices are affected? How many Zune 30GB devices were sold? 

All 30GB devices are potentially affected.

Q:  Will you update the firmware before the next leap year (2012)?

Yes.

In my book, the Zune is an incredible player (both hardware and software), especially with you are a Vista Media Center enthusiasts.  Unfortunately, this cannot be good.

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December 31, 2008 by hr.

If you scour the internet you will see a buzz of Zune 30gb owners complaining about their devices freezing on boot up.  How do I know, because my 30gb Zune froze while I tried to boot it up this morning.  Sadly, it ran itself out of battery and I don’t have a charger.  Hopefully plugging it in and sync with the software will resolve this issue.

Either way, it’s kinda funny that something on the firmware will cause all Zune owners to freeze on December 31st.  Dude, I though Y2K was over.  Easter eggs are nice except when the feature is constant freezing. 

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November 12, 2008 by hr.

Well, it’s been over a week since Barack Obama sealed up the presidency and we are starting to get a feel for what President Obama is going to be like.  So far so much better then the previous guy.  First of all, it is refreshing to have a president who does not sound like a monkey on TV.  Second, it is wonderful to have a president who is actually being proactive and trying to address the issues of the nation.  Not like the current guy.

In terms of appointments, I like the key choice of Rahm Emanuel.  He’s a nasty, dirty liberal but you need someone nasty and dirty in that role.  In addition, his team of economic advisors looks strong.  Combine that with some excellent photos of Barack meeting with whoever the current president is and you can claim a good first week.

Sadly, the markets took a dive again today.  Careful what you wish for.

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October 23, 2008 by hr.

After 30 years, 91 genocides, 3 presidents, and so much more; Chinese Democracy is almost here.  Yes, the dreaded remains of Guns’N'Roses have finished recording the album that took like 80 years to record.  Over that time there has been numerous radio leaks, a couple stalled tours, and random appearances.  After each we thought we were a bit closer to Chinese Democracy only to be let down.  Well Dr. Pepper, time to put your money where you mouth is because it is here.

I checked out the title track and my initial view: sounds dated.  Put me in a time machine back to 1995 and tune into The Spaghetti Incident.  I will wait to pass final judgement.

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October 19, 2008 by hr.

I have been speculating with friends for some time that we would know John McCain’s campaign is done when Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama. 

Well, this morning I woke up and went into my tool shed and noticed that my nails were missing.  They were missing because they are sealing a coffin which contains the corpse of John McCain’s campaign. 

Granted, Colin’s reputation took a major hit due to his early support of the Bush Administration and his refusal to criticize the perceived corruption.  With that said, Colin is still one the most popular Republicans to moderates.  This endorsement won’t win too many votes for Obama but it pretty much eliminates the last possibility of a legitimate endorsement for McCain.

So who’s the big winner here?  Colin Powell.  In my opinion, he played this one right.  He didn’t endorse a candidate too early and risk getting buried.  In addition, he didn’t wait too late and seem irrelevant.  He didn’t endorse in the middle of a convention or during the first week of the economic crisis and seem impulsive.  This little bear waited till it was just right.

Ten years from now I doubt anybody will look back on this election and say this was the turning point.  In addition, very few might remember that Colin endorsed Obama at all.  What it does do is minimize historians criticism of Colin during his time as Secretary of State.  In addition, this move opens the door for Colin to be relevant again.

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October 19, 2008 by hr.

I have to give credit, Sara Palin nailed the SNL spot.  Sara was a good sport despite the real-life imitation of her by Tina Fey.  In addition, she got a great crack in on Tina’s horrible show 30 Rock. 

Considering John McCain’s campaign is sinking like a lead balloon, you might as well take lemons and make lemonade.  Sure your not going to be the Vice-President but you have a head start on 2012.

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October 15, 2008 by hr.

In terms of quick bytes, I have to give credit to McCain; he got in some good quick ones.  Unfortunately they were rapped around a harsh tone that was at times nasty and weird.  Obama may not have had as many strong statements but he pulled even and maybe nudged ahead by staying cool.  At times McCain seemed nervous and a mean. 

Negatives may help the base but kill your chances with moderates.  McCain has his base!  Obama has his base! 2008 will be a year of strong voter turnout which makes moderates the ultimate prize.  Obama’s cool leaves a trusting impression on them.  In choosing a president, most people tend to vote on their impression of who can be cool under pressure.

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October 14, 2008 by hr.

A branding warning, I am still a staunch conservative.  With that said, I don’t bury my head in the ground.  We are in a time in history where we need to be prepared to solve many of the issues that ill us with government.  As much as it pains me, it is the best way to rally together and solve issues.  This is not a solution de-regulation and private business can solve.

With that said, I am absolutely stunned to see a Buckley support Obama.  For those of you who are completely out of the loop, the late William F. Buckley was the founder of the National Review and a founding father of the modern conservative movement.  W.F.’s son shares many of the same beliefs and was a contributor to the National Review up until….he supported Obama. 

While age has made me a believer in believing the unbelievable, this year has been unique.  Who would have thought the economy would have collapsed so hard.  Who would have thought Clay Buckley would support Obama.  Unbelievable.

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October 2, 2008 by hr.

Some quick thoughts, I thought it was a good victory for Bidden.  Palin helped herself by not imploding but she didn’t bring in something new.  Bidden helped himself by being strong on the issues and not imploding.  So what was the tie breaker?  Bidden actually discussed facts and got the all important "man" cry moment in.

Ask Hilary, a good cry can be good for a campaign.  In the end, Palin survived but that isn’t enough to swing votes.  Bidden was able to stick to the issues and attack without crossing that line which everybody wondered if he would.

Last point, the all important "Maverick Drop" results.  As expected, Palin had the early lead carrying a 6-0 Maverick lead into the final minutes.  Then, out of nowhere, Bidden dropped 7 Mavericks after the 2 minute warning to win. 

"Joe Bidden, you just said Maverick more times then a Republican during debate.  What are you going to next?"

"I’m Going to Washington!"

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