Okay, let's face it, part of being a cougar is being mindful that you've wrapped up your time as chief cook and bottle washer and have reached the continuous tenure in your chronicles when you do what you want when you want. While memories of days consumed putting nourishing meals on the table every night are sweet, they are dead and gone and not missed. Cooking is done when and only when they feel like it, it is no longer a project expected of you by those who would otherwise starve were it not for your dedication.
So why a website about cooking with cougars? They happen to be the most experienced cooks in the world, possessing skills that can not be taught in any culinary school. These women can take fifty dollars and turn it into seven extraordinary well balanced meals without even thinking. These women are able to purchase in bulk and turn one average pot roast into three completely diverse meals. These women are the reason comfort food exists. So, while it's not something you would opt to do given the choice, you can cook cougar.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Access Upgrades. The Good, the Bad, the UGLY
The time has come to migrate that great Microsoft Access (MSA) 97, 2000, XP or 2003 database to MSA 2007 or 2010. There are many questions that can arise. Is it easy? Do I need a consultant? Better to rewrite or migrate? I hope to answer at least one question in this article.
The Good:
The migration process is rather easy if you are looking at a simple database or if it is nothing more than a data container. Just open the mdb with MSA 07/10 and click Upgrade. There is a table, MSysACEs, in the old access databases that will not convert as Access 07 and higher doesn’t use it. You will get an error that some objects did not migrate. Once the database opens, go to Tables, then the Conversion Errors table. This table displays all the objects that 07/10 could not migrate. If the only object is MSysACEs then life is GOOD!
The Bad:
If you have a Front-end (FE) to Back-end (BE) mdb, then the migration can take a bit longer. I convert the BE first, then the FE. Be sure and open the FE with the Shift key pressed so the application doesn’t try to run any macros or code. I spend some time on my knees HOPING there is not a ton of VBA Code otherwise I will be spending some time, hours sometimes, walking the code looking for the old MSA defaults (like A_Form) and converting them to the MSA 07/10 equivalent. Depending on the intricacy of the Application, your best bet may be hiring a professional.
The UGLY:
MSA 07/10 security is completely dissimilar to previous versions of Access. You will notice a Security Warning bar just under the ribbon. As a default, the only directory MSA allows auto execution of code and macros is the %Programs%\Microsoft Office\Office12\ACCWIZ. If you have an application running in any other directory, you will need to open the trust center and add that directory to the list of paths that MSA trusts.
These are some of the problems I have encountered when doing a migration. I have no doubt that others have hit other issues.
The Good:
The migration process is rather easy if you are looking at a simple database or if it is nothing more than a data container. Just open the mdb with MSA 07/10 and click Upgrade. There is a table, MSysACEs, in the old access databases that will not convert as Access 07 and higher doesn’t use it. You will get an error that some objects did not migrate. Once the database opens, go to Tables, then the Conversion Errors table. This table displays all the objects that 07/10 could not migrate. If the only object is MSysACEs then life is GOOD!
The Bad:
If you have a Front-end (FE) to Back-end (BE) mdb, then the migration can take a bit longer. I convert the BE first, then the FE. Be sure and open the FE with the Shift key pressed so the application doesn’t try to run any macros or code. I spend some time on my knees HOPING there is not a ton of VBA Code otherwise I will be spending some time, hours sometimes, walking the code looking for the old MSA defaults (like A_Form) and converting them to the MSA 07/10 equivalent. Depending on the intricacy of the Application, your best bet may be hiring a professional.
The UGLY:
MSA 07/10 security is completely dissimilar to previous versions of Access. You will notice a Security Warning bar just under the ribbon. As a default, the only directory MSA allows auto execution of code and macros is the %Programs%\Microsoft Office\Office12\ACCWIZ. If you have an application running in any other directory, you will need to open the trust center and add that directory to the list of paths that MSA trusts.
These are some of the problems I have encountered when doing a migration. I have no doubt that others have hit other issues.
Friday, June 25, 2010
I work from home, do you?
The data collection business did over $14 Billion in revenue last year; A 12 point record on an individual is worth up to $35.00 and a 7 point record on a business is worth up to $10.00; The Direct Marketing Association says companies spent $191 billion last year on direct- response advertising. The category that includes direct mail and telephone solicitations produced $1.7 trillion in revenue.
Automobile and Truck Tag data entry is just the tip of the iceberg and are only Phase One of the Data Network Affiliates simple plan of action. We have begun to roll out DNA Connects (Phase Two) which will offer even more income opportunities and be just as simple to obtain. More information...
The Department of Justice reported 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day; 203,900 children were victims of family abductions; 58,200 children were victims of non- family abductions. ONLY 492 children since 1997, has the AMBER Alert program been credited for the safe recovery. DNA can help in such safe recoveries. If DNA helped save ONE MORE CHILD it’s worth it?
Automobile and Truck Tag data entry is just the tip of the iceberg and are only Phase One of the Data Network Affiliates simple plan of action. We have begun to roll out DNA Connects (Phase Two) which will offer even more income opportunities and be just as simple to obtain. More information...
The Department of Justice reported 797,500 children (younger than 18) were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day; 203,900 children were victims of family abductions; 58,200 children were victims of non- family abductions. ONLY 492 children since 1997, has the AMBER Alert program been credited for the safe recovery. DNA can help in such safe recoveries. If DNA helped save ONE MORE CHILD it’s worth it?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Time to buy a timeshare?
If you've been thinking about and talking about getting a timeshare, could this be the year to get serious? With the economy starting to look up - some people say - prices may begin increasing. Having been in the timeshare business for 2 decades - let me give you a little advice on timeshare resales.
First and foremost buy a spot where you already go to vacation. The most relaxed owners I've seen are the ones that year-in year-out travel to the same general area for their vacation. If you love the mountains - buy there. If you like the coast - buy near the ocean.
Next - check out both developer owned and timeshare resales that are available. You probably can hear of a dirt cheap timeshare online, but what are the yearly dues? Will the resort need to have a huge increase in fees next year to fix the roof? Do you really want to own a place that won't be had the bed replaced in 20 years.
First and foremost buy a spot where you already go to vacation. The most relaxed owners I've seen are the ones that year-in year-out travel to the same general area for their vacation. If you love the mountains - buy there. If you like the coast - buy near the ocean.
Next - check out both developer owned and timeshare resales that are available. You probably can hear of a dirt cheap timeshare online, but what are the yearly dues? Will the resort need to have a huge increase in fees next year to fix the roof? Do you really want to own a place that won't be had the bed replaced in 20 years.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Just to surf can be enough
I have been surfing the net and have just fell in love with UrbanSpoon.com.
I use Urbanspoon to keep track of my most and least favorite restaurants. If you use Urbanspoon too we can compare notes on the best places to eat.
Urbanspoon is a website where you can find everything there is to know about local restaurants -- with menus and maps, as well as reviews from newspaper critics and food blogs.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/
I use Urbanspoon to keep track of my most and least favorite restaurants. If you use Urbanspoon too we can compare notes on the best places to eat.
Urbanspoon is a website where you can find everything there is to know about local restaurants -- with menus and maps, as well as reviews from newspaper critics and food blogs.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Runway 7L hangs on to Third Place
Tuesday night saw the Flight Line\'s Runway 7L playing the 5030 Lounge at the Flight Line bar.
Duane was started off the evening with nine wins in a row and extended that to thirteen. He is now comfortably in first place in the individual standings with 185 points.
Deb and Ruby struggled a little with getting the eight ball into the pocket. They both ended the night with 28 points and two wins each.
Rob played solid. Only winning one game, he ended up with 31 points keeping him in in the top 15.
When the dust settled, Runway 7L only won one round but is solidly in third place overall. All of the players are in the top 15 in individual points.
Next Tuesday, Runway 7L is heading to Steel Horse to take on the Guys N Dolls team. Best of luck Runway 7L.
*****************************************
** Web sites and Custom Applications **
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Duane was started off the evening with nine wins in a row and extended that to thirteen. He is now comfortably in first place in the individual standings with 185 points.
Deb and Ruby struggled a little with getting the eight ball into the pocket. They both ended the night with 28 points and two wins each.
Rob played solid. Only winning one game, he ended up with 31 points keeping him in in the top 15.
When the dust settled, Runway 7L only won one round but is solidly in third place overall. All of the players are in the top 15 in individual points.
Next Tuesday, Runway 7L is heading to Steel Horse to take on the Guys N Dolls team. Best of luck Runway 7L.
*****************************************
** Web sites and Custom Applications **
*****************************************
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Creating a service in VS 2005 and VB.Net
I was asked to provide a software solution last week for work. I was like, "Sure, I can do that, no problem!" WELL....
Problem: Need a better way of transferring a Windows profile from an old machine to a new machine. Currently takes the Config team 2 to 3 hours.
Solution: Part One: Make a User application to define the Source Computer and Destination computer, define the user to transfer and create an XML file with the requested directories. File to be processed by a Windows service located on another machine.
Part Two: Create a service to run at a specific time to copy the requested folders to the new machine.
Part one was a breeze. I created a VB.Net application that can PING both machines and verifies that the profile is on the source and the "user" has logged in at least once on the new one. It loads an XML file with the directories to be processed, allows the user to remove those directories not wanted. Just a really nice app.
Part two was a monster. I knew that you could create a service in VB.Net, it was the HOW that was needed. As usual, I Googled, and googled and googled. Searching for "vb.net Windows service" was the best but not totally accurate. I tried 3 of the "samples" that I found only to figure out that as soon as I logged off, so did the code! This was not at all what I wanted. I needed a service that would run no mater who, if anyone was logged in. Three days and a few hundred lines of code later, I finally figured it out!
Turns out, System.Timers.Timer is the guy you want to use. the System.Windows.Forms.Timer will NOT work in a service. OK, I kind of expected that, so I went with System.Threading.Timer. This did not give the required response either. Then I found out about System.Timers.Timer. What a NICE control! I was able to set up the interval using the TimeSpan.TotalMilliseconds and the service Just runs!
If you are working on a VB.NET service and need a hand, let me know. I will be more than happy to assist, you can email me at WaibelOnline.com
Rob
Problem: Need a better way of transferring a Windows profile from an old machine to a new machine. Currently takes the Config team 2 to 3 hours.
Solution: Part One: Make a User application to define the Source Computer and Destination computer, define the user to transfer and create an XML file with the requested directories. File to be processed by a Windows service located on another machine.
Part Two: Create a service to run at a specific time to copy the requested folders to the new machine.
Part one was a breeze. I created a VB.Net application that can PING both machines and verifies that the profile is on the source and the "user" has logged in at least once on the new one. It loads an XML file with the directories to be processed, allows the user to remove those directories not wanted. Just a really nice app.
Part two was a monster. I knew that you could create a service in VB.Net, it was the HOW that was needed. As usual, I Googled, and googled and googled. Searching for "vb.net Windows service" was the best but not totally accurate. I tried 3 of the "samples" that I found only to figure out that as soon as I logged off, so did the code! This was not at all what I wanted. I needed a service that would run no mater who, if anyone was logged in. Three days and a few hundred lines of code later, I finally figured it out!
Turns out, System.Timers.Timer is the guy you want to use. the System.Windows.Forms.Timer will NOT work in a service. OK, I kind of expected that, so I went with System.Threading.Timer. This did not give the required response either. Then I found out about System.Timers.Timer. What a NICE control! I was able to set up the interval using the TimeSpan.TotalMilliseconds and the service Just runs!
If you are working on a VB.NET service and need a hand, let me know. I will be more than happy to assist, you can email me at WaibelOnline.com
Rob
Friday, June 11, 2010
Just Random Stuff...
The most common name in the world is Mohammed. - So much for John!
Karoke means "empty orchestra" in Japanese. - It means "You'll never make it on American Idol" in America!
The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C. - ok, that is just GROSS!
The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. - Also great for driving REALLY FAST!
When you die your hair still grows for a couple of months. - What if your bald?
The most money ever paid for a cow in an auction was $1.3 million. - And the steak SUCKED! :D
Each of the suits on a deck of cards represents the four major pillars of the economy in the middle ages: heart represented the Church, spades represented the military, clubs represented agriculture, and diamonds represented the merchant class. - honestly, that's just kewl.
1 in 5,000 north Atlantic lobsters are born bright blue. - hmmmmmmm lobster!
Karoke means "empty orchestra" in Japanese. - It means "You'll never make it on American Idol" in America!
The first known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used by Egyptians in 2000 B.C. - ok, that is just GROSS!
The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies. - Also great for driving REALLY FAST!
When you die your hair still grows for a couple of months. - What if your bald?
The most money ever paid for a cow in an auction was $1.3 million. - And the steak SUCKED! :D
Each of the suits on a deck of cards represents the four major pillars of the economy in the middle ages: heart represented the Church, spades represented the military, clubs represented agriculture, and diamonds represented the merchant class. - honestly, that's just kewl.
1 in 5,000 north Atlantic lobsters are born bright blue. - hmmmmmmm lobster!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Microsoft's Windows - What I REALLY Think...
I have been working in Microsoft's Windows Operating System (OS) for so long I'm not sure I could function with out it. Is that a good or bad thing? I have no idea!
Microsoft's Windows has been around since 1983. I started with Windows 3 then moved to Windows 3.11. I really liked the user interface and control I had.
Windows 95 was next. Honestly, I LOVED IT! Yes, there were 5 different versions released over the years to fix the glitches, but I still thought it was a good stable office/home OS. When MS came out with PLUS! I was almost in heaven :D
Then of course was Windows 98. I worked the crap out 98. That is when I started developing real database and data-driven applications. It was stable, fast and I could network my computers to allow the wife to use the internet with only one modem (ARG! A modem? Don't EVEN let me get started!)
Ah, then Microsoft released Windows 2000. Until the release of Windows XPsp3, 2000 was by far my favorite OS. Six different versions from Professional to Advanced and Datacenter server. There really wasn't a better OS for those of us in the field of programming, well, Microsoft programming. Stable, solid, fast, and dependable. If Microsoft ever really did something right (up to that point in time) it was Windows 2000.
Then Microsoft took a HUGE step backward and handed out Millennium Edition, also known as Windows ME. ME was about as stable as a mud slide. I happened to purchase a computer that came with ME and immediately reloaded it with Windows 2000. My favorite nomenclature for ME was "Mistake Edition".
Thank goodness for 2001, thats when Microsoft realeased one of the BEST operating systems next to Windows 2000 Professional. Welcome Windows XP! Released as the result of merging of NT/2000 and 95/98/ME, XP was solid, safe, fast and efficient. Now, there were a few, ok many, security issues on the first release but once you got to XP sp3 (service pack 3), it was all good! Now, is XP perfect, no, but very reliable. I was a coding guru on XPsp3. There were so many editions it was hard to keep up. Everything from HOME to Media to Professional. Just GOOD STUFF!
In 2003, Microsoft release Windows Server 2003. Six different editions and a much better security features. Setup was done via a "Manage your Server" wizard that simplified user setup, networking, printer and file sharing and much more. I likes the way it ran Microsofts SQL Server, being the data geek that I am!
Released in 2007 is the only Windows I have never used, Windows Home Server. Ah well, must have been a quite release.
Mistake #2 (ME was and will always been the biggest blunder Microsoft ever made in my book), Vista. I fight with my Vista home daily. It's slow, clunky and in my opinion, a frackin waste. But, I got a new computer in 2007 and gee, it came with Vista. Finding drivers for my printer, my favorite keyboard... ARG! What a nightmare. I'll be honest, I very rarely use that machine. I am saving up my $$ to get my newest favorite operating system, Windows 7!!!
Question of the blog, when was Windows Server 2008 was released??? You guessed it, in 2008. Better security and more modular, it became our Server OS of choice at work. Granted, there are ten, yes TEN editions...
Now we say HELLO to WINDOWS 7! I have to admit, I was very, VERY skeptical. I LOVE XPsp3, I am used to XPsp3... Vista sucked... Finally I gave it a try on my trusty Lenovo T61 laptop. Ah, WOW! It did take a little getting used to. Some of the new security features are a total pain in the arse but I can see with home users that it is a safer OS. I love the new Start Button. I click, type in the application I want to run and BOOM BABY, there it is! I even have Visual Studios 6 running just fine on it! I think the introduction of desktop gadgets is one of my favorite things. I have weather, stocks and a really kewl memory/cpu gadget on my desktop. I am actively saving up to get two copies of Windows 7 upgrade, one for my Home computer and one for the wife's laptop (another Vista Home OEM).
To be totally honest, I'm not sure I am ready for "Windows 8"/next version of Windows. For now, Windows 7 is da BOMB!!!
/Rob
Microsoft's Windows has been around since 1983. I started with Windows 3 then moved to Windows 3.11. I really liked the user interface and control I had.
Windows 95 was next. Honestly, I LOVED IT! Yes, there were 5 different versions released over the years to fix the glitches, but I still thought it was a good stable office/home OS. When MS came out with PLUS! I was almost in heaven :D
Then of course was Windows 98. I worked the crap out 98. That is when I started developing real database and data-driven applications. It was stable, fast and I could network my computers to allow the wife to use the internet with only one modem (ARG! A modem? Don't EVEN let me get started!)
Ah, then Microsoft released Windows 2000. Until the release of Windows XPsp3, 2000 was by far my favorite OS. Six different versions from Professional to Advanced and Datacenter server. There really wasn't a better OS for those of us in the field of programming, well, Microsoft programming. Stable, solid, fast, and dependable. If Microsoft ever really did something right (up to that point in time) it was Windows 2000.
Then Microsoft took a HUGE step backward and handed out Millennium Edition, also known as Windows ME. ME was about as stable as a mud slide. I happened to purchase a computer that came with ME and immediately reloaded it with Windows 2000. My favorite nomenclature for ME was "Mistake Edition".
Thank goodness for 2001, thats when Microsoft realeased one of the BEST operating systems next to Windows 2000 Professional. Welcome Windows XP! Released as the result of merging of NT/2000 and 95/98/ME, XP was solid, safe, fast and efficient. Now, there were a few, ok many, security issues on the first release but once you got to XP sp3 (service pack 3), it was all good! Now, is XP perfect, no, but very reliable. I was a coding guru on XPsp3. There were so many editions it was hard to keep up. Everything from HOME to Media to Professional. Just GOOD STUFF!
In 2003, Microsoft release Windows Server 2003. Six different editions and a much better security features. Setup was done via a "Manage your Server" wizard that simplified user setup, networking, printer and file sharing and much more. I likes the way it ran Microsofts SQL Server, being the data geek that I am!
Released in 2007 is the only Windows I have never used, Windows Home Server. Ah well, must have been a quite release.
Mistake #2 (ME was and will always been the biggest blunder Microsoft ever made in my book), Vista. I fight with my Vista home daily. It's slow, clunky and in my opinion, a frackin waste. But, I got a new computer in 2007 and gee, it came with Vista. Finding drivers for my printer, my favorite keyboard... ARG! What a nightmare. I'll be honest, I very rarely use that machine. I am saving up my $$ to get my newest favorite operating system, Windows 7!!!
Question of the blog, when was Windows Server 2008 was released??? You guessed it, in 2008. Better security and more modular, it became our Server OS of choice at work. Granted, there are ten, yes TEN editions...
Now we say HELLO to WINDOWS 7! I have to admit, I was very, VERY skeptical. I LOVE XPsp3, I am used to XPsp3... Vista sucked... Finally I gave it a try on my trusty Lenovo T61 laptop. Ah, WOW! It did take a little getting used to. Some of the new security features are a total pain in the arse but I can see with home users that it is a safer OS. I love the new Start Button. I click, type in the application I want to run and BOOM BABY, there it is! I even have Visual Studios 6 running just fine on it! I think the introduction of desktop gadgets is one of my favorite things. I have weather, stocks and a really kewl memory/cpu gadget on my desktop. I am actively saving up to get two copies of Windows 7 upgrade, one for my Home computer and one for the wife's laptop (another Vista Home OEM).
To be totally honest, I'm not sure I am ready for "Windows 8"/next version of Windows. For now, Windows 7 is da BOMB!!!
/Rob
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
What a GREAT Weekend!
I had one of the best surprises a father could get... Seeing one of my children! I know, that sounds kind of lame but let me explain...
My daughter Jordan got married last September and moved to Colorado Springs. Ok, I can deal, only 12 hours from Phoenix. Nathan, her husband, just got out of the Army (A special THANK YOU to him and to ALL Military Personnel. Without you and your sacrifices, we would not be who we are today!). Well, they are moving to Virginia for his Active Reserve time. His parents live out there and the kids have some great plans. BUT, that means that she is no longer 12 hours away, more like 3 DAYS away.
When I found out they were leaving, I asked them if they thought they would have a chance to come down to Phoenix and see us. They didn’t sound to hopeful, so I left it as I needed to save up some money and get Ruby and I out to visit them once they got settled.
Well, Saturday afternoon I got the Big Surprise! Jordan and Nathan WERE able to make it to Phoenix! I was almost speechless. For the first time in over 9 months, all five of my kids, their respective partners, and my 4 grand babies were all here! I was so happy!
I have to admit that Saturday and Sunday count as two of the most awesome days in my life. Special thanks to my loving wife, Ruby, my best friends Paul & Vicky and all those who knew and never told me! You all rock and are all much loved!
My daughter Jordan got married last September and moved to Colorado Springs. Ok, I can deal, only 12 hours from Phoenix. Nathan, her husband, just got out of the Army (A special THANK YOU to him and to ALL Military Personnel. Without you and your sacrifices, we would not be who we are today!). Well, they are moving to Virginia for his Active Reserve time. His parents live out there and the kids have some great plans. BUT, that means that she is no longer 12 hours away, more like 3 DAYS away.
When I found out they were leaving, I asked them if they thought they would have a chance to come down to Phoenix and see us. They didn’t sound to hopeful, so I left it as I needed to save up some money and get Ruby and I out to visit them once they got settled.
Well, Saturday afternoon I got the Big Surprise! Jordan and Nathan WERE able to make it to Phoenix! I was almost speechless. For the first time in over 9 months, all five of my kids, their respective partners, and my 4 grand babies were all here! I was so happy!
I have to admit that Saturday and Sunday count as two of the most awesome days in my life. Special thanks to my loving wife, Ruby, my best friends Paul & Vicky and all those who knew and never told me! You all rock and are all much loved!
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