Since I discovered the wonderful world of Alt+Tab many years ago, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. When I bought my MacBook, I was glad to see that Command+Tab did the same thing, but better than the stock Alt+Tab of Windows.

When I read of TaskSwitchXP Pro I was mildly skeptical. I mean, it seemed cool, but would it add that much to my computing experience? Answer: Oh hell yes. TaskSwitchXP Pro allows you to see a screenshot of all the applications running (provided the are not minimized). It also lets the user scroll through the list and go backwards and forwards through the list. Finally, you can use the mouse to select the application (my favorite feature). When using a computer without TaskSwitchXP Pro, I get a bit freaked out when I can’t click on the app I want to switch to (don’t worry, I recover).

Being a lover of Firefox, I find myself wanting to close Window taskbar items via middle-click. A quick google search pointed me to a nice (and free) little app that can get the job done.

Taskbar Shuffle allows the user to move around tasbar items and close windows via middle-click! Add to that, it’s free and a very small download. Task Manager is showing the RAM usage at 4.8mb - not sure why it’d need that much but then again I’m hardly a Windows programmer (and rather happy about that fact).

Go get it!

Was driving into work today and that familiar “Eeeegheeheggheehegehegehgghe” sound coming from my stick shift was driving me mad (Think Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber - most annoying sound scene).  It happens when I go over 70, which means it happens whenever I’m on the highway (yes, I know I drive a tad fast).  It goes away when I hit 85 though (…ssh).

On this particular morning I had my hand on the shifter (keep your mind out of the gutters please..I know you can do it) to quiet the sound.  I noticed that fifth gear was impressively loose and pulled the stick shift towards me like I was down shifting.  To my surprise, the stick shift popped out of fifth with ease.  My foot was off the accelerator so it wasn’t as noticable.

When I exited the expressway, I tried to do the same in third gear - no problem, says third.  It happily left its home without me depressing the clutch.  I can’t really call myself a car guy - meaning that I’m not very knowledgeable about the inner workings, fixing them.  I am a bit of a Rain Man when it comes to identifying makes and models, however.  So, not being a car guy, I do know a “That’s not right” scenario when I see one.  Hoping this isn’t a huge problem.  If it is I’m sure it’ll inconvenience me as much as humanly possible *glances at track record*.

The title of the post is a quote from my dad when I had my old car - a 1991 Dodge Shadow Convertible.  At the time, it was a pretty cool ride (literally - especially in the winter).  Whenever I’d tell my dad about another sound or smell coming from my Dodge, he’d reply with “That doesn’t sound good…”  Bit of a running joke now.

I’m not much into award shows as I find it all pretty subjective.  I do like that movies I liked get awards as I feel a slight (ok, very slight…) connection to the film (in the form of an $8 movie ticket).

One thing I notice with all awards shows, however, is the ‘mic clapper’.  Basically, when there is a standing ovation, or a long period of applause, there is always one clap that stands out above the mass clapping.  That one person seems to be clapping about two inches from their mic.  I’m convinced it is the award ladies - the women that just stand there - hand out awards, escort folks.  Not sure that their formal name is.

That is all…Zzzzzzz

Saturday started far too early as my brain thought it a good idea to get up at the usual time.  My body, on the other hand thought it was a horrible idea.  Game night last night turned out to be a great time and we didn’t get home/to bed until 2 AM.  Depending on who you ask, 2 AM is either late, or not so much.  For us, it is pretty late.  Call me crazy, but I love getting up early and staying up late can’t co-exist with getting up early for more than a few days before I get burnt out.

So, after I got up, I tried to pass out on the couch and was greeted with a few small cat fights and then Molly (younger, more dog-like cat) was being a bit obnoxious.  Headed back up to bed and slept until about 10:30 AM.  Didn’t get up/ready to go out until 11:30 which is hella late for me.

We decided to head to Jines as it recently re-opened (was closed for renovations) and we’ve always been a fan of that place.  We were pretty surprised by the changes.  They bought the jewelry store next to jines and made that the lobby area - making room for a lot more seating.  Food was the same great food but the decor was different.  Felt a bit odd eating there, but we still felt at home since the staff/service there kicks ass nine times out of ten.

After “breakfast”, we headed to an Irish jewelry shop to look at wedding bands for myself.  I was shocked to see that one of the rings I’d be cool with was a staggering $60…yes, $60.  Hand made too.  Candace is having a bit harder of a time finding a band for herself but I have faith we’ll find one for her in time.

Post-jewelry’ing, we drove to a house we may rent to scope it out.  It’s near the expressway and we’d have a driveway that only we’d park in.  I’m sure we could call the neighbors to come and park in the driveway if we miss them enough though (few truckloads of sarcasm there).

Candace wanted to see ‘27 Dresses’ and I agreed to see it with her.  Called up my cousin and her boyfriend and we all met out at Eastview.  As they hosted game night, we were all in the same mood:  Partly out of it with a 90% chance of “get me the fuck to bed”.  Movie was good - had its moments.  It was a pretty typical romantic comedy with a singing bit that stunk of corn, cheese and shit writing, but hey, mistakes happen.

Cruised out to Ruby Tuesdays for some fine grub.  We both really like that restaurant.  It’s nice because it is hardly ever busy.  It’s like no one knows it is there or something - yet the food is simple, fresh and very tasty.

Came home and crashed.  Watched TV - switched between Dumb and Dumber and The Matrix - couldn’t get any better channel surf’age than that.  “Samsonite!  I was way off!”.  “Are you saying I could dodge bullets?”  “I’m saying that when are ready - you won’t have to”.

So here we are, both tired and not entirely certain what to do with the rest of the night.  I’d be fine heading to bed as we I’ve been a huge fan of sleep lately and last night’s sleep wasn’t the best.

Here’s to a nice warm (hey, high-30s is warm this time of year) sunny Sunday