Friday, November 4, 2011

Nine Years To The Minute...

You have recently submitted a question regarding Half-Life Platinum Edition having a Network or Multiplayer problem. The following is the solution to your issue. If you have further issues regarding this product and issue, please reply to the email and type your response between the lines below. Any text outside of the below lines will be discarded. The response to your question: ---------------------------------------- Solution Added On 11/06/2002 8:45AM This program predates the release of Windows XP by quite some time. It has never been tested with this version of Windows, and consequently, it is unsupported. With that in mind, try the following steps to see if they will correct your problem: First and foremost, insure the computer has the latest critical updates available for the operating system. To do this: A. Establish connection to the Internet. Go to START and select WINDOWS UPDATE. Windows Update will automatically connect to the Microsoft Web site and provide a list of updates available for download. If any difficulties are encountered with the Windows Update function, here is the link to the latest critical update: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and select PRODUCT UPDATES Grant Administrative access to individual programs by using the following steps: Right-click the program's file name or shortcut. Click Properties, Advanced, click Run with different credentials, and then click OK. Start the program. When you receive a prompt, enter an administrative user ID and password. Next, identify the hardware devices and obtain the latest driver/bios updates. A. Using the RIGHT mouse button, click the MY COMPUTER icon B. Select PROPERTIES C. Select HARDWARE D. Select DEVICE MANAGER E. Click the "+" sign beside DISPLAY (DISPLAY ADAPTORS). The "+" sign will reappear as a "-" sign. The name and/or model of the video card (adapter) will be listed the first line below DISPLAY (DISPLAY ADAPTORS). You should contact the system manufacturer for support to determine the availability of product updates. Another option is to contact the hardware manufacturer for support and determine availability of product updates and/or settings requirements. F. Click the "+" sign beside SOUND, VIDEO, GAME CONTROLLERS. The "+" sign will reappear as a "-" sign. The name and/or model of the sound card will be listed the first line below SOUND, VIDEO, GAME CONTROLLERS. Contact the system manufacturer for support to determine the availability of product updates. Another option is to contact the hardware manufacturer for support and determine availability of product updates and/or settings requirements. RAM (System memory) Windows XP uses at least 64 megabytes of RAM for the operating system (and 128 is recommended). For general gaming purposes this means that if the game requires 32 megabytes of system memory (RAM), the best performance will be obtained on a system with 96(+) megabytes of system memory. Sierra will not require this amount for support, but we will recommend additional memory for increased performance. In addition, if you have chosen to manually set Virtual Memory, it is highly recommended that the Virtual Memory be set to a minimum/maximum of twice the amount of system memory (RAM). Application Priority 1. Must turn off fast user switching in windows XP so that you can log in as ADMINISTRATOR...it is not enough to login with a user that is in admin group 2. Browse CD...go to support/setup...right-click setup...choose properties...run in compatibility mode as win2k...double-click setup icon Windows XP permits the user (Network Administrator) to adjust the computer to authorize the operating system to extend greater performance to either current APPLICATIONS or BACKGROUND SERVICES. For gaming purposes, we suggest setting this option to APPLICATIONS. To do this: A. Using the RIGHT mouse button, click the MY COMPUTER icon B. Select PROPERTIES C. Select ADVANCED D. Select PERFORMANCE OPTIONS E. Select "Give Applications More Performance" Make sure you are running in 16-bit (high) color. -Click on the Windows START button and choose SETTINGS -Choose CONTROL PANEL and double click on the DISPLAY icon. -From the Display Properties, click on the SETTINGS Tab -Click on the Arrow next to Color Palette and select HIGH COLOR 16-bit -Click on the APPLY button in the bottom right. -Click on OK and restart the computer if prompted to. -Try the program. Determine whether any programs running in the background are interfering with the program. - Click START - Select RUN - Type in "MSCONFIG" in the command line, - Click OKAY - Click the STARTUP Tab - Note down which applications are checked - Click the GENERAL Tab - Put the dot in Selective Startup - Uncheck Load Startup Items - Click Okay & restart your computer - Try the program ***To restore your system Repeat the above steps, only put the dot back in normal startup. Then go to the startup tab & confirm that all the applications that were initially checked are enabled now as well. Try Running the program in either win9x or win2000 emulation. To do this, locate the actual file executable. (For example, for counter-strike: c:\sierra\counter-strike\cstrike.exe is the executable.) Once located: - Right-click on it & select properties - Select the COMPATABILITY Tab - Put the check in "Run this program in compatibility mode for" - From the pull down menu, select windows 98 - Click APPLY - Click OK - Try running the program now ***If unsuccessful, consider trying it w/ Windows ME or Windows 2000 selected for the compatibility. Vivendi Universal Games offer a full 90-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may exchange it for a different program of equal or lesser value or a full refund. Just send us the program with a photocopy of your dated receipt within 90 days of purchase. Attach the photocopy of your receipt to a note containing your name, address, and phone number. On the note, specify which program you wish to exchange for or specify that you want a refund. Please send your complete packaged product via a traceable method such as Priority Mail, UPS, or Fed Ex to: Vivendi Universal Games Attn: Refunds / Exchanges 4247 S Minnewawa Ave. Fresno, CA 93725-9345 Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for your refund to arrive. Your original question: ---------------------------------------- Customer Submitted Question On: 11/04/2002 7:56PM i just bought the half-life 5 pack and am trying to play online but no servers show up in the window.i am really bummed. i have a brand new computer that is running windows xp, and am using aol internet service. please let me know if there are any download that i need to make my computer or isp compatible. majorly bummed, morgan home-9XX-908-6384 [===> Please enter your reply below this line Please enter your reply above this line

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

34 Years Old, Homeless and Heartbroken

Wow. Just wow. What else can one say? Just turned 34. Disabled and cannot work for 3 plus years now and probably for life. Married yet separated with no reconciliation nor divorce in sight. Just kicked out of my step sons life for no real reason. Homeless week two. Worst. Feeling. Ever. Lest we not forget the heartbroken part too. Homeless and heartbroken. What a combination. Well, I have nothing left to say at the current moment.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Retired At 34...

There was a time in my childhood in which I may have dreamed to be retired in my 30's. That dream has become reality for me, though not quite how I imagined it back in the day. No, I dreamed of racing my way to millions or inventing the "next best thing". No way did I imagine my body would start failing and I would become all but an invalid. Thankfully I still have all my limbs and most everything works like it did when I came out of the factory but the wounds I have cannot be seen. There is no known rhyme or reason for the pain I endure. Test after test the answer is still the same.

Everyday is a challenge. Even on my best days do I struggle. Mornings tend to be the worst part of my day. Two of my three service-connected disabilities are at their worst in the AM's. After my morning battle, the rest of the day is a mystery. Some days I am able to grasp some normality yet others are totally prostrating and I cannot participate in average daily activities as my pain levels are between seven and nine. SERE trained or not, any pain at that level will make even the hardest of the hard break down and cry for mercy. I would take any day in that POW cell over the pain I endure on my worst days. Gladly.

Unfortunately, life is not always "fair". Take it as it comes, suck it up and drive on and only the strong survive are a couple of the motto's I have learned to live by. 10 years after I raised my right hand and swore my oath to this great country, to protect life, liberty, FREEDOM. For three years I struggled with a very low disability rating from the VA. For three long, hard years I have endured severe and chronic pain. Not that my pain has subsided or dissipated but the VA has finally given my a disability rating closer to what I deserve.

The weight of the world has finally been lifted and I can again see the light of hope. Hooray! Here I am on the verge of 34 and retired. Not quite what I had imagined, but not having to stress over how I shall survive anymore is a great feeling, even more so now that I can insure my son's future in this wretched world. Do not take me wrong, I would gladly take my health over disability retirement ANY day. I remember my great sense of pride in accomplishment and I miss those days. I suppose that is why my grandfather worked til he was nearly 80 years old.

Have a dub day!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

My First Time...

Life is full of FIRSTS. First crush, first kiss, first love...those are the most common referred to firsts as memories of love and affection are usually one's happiest thoughts and memories. What about our first hockey game, first time catching a baseball, first time tasting a new candy? These firsts are best remembered by others as they have helped you experience these. Now I cannot remember the first time I had my favorite candy nor can I remember my first catch of the baseball; though I do remember my first time ever riding a motorcycle solo. What an awesome and great feeling that was, especially since I was so young at a mere 6 years old.

There is nothing more awesome than introducing one's offspring to new and wonderful things. Sharing that first taste of Big League Chew and watching his face explode with excitement and wonder gives back such a fulfilling feeling. As I journey through this life with my son, I tend to make it a goal to find something new and exciting to try as often as possible. Although, oneself must remember to nurture and feed those activities they enjoy most and talk about often. Try not to overload your youngster with too much new at once as well. Help them to understand these new things, teach them the how's or why's as your child will be asking those often. My son and I recently had some great firsts. For over a month I searched and scoured every gas station, convenience store and local grocery market to find some Big League Chew. Nowhere could it be found. Thankful for the internet, I tracked down the manufacturer of BLC and emailed them a letter requesting assistance finding their distributors. Within a couple of days the email was responded to and I was contacting the stores recommended by Ford Gum. Now, my 4 year old has had bubblegum before but he has NEVER enjoyed gum this much. Who can resist those fresh, sweet shredded strips of chewy awesomeness!? I for one, have never been able to resist them, especially the other flavors. While visiting Big League Chew's website I noticed there was a new Watermelon flavor. My new goal is to find some of this and eat a whole pouch at once. No seriously though, watermelon has to be my favorite flavored candy, drink or whatever. I remember my first watermelon Sprite. A drink I concocted while working at a Sonic Drive In many years ago. A simple yet very delicious mix.

Hockey season is upon us and my love for the game has been rekindled as I plan on getting my son into the sport. We have been hitting the ice rinks, another recent first for my boy. We ventured to a local hockey game and what a blast we both had. Technically, that was only my third game ever watching live, but as a former player, I have "viewed" many games from my crease in front of the net. There is something about being in the crowd, watching the checks and slap shots, how can anyone NOT smile and have a great time? Even though there is alcohol at every sporting event in our country, I personally do not feel uncomfortable at an ice hockey game like I would at a football game or even a motorsports race.The hockey arena atmosphere is much more chill. Maybe it's the cool, crisp air or maybe my younger memories of times in the arena bring about such a euphoria. No matter why, good times are always had near the ice.

Relish and treasure those ever so awesome and radical firsts but also feed the seconds and thirds and so on. Just remember to have fun, tread lightly and good things are sure to pass.

Have a dub day!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

What Is Life...

What is life? There are many people whom ask this question every day. There are few who have found that answer. Instead, they are forced to slave their lives away and are blind to the real world around them. Caught up in their race to have the biggest and fastest, trendiest whatever may be the next BIG thing. Sadly we live in a disposable society. Throw away products, careers and even lives! What is wrong with all of us. Yes, US. Not just him, her or they. All of US. You want to know "What is life"? Well, it is pretty simple...every time you do anything, think of our future generations. Think of the consequences of your actions, good or bad. Be aware of your surroundings and to the WORLD around you. Always remember the golden rule..."Treat others as you would like to be treated." There is much more wisdom to be passed on, unfortunately time constraints prohibit further delving into these subject matters at this time. Peace be with you brothers and sisters.

Have a dub day!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

2004 Mustang Premium GT 40th Anniversary Crimson Red, 1 Owner ,50k Miles FOR SALE Ebay Craigslist

2004 Ford Mustang Premium GT 40th Anniversary special edition package w/ correct spoiler delete. 1 of 5700 produced, even less with the more desirable 40th Anniversary Mustang ONLY color of Crimson Red and "as optioned" makes this 1 of 528. Cruise, Tilt, Fog Lamps, Mach 460 Premium Sound, 5 Speed Manual, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Trunk Release, Power Driver Seat, Traction Control, Rear Window Defrost, COLD (Factory) AC, Warm Heat, Fold Down Rear Seats. VERY clean 2004 Mustang GT. I will also include in the sale a spare set of front 40th Anniversary floor mats used for "shows" and a Factory Ford fitted car cover with 40th Anniversary logo (cover is for indoor use and when paint is clean-merely to keep dust free when car was in storage between cruises/shows)
<50k miles, I bought new from Mike Shad Ford in Jacksonville, Fl when I was in the Navy in November 2003. Was a spare weekender only car for more than half her life, but life changes and poop happens. Needs minor body work, NO FRAME/UNIBODY work required, the damage is merely cosmetic. Runs strong and drives straight, drove her to TX and back a couple weeks ago, 21+ mpg on the freeway (still on factory plugs). Mobil1 full synthetic every 5k miles since break-in. All stock with addition of K&N air filter and tinted windows (Florida state legal w/ full transferable warranty). I am torn on selling this car, but my health forces sale. I can no longer work to provide for my family so my precious 04 Anny must go, hopefully to someone willing to take good care of here (nice garage, weekend trips, she also enjoys being waxed and detailed).

This stang was also at the 2004 Ford NASCAR season ending race @ Miami/Homestead for the unveiling of the 2005 Mustang GT where she was parked on pit row pre-race with about 10 other prestigious Mustangs from various eras in the history of the Mustang. ALL original paperwork will be included with the sale of this car. Please visit my Photobucket album online to view pics of this beautiful car.
Yes it needs some minor work (pass. headlight, pass fender, headlight mounting panel, front and rear bumpers and paint to match).
2004 Ford Mustang GT 40th Anniversary Crimson Red <50k miles [PhotoBucket Album]
eBay Auction for 2004 40th Anny Crimson Stang
Photobucket
Telephone number listed in eBay and Craigslist.org ads.
$8250 Buy It Now! and <$7500 reserve!