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

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.

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!

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!

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!

COPY PASTA: How To...

Source: Today I found out found HERE

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

Telephone number listed in eBay and Craigslist.org ads.
$8250 Buy It Now! and <$7500 reserve!

Rubik's Cube Copy Pasta

Click the image to enlarge

Did you know that the inventor of the Rubik's Cube was an architect?
Via: FIXR.COM

Cannabis Copy Pasta

Not sure how accurate this info is, but at a minimum, there is some good info here. Found and copied from HERE.


Via: Term Life Insurance

10 Common Misconceptions Dispelled

[Source: Misconception Junction]
Found HERE and Part 2 can be found HERE.
Enjoy this awesome copy pasta!

Friendly People Around the Net

The audacity of some people. I swear, people will never cease to amaze me. My friends and family wonder why I don't like people, in general. Here is a classic example. eBay ID's have been edited to keep anonymity. Enjoy!

From: v***********n
To: g***********t
Subject: Re: v***********n sent a message about eBay item #xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent Date: Nov-03-10 23:06:26 PDT

Dear g***********t, I want to apologize to you for I must give a refund on your paypal payment for this item as it was stolen from my property a couple days ago. I have had a small problem with thieves (due to my landlord hiring very shady people) I apologize for the inconvenience and do hope this does not affect my feedback. Thanks again and I am issuing your refund now via paypal. - v***********n

From: g***********t
To: v***********n
Subject: Re: v***********n sent a message about eBay item #xxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent Date: Nov-05-10 21:31:49 PDT

Dear v***********n, I Have trouble believing your explanation, partly because you responded five days after the end of sale. Was it because you thought it would sell for more? If you knew people were already stealing your things, why would you place something at risk of being taken? What would you think I should respond in feedback!!!!!!!! - g***********t

Dear g***********t,

Well, I am doing my best to stay calm in this email considering you basically accused me of trying to "rip" you off. 1st off, remember, you AND I are both only Human. 2nd, look at my feedback rating, 100% and a 9 year eBay member. I suppose nothing bad has ever happened to you in your entire existence. Again, I apologize for having waited so long to inform you, but I wanted to make sure I did not set the item down inside my house (which is a mess from just moving).
Judge not, lest ye be judged. Have a blessed day.

- v***********n

My Most EPIC Broke Down Adventure...

Summer, 1996, was before my ol 72 bus took a dump on me. NW of Tucson, AZ rolling round the desert roads. We started not too far from Avra Valley, off Pipeline Rd and were just cruising the desert roads. After awhile I was going down a very small inclined dirt road, hit a small pot hole and my RH ball joint popped out. Couldn't steer the bus, she just kinda slid into a Palo Verde tree and snapped it in 2 (was about 8 inches thick too) Put a 10" dent in the front, no biggee. Luckily I had a few friends with as I had crap for a jack. After about 30min of messing with the RH BJ I got it to pop back in.

By then, the sun was gettin kinda low, so we decided to get outta there. Needless to say, we were having a little too much fun and forgot which turns/roads we took to get out there. After 45min of driving, aimlessly, the veil of night began to cover us. We find what looked like a 'main' road and take it. It goes and goes, hill after hill, grrrr. So, I decide, maybe we should turn around? Bad idea, right as I try and crank the wheel to U-Turn, I hit a rock and out pops the RH BJ again, I roll down the hill backwards and come to a stop.

We pile out, knowing what we need to do, though we are more tired than earlier this afternoon. An hour or so later and I got it to pop back in by use of VW bus force, I got super frustrated and decided to rock the bus (ever so slightly) while my buds straightened the wheel with some big branches. Somehow, we succeeded and that stubborn BJ popped back in.

We pissed on our fire (used for light) kicked some sand on it and got the crap outta there. Not 5 min into driving we see a set of headlights, though lone, they were still headlights. After convincing ourselves that it would be a good idea to ask these complete strangers in the middle of nowhere for directions, we drive a lil closer and one of my friends and I get out to ask them for assistance.

Heh, turns out they were 'lost' as well, but they had a map. The ultra-uber funny thing is and still puzzles me to this day is, they were from Canada (with Canadian plates) and they were lost in the southern Arizona desert?

Turns out, we ended up a stones throw away from I-10 (we were west of the hwy) not too far from Eli, just a tad north of Picacho Peak, some 40 miles north of where we started. What a day...

picture courtesy of www.ratwell.com

At-Home Activism for Proposition 19

Ways to Activity support Proposition 19,
from the comforts of your home.

A Historical Election day is fast approaching! The great state of California is going against recent government policy, and is allowing voters to vote on a proposition based on facts! Proposition 19 proposes the legalization of Marijuana for adults over the age of 21.

There are many benefits to passing this proposition, two of which are extremely important:

• The mighty green (Marijuana) will generate a lot of mighty green ($$$) for the government (AKA: Taxes).

• Police will not have the authority to arrest or ticket adults over the age of 21 for possessing Marijuana, leading to less traffic in our courts and a large decrease in the prison population. Police and Courts will have resources and manpower to uphold the law in other areas, such as finding, dismantling, arresting, and convicting real drug criminals, such as the Meth, Heroin, and Crack suppliers. They will finally have resources and manpower to solve murders, find missing people, keep the peace, ect.

This site has all sorts of information on Proposition 19.

Another benefit to passing Proposition 19 will be that California will be the first state EVER to legalize marijuana because the VOTERS decided what their rights are, regardless of what the Federal Government decides our rights should be. This huge step will open the eyes of other states that are not so Marijuana friendly, paving the road for unfriendly states to at the very least, allow Medical Marijuana or at the most, replace the “No Tolerance” policy with a "Decriminalized" policy.

Not every marijuana lover lives in a “marijuana friendly” state. Many states are still "No Tolerance" and will imprison a person for the possession of marijuana, even if it is just a pinner joint. Yes, the Courts will place that person in jail with the Meth, Heroin, and Crack users. Hopefully the person imprisoned has no family members who may be effected by the fact that this said person decided to smoke a joint at some point, and things went terribly wrong. (you know, someone smelt an “odor” and BOOM! You find yourself in jail and your dog got shot by the PoPo during the "raid".) It happens people, all the time. Let's not forget how many parents each year who are imprisoned for marijuana possession yearly. Passing Proposition 19 will mean that LESS CHILDREN WILL LOOSE THEIR PARENTS and VIS VERSA.

The problem with trying to get a Proposition of any kind passed all comes down to the VOTERS. That means YOU and ME! It is our job to vote on Proposition 19 and/or get the word out to others about the importance of voting YES for Proposition 19. There are quite a few ways to help the cause.

Being a anti-social person, I have discovered quite a few ways to actively help support Proposition 19 from the comforts of my Laptop. Mind you, I do not even live anywhere near California, but I see the importance of this election.

Although I can not be a voter on this, I can still educate and pass the word. SO CAN YOU!!!

Election Day: NOVEMBER 2nd, 2010

Ways to help:

Call various people in California to get the word our about Proposition 19. This is perfect for those who are good on the phone and can read a script. Super easy, and FUN!!!

All of these sites have all sorts of information on ways to help Proposition 19, even from the comforts of your home.

Good Luck and Peace

~IttyBittyTittyCommitee 10/25/2010

the Sanctimonious one...

Let me introduce myself, I am Sanctimonious (no, thats NOT my real name), though sometimes I wish it were. For those of you who don't know, here is the definition of sanctimonious;

sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous [sangk-tuh-moh-nee-uhs], adjective

1.	making a hypocritical show of religious devotion, piety, righteousness, etc.: They resented his sanctimonious comments on immorality in America.

2.	Obsolete. holy; sacred.

Origin: 1595–1605; sanctimony + -ous,

—Related forms

sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous·ly, adverb

sanc·ti·mo·ni·ous·ness, noun

sources: Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.


Now that I am done giving that small lesson, let me continue. I am here to voice my opinion, which I feel is also the same as many others(yet are afraid to let their opinions be heard) out there and NOT just Americans like myself, I am talking about people from all walks of life, from all over the world. Heck, maybe even multiple universes for that matter, but for the most part lets stick with Earth. Which wont inhabit man for much longer if we keep thrashing our home.
Be prepared for some seriously juicy content, as I will NOT try to be politically correct whatsoever! I have a journalistic background and my writers block is finally lifting. Consider my articles within this blog to be purely "editorial" in style and HIGHLY opinionated as well as somewhat controversial.

Stay tuned...

Spam, Spoof and Phishing Emails, MUST GO AWAY!

Spam, spoof and phishing emails must cease and desist once and for all. The amount of these emails grows daily and the threat is ever increasing. Too many people are falling prey to these online predators and penalties need to be assessed be the countries that allow hosting companies to host these websites and email servers.

Should this issue be left to the general populace to deal with? Many people feel that enacting yet another law will cost them too much by raising taxes or adding fees to some services; therefore they usually choose not to pass such laws. For the most part, for every new law or act that is passed, there is usually some type of tax stimulus act to go in place to ‘counter’ the fees imposed.

The thought of my taxes going up is unnerving, to say the least; albeit, I would rather see a little less money upfront, rather than having thousands of dollars in debt because of a case of stolen identity. Even worse, imagine your aging relative falling prey to such online criminals trying to access the pictures of the Walt Disney World trip you just emailed to them.

Ever since September 11^th, 2001, our nation has bolstered its defenses at home as well as abroad. The Homeland Security Act was enacted in 2002 in light of the 9/11 World Trade Center happenings and is there to prevent terrorists attacks, reduce vulnerability to such attacks, and to minimize damage and assist in recovery when such acts of terrorism occur within the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already implemented the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) and the United States-Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT). These cyber criminals need to be found, charged and prosecuted in order to resolve/lessen the spam, spoof and phishing threat many Americans face daily.

Most people, companies and organizations do a majority of their business through online transactions. Now, imagine your financial institution of choice uses the internet to transfer funds to and from its various branch locations. Now suppose the interface for requesting such transactions has been spoofed. Your money, along with that of many others, will be lining the pockets of these online terrorists behind such vile acts. Sure we have Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to protect our assets, but what happens when the FDIC itself is spoofed?

With the implementation of programs such as NCSD and US-CERT, monitoring and safeguarding our great nation’s online infrastructure, citizens can feel more at ease when surfing the web and making online transactions. Even still, without worldwide help in eliminating these online terrorists, the threat may not be as great, but it still looms on the horizon.