Inspiration

Oh Man...It's been over 4 YEARS since my last post! Since that time, some things have changed, others have stayed the same. Rather than have an essay long post for everything, I'm going to try to keep things scaled back... if I can help it... Anyway, where to begin? Well, I'm 27 now, and still working at the same place I was when I started this blog back in 2007. In one of my earlier posts I mentioned that I got a new PS3. Well, a few months ago it died. It would turn on, then the light would blink for a few seconds, then it would power off. Worst thing of all is I had a game disc in there, WWE 12. I got luck, i hit the eject and it spit the game out and then it powered off again. Turns out it overheated. I was royally PISSED OFF! Thankfully, I didn't lose much. All my game saves were stored on the "cloud." Still, it happened on a Sunday morning, my one day off that week. I did eventually purchase a newer system, 250GB, and top loading as well. I'll eventually upload pictures once I get them off of my iPhone. LOL! Once I got the new system (the next day after work) It turns on fine, but the online service is down, so I can't login to my account! I had to wait 24 hours until after work the next day to log back in. I then have to download all my save files again, and then all my downloaded games. THIS TOOK OVER 2 MONTHS TO GET BACK! I only have a 125GB download limit a month, and I used about 115GB that month! With that, I'm going to call it for now. I have more stuff to talk about, but I want to see about posting something every couple of nights. Maybe I'll post my entire game list for my PS3. Anyway, OUT! BTW, I have to give credit to my sister, as she is also blogging as well, so I'm getting back into it as well.

It's About Darn Time...

Holy Crap! My last post was March 2008?!?!

To be honest, I kind of lost interest in blogging! (Do I not even hear 1 shock or awe note... probably not, lol!)

A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN 7 MONTHS!

First thing. I mentioned in a previous blog, that I was getting a new computer. Well, I've had it since March Break, 2008. Has been very good so far.

Here are the specs:

- AMD Quad Core Processor - Running at 5.52 GHZ
- 3 Gigs RAM
- NVIDIA 8500 GT Video (sore spot, still works great for my needs)
- 2x 300g Hard Drives
- Windows Vista Home Premium (VISTA IS NOT AS BAD AS MAC SAYS IT IS!!!)

It runs ALL my games I have now. I bought some new ones too, like Mass Effect, and Lego Indiana Jones, and Microsoft Flight Simulator X. All run great, and the quality is on high on most of the games, Medium on the rest. Even Low is still better than my previous computer ever was. My old computer still works, and I gave it to my sister.

I also got a PS3! I bought it off EBay... I'm not going to say how much I paid for it... Lets just say that I could have bought a few more games along with the system for the price I paid. I admit... I don't use EBay too much. I got lots of games for it now: Unreal Tournament III, MX Vs ATV, WWE Smackdown Vs RAW 2008, FolkLore, NHL 09, Soul Calibur IV. Rock Band 1 & 2, Guitar Hero III, Lego Batman, Assassins Creed, Virtua Fighter 5. All good games. RockBand 2 and Soul Calibur 4 are my personal favourites.

OMG... I'm STILL WORKING AT CONVERGYS!!! I'm now over 3 years running. September 2005 is when I started. My training class had 25 people, now it's myself and one other left, and THAT'S IT!!! I was in class 77, now they are closing on class 180 being sent on the floor. They haven't stopped hiring there. I've had MANY calls now... too many to count now. There is a system we have (I cant say due to privacy, and the fact that I forget the name anyway, lol, that lets us see how may calls we've taken. I'm gonna check it and post back, hopefully soon!

I'd like to post a review or 2 for some movies. We'll see if I can make a regular habit of this.

First, review of Office Space. OMG... It hits all the right notes for what I do. Not having enough "Flair" is alot line being at work. We have to "sound" like were smiling to all the customers. and to me, seems like sucking up and bending over backwords to take care of the customers. Then filing the "TPS Reports" and having several people say the same thing. It's the same thing where I work. I get told by my boss to do things a certain way. Then, Their boss tells me the same thing AGAIN the next day. I realize they are trying to do the right thing, but still, it gets annoying. All the actors were great, could have used less swearing (not that I'm the shining example in this respect). But I like to show off things I like to others, and some could be offended. Also, movie could have been a little longer. Still, excellent movie. 4.5/5

Next. a little oddball of a movie. DOA: Dead or Alive. Basically, a cheesy action flick involving mostly women. (I'm a man, so obviously I fit into the main target audience) Basically, there's a tournament to prove the best fighters in the world. Winner gets $10 Million. All the actresses and actors must have practiced before the movie was even filmed. There is some story. One character, Kasumi, goes to fight and see if she can find out what happened to her brother. It was reported he was dead, he was not, just held hostage. She was considered an Outcast (shinobi) and an assassin was sent to kill her. I'm not going to spoil the entire movie, but they never FINISHED the tournament. There was no prize given out (in fact, someone stole it, but could not keep it). Basically, action flick, that could have been longer. 3.5/5

Well, I've talked for a long time now. I will definately try to post more often. Hopefully one a week. I want to say alot more, but I don't want to run out of thoughts in my first post. Things like the recent Elections (Both in Canada and the USA), The Toronto Maple leafs. And posting videos on youtube. I plan on doing whats called a "Lets Play" series. Search for that to see MANY examples. My username is pyrelite22... Don't ask me how I came up with it. I want blame it on drugs or beer, but I don't do drugs and I don't drink, so I really don't know.

Later!

Out!

Part 2

Hello again to the one person who actually reads this...me. LOL! I most people I know don't have a blog of their own. A few do, but they tend to update less often than myself! I know 1 or 2 that make regular updates, but that is pretty much about it.

Well, I've made a decision. I'm getting a new computer by the end of 2008! My computer, I got back in 2003, is starting to feel a bit dates. I've upgraded essentially everything I can, and I can't do most things that a computer SHOULD DO these days. I can play games made from 2005 or earlier. I can surf the Internet. I can listen to music. I can edit pictures, but it takes forever to load any changes I make to it. I can't really hope to do any video editing or play any of the recent games out there. I can see the end of this computers life coming really soon. This rig has served me well over the years. It has survived multiple power outages, a mini-flood, dropping of the case onto the floor, just to name a few. I am quite pleased overall.

My Final Computer Specs: (to anyone who cares about this stuff)

• Pentium 4 - 2.4GHZ Intel Processor
• 1G of RAM - Upgraded from 512MB
• ATI Radeon 9200 - 128MB PCI Video (THIS IS KILLING ME!!!) - Upgraded from 32MB onboard video
• Sound Blaster Audigy 24-bit Sound Card - Upgraded from onboard
• SONY DVD +-R/RW Burner - Upgraded from generic CD Burner
• Samsung SyncMaster 225BW  22' Monitor LCD Flatscreen - Upgraded from older Syncmaster (came with computer)
• HP Officejet 5610 All in one Printer - Upgraded from All in One Lexmark x85
• Wireless Keyboard/Mouse Combo
• Hard Drives: 250G, 200G, and 80G - All different than the original 80G it came with. Long story, another time perhaps.

With the exception of the processor, and the case, everything is upgraded from original. The question remains, do I get a Windows Home Premium (or ultimate if I can afford it), or do I go with a Mac? I've always wanted to try my hand an another system, but game selection will be a big factor in my decision. I will update here when I make my choice.

I'm already on my second week of vacation, starting next week (March 10th to be exact.) I get 3 weeks in the year, and my third is going to be the week of May 5th. My first week was in February. Why am I taking them all so early in the year? I have a few reasons. One, There is only so much I can take being at a place that is very likely to set you off if either a customer or a manager says something to you in the wrong way. Second, with the possibility of my employer leaving Canada to some overseas country, I'm not going to say where or how (much) they will pay them, with me not getting a week in the summer, the next choices would be in the end of September to November. There is a chance, small, I admit, but a chance that I could be out of a job by then. I don't want to risk not getting my 3 weeks. Lastly, with the weather we are getting here, I don't want to drive in this crap. With the storm we had today, and another one coming in the next few days, I think I'm making a good decision.

Enough for tonight.

As a quick note, I like this Windows Writer program. It's easy to add blogs, I just put it my account information, and select the blog provider. That's IT! Best of all, its FREE!

BTW: If you notices the YouTube video of my friend doing karaoke...there will be more coming soon!

Out!

Nekk!

I'm Baaaaaaaaacccccccccckkkkkkkkk!

 

Hey there folks! I realize it has been several months since my last post, last time was in 2007. Lots of things have happened since then.

 

Yes, I'm still living at home, which I don't mind. I still help out around the house whenever I can. I'm trying to save up to eventually get out on my own, but things have come up, and I kind of don't want to leave. I have to pay off my car, which will be done in like 4 or 5 months... yay! I can't wait till I'm done paying off the car. It's been a life saver for me, in terms of both $$$ and driving in general. No, I haven't got into an accident yet. I've been driving close to 7 years, and no screwups so far. I've come close, by my own admission, turning left too early, and almost side-swiped another car coming into the same lane turning right. This was 2 years ago, I swear it won't happen again! Especially in this weather as well. Driving home in this shit (pardon my french), is NOT FUN!

 

Let's see... I'm still working at Convergys. More and more or my friends are leaving or they are switching shifts to different times of the day. I find myself sitting by myself at breaks and lunch more frequently. I need more friends! We just changed to different schedules now, and I have a static schedule now! I work Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 7:30 each day, and off every weekend! This is the first week, and I'm still getting used to it. I didn't get the start time I wanted though. I wanted 10 or 10:30, but I'm not complaining too much, because most people I know didn't even get the days off they wanted, or the type of schedule either. Who knows how it's going to work out. By the end of the year, Convergys may not be around. There was an article recently on www.wellandtribune.ca, but by now, you'd have to create an account to view it, as the article is over a week old now. It says the company is considering leaving Canada because of our higher dollar. Who knows how long we are going to stay open. I don't know too much at this point, so I'm hoping it stays open for now. I need the $$$!!!

 

I am REALLY enjoying my new Nintendo Wii! I got it for Christmas last year. My parents fooled me, I opened the WiiPlay game first, and they said they couldn't get the system, it was all sold out. (I knew that was true because I had looked around a little and couldn't find one anywhere). The last present I opened, was the Wii! I was caught off guard, and extremely happy! I just preordered the new Super Smash Brothers Brawl, and I can't wait for it!

 

Well, there are a whole bunch more things I want to talk about, but I will save that for later. I don't want to go blank after just one entry! I'm trying to use the Windows Live Writer to make this post, and I've tried to add some stuff to the site. Please set me know if it works out!

 

Out!

Nekk!

Well, It's Been Awhile

I'm back after nearly a month long hiatus. Honestly, I've been busy dealing with work, my car, doctors, among other things.

Well, first off, I want to vent a little. What the hell is with the Leafs lately?!?! Yet another bonehead play by McCabe. When he's on his game, he is a real asset to team. More recently, as in twice in the past 2 weeks, he coughed up the puck that lead directly to the winning goal of the game. First he scored on his own net with four seconds in the game, and just a few days ago, lost the puck and gave the other player, lead to a breakaway, and then scored. One wonders why I don't usually watch many games now. I just can't take it anymore. Although I am comforted by the fact that the Canadiens aren't doing too good either. I do have a feeling that come next year, both teams will fight for the 8th spot in the East, and Toronto will take it, provided we can get a good goalie, and not rely on perennial backups Raycroft and Toskala.

Ahh, work! Everyday I say to myself, "What's my motivation to come here?". It takes me a few seconds to say the answer, and it's always the same too. "Money". I am loyal to the company, I have never not given a decent hard day's work there, and so far thats 2 years, 2 months and counting. I still have a few "personal" days to use left and the year is almost over. I get consistently good monitors on my calls, and I still feel that I'm not getting the recognition for it. It's not just me, I know dozens of people that feel the same way. I know the company is trying to change their attitude towards its employees. But the occasional $5 for the perfect survey, and the barbecue with hot dogs and hamburgers is really not cutting it.

Which brings me to another topic. I have been "offered" another position at work. There isn't an opening right now, but I've been told to apply for a "resolution specialist." It is a pay raise. There are both pros and cons to that. Almost every call will me someone who is already pissed off. Mostly it isn't because they were treated badly (in fact, most of the reps I work with are nice enough to the customer), but it's the fact that the customers want something so outrageous, it borders on the brink of insanity. Most customers want something for nothing. Like having to pay nothing for their monthly bill, or a new phone for free and to have no contract either. I don't want to have to deal with that every hour of every day. Next, once you move up in the ranks, you start with the crap shifts again. By that, I mean starting at 4 in the afternoon and finishing after midnight. That means adjusting to a new schedule. Finally, I would all but abandon the gang I hang out with all the time. It really isn't professional to have friends or hang out with the people working under you. I got some time to think about it. We'll see what happens.

You may have noticed that I changed my profile a bit. I figured it was time. Same old boring look, was getting tiring. Plus, I've been told the background wasn't nice on the eyes, when used on older monitors that have faded. So, I changed it. I also put a new poll up. I'm leaving it up until the end of the year, so vote please!

I suppose I have written enough for now.

Out!

Nekk!

My Car Story - Part 2

Damn! Sorry I've taken so long to make any kind of post on by blog. I've really been real busy being: frustrated, tired, angry, working, pissed off, etc...

Well, I got my car fixed almost 2 weeks ago. Then on Friday October 19th, I was driving home from work, and my car AGAIN had the "check gas cap" light came on. A day later, the engine light came on. So, we (my dad and me) called in to the dealership and asked what the heck was going on and can we make another appointment to check it out? We got it in that same day, and my dad dropped me off at work. It turns out that when they replaced the part, they "pinched a gasket".

Main thing... they replaced that part at no charge. Also gave me a free car wash and oil change. So, it's fixed again, I'm hoping it stays that way!

Onto other matters, as my friend Jill would know, "DC" had his last day at work this past Friday. 2 bosses came and pulled him into a room, 5 minutes later, he came back and got his stuff, and left the building forever. He was smiling all the way. I seriously doubt that he will be coming back to the Verge.

Lets see... WHAT IS HAPPENING IN TORONTO?!?! We lost to ATLANTA!!! They had a BACKUP goalie in net, and we still lost in a shootout. Something needs to be done. I don;t think we need to get rid of the coach. It isn't his fault. He has nothing to work with. They really need to scrap the entire defense and get some good players. Not great, but good. That way, we don't have to loose on the salary cap too much and we can work on them long term. Goal tending actually is not a major issue. They really should choose 1 starter and stick with them. Toskala is a good goalie, he did make some impressive saves last night. When their facing over 30 shots a game, something is not right there.

That's really it for now.

Out!

Nekk!

I'm Bored...

Hello, once again. I've been forgetting about my blog.

Well, my job just got a bit different. People are starting to leave. 3 people I know and really hang out with have left, and things will get a bit quieter without them. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they're getting the hell out of there. If I could, I would get out too. There are several circumstances why I can't really leave. Pretty much down to a few reasons that circle around one thing ($$$). Kind of like the chicken in the egg analogy, In order to go to where I want to go, it's gonna cost me $$$. In order to move closer and get out on my own, I need $$$. Which begs the question, is the potential new job worth the $$$?

Enough of that, What the heck was McCabe thinking when he was trying to clear the puck towards HIS OWN NET!!! There was 4 seconds left in OVERTIME and he could of tried it clear it to the other side of the net, or pass it to someone else, 4 seconds SHOULD be easy enough to kill, or just fall down on the puck to protect it for the last few seconds. I do realize that the Leafs do have some things to work out, but come on, that was a BONEHEAD play!

I do see that my hit counter in the side of my page shows some people have actually at least viewed my blog. I guess that is somewhat encouraging. I really need more friends, I need to learn how to network more.

Lets see, what else? I just got a new cell phone last week. I got a new Sony Ericsson W300i. 2 year contract with Rogers. Its got a decent camera, it is a Walkman, so I can listen to lots of music on it. It came with a 512MB micro memory chip. I already filled it and it's down to 11MB left. I got about 100 songs on it, not too bad. Came with a good battery, it will last awhile before I have to charge it. I would recommend that phone to anyone who wants a phone that does everything.

I also just went to a certain video store, and picked up a few movies at a discount price. I picked up Office Space, Dodgeball, a Star Trek Collection set, and the Street Fighter Movie. I watched Dodgeball movie, and, it is hilarious. It does have some unnecessary moments, like when the kid, Justin (played by Justin Long) is a cheerleader (the kind that holds up the girls so they can do stunts), and he has a bad experience. I'm not going to spoil the part, but I don't think it was needed. Still, a good movie, 4/5. I visit the Internet Movie Database to check out info for movies, its' a great site, definitely check it out!

That's it for now.

Like always, Out!

Nekk!

I'm back?

Hello once again!

Sorry for not typing the past little bit. I have been otherwise occupied. Sorry to the 2 people who read my blog! Oh well, I guess I need more friends.

Well, the Election of Ontario is just finishing up, with the Liberal party running away with it. Can't say I'm surprised. I went to vote. If you voted, great, but if not, for whatever reason, thats OK too. I don't mind to reveal my vote, I went Conservative. I don't have to mention names, because any who actually read this blog wont know who the hell I'm talking about.

Well, onto another story from the Verge. This was a call from just yesterday.

As always, names are changed.

"Mary" calls in and her insurance replacement has just arrived in the mail. When a replacement phone is sent, it has to be activated in the system. I take the numbers, and update them. Mary went to try to turn on the phone, it will not even turn on. I instruct the customer to remove the battery and also the smartchip, just to make sure the connection is clean. Mary has a hard time removing the chip. Before I could advise against it, the customer used a knife to remove the chip forcefully. They claim there was no damage to the phone, but I doubt it. We put everything back together. Phone still will not turn on. We even plugged in the charger, and still nothing. It took the customer about 5 minutes just to find where to plug the charger in on the phone. Finally, after all this, I call the insurance department, and I sent the customer through. Before I could do that, the customer started rambling about serial numbers, which we already went through before.

I did have another odd call today, only lasted about 1 minute. A customer calls in about her iPhone. They put me on hold right away, before I could even open the call. When they come back, they want to know if they can view their bank information in the browser of the phone. She was unable to log into her account. She wanted to talk to someone "who knows how the iPhone works." The iPhone is an Apple phone, and she is calling to AT&T about an Apple product. I just send her off to Apple. This was not a call I needed to stay on any longer than I needed to.

One other tidbit, I'm again not going to mention names. Someone who also takes phone calls, plays a few games. While on the call, they pick up their water bottle, and they twist it to make the cracking noise, while they are on a call. Sometimes also says this with the stereotype "Canadian" accent, like "aboot." I've also heard "newch" instead of "new" and also just some random noises, like "Bam Bam", and "yabba dabba do" I think they are hilarious.

Tomorrow, I actually have a day off from work. I plan to take full advantage of this. I plan to go out, and hang with my friends, most of which USED to work at the Con.

Well, just also want to mention that I updated the poll. I'll usually put one up and leave it up for the entire month, or change it depending on my mood.

Till next time! Out!

Nekk!

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving!?

I'm back again. Today is my Thanksgiving. Why? Like many people, I did not get the Monday off from work. They give out a form at work asking if you want to "volunteer" to work on Thanksgiving, (October 8th) Yes or No. I, and many others I know at work, selected "No". Not one of us got the day off.

To be honest, though, it's better for me to work it. Reason for that is that my family is coming down for dinner today. Tomorrow, is just a regular day, and I get holiday pay at work, and nothing different to do at work. So, in this case, I'll take it.

I just hope the Christmas holidays work out better for days off. Yes, I realize I'm spoiled that some people may not even get the option to take days off for various reasons.

Well, lets see, what else is new? Nothing too much else really.

I recently got out the old Sega Genesis and Sega CD system. It still works. I'm playing the Eternal Champions game. Its basically a Street Fighter clone. It's not a bad game, considering its now, like 15 years old now. I also ordered the sequel for it off eBay. I was the only bidder in the auction. Total cost: 1 cent! Shipping: $5.99. Grand Total: $6.00! Not half bad. I expect to get it this week. The game is gory though. I'm shocked how violent that game is. That was even before the time they had that ESRB game rating system. Let's just say, keep away the squeamish!

What I also like to do, before I turn in for the night at around 1 - 2 am, is throw in any old DVD or VHS movie, let it play in the background, and fall asleep. What astounds me, is that about 50% of the time, the movie is ejected from the player in the morning, but I have my player set to not do that, just stop once its finished. Which means I stop it and eject the movie WHILE I'M SLEEPING!!! Thats a little creepy to me, especially because I put the remote on the table beside me, so I cant roll over it when I'm sleeping.

I really cant think of anything else to type for now. Perhaps I'll talk more tonight, or tomorrow night after I get back from work. In fact, next time I'll tell another story from the 'Verge.

Till Next Time!

Nekk!

GO LEAFS GO!!!

Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL beat the Montreal Canadiens, 4 to 3 in Overtime! What a great game! I watched in High Definition on my dad's big projection screen! We had it ALL THE WAY!

I was just chatting with my friend Jill on MSN a few minutes ago, and she had made a wager between her Canadiens and my Maple Leafs. If the Maple Leafs beat Montreal in the standings, she will dye her hair BLUE! If the Canadiens beat Toronto...well... I havent decided what I will do if that happens. So I'll put it this way... IT WON'T HAPPEN!

You've probably also noticed that I changed the colour of my blog. I figured it could use some improvement. Comment on it both ways. If you like it, great, if not, let me know. I can take criticism.

Well, considering this is my second post today, I think I'll leave it at that for now....

No, this time I'm not kidding. Out!

Nekk!