FaySwann.com

Faster than a Speeding DSL

Fay Swann — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 10:29:08 +0000

I just switched to Road Runner internet. Did a speed test on the DSL earlier this morning and just now on the Cable.

DSL (tested at 3 different sites):
235 kb/sec
308 kb/sec
326 kb/sec

Cable same 3, same order:
759 kb/sec
2.7 MB/sec (can this be right?)
2.3 MB/sec (ditto)

OH MY GOODNESS!

Can’t wait to go to iTunes music store!!

::: don’t blink - you’ll miss me :::

HDTV

Fay Swann — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 11:28:00 +0000

One of my recent purchases was a Sony HDTV. I researched the fool out of it, constrained by the measurements of a cabinet I was determined to continue using. So, luckily for my pocketbook, I bought a tube HD (plasmas and lcd’s being too wide and too expensive) and paid around $850. Upgraded my DVD player to a progressive scan model (and paid $200 less than 5 years ago). Then had to figure out what to do about TiVo, because, of course, it’s not HD. Finally decided to move the TiVo to my bedroom TV and get Time Warner Cable’s combination PVR/Cable box. Man, does it SUCK! No wish lists. No season passes. It can’t differentiate between a new show and a re-run. The GUI is the pits. So if anyone out there is considering trying that, forgettaboutit!

So I continue to follow the TiVo news here and in the TiVo Community Forum. There is hope down the line for a stand-alone TiVo HD.

Let’s See if I Remember…

Fay Swann — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 11:10:36 +0000

…how to do this. It’s been forever.

So here’s the quote I’ve been using lately at work: “Never underestimate the power of volunteers. Remember, the Ark was built by volunteers, the Titanic by professionals.”

TiVo and FCC ruling explained

Fay Swann — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 08:52:07 +0000

Great article on the FCC broadcast flag ruling and what it means for your TiVo. Hmmm…maybe I should start saving for that HDTV sooner rather that later.

Happy Turkey Day

Fay Swann — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 08:41:32 +0000

I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving. Despite the fact that Betsy and Alice were at their dad’s family reunion, I managed to just have a nice, chillin’ day.

Lunch with my family at Nelwyn and Ross Reagan’s. As usual, interesting conversations. Watched cousin Russell surprise his 15 year old daughter Mary Helen with a brand-new Nissan Exterra. She would of been expecting it at Christmas you see. All self-righteous indignation aside, it was fun to see her be so surprised and happy and hug her daddy. She is the youngest and feels the brunt of the ‘neglected’ child syndrome. It’s always interesting because that side of the family all have their condo at Horseshoe Bay (in fact cousin Walker was there and not with us) and their Lexi and their multiple trips to wherever. But when we sit at the table, I love them all.

Brad Reagan wasn’t there either, which is too bad as he’s always so interesting. He is mentioned in the latest Texas Monthly because he is co-authoring a book on Billy Joe Shaver. We talked about that and actually Billy Joe was coming over later in the day. Seems he lives all alone in Bellmead and this is a lonely time of year for him. Brad was worried about him and had his mom call and invite him for turkey. He declined the family deal, but was going to come by later. You would think I’d want to meet this single guy. But I heard enough at the table about his moods and manic depression to know not to go there.

Anyway, the girls are back here today - yippee!! I am trying to force myself to finish the websites I have going. Right, which is why this post is so long………….

I’ve got a JOB

Fay Swann — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:41:33 +0000

Not that I didn’t already have one, but as I think I have posted here previously, the Web Design job was not paying the bills. So, I applied and have been hired to be the Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Services at the brand-new, not-even-opened yet, Mayborn Museum at Baylor. There are many good things about this: 1. a regular paycheck with BENEFITS. 2. working at a new, first class facility 3. starting on the ground floor. 4. My boss, Sarah Sheppard. And probably more that I don’t know about yet.

The downside is 8 to 5 (yikes!) and having to buy a new ‘grown up’ wardrobe.

Awesome

Fay Swann — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 22:08:22 +0000

Not a great pic, but I was AMAZED at this butterfly and had to go grab the digital camera.

Anybody who knows what it is, let me know.

Our fine facilty

Fay Swann — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 22:31:17 +0000

Here’s the Waco Table Tennis Association in all its glory. Don’t know what Gail and Jimmy are doing…I just told them to act normal!

Movie Review

Fay Swann — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 17:32:36 +0000

Posted a review of Withnail and I on Moviehead.

Table Tennis anyone?

Fay Swann — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:09:57 +0000

I’m playing as well as I’ve ever played - which isn’t saying a lot, but sure makes the game more fun. Still far from the point where I can play most of the men straight up (without starting with 7 or 8 points). But it continues to be a fun group. We’ve had some newbies this week who have heard about us (the Waco Table Tennis Assoc) through the grapevine. Jimmy Dorrell finds players in the class he teaches at Truitt Seminary and we had a Chinese seminarian, Dennis, join us. Also 2 TSTC students, Nicky and Deion. Deion is from Granada (in the Caribbean, mon) and is in flight school. He’s about 6′6″ and a funny guy. Inconsistent now, but give him a few months and he’ll be awesome.

One of the problems is that we are running out of room. I’ve taken the task of finding storage for the 6 extra tables we keep on hand for tournaments. With those out of the way, we’ll have room for 3 tables going at a time. Right now, there’s only room for 2 with the third just being for warm-ups.

I ordered an instructional video from Amazon about a month and a half ago. Just got notification of its shipment today. And I’ve ordered my own paddle finally. You would believe how complex a process that is. Figure out your ‘game’ (spin, offensive, defensive, power, etc.) Order the bat part - multiple Speed options, width option, handle type, material, etc. Order rubber - with pips or without. Dead or alive. Spin or Flat. Same on both sides or perhaps a spinny forehand and a dead backhand. That’s why you don’t get a new one the day you start playing. At over $100 a pop, you don’t want to do a bunch of trial and error. Luckily, there are a bunch of extras at the club and you can use someone’s if they are sitting out.

I plan to take pictures soon and will post them here.