VCR PC

Well, I got the crazy idea to build a computer inside a VCR case. I am not done but I do have it up and running.
As I described to a friend on Gtalk:

I built a Micro ATX PC in a old VCR case to act as a viewing station for my vast TV collection. Well, it isn't done but it is functional. The cover is not on yet (I have to cut a hole and put a fan cage on it) and I need to find a way to get a DVDROM to fit but otherwise, like I said, it s functional.

The problem with the DVDROM is I put a video card in for TV out and it blocks the VCR slot. Whenever I finally buy a HDTV I'll get one with VGA input and use the onboard video so, time is the answer there... and well, I am just being lazy about the cover ;)
Interestingly, I drilled holes in the VCR case and used small nuts and bolts to attach the mobo to the VCR case. one nut underneath the case and one between the mobo and case. I also had to use a dremel tool to cut away plastic pieces that were in the way of the mobo sitting flush.

Another tidbit, the harddrive (an old 20GB) is cantilevered by just 2 screws! And the power supply is just sort of sitting there for now. I may try to find a slightly larger VCR case, but for now this works fine!

Congrats (but also a sad day)

I have learned that the Lovely Ellery Klein is expecting her first child (due in July) and as of the end of this month will no longer be touring with Gaelic Storm. Though the link I provided in the title of this post is slanted towards the possibility of her returning to the band at a later date!

Congrats Ellery! And good luck! You've been a blast to listen to in concert or on CD!

I have no clue who will be replacing her in the mean time. But one more thing to add: For a band that has gone through fiddlers, (5 since the band formed in ~1995... not including Ellery's replacement) Ellery has the longest tenure (4 years).

Dreaming of Reality... Foolhardy?

A couple of weeks ago, a friend and I were discussing optimism, pessimism, and realism. After thinking about this for nearly two weeks, I realized that none of these really fit me. I think I am more of a dreamer.

I often let my mind wander through "what-if" scenarios. These scenarios can range from international events to events in my own life. This might explain why I like alternative history novels!

In all honesty, as a dreamer, I have aspects of optimism, pessimism, and realism. There are probably three scenarios that I have thought out over and over again. These fit both optimism and pessimism.

1. Future Career Moves. i.e. moving up in the SD DOT, starting my own consulting firm.
2. A new dark age.
3. Starting my own pub/restuarant.

I can't do too much on my own about the first two... or at least not in the near future. But I have actually put some decent thoughts into the pub idea. Maybe in the next 10 years, I'll finally get ambitious about it! But first, I should get a house...

I should have mentioned this earlier: According to Answers.com,

A person inclined to be imaginative or idealistic but impractical: idealist, utopian, visionary. Seeability/inability, hope/despair.

I do not fit this definition to a "T". I am a dreamer away from work, but at work (and at school) I was very studious and ambitious. I have some how managed to be a practical dreamer... or at least to be practical with my education, career, and finances, while letting my 'dreamer' side take over my 'me' time.

Back to Back

And I am NOT talking about the University of Florida's NCAA Championship football AND basketball teams!

I have already probed everyone about the GS concert in KC on the Friday before Memorial Day, but I see that The Clumsy Lovers will be in Norfolk, NE on June 4th. This should also be a great concert, it is at a sports bar so only cost will be cover charge (if they have one). It is a Monday, but thanks to the close proximity to Pierre I should be able to just take off Monday afternoon and Tuesday morn. (though the whole day Tues could be nice to have off).

More the merrier and remember, there is no love like clumsy love! ;)

EDITED TO ADD: 300 miles, wow a little further than I remember, but still easily do-able.

I may be crazy...

No April Fool's Joke, I went kayaking today! I may be a little crazy for it though. The high today is 57 degrees, so the water temp. this early in the spring is upper 30s, lower 40s! But I really enjoyed the outing.

Below are some pictures of the kayak on my new pickup rack. In the first picture, you can see my fellow POTM in the front seat.