Thoughts on Katrina

And I thought Ivan was bad.

I caught myself complaining to myself about having to get up and go to class this morning. Then, the thought occurred that, at least I have a warm bed to be in. At least I got a home, food in my fridge, and electricity to run that fridge. At that point, I counted my blessings.

I've found myself completely glued to the TV watching CNN, the Weather Channel, or whatever other news source I could find to catch a unique angle of this disaster down on the gulf coast. Even ESPN's Sportscenter had it's report on the aftermath of Katrina and it wasn't just about how the Saints don't have a home. But still, I'm glued. For many reasons. As you know, I grew up on the gulf coast. I've been through Gulfport, Biloxi, and New Orleans. I saw my first NBA game in Mobile. There's a lot of memories attached to the area. 14 years worth.

I'm also glued to the TV because I truly feel sorry for these people involved. I was the same way with 9/11. I wanted to see every moment of everything happening so that maybe I could at least get a glimpse of the feeling that these people are feeling. Of course I really can't. I haven't lost my home, my business, any of my other belongings, and worse, my loved ones. But still, there's a little pain in this situation. My prayers and my thoughts are with everyone involved.

This makes getting up and going to class easier to say the least.

B.E.Z.

Please Pray

I'm sure most of you know that Hurricane Katrina is heading towards the New Orleans area. I don't care if you're Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, simply monotheistic (as myself), or even atheist... please wish the folks well that have to deal with this storm.

I dealt with Hurricane Elena in 1985 and I remember the sounds of the wind and the discomfort from not having power and fresh water. It's not fun, but, it's the price you pay for living in an area like that.

Katrina could end up being the worst ever. There's talk of a 25-foot storm surge that would easily barrel over the levies that hold water out of New Orleans and spill it into the city itself. There's speculation that the French Quarter might not be much of anything when it's all said and done. The forecast is showing that there could even be a 20-foot storm surge in Mobile, AL... Mobile is about 140 miles east of New Orleans.

People are going to die in this storm. Let's hope that enough people heed the warning and get out or get to a good shelter so that they're as safe as possible.

B.E.Z.

Colors and more shoutcast

Just thought I'd drop some notes.

First, after having this layout critiqued, I'm taking the suggestion of giving each section a different color. I'm not sure if I'm actually going to use that idea on here. But, it would be a tricky but interesting process if I did. I think I will go ahead and script everything, just to see how things look.

Secondly, I finally got to test my shoutcast feed for myself today in class. Everything sounds great. Just noticed one small bug when it comes to crossfading. So, I'm going to fix that when I get home. Sounds like I just have to switch crossfading plug-ins and I'll be fine. But, again, things sound great. Nothing sounds fuzzy and the bass had a nice thump to it. Feel free to check that out.

Until next time...

B.E.Z.

I don't have to call this anything do I?

I'm trying to write this during a time where I have tension pain from hell. It's that nice tightness in the neck and shoulders that you get from a job where you're not necessarily overworked, but you are underpaid due to the amount of constant bullshit that goes on throughout the workshift. Simply put, the majority of people are stupid... stupid enough to not understand that, yes, they are stupid. Infact, to be more blunt about the subject, you could be one of those stupid people I'm talking about. But, there is hope for you. You can wake up tomorrow morning and realize that the world does not revolve around you. The day that happens, this will become a better place.

But, aside from the self-indulged "me first" monarchies that go on inside people's heads these days, I've just been doin some shit.

First, I've launched my own shoutcast feed. Huh? Internet radio, comprende? Feel free to listen in anytime, the link's on the side bar. Basically, I got tired of burning all of my music and haulin it to class everyday, so, I'm utilizing my school's internet access for my own enjoyment. But, it can spot 32 listeners total, so, you're all invited. Don't say I never gave yall shit.

Secondly, I forgot what else I was going to say. So, fuck it...

B.E.Z.

Just a little news...

First off, I've put yet another new layout up. My web design and Photoshop classes have made a monster of me. This layout started as a project where I was to make a layout in photoshop. I didn't have to slice it up, or code it, but I did anyway.

The other thing that's going on is that it appears that I'm going to get some work study and internship in my schooling. I was approached with an offer to help redesign a lady's business website and there is a possibility of getting paid for it. For this, I would have to learn PHP and how to work with the MySQL server, which is something we're going to be learning soon anyway. I've also could get paid for some of my projects that I do in Web Design I, where my instructor would use my projects as examples for future classes.

I also found out that my program does internships with a company called Digital INS, who produces business related websites here in Lincoln. So, I have a good idea where I'll be heading for my internships.

Anyway, hope the layout is friendly with everyone. I was hoping it was a little easier to find the navigation than the last one. If it would make you feel better if the site would extend down instead of it being constrained like it is now, drop me a note in the comments. Otherwise, enjoy.

B.E.Z.