Tuesday, April 28, 2009

WM6 Outlook Issue

In an attempt to help others that may have run into the same situation I'd like to describe an issue I recently resolved.

I was having trouble with my SMTP outgoing mail with Outlook from my Windows Mobile 6.1 device. I could receive my Gmail messages without a problem, but any time I tried to send a message through Outlook I would get an error telling me to check my connection and/or my settings. It is strange because nothing had really changed on my phone to adjust settings or anything.

I double checked my settings to make sure they were correct, and they were. I was also obviously connected to the Internet because I would be receiving messages in my inbox.

All I had to do to resolve this problem was delete my Gmail account in Outlook and go through the steps found here to set up my account again.

It's a fairly easy fix, so hopefully you found this useful if you ran into the same problem.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

DTV Fresno Update

The DTV Transition has been pushed back to June 12th here in the US and there are plenty of commercials and advertisements to let everyone know what's happening. One of them gave me a good idea to re-autoprogram my TV to pick up any new digital channels that may have started since the autoprogram.

Sure enough I found a few new channels. Channels 43.1-43.5 aren't new channels, but they are new on the digital spectrum here in Fresno.

KGMC
Azteca
KSDI
KJEO
KJKZ

These channels all appear to be owned and/or operated by Cocola Broadcasting Companies.

Not sure how often I will be watching these channels, but one bright spot is KJEO. In the past they have broadcast CFL games, which is the only chance I have to watch CFL games. Now that its in digital it will come in a lot more clearly.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Henry Madden Library

While checking out Vintage Days at my alma mater today, my brother and I walked over to the new Henry Madden Library. While I had seen it throughout its stages of building, I hadn't seen it since its completion, so I wanted to check it out.

I was quite impressed. When I started at Fresno State they still had the old building in operation and use, and it was definitely outdated and obviously crowded. This new building is a much needed addition and upgrade. Here are a few of my observations:
  • The library utilizes space saving shelving. Shelves are about 40 feet long, and are on rails which can be moved back and forth by the push of a button, which cuts down a lot on wasted space. The shelves utilize sensors to tell if someone is in the aisle, and won't shut if there is someone there. My brother and I tried this out a few times as we walked the shelves, it was a lot of fun.
  • The main collection is on the lower level which was a cost saver for the University because that great weight of books doesn't need extra support from steel beams, etc.
  • The stairs. The main stairs in the library are some kind of woven metal fabric type thing. They look really cool and have a lot of grip, but they seem to make more noise than you feel comfortable with when in a library. I felt like I should be getting dirty looks from the librarians as I walked the stairs.
  • The high-tech LED huge screen showing an artist weaving a basket was pretty cool. The sun was pretty bright though, and I think it would have more of an impact in the dark.
  • The amount of reading rooms, study rooms, seating, tables, etc. was pretty fantastic. That is something that was definitely missed those couple of years that we didn't have a proper library.
  • It is a very impressive structure. Even walking by it when the frame was up during construction, it seems a lot bigger now.
  • The Peace Garden is much better than it had been. With some rolling hills, a few more artistic structures, and the new library as a backdrop, it definitely is more awe-inspiring.
  • They have a Starbucks, and yep, it's basically a Starbucks.
See pictures of the library (new and old) here.

Jump Rope Dance Routine

Quite possibly one of the best choreographed routines I have seen in a while.



http://soonereyo.blip.tv/#1826380

It just keeps getting better and better, and by the end you are wondering if there is not some CG trick to it.

Thanks to Sean for emailing this to me.

Friday, April 10, 2009

RAK

Random acts of kindness. They are pretty awesome.

I would really like to start doing more of these types of things. They are often cheap and easy to do.

John Voelz at Vertizontal posted this list of RAK that his Church will be challenged on performing over the next week. It's obviously not an exhaustive list, but a good starting place to be sure.

Check it out and come up with at least a few that you'd be interested in doing.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Eating Challenge

While I have been involved in numerous unofficial eating challenges by my friends, I've never done a real eating challenge at a restaurant. It has always intrigued me, because I can eat a lot of food very quickly. I think I could do very well, especially at a contest like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtMhPZpmL0Y&feature=player_embedded

The burger doesn't look that big, and ten minutes is a long time for me when it comes to eating. The description of the contest is at 3:35 of the video. The other great thing is that this is local, so I don't have to travel outside of Fresno to participate.

Anybody want to join me?

From The Guys Who Like To Eat Via Mike Oz at the Beehive