Bill's Blog @ Exit 118http://web.me.com/billa/index.htmlMusing's From Exit 118enBillCopyright 2008 Exit 1182008-11-25T13:00:54-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:20:35 -0500Happy Thanksgiving!BillPersonal2008-11-25T13:00:54-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/7d09669eaa02124702c71ac2205ca4da-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://web.me.com/billa/files/7d09669eaa02124702c71ac2205ca4da-52.html#unique-entry-id-52In about 30 minutes I will be making the trek up I-81 to get to my parents house. Since I will be there and my computer will be here, there won't be anything new until I get back. Enjoy the Turkey, and everyone stuff yourselves silly! :)

]]>Crisis Averted!BillTechnology2008-11-25T12:58:43-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/44ec98fd6db6ecea66bc8de1375bc35d-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://web.me.com/billa/files/44ec98fd6db6ecea66bc8de1375bc35d-51.html#unique-entry-id-51Well it put a pretty big scare in me when the program I used to make this site deleted all my blog posts...The only way I could recover them was through a whole bunch of cut and paste. That's what I get for not backing up my files...I haven't been able to add the pictures to the site like I wanted because of this...I promise they are coming soon!

Lessons Learned:

1) Back everything up!
2) RapidWeaver has some flaws!

That is all...

]]>Atari's "Adventure" Available for iPhone and iPodBillTechnology2008-11-19T10:32:16-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/ff008b9cd55f2bafabdbb249e2b0e92f-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://web.me.com/billa/files/ff008b9cd55f2bafabdbb249e2b0e92f-49.html#unique-entry-id-49I LOVED this game when I was a kid, I cannot believe that someone ported it over to the iPod/iPhone. Not only that it is free for everyone...so go and get it at the iTunes App Store. Just search for Adventure and it should pop right up.

A little bit of nostalgia never hurt anyone smiley_smilesmiley_smile

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-11-19T10:09:09-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/b840c1793c6544f09d1912c5f3f97e34-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://web.me.com/billa/files/b840c1793c6544f09d1912c5f3f97e34-48.html#unique-entry-id-48I saw $1.75 at the scary Sunoco station at Depot and Radford St this morning.

As prices continue to drop, all the gas stations are starting to come inline with each other. Over the past two weeks there have been fewer stations dropping on their own. I think as margins are squeezed there is less of a need to compete with other stations. We'll have to see if this continues.

]]>Lessons Learned Yesterday...BillPersonal2008-11-19T10:03:20-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/274cac7af95498462263679616a8abab-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://web.me.com/billa/files/274cac7af95498462263679616a8abab-47.html#unique-entry-id-47Lessons that I learned yesterday:

1) If Canada is typically as cold as it was here yesterday, then Canada must suck!
2) After having only 2 pieces of asparagus at lunch yesterday...yes it still smells!
3) Though there was hardly any snow on the streets yesterday, since VDOT fell asleep and decided not to treat the roads, I had to learn how to ice skate in a car...not very easy or fun.
4) My cat can balance on the top of my tv for several minutes at a time
5) My dry cleaner raised their prices and I am not happy about it

That's all for now, but if I think of anything else I will add to it smiley_smile

]]>Baltimore Orioles Add "Baltimore' To Their Away UniformsBillSports2008-11-15T10:42:37-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/8b05829f8ff72c4f6a0fc9110c4d6c84-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://web.me.com/billa/files/8b05829f8ff72c4f6a0fc9110c4d6c84-46.html#unique-entry-id-46In what I think should have been done years ago, the Baltimore Orioles came out with redesigned jerseys including putting 'Baltimore' across the front of their away jerseys. Some of you might not think of this as a big deal, but for someone that has been following the team since he can remember it is good to see the team trying to return to its roots. Baltimore has not been part of the uniform for 36 years when the owner wanted to make the Orioles a more regional team...now that Washington got their team back it was a good time to bring it back. I've included a link which will describe the changes, but at the top of the article there is a link to a photo gallery of the changes. Sorry I couldn't find a direct link.

Click Me

Speaking of photo galleries, I should have my pictures up in a day or two...I just need to get them indexed first.

]]>Adding Boxee To Apple TVBillTechnology2008-11-15T10:36:02-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/5a885546c5b77377f22a32528fade32a-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://web.me.com/billa/files/5a885546c5b77377f22a32528fade32a-45.html#unique-entry-id-45For those who have wanted to see YouTube, HULU!, and online versions of Comedy Central, CNN, and BBC on their TV but don't want to go through the toil of hooking a computer to your tv (trust me it's a lot harder than it sounds), there is now an easier way to do this. The creators of XMBC (X-Box media center), have created Boxee, which will add these features to your Apple TV. I've been anxiously awaiting an easy way to get Hulu on my tv since it has so many shows and movies available for free. I've been nervous to do this to my Apple TV because I don't want to mess it up, but I found a great article on how to do it step by step. A caveat is that you need a Boxee invite since it is still in Alpha...but I might know someone that could hook you up if anyone out there is interested, Here is a link to the directions I spoke of earlier:

Click Me

]]>Google Launches Free Video ChatBillTechnology2008-11-15T10:31:52-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/d732a7404890f68b2848770e35b9c546-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://web.me.com/billa/files/d732a7404890f68b2848770e35b9c546-44.html#unique-entry-id-44For those that have Google attached to their hips and can't live without GMail, Google Maps, etc. they have added a new feature with their chat function; you can now have video chats with the people on your buddy list. You of course need a webcam, but it is cross-platform so us Mac users are not left out. I haven't tried it out, but if it works anything like the video chat of Skype, or iChat I am sure they'll have a popular tool on their hands. If you want more info check it out here:

Click Me

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-11-15T10:29:08-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/4df53a61bd90bce5d20c4b182ac3d79f-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://web.me.com/billa/files/4df53a61bd90bce5d20c4b182ac3d79f-43.html#unique-entry-id-43I paid $1.85 yesterday....I thought it would be impossible, but we might actually see $1.50 before all is said and done. I know we haven't seen that since probably 2000 or so.

Keep Dropping!!

]]>12 Unusual Items That Help Clean Around the HouseBillRandom2008-11-15T10:26:20-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/ff5ace40136b8912a6aee5dccf2c7265-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://web.me.com/billa/files/ff5ace40136b8912a6aee5dccf2c7265-42.html#unique-entry-id-42I usually don't post things like this, but I thought it was a pretty cool list. The list contains 12 household items that help clean around the house, or have you looking sharp. One example was using lemonade Kool-Aid in your dishwasher to clean any grime and stains left over. I thought it was a worthwhile read. Click the link below:

Click Me

]]>Don't Create a Budget, Create a Spending PlanBillFinance2008-11-11T21:40:38-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/f4ef331f48fca9d24680ac77e38e9b05-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://web.me.com/billa/files/f4ef331f48fca9d24680ac77e38e9b05-41.html#unique-entry-id-41Who here has tried to create a budget, and didn't get past the first week? Collecting receipts, categorizing everything you purchase...it's not exactly a walk in the park. I typically don't read the Wall Street Journal, but there was a decent online article on creating a spending plan, which helps you predict future purchases that need to be made, or that you want to make and prioritze them. This will help you more easily determine what you need to spend, and how much left over will be left. I know it sounds like a budget, but it is definitely a less intense way of doing things. I have been doing this for awhile now which has helped...I still need to find a way to curb or track those minor daily expenses that seem to add up (cough, cough, Starbucks...). Click the link below to check it out:

Click Me

]]>A Beautiful Site Indeed...BillNRV2008-11-11T21:36:39-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/da2d02d67f892edb80c3359ec0d16335-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://web.me.com/billa/files/da2d02d67f892edb80c3359ec0d16335-40.html#unique-entry-id-40I just thought I would take a picture of this great sight smiley_smile I took this picture on Sunday while I was filling up. Now if I could get my Gas Watch graphic to cooperate with my sidebar you would be able to see that the gas has since dropped to $1.95, but since RapidWeaver and I are not getting along, all I have this picture for the time being.


1109081301

]]>Sorry I've Been QuietBillPersonal2008-11-10T22:37:19-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/dfe938d189cf95a531c9cd628bf931e1-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://web.me.com/billa/files/dfe938d189cf95a531c9cd628bf931e1-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Hey guys, sorry I've been absent for a few days. I've been working on some new things which aren't quite ready yet, and also my poor kitty has been sick and needs my love and attention right now. She is so pityful right now. I'll have some pics and some new posts within the next day or two, I promise!

]]>Get Out and Vote!BillPolitics2008-11-04T13:28:28-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/5b98810cb2cfef0950a43441b9a2c2f5-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://web.me.com/billa/files/5b98810cb2cfef0950a43441b9a2c2f5-38.html#unique-entry-id-38I tried to vote this morning only to get to the polling place and see about 300 people in line. I hope my chance this evening might be a little better...though I really doubt it. Regardless of who wins this will be a history making event, with an African American President, or the oldest first term President with the first woman VP. I have a feeling with the way the news is looking and the record turnout we might not really know who the new Prez will be for a few days, it might take awhile for any needed recounts....

I've been following the news wire this morning, and a few statistical events that make McCain's fight even harder.

-Dixville Notch, the town with 21 registered voters who start off the 2008 Election Day by voting at midnight has voted Republican since 1968. This year they were overwhelming in Obama's corner by a count of 15-6.

-For the past 16 of the last 17 elections, the outcome of the Redskins game directly before the election has determined who the next President will be. If the Redskins win, the incumbent's party has kept the White House. The Steelers trounced the Redskins 23-6.

]]>No New Apple Products For the HolidaysBillTechnology2008-11-04T13:23:44-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/ff476e776e0783f6e684833601a3370f-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://web.me.com/billa/files/ff476e776e0783f6e684833601a3370f-37.html#unique-entry-id-37According to someone at Apple, the new product debuts are done for 2008. There was a lot of speculation that we would see a new or updated iMac and Mac Mini before the holidays but someone from PR crashed that rumor. With Mac World right around the corner it didn't make sense to introduce new products anyway.

That being said I really haven't a clue of what they are going to present at Mac World. Apple usually uses that to introduce the game changers, such as the iPhone, but unless Apple has something super secret up their sleeves I am already preparing to be disappointed. The only thing that would really get me excited is an iPhone that would work on CDMA (aka Verizon) to be released in 2009 sometime. Since no one really knows how long Apple's exclusivity agreement with AT&T is, it could be a possibility. I'll make sure to cover the rumors as they come out. The 2nd week in January is always a treat for Mac fans.

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-11-04T13:20:59-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/2906ecc26dca6e10b8962df2c44c7a22-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://web.me.com/billa/files/2906ecc26dca6e10b8962df2c44c7a22-36.html#unique-entry-id-36I am real close to having a graphic I can use for Gas Watch instead of inundating you feed with these posts. But until then I am happy to report that I saw $2.10 for Regular this morning....Ohh so close to that 2.00 buck mark. I can't tell you how much a relief it is to have a weekly gas bill half of what it was not more than 1.5 months ago.

Keep Dropping!!

]]>Thanks!BillPersonal2008-11-04T13:19:44-05:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/14daf328089a7205b64482a0618c6320-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://web.me.com/billa/files/14daf328089a7205b64482a0618c6320-35.html#unique-entry-id-35Thanks to everyone that made my 30th birthday so much fun. It was a fun filled weekend of events which made it quite memorable.

I promise I will have pictures real soon...I just need to sit down at home and get them uploaded.

]]>Yes...very shortly I will be very oldBillPersonal2008-10-29T20:39:51-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/7b6c742893b7ba135314642d29366b80-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://web.me.com/billa/files/7b6c742893b7ba135314642d29366b80-34.html#unique-entry-id-34For those not reading my site through the RSS reader I am sure you noticed the timer ticking down over there on the right. Well tomorrow I will be old...plain and simple. No one try to tell me 30 is the new 20, because it just won't work!

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-10-29T20:37:15-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/b8e21ec1ad98f994989941eb23e8d89d-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://web.me.com/billa/files/b8e21ec1ad98f994989941eb23e8d89d-33.html#unique-entry-id-33Newly seen price today: $2.19. Getting ever so close to the magical 2.00 mark. I have a feeling though we might be getting near the bottom of where the market will take us. Gas supplies were lower than expected which shot the price of oil up today. I have a feeling we are going to bottom out here pretty soon. Not to say we won't see 2 bucks a gallon, but it won't go further than that unless some really bad happens in the markets.

Today's average hit 2.58 a gallon...we haven't seen these prices since winter of 2005...

Keep Dropping!

]]>Wal-Mart Music Store Now Supports MacBillTechnology2008-10-29T20:32:53-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/876ff9bc12d7affd87be8e922d61afd1-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://web.me.com/billa/files/876ff9bc12d7affd87be8e922d61afd1-32.html#unique-entry-id-32Wal-Mart has actually had a music store for quite awhile. It was filled with DRM'ed music that could only be downloaded and played on a PC. No one really cried about it since iTunes and Amazon were just a click away. Wal-Mart has completely redone their store, and it actually looks like it has potential. Not only can anyone using Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer download songs, but the cost per song starts at 74 cents. Even better it looks like the Top 25-50 songs on the charts are at the lower end of the price scale. There does seem to be some variable pricing for albums (I saw one on there for 11 bucks), but with the cheaper singles, it makes up for here. If you are interested follow the link to see the new site:

Click Me

]]>It's Snowing!BillNRV2008-10-27T23:18:19-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/b02d7e8114d080de3d318c9887daa53c-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://web.me.com/billa/files/b02d7e8114d080de3d318c9887daa53c-31.html#unique-entry-id-31We are having our first official flurries of the year. It's starting my snow clock early this year. I really only enjoy the first 2-3 snowfalls before I get tired of it and want spring to get here. Last year we didn't get snow till late, so my snowfall enjoyment lasted a bit longer than normal last year. We'll see how this year turns out. In the meantime I am going to enjoy it!

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-10-27T16:13:01-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/722c954669c5504b115085942d75e88d-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://web.me.com/billa/files/722c954669c5504b115085942d75e88d-30.html#unique-entry-id-30What is becoming close to a daily event, I spotted lower prices for Regular on my way to work this morning:

$2.33

I am working on creating a gas watch widget so I don't bog people's RSS feed down with these entries, but that might take awhile. In the meantime get out there and enjoy the low prices!]]>You Might As Well Call Candy Corn Crack!BillPersonal2008-10-27T14:45:24-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/eb8fcbcc84884e8f180f5a272a1bc3ae-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://web.me.com/billa/files/eb8fcbcc84884e8f180f5a272a1bc3ae-29.html#unique-entry-id-29I know some people hate candy corn, but let me just say I am glad it is only around for about 1.5 months out of the year. If it was a year round candy I'd be about 15 pounds heavier than I am now. I don't know how they made sugar taste so good, but I know i might need a 12 step program once Halloween is over!]]>In Honor Of...BillSports2008-10-26T18:33:34-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/7e2aa0f305409d1273c26fdce5fedb42-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://web.me.com/billa/files/7e2aa0f305409d1273c26fdce5fedb42-28.html#unique-entry-id-28I wanted to get this out before the game on Saturday, but unfortunately I didn't have the time. In honor of the Alabama/Tennessee game this weekend I give you an Alabama fan that really doesn't like the Vols...and I cannot stress that enough smiley_smile

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-10-21T17:31:41-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/48a44aef63c3a5e20217c92460f5f04c-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://web.me.com/billa/files/48a44aef63c3a5e20217c92460f5f04c-27.html#unique-entry-id-27Yes I know another one...but the good news is that every time you see one of these means the gas prices are fluctuating...and we hope that means lower prices!

Today I saw: $2.50

Virginia has not seen 2.50 gas in over a year. One of the few bright spots in this crumbling economy.

]]>The United States...According to Sarah PalinBillPolitics2008-10-20T20:51:32-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/8fdf2e193128bf1122a634a103b5bb39-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://web.me.com/billa/files/8fdf2e193128bf1122a634a103b5bb39-26.html#unique-entry-id-26I have to admit I was smitten with McCain's choice of VP when she was first announced. Her speech at the GOP convention was top notch and got the country talking. Lately though I've heard her try and talk about the people of the US in the most general terms that I can't wait to see what she is going to come up with next. Here are her "Palin-isms" so far:

  • Joe "Six Pack" American: I guess here she is trying to call the US a bunch of alcoholics
  • Joe "The Plumber": Though it was McCain that started this one, I am almost sure that Palin came up with it. It is a shame that poor Joe owes tens of thousands in back taxes and is not currently licensed...maybe should have put him through the vetting process before McCain mentioned him 18 times during the debate...
  • Ed "The Dairy Man": Because there is a great majority of Americans that milk cows for a living.

So in light of these great names she has made up to describe the citizens of the United States, I have decided to come up with a few of my own. Here is my list (in no particular order):

  • Tom "The Taco Bell Eating" Smith: For all the Grade F meat eating people out there...
  • Joe "The Pimp" Johnson: For all the Joe's out there that take care of his "employees"...
  • Ed "The Proctologist" Smith: For all the doctors that plays with butts and gets paid for it...
  • Jo-Jo "The Crack Dealer" Johnson: For all those that strive to keep their customers satisfied...
  • Joe "The Fantasy Sports Team" Smith: For all the people that have caused companies to block ESPN.com from their employees...
  • Ed "The obese McDonalds Eater" Doe: For all those people that think a Super Sized Double Quarter Pounder Value Meal is a mid-afternoon snack...

I welcome anyone else's ideas as I am sure there are more out there smiley_smile

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-10-20T20:51:17-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/173392240cff94c19a0a0237beabef68-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://web.me.com/billa/files/173392240cff94c19a0a0237beabef68-25.html#unique-entry-id-25Lowest price I saw this morning:

$2.65...though I have to say there were bags over all his Regular pumps...so the lowest I saw that had gas was $2.67.

According to GasBuddy.com, the US average is $2.88, so I would have to say we are doing pretty good in our neck of the woods

Keep Dropping Baby!!

]]>Rays Could Have Just Lost Their Chance at a WSBillSports2008-10-20T20:51:14-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/3dfa7990a6a84b54503acd174219c2bf-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://web.me.com/billa/files/3dfa7990a6a84b54503acd174219c2bf-24.html#unique-entry-id-24I think the Rays lost their chance at a World Series after letting the Red Sox come back last night after being 7 runs down. In a game that really gets effected by momentum, the pendulum just swung back really hard in the Red Sox's favor. Don't get my wrong I want to see the Rays make it in, but I would not be surprised in seeing the Red Sox and their annoying entourage, the "Red Sox" nation make into the WS.

If you would like to read a bit more about the Rays' implosion last night, here is a pretty good article from Page 2 on ESPN:

Click Me

Update: I am glad I was wrong...but it came down to the wire for sure...The Rays are going to the World Series for the first time in their history. The Best of 7 series starts on Wednesday.

]]>10 Steps to Keep Your Mac Running WellBillTechnology2008-10-16T14:26:18-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/f83a3cccc506fe7c4c6ae0bcd6ff2419-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://web.me.com/billa/files/f83a3cccc506fe7c4c6ae0bcd6ff2419-23.html#unique-entry-id-23I read an article from PC World today that listed 10 steps you should take on a regular basis to keep your Mac running at its best. You could infer that similar steps would help a PC as well, but some of the steps are focused solely on Mac related hardware and software. I thought it was worth the read. Here is the link:

Click Me

]]>Possible Picture of the 2010 PriusBillCars2008-10-17T14:03:31-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/6ac15d15a6fde4d19276c95542d6e69e-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://web.me.com/billa/files/6ac15d15a6fde4d19276c95542d6e69e-22.html#unique-entry-id-22I was reading the Hybrid Car Blog this morning and I came upon a possible image of the 2010 Toyota Prius. I am not a fan of the nose that Toyota has put on the Camry, Corolla, and now the Prius, but I guess they are trying to standardize their image. From everything that I heard the car should be a bit bigger, have a bigger engine, and be more efficient than the current model. I hope they can keep the price close to what it is now, because with Honda entering the market with their new Insight, they are going to have to stay close to the 20k mark to compete. I know the gas prices have been dropping recently, but that hasn't changed my mind about looking at a hybrid when my lease is up. Here is the picture, this might be made up, but it seems like a plausible replacement:

Pasted Graphic

Update: Toyota confirms that this is the 2010 Prius. The car will be on display at this year's LA auto show in November.

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-10-16T10:00:47-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/2e24d8d80c97e478e293f44d6a70281d-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://web.me.com/billa/files/2e24d8d80c97e478e293f44d6a70281d-21.html#unique-entry-id-21I know these are getting redundant...

Lowest price I saw this morning:

$2.75

Keep Dropping!!

]]>Gas Watch '08BillNRV2008-10-15T20:26:07-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/58d83e3e87473b18626f90f4695f1ce8-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://web.me.com/billa/files/58d83e3e87473b18626f90f4695f1ce8-20.html#unique-entry-id-20Lowest price I saw today:

$2.84

Keep dropping baby!!!

]]>New Apple Products ReleasedBillTechnology2008-10-14T13:48:48-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/3ab0a35b23fac4c2ea1c3ab17ee3b3c5-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://web.me.com/billa/files/3ab0a35b23fac4c2ea1c3ab17ee3b3c5-19.html#unique-entry-id-19Well the Apple event has come and gone. New Macbooks, and new displays. The new Macbook and MacBook Pros look pretty cool. Lots of updated specs, and new trackpads which lose the buttons. That might take awhile getting used to. The upgrades to the video processors sound like the best part of the upgrade. If one things the macs have always been weak in was their gaming performance. We'll have to wait to see what the testers think to see if it can compete with the PCs of the world, but it seems like it will on paper. Other than that a new display which seems really cool on paper, but attach a 900 dollar price tag to it and it doesn't seem so cool anymore. It's only a 24 inch screen, with a USB port and a port to charge your laptop, but doesn't seem worth 900 bucks. Sometime swallowing the Apple tax can be difficult.

Anyway I've got all the computers I need at this point, so the updates aren't all that relevant to me, but I thought some might be interested.

]]>Tommy B. Out As Clemson CoachBillSports2008-10-14T10:43:21-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/fdb4493173d0b8e5977c0634954cac7a-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://web.me.com/billa/files/fdb4493173d0b8e5977c0634954cac7a-18.html#unique-entry-id-18A little bit of a surprise, but not too much seeing how the Clemson TIgers played this year. Tommy's ouster has been predicted for years now, but every time the rumors became a roar the team would pull a great win out of their you know whats and he would get to stick around. This year Clemson was supposed to win the ACC, but with their 3-3 record that doesn't appear to be in the cards this year.

If you want to read more, here is the ESPN article:

Click Me

]]>Storage Anyone???BillFunNRV2008-10-13T10:22:20-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/65aa3694dbbc1afd1573d44735617447-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://web.me.com/billa/files/65aa3694dbbc1afd1573d44735617447-17.html#unique-entry-id-17You'd be shocked of how much I pick up on while on my 10 mile drive to work...so I have a new public announcement to make:

For all your storage needs please visit Route 11 right outside of Christiansburg. With two new storage centers being built there is currently 1.5 storage units per capita in the Christiansburg area. So if you or a family member are in need of a cheaply built storage facility which is open to the elements because the builders were to cheap to put in A/C, then come on down to Route 11 right outside of Christisiansburg, we have what you are looking for!

That is all smiley_smile
]]>Gas Watch '08!BillNRV2008-10-13T10:19:26-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/963d263c4a4a286fb73239fde6c0b6ab-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://web.me.com/billa/files/963d263c4a4a286fb73239fde6c0b6ab-16.html#unique-entry-id-16Lowest gas price I saw this morning:

$2.87

Keep dropping baby!!!

]]>The Sky Is Falling!!!!BillNRV2008-10-10T08:01:15-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/587accb142a67a7702fb1335b8db0e28-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://web.me.com/billa/files/587accb142a67a7702fb1335b8db0e28-15.html#unique-entry-id-15As I was driving to work today I did a little dance in my car as I passed a gas station with Regular for 2.99. I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw gas for that cheap. Gas Buddy says the average price a year ago was 2.75, but I really don't remember that. By September of last year I thought the prices were on their way up for good.

But wait it gets better. As I got closer to work there is another station that has gas for 2.91! I know most people don't get excited over gas prices, but for those that know me, I get pretty crazy about it.

So here is to having a great Friday with 2.91 gas!! smiley_smile

]]>Added Comments to the Main BlogBillTechnology2008-10-09T20:47:46-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/cf6acd1ecdcf112aab529d499f32df5c-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://web.me.com/billa/files/cf6acd1ecdcf112aab529d499f32df5c-14.html#unique-entry-id-14I've tried adding a commenting capability to my main blog. It's not exactly what I want, but it's what RapidWeaver provides, so for the time being that's what I am going with. If I get inundated with spam I might deactivate it, but for now I am going to see how it goes. If anyone has problems let me know...that is if anyone is out there.

]]>Let the Apple Rumors BeginBillTechnology2008-10-09T16:41:53-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/6c289eaadfc4b9bf8f4cff0731c63d35-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://web.me.com/billa/files/6c289eaadfc4b9bf8f4cff0731c63d35-13.html#unique-entry-id-13Most people thought that new Apple toys were coming this month, but with nothing coming out of Cupertino people started to have doubts. Well we can put those to rest because Apple has sent out invites for a presentation on Oct 14th. It appears the laptop line is headed for a refresh...their invite makes that pretty obvious. Here is the article from Gizmodo giving more details if you are interested:

Click Me
]]>Is That A Stock Deal Or Not??BillFinance2008-10-09T09:05:38-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/3e1913f072937f86d4d3017e643068e3-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://web.me.com/billa/files/3e1913f072937f86d4d3017e643068e3-12.html#unique-entry-id-12I am not expert at the stock market. My portfolio is very tiny, I've stuck to 401k, and IRAs to prepare for retirement. But the way the market is right now I can't help to think that I should take the opportunity to get in...they say buy low, sell high right? I was reading CNN Money this morning, and they had a few things to check to figure out if a stock is a bargain, or if the stock is headed down for good. Here are their tips:


-Step 1 Look at a stock's forward P/E. This is the price investors are willing to pay for every dollar of expected earnings. Compare this ratio with that of the company's peers and industry benchmark. The S&P 500's forward P/E is 13.8. What you want to see: ratio lower than average but not too low (Matthew Sauer, a senior vice president at value-oriented Ariel Investments, is cautious about P/Es below 8).

-Step 2 Look at the trailing P/E, which is based on a company's past earnings. It will show whether a stock was cheap before the market's recent free-fall. What you want to see: ratio lower than industry average.

-Step 3 Check the price-to-cash-flow ratio. This shows how much cash a company generates per share. It's sometimes a more reliable measure of value than P/E because cash, unlike earnings, cannot be manipulated easily by accountants. Again, compare the ratio with the industry benchmark and peers. What you want to see: ratio lower than average.

-Step 4 Look for stability. A company that isn't highly leveraged (laden with debt) has a better chance of riding out the economic downturn. To find out if that's the case, see the company's balance sheet at The SEC's Web site. Divide total assets by total equity. What you want to see: ratio of 2 or lower (10 or lower for financial firms).

-Step 5 Read the news. No matter what the numbers say, a stock could be a rotten choice if, say, the company is embroiled in a potentially costly lawsuit. Not every stock that appears cheap is a good deal. What you want to see: no obvious problems. Bottom Line: If a stock passes all these tests, you could be onto a good buy. --Carolyn Bigda

]]>Haven't DisappearedBillPersonal2008-10-06T21:59:32-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/1adf850f58b0f137f0e1cd0de4bff958-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://web.me.com/billa/files/1adf850f58b0f137f0e1cd0de4bff958-11.html#unique-entry-id-11I'm at a conference thru Wednesday, with no internet connection so it'll be a little quiet till then. Once I am done, I'll have some new pictures and other stuff for you. If you aren't pleased with that...all I have to say is POP OFF!!!

]]>Politics Making Me Mad This MorningBillPolitics2008-10-02T08:11:33-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/cf856864ae957d28c08aad0f99385868-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://web.me.com/billa/files/cf856864ae957d28c08aad0f99385868-10.html#unique-entry-id-10I try to stay away from topics like this...well because I am a light hearted person, but the article I read this morning just lit a fire under my tail. I was already wondering if the Wall Street bailout package was worth the 700 billion it was going to cost the taxpayers, but the version that passed in the Senate just burns my biscuits! An additional 105 Billion...with a B, was added to the bill that has nothing to do with bailing out Wall Street. Here are some of the items added:

-Tax credits for bio-diesel, and solar power (because that fixes Wall Street how?)
-Increase in health coverage for mental illness (because that fixes Wall Street how?)
-Tax benefit to those who use their bike to get to work (because that fixes Wall Street how?)
-Tax breaks and accounting rule changes that affect Hollywood (because that fixe.....you see a repeating pattern?)
-Fixing the AMT problem for the next year (worthwhile goal...doesn't fix Wall Street)

if a bill cannot pass on its own merits, then it shouldn't pass. Both Obama and McCain voted for these bills, and they both have me rolling my eyes. I know something needs to get done, but this is not the way to do it.]]>Mascots That Go Oh So WrongBillFun2008-10-01T22:00:05-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/1d7fbae946d103acf50e8d61f15274eb-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://web.me.com/billa/files/1d7fbae946d103acf50e8d61f15274eb-9.html#unique-entry-id-9Our entertainment from the Internet....net...net...net (sense the echo on the word Internet) continues. This time it comes from a blog that I just learned of recently. I have seen their pictures posted elsewhere, but didn't know they had their own page. It's called Fail Blog. This movie had me laughing out loud. It's mascots that...lets say needs some practice...Yeah we're talking about practice!

The little football players beating up the mascot was my favorite.

]]>Wild Weekend in College FootballBillSports2008-09-29T14:21:00-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/eaa5551bdd0b3274785ece38413ae3a8-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://web.me.com/billa/files/eaa5551bdd0b3274785ece38413ae3a8-8.html#unique-entry-id-8Well the good news is that VT got out of corn country with a well played win. This was the first game which it seemed like the team really gelled and I hope we can put the worries of the early season to rest. I think beating Nebraska showed people we are getting it together. Hopefully Western Kentucky next week will give our players a needed break before getting back into ACC play.

So we have a new Number 1 after USC got trounced by Oregon. That was a big surprise to everyone, except maybe the Oregon football team. They kept the number one team (at the time) in the country scoreless for the entire first half of the game. I cannot believe the bad showing Florida had against Mississippi. Florida fans are probably feeling the same way when VT lost to Temple in 1998 (who remembers that!). Though I am not a fan of either team, but Wisconsin losing to Michigan was a pretty big surprise. This gives Rich Rodriguez his first big win as coach of U. of M. When I had started to put hope into NC State turning the corner with their big win last week they turn around and get obliterated by South Florida. Mind you S.F. is ranked 13th in the country, but I can't stand giving the Big (L)east ammo for their argument that they are better than the ACC. Another head scratcher was Wake losing to Navy....yes Navy...let me say that one more time so it sinks in...Wake lost to Navy. I really dont have anything else to say about that.

Onto my list of teams that made my weekend because they lost:

-Georgia losing to Alabama 30-41. I like the state of Georgia really I do...but due to some co-workers that seem to not be able to sleep at night without trashing VT, and the ACC on a daily basis...all I have to say is HAHAHAHA Georgia Lost! Ok I am done now...

-Oh this one I will enjoy for weeks. Virginia losing to Duke 3-31. Yes let that sink in....UVA gave Duke their first ACC win since 2004. Duke has lost the past 26 in-conference games until Saturday. I have to say though, the only thing that is more lame than UVA appears to be Duke's fans. They couldn't even rush the field after they won. But since there seemed to be about 15 fans in the stadium, maybe they did rush the field, but you couldn't see them with all the football players on the field.


With VT's win to Nebraska, we move up to Number 20 in the AP poll. Not great, but at least we are moving up and not down.]]>New Feature - RSS Feed...I thinkBillTechnology2008-09-29T14:14:10-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/37a54b6157547b358cca846159b396be-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://web.me.com/billa/files/37a54b6157547b358cca846159b396be-7.html#unique-entry-id-7Well for those that get their news using an RSS reader, I think I have gotten the RSS feed for my main blog working. If you search for "Bill's Blog @ Exit 118" you should be able to subscribe to it. Please let me know is anyone is having trouble. My next task is going to try on getting blog comments set up. I'll let you know when I get that up and running (if anyone is even reading this anyway!)]]>Game Day!! VT vs. NebraskaBillSports2008-09-27T12:19:38-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/d20852459edcdfd794d2d989cead5c95-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://web.me.com/billa/files/d20852459edcdfd794d2d989cead5c95-6.html#unique-entry-id-6It's game day...thank goodness it is an away game because rain, cold, and nastiness does not make for a good football game. I make sure to read the game preview at Tailgate Fever every week. They always have a few lines in there that have me rolling. Here is the link:

http://www.tailgatefever.com/handler.cfm?action=Index

GO HOKIES!!!!
]]>Happy Day!BillSports2008-09-25T09:36:19-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/6902dbfbd2a321a270e6e5481fbe85d3-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://web.me.com/billa/files/6902dbfbd2a321a270e6e5481fbe85d3-5.html#unique-entry-id-5No matter what happens for the rest of the day, I will go to sleep smiling...The Yankees will not be headed to the postseason this year for the first time since the 90s. Oh Happy Day! smiley_smile
]]>Rick Rolled...How about Barack Rolled?!?BillFun2008-09-24T19:10:32-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/0eefd4b7d9c719daba826da99751dbda-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://web.me.com/billa/files/0eefd4b7d9c719daba826da99751dbda-4.html#unique-entry-id-4In what I hope is the first post of many I bring you "Entertainment From the Internet....net...net...net (sense the echo on the word Internet)

For those that who are familiar with YouTube, I am sure at some point you have been Rick Rolled. For those who do not know what that means, you click on a link, or a movie with a title that looks like something else only to have the video "Never Going to Give you Up" from Rick Astley. If you really want to see the original you can find it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU

OK...well someone who must have a whole lot of time on their hands decided to put this little number together...to me it has yet to get old:



Now regardless of who you support for President, tell me that didnt make you chuckle!!

]]>Free Ice Cream!BillNRV2008-09-24T19:07:36-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/37904f39fea12fb952fd0a486876a609-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://web.me.com/billa/files/37904f39fea12fb952fd0a486876a609-3.html#unique-entry-id-3For those who live in or near Christiansburg, run...don't walk to the Cold Stone Creamery from 5pm-8pm tomorrow night. They are giving away free ice cream to their customers to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation. They are asking for donations if you are inclined.]]>Good Weekend for the ACCBillSports2008-09-23T08:17:02-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/fb81141bc2c41c386a571ec7300ecb52-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://web.me.com/billa/files/fb81141bc2c41c386a571ec7300ecb52-2.html#unique-entry-id-2It was a good showing for the ACC this weekend with every team winning their out of conference game. A surprising win by NC State against Number 15 ECU capped off a positive weekend. The only eye roller was Florida State completely choking against Wake Forest sending them back to unranked territory after being Number 24 for a week. Not that I don’t like seeing Wake win, but an enticing buildup all week of this showdown led to disappointment when FSU decided not to show up to the game.

Virginia Tech pulled off a win somehow. I had no idea how we did it being down 17-3 in the 3rd quarter. I am happy to get out of Chapel Hill with a win (I never thought I would be saying that a year ago). Butch Davis is bringing their football team into prominence, and in the next year or two is going to be even scarier than this year. This week’s showdown with Nebraska is going to be huge, especially since we don’t know if Tyrod will be playing this weekend. An 8pm game is going to allow for a great day of tailgating around the house…just keep me away from the rails!

I thought it would be fun to start a weekly list of teams that made my weekend by losing. So here we go:

-WVU loses to unranked Colorado in overtime. The cinderella team of the 2007 season can go back to burning couches now that the national media won’t be visiting Morgantown anytime soon.

-The stupid two mascot Auburn stupid Tigers/stupid War Eagle lost to the LSU Tigers. Though LSU was ranked higher and was expected to beat them anyway, after having to deal with the Auburn fans at the 2005 Sugar Bowl, anytime they lose makes my day.

-Notre Dame loses to Michigan State in embarrassing fashion. Anytime the media darling Notre Dame loses, Bill is happy. Even though they lost and will probably lose 8 games this ESPN and ABC will make sure that ND is considered for the National Chapionship…]]>My First Entry...AgainBillPersonal2008-09-17T20:16:21-04:00http://web.me.com/billa/files/4e43d11d701a656d08432b23ce3f726a-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://web.me.com/billa/files/4e43d11d701a656d08432b23ce3f726a-0.html#unique-entry-id-0Well here I am again, giving it another try.  This time, no themes, just me.  Keeping up with a themed blog while holding down a full time job can be tough.  It was fun when I had the time to keep up with it, but became a hassle when I was busy with the job that pays the bills.  I wanted to create a personal site that I could post pictures, let family and friends know what is going on, and post interesting and fun stuff as it comes up.  I will still talk about tech, what’s going on around town, sports, and whatever else is on my mind, but I’ll be able to do it at my own pace…and not worrying about how many eyes are on my site. 

Instead of using the free blogging sites out there, I’ve decided to go at it alone.  Well at least for the time being. I wanted more flexibility to create pages the way I wanted to, and have the content I want on there. I tire of using default page themes and layouts. I want to be able to experiment and figure out what I can do on my own.  So I went ahead and registered my own site, and my own space.  Whoever understands the name of the domain will get a cookie, but those that don’t I will explain in due time.  I might not want to deal with the issues that come with running my own site, so if that is the case I might run back to wordpress or blogger, but for now it’s just me.]]>