They said we were done for the season, but we made the playoffs
They said we wouldn’t advance to the Division Series, but we did
They said we wouldn’t make it to the World Series, but we did
They said we wouldn’t last in the World Series, but we did… and won
Look at us now, we were down… but never out
We believed in ourselves, we gave it 100%
We won the 2011 World Series
St. Louis Cardinals… We BELIEVE!

I admit, that I’ve only been a Mac user since 2008. But to be perfectly honest, my income wasn’t enough to own one, before. My first computer was in 1995, it was a Packard Bell, running Windows 95. I used a computer at my job, doing Quality Control and was limited on what I could use. After seeing what you could do on that thing, I knew I wanted one. The computer lasted about 4 years, I had updated the hard drive, installed a CD Burner. Looking back, that thing was nothing compared to the Dell I replaced it with. My first MP3 player was a Dell DJ, that came out during the late 90s. I think it was a 15gb unit, not 100% sure. When Apple announced the iPod, I knew that was something I’d love to have. While running a DJ service from 1990-1996, I was constantly purchasing singles and albums. I remember having to shuffle through cassettes and CDs, just to make mix tapes for friends.

When I purchased my iMac, I went for the iPod as well. I wanted the 120gb version, but knew there was no way I could afford it. I used the iPod a lot, it was with me, wherever I went. I noticed when I purchased my iPhone 3GS, that the iPod was being neglected. With it getting little to no use, I sold it to my half-sister. I have a 16gb iPhone and listen to all my music that way. I admit that it’s bulky while working out at the gym, a reason I’m considering an iPod Shuffle or Nano. So yeah, Apple has been a huge part of my life, the last few years.

After my laptop finally gave out, I replaced it with a 15” Macbook Pro. Yes, I own 2 Macs and they rock! You may be asking yourself, “how can this guy afford to spend that much cash?” The truth is, I’m considered legally blind, because of my low vision. So this means that I don’t own a car, don’t pay car insurance, and all that stuff. So yeah, it makes sense.

What convinced me to make the switch in 2008? That’s an interesting story, to be quite honest. I was sick of Windows pushing out updates on a constant basis, and the system crashing was getting on my nerves. I would always have to reboot, restore or do other crap to keep it running smooth. After talking to a couple friends who own Macbooks, they told me that was the best decision they ever made. I was in the process of purchasing a new computer, after having my Dell for 10 years, and adding updates on that, as well. I was ready for a change, I chose an iMac. When I turned it on for the first time, I was in love! I couldn’t believe the look, the feel, the ease of use. This is something I wish I had went for, a long time ago.

One of the best features about the Mac, installing/uninstalling programs. You don’t have to clean your drive, for junk that was left over, from an uninstall. You just send it to trash (most of the time), and that’s it. There are occasions, where an app may need an uninstall command, but it’s simple… I like that! Another great thing about the Mac, it’s not a memory hog, like Windows. I can’t count the times where I’ve had to reboot my PC, because it was low on memory because of junk in the background. I’ll never go back to a PC… full-time. However, I cannot abandon the PC. My parents and my sister are PC users, and rely on me for tech support. Because I have to keep up to date on Windows, I own a Dell Zino HD. I have it hooked up to my TV, so I can use it as a monitor and a media player.

I wish that I had a Mac, back when I was running the DJ Service, this would’ve made my life so much easier. My PC was a nightmare. If I was running the business today, everything would be on the iMac, the iPad2 (yet to buy one of those) and Macbook Pro. Even my gigs would be running off the Macbook Pro. Why? Because it just works!

Sorry for being all over the place, but this is how much Steve Jobs and Apple have changed the way I do things. Thanks Steve, you may be gone… but what you’ve established will forever live on!

My plans are to design just the board, and sell them without the trucks/wheels/grip tape. This way, I can save on expenses and not have to take such a hit. I can use the best paint, at the most affordable price, and then take my time on the design. I have several ideas in mind, as they were posted on here. But with that said, I have a few I’ve been working on, since. The only problem I have, is I live in an Apartment, so all of my work would have to be outside, in the yard (better venting anyways). So for now, I’m pricing the boards, looking at supplies, and seeing how much everything will run me.

I’ve noticed where sellers on eBay are a bit pricey on the boards, they either get you with shipping or the cost. I’m hoping that I can come across a good deal, and not have to pay out the ass. I mean for crying out loud, I’m just a beginner in all of this. I thought about finding a designer that would be willing to help me out with the painting/detailing, but scared that could bite me in the ass later. There are idiots out there who like to steal ideas/designs/work from those who created it to start with, that shit pisses me off. Some people are just too lazy to go out there and bust their ass. They expect shit to fall in their lap, it’s wrong and unacceptable… end of story! Sorry for the ranting, but it had to be said. I come from a family that is all about working hard for something, and never stealing or cheating to reach that level.

- Stay active and work out at the gym 3x a week (minimum)

- Start blogging like I used to.

- Work on creating a podcast, something involving TV/Music/Film

- Cut back on the Diet Coke/Coke Zero, and drink more water or iced tea

- Learn more about being an Angel Investor or get involved with a start up company

- Get out more, and find a girlfriend.

- Find out more information about acquiring a seizure response dog

- Learn to cook more, and rely less on the microwave

- Go to a Bears and/or Cardinals game

- Turn a few of my skateboard designs, into actual prototypes

- Build an iPhone/iPad Application

Have a safe and happy 2011, everyone!

Waiting to see what Bowl game, Illinois will be headed to. Hopefully they can come out a winner. I’m interested in seeing how the Basketball team does this season, hopefully well. I gave up on the Cavs, considering LeBran James screwed them over. I’ve actually been debating on who to pull for… and no it will not be the Heat. I’ve been seriously considering the Hornets and Lakers. New Orleans looks really good so far, must be they took notes from the Saints. lol I’ll admit, I’m not a huge NBA fan, like I used to be. I used to be really into it, back when Charles Barkley was playing. Sure he can be mouthy and everything, but the guy could play some basketball. I remember getting a lot of slack, because I was pulling for him and Jordan at the same time.

I’ve been thinking more and more about wanting to get into the music business, along with the racing gear business. Both requires someone with a lot of experience in that sort of thing. That’s something I seriously lack, so that means finding a business partner. It’s hard to trust people, with all the scams and betrayal happening. Would I like to start up both ideas? Absolutely! But I need to find someone I can trust, first. Not to mention, I need to get information and ideas gathered, so that way I can get the ball rolling, out of the gate. I understand it takes money to make money, and that you don’t make that much the first year, if anything. I’m fine with that, as long as I know the income is constantly rising.

Why do I want my own label? I want to be able to help out artists that have been beating their heads on the door for so long, who deserve a break. I know several people who have amazing talent, and deserve to have a chance. I would wok on getting a few tracks recorded, make a compilation album and see what people think. That way a lot of money isn’t going into a complete album for one artist. Change things up, give it a nice mixture. Maybe I need sleep, but doing that seems like the right way to go.

I saw an article the other night, where Time Warner are wanting Redbox and Netflix to have a longer wait time on new releases. If you want my honest and blunt opinion, it’s complete bullshit! We are waiting 28 days, as it is, what are these pricks trying to prove? Don’t they understand it’s only going to piss off the customers who have their service, shut it off in protest? Some of us can’t afford these PPV/On Demand channels, and we are just getting by with Netflix/Redbox.

I’m sure others will agree with me, that this is just another way for TW to be the bully and get what they want. I think it’s time for the big dogs to step in and shut these bastards down and start putting limitations on what they can and cannot do. I’m sure there are others who disagree with me, and feel there’s nothing wrong here. Each is own, when it comes to opinions.

Something else that I don’t understand, XBOX Live Gold went up a couple bucks, and the only think they added was ESPN, that I see anyhow. Sure they changed the look of the dashboard, and it’s rather bright too. I wouldn’t mind paying extra, if they offered channels like Boxee and Roku. I’m paying $8.99 for Netflix, this means in order to use my XBOX, I need live, and that’s another $10 a month. $20.00 per month? Are you fucking kidding me? It makes me wonder how many people are going to cancel their Live subscription, and turn to an Apple TV. Roku, or Boxee Box.

I could spend $100.00 on a Roku or Apple TV and have Netflix without the extra cash. That’s $10.00 I could put towards XM Sirius membership for my iPhone. I’ve been considering that, as it’s only an extra couple of bucks if I ever picked up a used radio. When I called up about the service, this afternoon, the Representative I spoke with told me it would be $14.00 a month… with a radio and the online/iPhone service. That’s pretty damn sweet! The radios are where they get you. Unless of course, you buy one used. The only flaw about used, you never know when it will crap out.

If it wasn’t for that one song playing on the radio, I would’ve missed out hearing an amazing band. I think a lot of my interest, is due to the fact they have some punk rock in them. For those who are new, or didn’t know, I’m also a fan of punk rock. My taste in music is all over the place, just ask some of my friends. In closing, I have to thank Paramore’s music for helping me get through a rough time. I was at a point where I didn’t know what was going on. If you haven’t checked them out, you really should.