Fire Wolf's Blog

Moving Day Has Come!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-09T15:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming along this short period of time!

I have moved to my permanent location:

FireWolf's Blog Please adjust your blogrolls accordingly!

Thanks!

On a musical note.....

2006-06-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

Have you purchased any new music CDs lately?

Well I haven't been a professed American Idol fan (William Hung not withstanding), and I have heard a few Kelly Clarkson songs that I actually liked so I went and purchased her latest cd "BreakAway".

Wow, if you don't have this cd, you need to get it. I have never purchased any music from an "Idol" contestant, and I am impressed.

Most of these songs you've heard from the radio, but you probably didn't know they were all on the same album.

Can American Idol hope to suck me in for a future purchase? Depends on if they suck or not ;)

Go William!

HTTP 404 Error.... (Day 3)

2006-06-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, who'd have thought this amount of work was required to launch your own blogsite?

For those of you who don't know, I purchased hosting and domain services from GoDaddy.com. At first, I was thinking "ooh yeah! up and running in no time". WRONG!

I am having to suck it up and learn the hard way about hosting providers. They charge for everything, and tell you nothing. Getting my own domain and blogsite is a first for me. A First! Can you believe it? I have been on the internet since '92, have done website design in the mid-90's, and I've even done some sys admin, but NOTHING has prepared me for the learning curves I've had to undergo.

WordPress & GoDaddy at the same time. :(

To toss in a little "irony" I think I have my wordpress things configured. THINK being the operative word here.

Today, as I suddenly found my site back online, I had to tweak the default dummy page so that index.htm would naturally cause a browser to show a page. ANY PAGE. So, there I was, happy I had SOMETHING to show when you got to my domain. Then, as I am trying to tweak the WP code so that I can run the default setup routine, nothing was showing and my website seemed to not recognize WP at all. It's as if my files just simply were not there or available.

Then I had an epiphany! I started looking into information in the support documentation for GoDaddy on Directory Indexes. Of course nothing shows up. But, then I was looking at the server operating systems to see what types of code they would handle. It wasn't until after I called technical support @ GoDaddy that they told me PHP code only runs on Linux, not the Windows (.asp).

So, I went back into my account profiles, and it wasn't until I dug deep that it stated: Windows (.asp) Linux (.php).

UGH!

Now that I have switched over my server OS, they tell me it's another two days before I can know if I configured WP's initial setup correctly.

Time will tell.

Maybe I should write a series about my experiences in choosing GoDaddy. I like their prices, and $1.99 to get my very own domain was a sweet deal.

BTW....

didja hear Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi is dead?

U.S. Forces 1 - Al Qaida 0

Way to go guys!

Domains & Observations

2006-06-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

While I am still waiting for my host to HURRY UP! I can't help but
make some observations known.

First of all, as i've learned from Aaron (Technosailor's owner),
Nothing is worth doing if you don't do them yourself.

Secondly, there are almost a million choices as far as hosts, which
software to use, etc. Do your homework and ask your blogging buddies.
They will offer their support & advice.

After all that, make sure you have some technical understanding, it's
not for the weak of heart!

As for today, I am sitting in a dentist office waiting to go in. (I
love my techno-savvy dentists). After which, I am wrapping up my week
of funeral stuff with the burial today. I hope to add more tomorrow
to my short list of articles so stay tuned!

Domain Update

2006-06-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report I am in the process of getting my blogsite (www.firewolfsblog.com) up and running.

I attempted to use my hosting provider's "blog software" (I used godaddy.com's quickblog tool) and I can say without exception that it SUCKS!

First of all, if you use the "free" copy of the software, you are forced to take the templates WITH advertisements. Whether you like the ads or not.

I am sick of using sites that force me to play with their rules/toys.

So, Aaron over at Technosailor has been sending me tips on how to install WordPress and I am trying to get my databases established, and user accounts working, etc.

So far, if you hit my domain, you'll get the HTTP 404 error. Don't freak out, my host is working on bringing my site up, and soon you SHOULD see a default page that will sit until I can finally establish my own creation. I have a new banner image I designed, and I hope you will like it.

As for layout and content, I am hoping to keep it simple, with plenty of topics of discussion, and maybe, just maybe, talk about something that will keep most people coming back.

Stay tuned! More to come!

Lessons Learned After #9

2006-06-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I'm currently still in Winona, MN this weekend to wrap up the funeral/memorial service/Family Estate business. The viewing is tonight, funeral tomorrow, and burial this Wednesday back on home turf.

Since this isn't my relative, but my wife's, I have been fortunate to get a sideline view about behaviors in family members towards their "inheritance" or more like "what am I going to get off this person or that person" and it has led me to a few conclusions:

If you are going to die you NEED to have a current will.
When you have your will made, choose your executor wisely!
Put all of your insurance paperwork, wills, legal documents, and titles to houses, cars, and boats in a secure location, but PLEASE tell some family members where that "location" is.
If you have no immediate family (wife, children, etc) your next of kin (brothers, sisters, or even parents) are the next of kin.
When money or assets are involved, it's amazing how relatives will cheapen your death by bickering over "what do I get"? Civility can go right out the window if survivors from several different branches of the family tree were raised without ethics, morals, and manners.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! GET YOUR FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS IN ORDER.

A Will, as everyone knows lists all of your assets, how it's divided among survivors, and who should oversee it. I realize that a will is a living fluidic document because you can't forecast the "what-ifs". By "what-ifs" I mean, those family members you think will survive to inherit your things.

If you choose an executor, pick someone who is responsible, and who can stand above the "fray" of family in-fighting, and can objectively look at the division of assets with your wishes in mind.

Family, as I said, WILL fight over what you've left them. If they don't argue about that, they will pontificate and speculate on who else is undeserving of assets. Or, they will talk amongst themselves and say "he or she wasn't even here to help so they should get nothing" or "Well that side of the family didn't invite him or her to functions, or dinners, holidays, weddings, etc".

Perhaps your family will not behave this way. Perhaps you were brought up as an only child, and there are no relatives. Families are very dynamic, intricate, and constantly in a state of flux. However, that should not excuse you for neglecting your funeral arrangements. You need to set up and pay for a few things:

In the State of Minnesota, it's law that if you are buried in a casket, or cremated and put in an urn, you are to place your remains in a burial vault so as not to pollute the soil, etc. Burial vaults range in price so take that into account when you look into this.
If you are not being cremated, purchase your casket and find a location you wish to be buried.
If you are being cremated, purchase your urn.

In any case, once you have taken care of your own expenses for your funeral, make cure you keep those documents, reciepts, and other associated documents in the same place you keep your will, etc.

If you have to, make a special folder and label it as funeral arrangements, or estate planning. Anything that will let your survivors know that that folder covers all the paperwork in case you leave this earth.

Your death and passing should never be cheapened by infighting, or greed over your success. Material wealth is all that will be left and remembered if you don't take emotion, and greed out of the equation. That's a fact.

Everyone will already be upset that you are gone, some will not be. That also is a fact.

Live your life well, and try to build relationships with those you want to will your estate to.

They are the ones who will be left scouring your estate.

...I hope to be blogging more regularily after this is over with. So, please keep checking back.

Luck "Happens"

2006-06-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

So, as it turns out this week, my wife's uncle had a stroke last night and we had to drive down to Rochester, MN to the Mayo Hospital to understand his situation.

If you know anything about last year, we had 8 funerals. 8!

This is #1 for 2006. We had hoped to pass this year by without tragedy, but things like this happen.

As a casualty to dealing with family, funerals, and estates, blogging will be light.

While it sucks just trying to get this back up and running, I do have some good news!

(No, it isn't "I just saved 15% on my car insurance by switching to Geico")

I have taken the plunge to secure my own domain (www.firewolfsblog.com) and before too long (and a wordpress installation) I will be on my own two feet.

We are going prime time!

Hip Hip Hooray!

Seriously tho, if you can find it within your hearts to pray for my family during their heartbreak and mourning, please do so.

Rochester is a 3.5 hour drive from where I live (each way). And it looks as if we will be driving down and back for the next few weeks.

Take care, godspeed. And I pray your week is better than mine.

:)

-Dave

My Da Vinci Code Review

2006-05-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Went to see the Da Vinci Code last night with my wife.

Have you seen it? Did you believe all the hype?

Anyone who is interested in exploring the stories of their Christian Faith will love to see this movie. My personal feelings are that it's just as Dan Brown suggests: A work of fiction.

It is a terrific work, and whether you believe that the Priory of Scion exists, or that the Catholic Church conspires against the truth, is a matter of personal belief. Being Non-Catholic awards me some latitude to speculate the what-ifs.

I was thoroughly entertained by the movie and I felt it was captivating, but for me, some parts were predictable. I say that, because I've never read the book, nor did I see clips of the movie, read bylines off some fan website. How predictable? I won't spoil it for anyone else, but let's just say I predicted who the major players would be by the end of the movie, just as the movie began. For me, the rest of the film was following the character plots, twists, and turns, and waiting for the "surprise" ending.

Would I recommend the film to others? Yup, but, you need to see it not for the hype, but for your own curiosity. My wife and I had a great time at the theatre, even though we both believe ticket prices are not all they are cracked up to be these days. :(

Let's Expand On My Bio...

2006-05-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Many of you don't know "who" I am. I like to write in "moniker mode" because frankly I don't want any focus on my name, although any of you who read my work at Technosailor know me as David Nick.

Born in North Minneapolis, (Minnesota for those who don't know), I was #4 in the pecking order of kids. As far as I know I had a typical family: Older brother who picked on ya, sister who you sometimes got along with, and the only difference I can see is that my sister was my twin.

I've worked in many different areas of the "employment field". From paper boy, dishwasher, and cook, to security guard, truck driver, and software configuration management. I have done many things, but I truly don't feel like it's anything special.

Currently I work for a place called Mongo's Grill. It's a part time gig that I picked up to pay the gas while attending college. We are the 1st store in the U.S. and it's exciting to be a part of something new.

Since I spoke about college I may as well fill in the rest of the blanks. Currently I am working on attaining my first college Bachelor's Degree in Network Security. I am excited to have the chance to do something I often ponder and focus my attention. The technology field is so huge that I am thankful to be blessed with plenty of knowledge and a love for all things technical.

I am married now, January 3rd, 2006 marked a very special moment in my life. We have plans to attempt parenthood, whether God finds it within himself to bless us is entirely another matter. ;)

My wife and I are devout Mormon's and just to dispel any stereotypes we fully believe in God and his son Jesus Christ. That Jesus died for our sins, and that in the pre-existence, God had a plan for us all to return and live with Him again, and our lives here on Earth is proof that we accepted his challenge.

I don't "blog" about religion that much. Simply because I found my faith, some people are lead to me to help them find their own, others don't want to hear about it, and mostly I don't write about religion because unless you are devout, you really don't want to hear it. ;)

But, contrary to my church, offline, I will tell anyone who would listen to me about my conversion, my faith, and how I feel that I have finally found my true calling. :)

Now, on to my other tastes....

Hobbies and the things that motivate me: I love motorcycles, sailboats, computers (duh), food (pizza should have been it's own food group), sudoku, anything Asian, cars, cats & wolves, swords, firearms, camping, Dairy Queen blizzards, Dilbert, (lol), news, politics, Amateur Radio, SkyWarn, darts, Blogging, billiards, bike riding, science fiction, spy/espionage thrillers, and the list can go on and on forever.

My marriage is a happy one, and it's my second. While we haven't made the 6 month mark, my wife and I have had a rocky start. Mostly because when you bring two hermits together, there is bound to be some "integration" issues. LOL We have certainly had our share, but I believe she knows what it means to be married for Time and all Eternity. I am lucky to have met her.

Last but not least. I come from a family that believed there is no stronger bond than blood. While we do not get to choose who is in our family, our "DNA" is what binds us together. That type of attitude towards family has also given me very strong ethical and moral beliefs. Those beliefs have molded and shaped every opinion, career path, and life choice I've made, and continue to make.

Friends are temporary, family lasts forever.

I truly hope you gained something from my openness, and hope that you come back for more.

Thanks for reading!

Pet Issue #1: Illegal Immigration

2006-05-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try email blogging to see how the formatting plays out. Currently I'm on the road (No I'm not driving while typing) to visit family, what a way to blog!

Some of you know that a major issue of mine is Illegal Immigration. Before we dive into this area let's get a few things straight.

1) Just because I am Anti-Illegal Immigration does not mean I am a racist, against immigration, or that I oppose open minded discussion when there is some.
2) Illegal Immigration is NOT like getting a traffic ticket no matter what the Bush Administration publishes.
3) Illegal Immigration should be a felony . No ifs, ands, or buts.
4) Some people believe that to have mass deportation isn't very practical. I call them lazy. Anything worth doing takes effort and the courage to see it through .

Now that that's out of the way, time for a rant..

Our politicians have been lazy and selfish. When they care more about criminals because they are interested in either cheaper labor or votes, something should set off your alarm bells.

Amnesty didn't work in 1986 when Reagan signed it into law. It won't make it easier now to get rid of these thugs.

I call them thugs because they don't care what you or I think.They only concern themselves with what they want.

The argument that they "only want jobs that Americans won't do", or "they just want to raise their families and have a better life" is ludicrous.

People who desire these dreams don't cook up ways to circumvent sovereign laws of neighboring countries.

They (the illegal) are no more concerned about our laws and rights as you are when you make decisions about McDonald's vs. Burger King.

If you haven't made a decision about which side of this issue you're on, you're either sleeping, or you don't get out much.

To sum this up: Amnesty will hurt this country and giving a "pass" to criminal activity for 11+million illegals, means our legal system has NO relevancy today.

"The Law" & our legal system is dead.

Thoughts? I'd like to hear them.

Welcome!

2006-05-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my New Blog!

I haven't had my own blog since I destroyed firewolfsblog.blogspot.com and someone decided to hack the site and try to pass it off as mine, but nevertheless, here am I!

I was writing for some time over at Technosailor.com, and since there was some format changes, I decided that the only way I could voice myself freely was to come back to Blogspot and start from zero. This time, I promise atleast 1 thing. Not to delete my blog again.

So, sit back, check back daily, and I will try to put fresh content up for your brain candy!

Thanks!

Dave

aka FireWolf