Saturday, May 31, 2008
Hitting The Ground Running
Well, something wasn't quite right. I searched around on the internet for examples of what I heard wasn't right and I figured out that I had unknowningly recorded "polsives". These are the sounds that you make when you say p's, f's, uh's, and other sounds that end up as a loud, annoying pop noise.
The answer? A spit screen (otherwise known as a pop filter). These are come in different shapes, sizes, and costs. It could be as simple as a foam thing wrapped around the round end of a mic. Or it could be one of those lollypop-looking things that are hung in front of a mic.
Seeing that I already blew my budget way out of the water, I decided to make my own pop filter. It was so cheap, it wasn't even funny. And it was fun too. Here's what I picked up from WalMart:
- a plastic embroidery hoop
- a long, round, thin dowel
- a cheap package of black pantyhose
- a bottle of wood glue
- a bottle of epoxy glue (in case the wood glue didn't work)
- a can of flat black spray paint (already had one)
Total cost? $6.50 .
Putting it together was simple. The hardest part was attaching the dowel to the hoop. My first attempt at using wood glue failed miserably. I was proud of myself for the forethought to get epoxy glue just in case. Well, believe it or not, the epoxy glue failed as well. Know what worked? Good old superglue. Yup, superglue. Worked like a champ. Now, granted, if I knock the thing hard enough, it'll come apart. But as long as I treat it like a lady, it'll do just fine.
Now, no more "splosives". And I sound even better than I always do.
Source: http://nantekoto.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=144241#
Tungsten Ring Wedding Band Engagement Ring 8,9,10,11,12
 | US $24.95 End Date: Saturday May-31-2008 7:18:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $24.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
The Farmer Wants a Wife
Source: http://dating.about.com/b/2008/05/11/the-farmer-wants-a-wife.htm
Friday, May 30, 2008
Excerpts from a Dog's & Cat's Diary
Important Disclaimer: I DID NOT write the diary entries below. Nope. Found 'em online. Additionally, the person who accidentally discovered this posting said they found it on someone's blog. I'd love to give the author credit for this, but I have no idea who that person is or where to find them. Bummer. Regardless, if you are a cat or a dog fan or just need a hearty laugh, here's the ticket:
[Side Note: Now, instead of using my own charms to try to make you smile, I'm having to depend on someone else's instead! Sheesh. Oh, woe is me.]
----- ~***~ -----
"Excerpts from a Dog's Diary"
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Day 984, I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hearthe noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Day 985, I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now... ="http://edit.journals.aol.com/_do/<!--WEBBOT%20bot=" -- ALT="Site Meter"startspan HTMLMarkup?>" target=_top> var site="SM1GUIDE" 
What Should I Say in My First Contact?
Source: http://www.asianromance.com/singleslounge/dating-magazine/view.asp?articleid=13
Scot McKay's Deserve What You Want: Your Attitude Toward Women - How's It Doing Lately?
Source: http://www.alovelinksplus.com/guest_articles/scot-mckay-top-ten-phrases.htm
10 New ladies added - Friday May 30, 2008!
Alina - Sumy, Ukraine, 19y.o. 
Tatyana - Odessa, Ukraine, 20y.o. 
Alina - Lugansk, Ukraine, 20y.o. 
Irina - Sumy, Ukraine, 20y.o. 
Ksenia - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, 20y.o. 
Anna - Sumy, Ukraine, 20y.o. 
Anastasia - Lugansk, Ukraine, 22y.o. 
Natalia - Lugansk, Ukraine, 26y.o. 
Olga - Kiev, Ukraine, 29y.o. 
Lyubov - Sumy, Ukraine, 57y.o. Source: http://www.russian-women.net/new_profiles_today_thumbnailed.shtml
Rosalie Taran Announces New Web Site Offering Entrepreneurs A One ... - WebWire (press release)
Rosalie Taran Announces New Web Site Offering Entrepreneurs A One ... WebWire (press release), GA - In the world of Internet home business opportunities not only are there enough opportunities to overwhelm most people researching ways to start a home ... |
Thursday, May 29, 2008
It's Bigger Than I Thought (That's What She Said)
It sure takes more work than I thought, though. I found that I couldn't just turn the mic on, hit record, and go. Taking the time to write up show notes forced me to think about what I was going to talk about and what I could fit into my thirty minute goal. The show notes also really helped me stay on topic while I was recording.
I also had fun surfing the GarageBand.com, PodSafe Music Network, and PodSafe Audio sites looking for "pod safe" music. For those who don't know, you can't just include your favorite AC/DC song in your podcast. Heard of a copyright? Right. But there's so much quality music out there that it almost makes it a non-issue. I had so much fun that I guess you could call me an "Indie" music guy now.
After I recorded the show, I also picked up a great book: "Podcasting For Dummies". This book shed so much light on the specifics I was missing. Like what? Things like:
- What's a good standard bit-rate to record at?
- Which iTunes song properties (tags) should I use and what should I put in them?
- Who should I use to host my podcast?
- How can I get my podcast noticed?
- How do I bribe potential guests to come on my show? (Answer: my close Itallian friend Vinnie)
Needless to say, it's a good book and I highly recommend it. It sure answered alot of the questions that I didn't even know I needed to know about. Ya know?
Source: http://nantekoto.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=144262#
Tungsten Ring Wedding Band W/ Carbon Fiber 8,9,10,11,12
 | US $44.99 End Date: Thursday May-29-2008 15:57:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $44.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Dating Question: Friends With Benefits
Source: http://dating.about.com/b/2008/05/10/dating-question-friends-with-benefits.htm
I finally found my "IT" guy!
[Ha, ha, ha, yeah right. But I have to admit, for a while there, he gave my "I'm staying single for the rest of my life" mindset a run for a money.]
Tall, blonde, blue eyed, mid to late 30's, intelligent, strikingly handsome and charming. Alarmingly charming. And English. D*mmit.
Flash back to last night: I was driving home after a long day of errands and appointments. It was hot. I was tired. My mind started to drift as it tends to do when I've got nothing in particular to think about. For some reason, the thought crossed my mind that when I was younger (teens through my late 20's) I tended to be attracted to blondes. The blonde haired, blue eyed variety specifically. As I got older, however (thirties to whenever it was that I stopped dating) my taste shifted to brunettes, and just for those few fleeting seconds, I wondered why.
"Blondes are fun, but they also seem a little more reckless. They're trouble with a Capital T", I surmised.
Pfaff! What nonsense. I've had just as much trouble with brunette men as I have with blonde ones. But for whatever reason, I just stopped being as attracted to blondes.
Until today.
Oh. My. Gosh.
You could have pushed me over with a feather. It was almost embarrassing.
Things got even more interesting when while in the midst of some small talk, he said that his marriage of 10 years dissolved because his wife ran off and left him for a TV evangelist a few months ago. And the divorce just became final last week. ::gasp::
[Whoah, Nikki! Behave yourself. You're at work. Must be professional. Remember: this is business. But D*mn he's hot. And nice. And English.]
"I'm done with the short fat ones. Too much trouble" he muttered under his breath. "Now, it's tall black ones for me", he added with a mischievous smile."
And then . . ."blah, blah, blah. . . my new Jamaican girlfriend . . ."
** POP **
Oh well. It was fun to dream for those fleeting 30 minutes or so.
But what the heck was THAT all about??? What was the universe trying to tell me? That I'm not as interested in being unattached as I believe I am? But I LIKE being single. I really do! There's no stress, I can do what I want when I want, and I don't have to worry about if I'm being played. This works for me. Doesn't it?
Well, doesn't it? [It sure feels like it does.]
Could it be that all this time, it's just my mind's way of keeping me from being hurt again?
Hmmm.
But even so, what would I have to offer? In short: nothing. I'm now very selfish about the precious bit of free time I have, and there's no way that I'm going to bend over backwards to accomodate the needs of a significant other. Those days are over. If it doesn't suit me, I'm not doing it. Period. On top of that, the little bit of physical appeal I used to have is loooooong gone. I put on a lot of weight, and I gave up on looking nice a few years ago. Now I'm strictly wash and wear. Makeup? Ha! No way. Nice clothes? What are those? I went from skirts and dresses to floppy, oversized t-shirts and medical scrubs. And my attitude is:don't even think about asking me out on a date. (Not that anyone would anyway.)
So as I said, it was fun to daydream for that short period of time this afternoon, but the reality is, even if he was interested (which of course, he wasn't), I wouldn't have known what to do about it anyway. Regardless, it was a big surprise to find out that if the right guy came along, I might actually be persuaded to try my hand at dating just one more time.
But for now, it's back to my current life. My comfortable life. The life I feel safe and happy with.
Just thought I'd share. <Ahref="http://edit.journals.aol.com/_do/<!--WEBBOT%20bot=" -- ALT="Site Meter"startspan HTMLMarkup?>" target=_top> var site="SM1GUIDE"
Is There Chemistry? Know The Signs
Source: http://www.asianromance.com/singleslounge/dating-magazine/view.asp?articleid=12
Doc Love: The Art Of Hustling 'New Age' Chicks
Source: http://www.alovelinksplus.com/advice/doc_love/index.htm
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
11 New ladies added - Thursday May 29, 2008!
Liliya - Lugansk, Ukraine, 18y.o. 
Alina - Poltava, Ukraine, 20y.o. 
Elena - Lugansk, Ukraine, 24y.o. 
Olga - Lugansk, Ukraine, 26y.o. 
Liudmila - Poltava, Ukraine, 29y.o. 
Margarita - Minsk, Belarus, 30y.o. 
Elena - Sumy, Ukraine, 34y.o. 
Olga - Mariupol, Ukraine, 38y.o. 
Vladislava - Kiev, Ukraine, 39y.o. 
Tatyana - Kiev, Ukraine, 44y.o. 
Zoya - Sevastopol, Ukraine, 49y.o. Source: http://www.russian-women.net/new_profiles_today_thumbnailed.shtml
Sprint Car Racing Tips : How a Sprint Car Racing Mechanic Supports the Race
Sprint Car Racing Tips : How a Sprint Car Racing Mechanic Supports the Race1 min - Mar 14, 2008
Learn how the mechanic works on a sprint car and supports the driver in this free racing video.
Sprint Car Racing Tips : Inside the Driver's Mind in Sprint Car Racing
Sprint Car Racing Tips : Inside the Driver's Mind in Sprint Car Racing2 min - Mar 14, 2008
Learn all about what a sprint car driver is thinking just prior to the race in this free racing video.
An Escort Would Be Cheaper! (Not Like I Know)
When I tell them my sad story, they laugh as politely as possible and tell me to dump the Radio Shark / Mickey Mouse stuff and buy a real mic. After they explained why the Radio Shark setup didn't work, we started talking about my needs (budget) and they steered me to a kick-ass mic. It would be perfect for a startup, semi-pro podcast like mine.
The mic is called a Snowball and is made by BlueMic. It's made specifically for podcasts... it's a cardioid (unidirectional), condenser mic (with omnidirectional capabilities), has a USB connection (so low-levels aren't a problem), comes with a small stand, and most importantly... LOOKS VERY COOL!
"Sign me up" I say and nearly die when I'm have to fork over $150 for this wonderful contraption. OMFG! Budget? We don't need no stinking budget!
Well, I get it home, gingerly unpack it, hook it up, and... sit and visually admire it for an hour. Hey, for $150 I want to get as much stimulation outta this thing as possible! Then I launch Audacity, start recording, and the mic completely lives up to it's reputation. No noise, warm and pleasing sound, great recording levels. I'll treat this thing like a rock star autograph on my bare breast... admire it often and never, ever wash it.
So I now have a mic that work's like a charm and looks killer too. Kinda like me?
Source: http://nantekoto.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=144230#
Sunday, May 25, 2008
1.3 CT HEART SAPPHIRE CZ WEDDING RING IN GOLD SIZE 7
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Wordless Wednesday - The Search for Love
Image © Benis Arapovic / stock.xchng
Have a dating-related photo you think is perfect for Wordless Wednesday? Send me an email....
Source: http://dating.about.com/b/2008/05/07/wordless-wednesday-the-search-for-love.htm
Helloooooooo! Is anybody home?
I almost forgot how good your photography was.
Almost. :-)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tiggs,
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Scot McKay's Deserve What You Want: Top Ten Phrases That Mean Your Date Really, Really Likes You
Source: http://www.alovelinksplus.com/guest_articles/scot-mckay-top-ten-phrases.htm
4 New ladies added - Saturday May 24, 2008!
Bogdana - Sumy, Ukraine, 27y.o. 
Yana - Sumy, Ukraine, 28y.o. 
Elena - Poltava, Ukraine, 30y.o. 
Zhanna - Sumy, Ukraine, 34y.o. Source: http://www.russian-women.net/new_profiles_today_thumbnailed.shtml
Friday, May 23, 2008
First Time's A Charm. Yeah, Right!
After purchasing my new, super-expensive, super-professional mic equipment from Radio Shark, I rushed home to try it all out. Unpacked it, put it together, hooked it up, and even spit polished the entire setup to give it that really professional look.
It totally sounded like shit. WTF? Apparently, the soundcard on my laptop wasn't built to handle a super-expensive, super-professional mic. Every time I recorded my voice in Audacity the sound level was sub-terrainian low. And when I used Audacity's "gain" control to bump up the level, all the background hum and shit got bumped up as well making it sound even worse. I even tried using Window's "mic boost" option to no avail. Shit.
The more expensive stuff is, the more better it's supposed to work, right? Yeah right.
Source: http://nantekoto.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=144206#
Approach Anxiety Is a Myth
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DatingGuideOnline/~3/290885320/approach-anxiety-is-a-myth
Wedding Band CZ 316L Solid Stainless Steel Ring
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Thursday, May 22, 2008
LoveHappens Closes Its Doors
After much consideration we...
Source: http://dating.about.com/b/2008/05/06/lovehappens-closes-its-doors.htm
Think Pink
Yes, you're right, Jenn. It's cherry blossom season again. You have spectacular timing. I was just thinking about that entry yesterday. And thanks for the compliment, by the way.
Two years after the fact and I'm still so glad to finally have had enough sense and moreover, STRENGTH to walk away and stay away. No ill wishes. I'm just relieved to have come out the other side in more or less one piece. I have no idea what has happened with MW since then because once I said goodbye for good, that was it. [Next!]
The world I live in now is so radically different. After I gave up on dating and trying to find true love, my life shifted gears in a way that was completely unexpected. Fortunately, everything fell into place. Yes, I'm quiet now, but all is still very well. I could share my new pursuits here and write about the details of my days, but this simply isn't the place for it. That, and I mostly keep to myself these days (unless I'm working, in which case, it's imperative that I be chatty and engaging).
Here's hoping you're doing well, too.
Nikki
Me Tarzan! You Jane!
Source: http://www.asianromance.com/singleslounge/dating-magazine/view.asp?articleid=10
Doc Love: How Do You Break The Ice?
Source: http://www.alovelinksplus.com/advice/doc_love/how-do-you-break-the-ice.htm
9 New ladies added - Thursday May 22, 2008!
Elena - Poltava, Ukraine, 23y.o. 
Natalia - Sumy, Ukraine, 23y.o. 
Anastasia - Mariupol, Ukraine, 23y.o. 
Natalia - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, 29y.o. 
Alyona - Mariupol, Ukraine, 33y.o. 
Larisa - Kazan, Russia, 36y.o. 
Anna - Markovka, Ukraine, 41y.o. 
Natalia - Mariupol, Ukraine, 48y.o. 
Irina - Zaporozhye, Ukraine, 57y.o. Source: http://www.russian-women.net/new_profiles_today_thumbnailed.shtml
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Love at Christmas
Hi there...I want to tell you about my love story. I have been on imachup for a couple of years and have dated a few local people that were just not for me and then a wonderful man named Ryan sent me a letter. I didn‘t respond immediately, but after he had sent me a couple of letter, I responded. We chatted on-line for a while and then by phone. he came to the salon I worked at and I cut his hair. December 25th, 2004 was our first date. my children were going to their father‘s and my family and I had already had our Christmas. Ryan was the perfect Christmas present. I thank God every day for sending me this wonderful man. We were married on Sept. 5th, 2006.....had our reception, this past Saturday, Oct. 14th and went on a short honeymoon. I just want to say that do not be discouraged; meeting the perfect person can and will happen when God wants it to and meeting on a dating site isn‘t a strange way of meeting...internet dating is just another means to meet someone special just for you!! Thank you imatchup for providing the means....Sincerely, Shauna....aka..ivprincess
Signed: ivprincess
Source: http://www.imatchup.com/Dating_Success_Stories/Success-storyid-1092.html
Can You Hear Me Now?
While there, I seriously consider the extremely high-tech Universal Cassette Recorder Microphone for the outrageous price of $9.99 . After lots of internal debate, I decide that I need something better and settle on the Super-Cardioid Dynamic Microphone for fifty buckaroo's. That's about the top end of my budget but I figured I'd have to spend something to get the PERFECT podcast.
Of course, I have to get the obligatory accessories like a Desk Mic Stand, Large Acoustic-Foam Microphone Windscreen, and 1/4" Stereo Jack to 1/8" Stereo Plug Headphone Adapter. Total is about $68. Hey, you gotta pay to play, right?
Source: http://nantekoto.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=144199#
What women want
Why?
Well because for millions of years women were searching for protection, power and safety from their man. [...]
Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/DatingGuideOnline/~3/285763253/what-women-want
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
.74 ct Princess Wedding Ring Set Cubic Zironia sz6
 | US $16.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-20-2008 20:16:19 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
