At some time, maybe after a Windows security update or something, I noticed my hard drive was running constantly. Fearing that it would burn out, as well as drain my battery more quickly when unplugged, I searched the web for answers. I knew that it was some type of software "switch" that had been flipped. I tried stopping several processes to no avail. Finally I found this link which indicated it might be a Windows Search Index issue:

http://www.iishacks.com/2007/06/19/disabling-windows-search-in-vista-stop-hard-drive-running-constantly/comment-page-1/#comment-18475

After disabling Windows search, my hard drive seems to have calmed down significantly. Now it seems to be periodically accessed instead of constantly. Try it and let me know if you have similar luck.

Now I just need to find out how to properly configure my range extending router.

Going All Caveman

I'm hearing more and more about the "Cross Fit" movement and though I don't know much about it specificially, it sounds like something I would enjoy. I understand it involves weight training as well as agility movements which is something lacking in pure endurance training.

To go along with it, I read somewhere that the Paleo diet is a fave amongst the Cross Fit set so I bought the book last night. So far it sounds really intriguing though not really revolutionary. The basic concept is that you eat lean meats, fruits and vegetables and stay away from salt and dairy. Pretty much common sense if you know anything about nutrition. The nicest thing seems to be the suggestions for meals and weekly plans for getting you off of the grain-based, high carb eating and transitioning over to the Paleo diet. I'm going to commit to doing it for 3 months and see what happens.

Nutcracker music driving me nuts

The worst thing about being a character in the party scene of the Nutcracker is that the music gets stuck in your head. For many weeks on end, for hours at a time, we rehearse the party scene. The dances are all cued by the music. So not only do we have to listen to it, but we have to associate where we are on stage and all of the different dance moves to it.

I think the only way to flush out the constant music playing in my head is to replace it with other music.

I listened to "Guilty of the Crime" which is on the Eagles "Long Road out of Eden" CD and it did a pretty good job. Its catchy. Other music would probably work just as well, but I don't have a lot of time to listen to music.

Appigo Todo will not sync with MS-Outlook

I love using "Todo" from Appigo on my iPad. Recently it stopped synching, probably due to a software update on either my laptop/desktop or on the iPad itself. Efforts to reinstate synching proved mostly futile.

I finally got it working again after checking a few things (in no particular order.)
1. Verify the IP address is the same on both the iPad and Laptop. Actually the last field of the IP address can be different:
PC: 192.168.1.167
iPad: 192.168.1.69

2. Verify your PC firewall is not blocking Appigo Sync. Find out the port used by Appigo sync from the preferences screen. Then enter the IP address and port number into a new web browser window.
Example: http://192.168.1.167:51438

3. After doing both, my iPad could still not "see" my laptop/desktop. So I did a manual configuation in Todo, Synchronization. Voila! I was able to "see" my iPad on the PC client and I proceeded to authorize it and re-synchronize.

All appears to be right in the world again!

How do I back up my iPad data, not just the apps?

iTunes performs a backup when I connect. I'm not worried about losing music or photos as the originals all reside on my computer. However, I use my iPad for note taking and todo lists and must have backups of these files. I'm not sure if iTunes backs those up. Anybody know?

iPad Wi-Fi Weird No Connection Issue

http://ipadtouchworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/ipad-wifi-network-problems-weak-how-to.html

All of a sudden this morning my iPad wouldn't talk to my home Wi-Fi. My internet service is through AT&T U-Verse and my TV was fine. I could also connect my laptop to the internet just fine. But the iPad refused to connect even after 1. powering it on/off 2. doing a network settings reset and 3. doing an "all reset." I still suspected it was the iPad.

Then I noticed I couldn't print to my networked printer from my laptop. So I tried using my Verizon Wireless Mi-Fi card with the iPad and voila, it connected right away. So therefore I decided to reset my home router/modem.

I reset my home modem/router and all was good again.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Preview

 

We were fortunate enough to get a preview of the new NASCAR Hall of Fame this past weekend. Being a car guy and racing fanatic since about the age of 10, I was naturally thrilled. The HOF did not disappoint! There is plenty to do for both young and old. I bought a charter membership and will be spending a lot of time there in the future.