Too many things going on this week.

First the computer monitor blowing, forcing me to fall back on a tiny 15 backup monitor that wont display anything above 800×600. That means any single application takes over the entire desktop when run, making my usual multitasking a pain. Additionally, the refresh rate wont go above 60Hz, which really hurts my eyes after any considerable length of time.

So my online time is rather minimal this week until I get a replacement. Hopefully, a potential trip to Microcenter on Saturday will resolve this problem.

Then theres the process of replacing the front right brake caliper on the Fiero, along with the two rotors and pads. Even my bike is in the middle of a few repairs so I can take the doggies for their rides in the little kid carrier bike trailer we have.

Finally, most of the rest of my time is spent taking car of the Oscar. We think he got bit on his paw by a yellowjacket he was playing with outside, causing it to swell. That wouldnt be a problem, except that hes been licking and biting all the fir off, so weve had to put him on antibiotics as well as getting one of those collar cones around his neck. He looks like a fat satellite dish walking around, and requires a bit of help now and then eating and not getting the cone caught on things as he waddles by.

Busy, busy week …

My 19 Mitsubishi 900u monitor just died on me.

It started flickering every once in a while about a month ago, though I purchased it back in 1999, so Ive gotten a good five years out of it.

At the time, the price of such hardware averaged around $600. Fortunately, prices have dropped somewhat to an average of $199 at Best Buy, though my current financial situation means anything above $99 is a real stretch for the time being.

So here I am, stuck with a 15 backup monitor running 800×600 at a 60Hz refresh rate. It feels like 1997 all over again.

Booksfree.com: Kind of a Netflix for books.

Why are end-users so obsessed with Weatherbug that they get extremely upset over the idea of you removing it from their workstations, no matter how unstable it makes the system or spyware it installs?

If youre looking for a great program with plenty of features and good development support to backup your DVD movies, try DVD Shrink.

Since most blank DVDs are single-layer and many DVD movies make use of two layers, youll need a program that can compress the data down to the 4GB allowed on a regular single-layer DVD disc. DVD Shrink does this easily and can create a disc image you can use with just about any burning software and a DVD burner. If youve got Nero installed, it will even burn directly to disc.

And you cant beat the price (free).

From Excite.com News (really):

Three students at Jacksonville University have been punished for installing a stripper pole in an on-campus apartment and taking pictures as fully clothed women performed on it at a party. A female student who won a dance contest also was disciplined.

About a dozen women competed for a $100 Victorias Secret gift certificate Sept. 11, said James Foster, a 20-year-old who hosted the party. None of the women disrobed.

The men bought the steel pole from Home Depot, bolted it to the concrete ceiling and attached the bottom to a plywood stage covered in red felt.

Best line from the news piece: The party ended shortly after the beer ran out.

Want some highway fun? Attach a few specially shaped balloons to your car.