Inside My Mind

Oops! Seems "tomorrow" which was actually yesterday came and went and I was remiss in adding my thoughts and comments from where I sit in the Den. I'll blame it on the gentle rain falling outside. OK...you got me, the rain didn't begin until late yesterday afternoon. I just didn't think about putting fingers to keyboard and pecking away.

Cooler weather, but still in the 70s is expected for today and the next couple. Drops of moisture will accompany the drop in the mercury. But...just wait, near 90 degree weather is in store for the weekend.

Today is pay day. Er...guess I should say it's pay out day!

For those who may not have noticed, I have added a new smaller web hosting package to Ivy Web Host. The new package is 500 megabytes of space for only $1.95 per month! Check it out!

For those wishing to save on both their internet access and telephone bill, you can't beat the Ivy ISP Double Play©. With plans to meet all budgets, Ivy ISP provides high speed DSL internet access coupled with VoIP digital phone with unlimited nationwide calling.

My cyclical bout of cranial searing agony continues. I'll be glad when my cluster headaches ease even slightly. My eyes are heavy this morning making typing difficult. Fortunately I learned back in the Stone Age how use the keyboard properly and not the hunt-and-peck method.

From the Den and a wet cornfield, I bid you adieu for today.

I have been properly chastised for failure to update my blog over the last week. Apparently there are those out there who for some reason enjoy reading the inner workings Inside My Mind. Defying logic, some seem to like the machinations that effuse from my gray matter.

In an effort to placate my loyal readership, let us start off June on the right track. Yes, it is June. Hopefully there will be no bugs.

The main reason for the silence over the preceding seven days has been a result of another episode of searing pain wracking my brain. While I always have headaches, there are times when the agony is nearly beyond my ability to manage or handle. This past week has been one of those cycles. I attempt to put a smile on throughout the day, but that doesn't always mask what is happening on the other side of my pupils.

Has the first half of 2009 come and nearly gone already? Have we really arrived at the midway point of this year? Is it my age or is time passing more swiftly?

As you and I reflect on these thoughts, I'll pause until tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed: it's June - hopefully no bugs!

Seems my rant yesterday may have been a little wrong on some of the details. Turns out there were 5 judges for the karaoke contest after all. But the lone female judge I spoke with last night pointed out her shock at the outcome as well. She couldn't figure out how two of the three contestants made it to number two and number three.

There was apparently a lot of confusion as to how the judging was to occur. There was no clear direction. There was no explanation to either the judges nor to the contestants. I was assured that any future contests will be better ran, clearer and cleaner.

Neither the judge I spoke with nor the audience agreed with the results. Something wasn't kosher. What...no one is sure.

It does still appear to be due in large part due to gender bias. Type or genre of music seems to also be an issue...although that was never discussed or addressed beforehand.

Today is Memorial Day. I would be remiss if I did not stop and pay recognition for the thousands who have given up life and limb in defense of our liberty. Veterans, living, dead, past and present, I salute you!

Last night was what is hoped to be the first of ongoing karaoke contests at the Sullivan American Legion. One of the contestants sang the classic Jerry Reed song, "She Got the Gold Mine, I Got the Shaft". The song was quite fitting considering the outcome which came as a shock to not just the contestants, but also the audience.

The top three spots all went to females from the four male judges. The three males in the competition (myself included in full disclosure mode) all outperformed two of the three. Two of the three (second and third place) were pitchy and flat in places. The young school girls left the stage before the music had finished.

During the sing-off between the two young women, the audience kept asking how these singers were number two and number three. The young women were not always even on melody. The reason for the sing-off was due to a tie score of 612.

This has me scratching my head. Maybe math is not my strong suit, but the numbers do not add up. There were four judges. There were three categories of judging. Point range was 0 to 50. This means each contestant could garner a maximum of 150 points per judge or 600 points total. So how could the 2nd and 3rd place winners gather 612 points?

It would appear not all is as it was portrayed. I for one will not participate in any future contestants. I may be a member, but I will not be a part of an apparently biased and rigged contest.

The winner was shocked. She couldn't believe she won and she definitely couldn't believe the other two females had placed. People walked out almost immediately on the announcement before the sing-off shaking their heads. People in the bar were making comments of unbelief.

If the Legion hopes to have more such competitions, the the Legion must ensure the integrity of the competition. Last night fairness and right took a backseat to bias and disbelief.

For the men in the contest, it was definitely a case of getting the shaft.

A few days have passed since my last entry. I figured on such a sunny day in the cornfield this would be a good time to provide an update.

Overall I am pleased with my new wholesale provider. My sites and my clients' sites have all been running without disruption. The same can not be said for my former provider.

Changes are still underway with the Ivy ISP DSL interface. More and more of the page links are operational. Competitiveness with both AT&T and Verizon is becoming even more realistic. The lack of hassles and the one-on-one service makes Ivy ISP the logical choice for high speed internet access.

Automation of Ivy Web Host is well underway. At present, I have to manually set up new accounts. That will be changing later this week. I am still tweaking the system to ensure that the process will work seamlessly.

Don't forget that if you are needing a web site built and designed, the most economical solution is Ivy Site Design. Compare our rates to anyone out there.

Iohn continues to attract and looking to attract more customers for Tats2Go. Hopefully, he will soon be getting referrals from current clients. Of course if you are in a 50-mile radius of Mark's Den, Iohn is willing and ready to come to you and provide you quality body art.

Playing the waiting game with my brother Lynn. Jail House Creations is on hold until Lynn can provide me pictures of the inmates handiwork and talent.

That's about all from the Den! Enjoy the sunshine!