Fancy new keyboard

When the first ergonomic keyboards came out, I did not get it. I learned to type on an actual typewriter, albeit electric. In high school I would spend several hours typing a day. We never really worried about carpel tunnel.

When I started using a computer keyboard I had no problem, and again I could spend many hours a day without any problems. I have actually had more problems with my mouse than with the keyboard.

Then, one day, I saw an ad for a cheapy ergonomic keyboard. Reading all the literature at the time I figured I would give one a whirl. Worst case scenario, I'm out $50. Best case - I save my self a lot of pain and maybe surgery.

The switch was weird, one of those split keyboards angled to allow for a 'more natural' alignment of the hands. Mine even had the little feet at the top AND bottom so I could put the high end of the keyboard closer to my body. After getting used to it though, it was not that I noticed a huge benefit in my wrists but in my shoulders. The reverse tilt though is what I noticed first that seemed to help the most.

Unfortunately I dumped tea into that keyboard. I went out and got another, even picked one up for work out of my own pocket. Never did find one of the reverse angle keyboard again, but even just the split keyboard left me feeling, relaxed I guess, at the end of the day.

I have been without an ergonomic keyboard at work for a couple of months. I broke yet another hard drive, so the IT powers that be decided it was time to get me a new computer. Unfortunately the new computer only has USB ports. My old keyboard was PS2. Since the keyboard was a big harry looking it was decided that I should get a new one. It finally came in today - Murphy LOVES the holiday season.

The keyboard is huge, which I LOVE! I do not have huge hands, but big enough that some keyboards are a problem. The keys are responsive but not too clicky. Lots of bonus keys to pull up the web, mail, adjust volume, pause Windows Media Player, etc. It even has a piece to do the reverse angle that I loved in my first ergo-keyboard.

Downsides? If you looked at the picture the keys have a that wave configuration of modern keyboards. I am not used to that. The mouse that comes with it is VERY sensitive and may need an adjustment. There is an extra button on the side that I may need to disable. I use my mouse left handed and the button is not in a good location. The only thing that I can't change about the mouse that I would like to is the wheel. The wheel is nice and smooth, but I am used to something that has clicks, for lack of a better word. Since I have used it for all of 15 minutes though, I will wait to pass judgement on it :).

CBS to borrow "Dexter" from Showtime - Yahoo! News

CBS to borrow "Dexter" from Showtime - Yahoo! News

Not sure about Dexter, although it sounds interesting, but I do like that we will be getting some Monk & Psyched on NBC. I love both shows, but found it tough to justify the $40+/month extra to get the cable teir that includes USA Network since I was not getting near that much entertainment value. I can almost BUY both series when the come out on DVD for one month's worth of unused cable.

Now if they would just get Tremors: The Series...

Ok, now the writer's strike kick's in

Since the writer's strike is really starting to kick my viewing habits around, I am getting caught up on some of my podcasts. I caught an episode of Stranger Things and they mentioned the post what I shall be doing while reruns and crap reality tv abound. Interesting reading if you are looking for some fill in. Make sure to read all the comments because there are some good recommendations.

I have already finished 7th Son, and would recommend it also for you 24 viewers. I never got into 24, but from the clips I have seen it looks right up your alley.

Although I am a fan of Scott Sigler, to the uninitiated his stories are not family friendly, but still great stories. With football season winding down, The Rookie might fit the bill. Not typical Sigler, but still good. His Infected/Infested/whatever-it-is-being-called-today is my personal favorite, although it seems to have disappeared from his site. I would recommend listening to Ancestor then Earthcore. Although I enjoyed Earthcore, I like Ancestor better.

Playing For Keeps was recommended for those who like Smallville, but would also work for those who follow Heroes. Playing For Keeps reminds me a lot of Mystery Men as far as the characters & their powers, but still a well told story. (Now to get my picture in my Keepsie's Bar t-shirt.) Although it comes out every other week (or so), the Secret World Chronicles is interesting. Lots of existing material though.

Although they have not come out with an episode since October, Mondays is a non-family friendly comedy/geek show that might fill in your need for a sitcom. Some computer geeky talk, but mostly just funny stuff. Mark Miller's 'Dumber than Me' segments should not be listened to while eating or drinking.

Ooops - nice weather

We got a couple of nice days here in NE Ohio, which threw me completely off. I have been working on some time-sensitive things that have kept me inside though. I was out and about doing my normal things this weekend, such as shopping, but that is not really enjoying the weather.

A time to clean

I had noticed a pile of crap on my dresser. Lots of caching stuff, loose change, random pieces of paper, etc. that is just piling up.

Well the paper was pretty much useless. Found out I had 3 different stacks of geocoins and 3 different stacks of path tags going right there for no reason other than it is where I empty my pockets. A bunch of zip lock bags later and there is some order to the chaos that is my life. Now if I could just find something a little sturdier but that closed up just as tight. Everything is just heavy enough to cause some problems with the baggies.

I also took the time to put my path tag collection together in a fancy album. I really like the way the album looks and it seems sturdy. Most importantly though it does not seem to come loose and send the tags flying around like a lot of other things I have tried. Unfortunately it looks like some of my collection has come up missing. Given I was storing them in an envelope it is not surprising. They are probably lurking somewhere, just need to turn them up.

Happy New year

Happy New Year! yea, I'm a day late but I was out most of New Year's Day running around in the snow at a geocaching event. Lots of fun - even if I slipped in the snow and fell.