Ordered our Steelers Merchandise.

Last night Michelle and I started getting ready for the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers season by ordering a couple premiere jersey's from the Steelers. She ordered a Willie Parker jersey and I ordered a Ben Roethlisberger jersey.

Steelers games are big events at her Sisters house, and we have to dress the part. We'll be ready to cheer them on to a Super Bowl Championship this season.

Randy Pausch

This past April, I wrote a BLOG called An Interesting Human Interest Story about a man named Randy Pausch.

I had run across his last lecture after my sister Kim had pointed it out to me (thanks to Michelle for finding that previous post and updating me). I am going to repost his last lecture in it's entirety.



Randy Pausch passed away on July 25, 2008.

It's Hump Day

It's not quite Friday, but we are getting there and closer to the weekend.

Great News for the WVU basketball team (that was sarcasm). Joe Mazzulla and Cam Thoroughman got arrested Monday night at PNC Park (Pirates) on felony aggravated assault and a few minor charges. Only Mazzulla is being charged with the aggravated assault though.

Only eight more days until the 2008 Summer Olympic Games will start in Beijing, China. I have a friend there who has sent me pictures through the years of the olympic grounds as they were being built. This should be a thing of beauty and something to watch. I have always enjoyed watching the games, there are permanent memories of the games etched in my mind forever.

Have a good day.

Happy Birthday Josh

Today is Josh's second birthday, make sure you wish him a very Happy Birthday.

Tidbits

* This evening Michelle, Chris, Jenny and myself were going to venture to Pittsburgh to watch the Pirates take on the Colorado Rockies. Unfortunately Jenny has come down with a touch of the flu, so the plans are on hold and may either be moved back a day or later in the summer.

* I'll be driving to work the rest of the week, Chad is out of town the rest of the week on business for an ESRI user's conference in Baltimore. We'll hold down the ship the rest of the week.

* I managed to pay my bills and balance my books yesterday afternoon. I had a months worth of receipts in my wallet and it needed emptied. Now my butt wont be sore when I have to sit on it extended periods of time. I do everything electronically and use what I call the envelope method of book keeping, except over the years it has advanced from envelopes to spreadsheets.

* West Virginia is now going to build a coal liquidification plant . They predict it will produce 100 Million Gallons of gas a year from Coal. Good news for the West Virginia economy.

How about I leave you with a little video to get you ready for the fall.

Hey we won one

This softball season has been less than successful as previous years. We have went a long stretch when we lost quite a few games and even lost a few games during that time period. We had went from a Championship Caliber team to a very beatable team. Many of our games recently have shown our offense to be horrific and not being able to beat anyone. You basically have to score to win in a hitters game.

Last night we played as a team once again and came walked away with a long overdue win.

We're off until next Monday now.

Happy Birthday Daniel Bell

Today I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Nephew Daniel all the way down in Kentucky. I do believe he is 24 years old today (he's passed me up in age LOL) if my memory serves me correct. Man am I starting to get old.

You can visit both him and his lovely wife Kamey at their myspace page.

Happy Birthday Daniel.

A Great Night of Music

Last night Michelle and I stopped down by Hazel Ruby McQuain Park for the WKKW sponsored event. It's a part of Mountainfest and we just drove down by with a curiosity last night and left very encouraged.

Opening up was what we thought was a DJ playing Music, then as we got closer we realized it was an artist named Alli Gillis and we thought she was electric. Pay close attention to this name or at least remember it. She's a 16 year old girl with a High School band behind her who will just knock your socks off. During the past five years, Alli has opened for Craig Morgan, LeeAnn Womack, Chris Cagle, John Michael Montgomery, Trick Pony, Joe Diffi, Mark Chesnutt, Miranda Lambert, Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, Jason Aldean, Blake Sheldon, and Diamond Rio.She also had the honor of performing for the President during the 2004 election. Pretty impressive and not your average High School Student.

Monster Vocals, great stage presence, and really is just full of energy. I'll say she'll be a major headliner someday. You can catch her again today at Mountainfest. Five years from now you can say you've seen her.

The night closed with local recording artists the Davisson Brothers Band closing the show in a fashion that only they can. First time I have seen them in years and you can see why their just rising up on the national scene. A band who loves to play and perform and it shows.

Today Mountainfest will move to Mylan Park. Local favorites and occupiers of my space on my ipod The Hillbilly Gypsies and Floyd Cowger will be performing as well as future holder of space on my iPod Mahlon Kisner. Kansas will be headlining tonight.

Enjoy a great day of music if you can.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes readers it is once again that time of the week when we cease our labors of the week and take time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is once again the start of the weekend!!!

No movie tonight at Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater, but it will return next week with B-Movie.

The big event in Morgantown this weekend will be Mountainfest. A few regulars at Nick and Terri's will be playing this weekend including Mahlon Kisner, Floyd Cowger and the Hillbilly Gypsies top name a few. 70's rock band Kansas will also be playing as the main attraction. $10.00 gets you into the events all days and all times.

Michelle and I will be venturing to Pittsburgh again Saturday to visit her sister for her Nieces Birthday party. This will be the second of three trips we will be making up north in an eight day stretch when we will also be going to PNC Park Tuesday Night to watch the Pirates with Chris and Jenny.

We have a softball make up game Sunday night, but this hasn't exactly been our best season.

Have a great Friday and a better weekend.

A day off

I took a day off yesterday to recover from the late night from the Buffett Concert. Michelle and I went down and visited Terri for a while and then I took her to one of my old stomping grounds. We decided to take a nice comfortable drive to Fortney Mill's. Unfortunately the water levels were VERY high, I would say flood stage, to a point where you could not even identify the waterfall. needless to say water was rushing.

I did manage to find a couple Myspace sites with numerous pics of the area. One and Two.

After that it was back for an afternoon nap before I returned Michelle home for the evening.

Now, it's back to work and anticipating tomorrow's Big Ole Hairy Friday!

Jimmy Buffett Concert

Last night Michelle and I ignored weather reports and journeyed to Burgettstown PA and the Post Gazette Pavilion to see Jimmy Buffett. This was the first time that Michelle had seen the parrotthead nation and I even hyped it up for her. Even with all my hype she said it was beyond her expectations.

Jimmy did not disappoint last night, like as if he ever would. The crowd was VERY large, I can't put a number on it, but I was there 10 years ago when 25,000 saw Van Halen and this crowd was larger than even that. It was a sea of parrottheads and flying beach balls bouncing all over the place.

Edit: 23,000 were there according to Post Gazette.

Buffett World wrote a review of last night's concert already including the set list that he used.

After the concert we sat in the parking lot and drank ice cold Iced Tea's, ate some fresh fruit and vegetables as the traffic jam formed around us. We were in no rush to get out and we finally made it home around 1:30 this morning.

I wonder if I can talk her into doing it again next year?

Margaritaville

Tonight Michelle and I will be traveling to Pittsburgh so she can in officially inaugurated as a Parrotthead when we go to see Jimmy Buffett at the Post Gazette Amphitheater.

It seems like forever ago that I bought tickets to this event, I think they went onsale sometime around St. Patrick's day and was sold out in a matter of a few short minutes. I was fortunate enough to get tickets that will be under the pavilion since it is calling for rain tonight.

We're planning on leaving right after work and BBQing in the parking lot. Michelle is going to love this, if you have never been to a Buffett Concert.....it sucks to be you.




Nibblin' on sponge cake,
watchin' the sun bake;
All of those tourists covered with oil.
Strummin' my six string on my front porch swing.
Smell those shrimp
They're beginnin' to boil.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,
Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame,
But I know it's nobody's fault.

Don't know the reason,
Stayed here all season
With nothing to show but this brand new tattoo.
But it's a real beauty,
A Mexican cutie, how it got here
I haven't a clue.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,
Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame,
Now I think, - hell it could be my fault.

I blew out my flip flop,
Stepped on a pop top,
Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home.
But there's booze in the blender,
And soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on.

Wasted away again in Margaritaville
Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt.
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame,
But I know, it's my own damn fault.
Yes, and some people claim that there's a woman to blame
And I know it's my own damn fault.

The most famous Dear Abby Column

Yesterday Michelle somehow ended up talking about Dear Abby. She didn't think she had ever read it before, so for Michelle here it is for you and all readers to enjoy.


PLEASE GOD, I'M ONLY 17




The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus. But I was too cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car out of Mom. "Special favor," I pleaded. "All the kids drive."

When the 2:50 bell rang, I threw all my books in the locker. I was free until 8:40 tomorrow morning! I ran to the parking lot, excited at the thought of driving a car and being my own boss. Free!

It doesn't matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off -- going too fast -- taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow. I heard the deafening crash and felt a terrible jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.

Suddenly I awakened; it was very quiet. A police officer was standing over me. Then I saw a doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn't feel anything.

Hey, don't pull that sheet over my head! I can't be dead. I'm only 17. I've got a date tonight. I'm supposed to grow up and have a wonderful life. I haven't lived yet. I can't be dead!

Later I was placed in a drawer. My folks had to identify me. Why did they have to see me like this? Why did I have to look at Mom's eyes when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? Dad suddenly looked like an old man. He told the man in charge, "Yes, he is my son."

The funeral was a weird experience. I saw all my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes I've ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away.

Please -- somebody -- wake me up! Get me out of here! I can't bear to see my mom and dad so broken up. My grandparents are so racked with grief they can hardly walk. My brothers and sisters are like zombies. They move like robots. In a daze, everybody. No one can believe this. And I can't believe it, either.

Please don't bury me! I'm not dead! I have a lot of living to do! I want to laugh and run again. I want to sing and dance. Please don't put me in the ground. I promise if you give me one more chance, God, I'll be the most careful driver in the whole world. All I want is one more chance!

Please, God, I'm only 17!

Yesterday

Steelers Trivia wasn't the only thing going on yesterday. Michelle, Hayley and I decided to do a day of geocaching and headed down towards Black Water Falls to do so. On the way we found the smallest church in the continental US along with the smallest Post office and we decided to stop.

We found a wishing well and Michelle and Hayley decided to clown around a little to create a nice cute little pic.

After this it was on to find a few geocaches in Thomas, Davis, the Fairfax Stone and two at Black Water Falls. One was at the overlook looking over everything and the other was at a pic nic area where we decided to stop and grill a few burgers and Bistro Sausages for a little pic nic. We packed Michelle's cooler full of drinks and food, and I brought my little portable grill.

After a nice pic nic and grabbing five new geocaches, we decided to enjoy ourselves a little bit and actually walk the 216 steps down to the falls for some photo opportunities. This was the first time either Michelle or Hayley had ever been to Blackwater Falls and this was my first trip there in nearly 30 years. The last time I was there, Grandma hall was with us as that was my first time visiting the area.

After the days activities we decided to start our trip back home and maybe stop and see some interesting things. Who could have ever imagined that we would have had the chance to get a picture of none other than former WVU Football and current Michigan Head Football coach Rich Fraudriguez. He was mumbling something about $4 Million, but I did manage to get a good picture of him and from his good side too.

Just in case you missed it.

Our first show of the KDKA McDonald's Steeler's Trivia Challenge aired last night on KDKA. We managed to beat Steel City Sting and Steel City Mafia in Round one with an 80 point win against the Steel City Sting.

There was a point in the fifth and final round where Steel City Sting evened the score up, but we prevailed and had a comfortable lead as the final seconds were ticking off.

If you missed the show last night, you can view it online here and watch and see how we did.

We now advance to the semi finals in week 7 on August 23 (I'll remind everyone) against last weeks winners, Steelers Fury, and the winner of next weeks week three competition. This will make up the first semi-final bracket and then the next three weeks will be used to qualify teams into the week 8 semi-final the following week before it all culminates with the finals on September 6. Tune in and keep watching to see who else we will play in the semi-finals and make sure you tune into our semi-final round to see if we can advance past that.

Last years team Uncleated Steam set a round one record for points, which still stands, only to fall short in the semi-finals after establishing a nice lead. Let's see if Poised to Strike can advance to the final round.

It's Game Day

Today is when our first round of the McDonald's Steelers Trivia Challenge show airs. This is round two, the first six rounds (week one was last week) are the qualifying rounds for the second round that will air late this summer. I team must win their qualifying round ton advance to the semi-final rounds in weeks 7 and 8 of the 9 week tournament.

The show airs tonight at 11:35 PM on KDKA Channel 2 out of Pittsburgh. Set your DVR's, VCR's, TIVO's or what ever recording device that you use to record and remember to watch tonight.

The Dominion Post ran this article on us this past week on us.

Tune in and cheer for "Poises to Strike".

Midget Kick Boxing

It's a Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes readers, it is once again that time of the week that we all look forward to, when the labors for the week cease and we take time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors, it is once again the start of another weekend.

Tonight at Hazel Ruby McQuain Ampitheatre, there will be a free showing of Evan Almighty out under the stars. So, if you are looking for a little free entertainment, just grab a few drinks and some popcorn or your favorite snacks and a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy this free movie under the stars.

Nick and Terri will be selling Hot Dogs and Chicken Wings Saturday afternoon at the Arden campground as the Hillbilly Gypsies will be playing the campground.

Yours truly will be on TV this weekend in our first round game of the KDKA McDonald's Pittsburgh Steelers Trivia Show at 11:35 on KDKA. Tune in to see if we can advance to the Semi-Finals by winning this week. I have a good feeling about this team from Morgantown. Maybe I can figure out which way the Terrible Towel is supposed to be held by then.

Ribfest will be held this weekend at Mylan Park just outside of Morgantown. It promises to be a time to eat some of the best ribs the Morgantown area has to offer, other than My brother in law George's of course. His would win hands down.

There is going to be a tribute to hometown legend Don Knotts this weekend here on Morgantown also. Check the Dominion Post for details.

Not too sure what Michelle and I have going yet, maybe geocache or two since the weather is going to be really nice this weekend.

Have a great Friday and great event filled weekend.

How West Virginian's See Things

Pick up the Dominion Post

First of all, sometimes when I BLOG, I write the BLOG the previous evening and just have it autopost for the next morning so it is available for those who like to start their days off by reading this. To you early morning readers, I say thank you. As I am typing this the night before, Michelle said to tell everyone Hi.

Now onto the reason for this post. Obviously it is the night before and I have not gotten a chance to read todays (Thursday's) Paper, but I have been told by a fellow member of "Poised to Strike" that there may be some reading of interest for me in the paper today.

So, remember to pick up a paper today and look for anything talking about Steeler's Trivia as our first show airs this Saturday.

Early Morning Edit. The Picture and article are on page 5-C of today's paper in the marquee section.


If anyone is an online subscriber to the Dominion Post, I would sure appreciate having the story e-mailed to me at georgex@george-hall.net

Midweek

It's OVER THE HUMP DAY!!!!!!! We're getting closer and closer to the weekend.
I went to bed early last night and had the TV on the All-Star Game. I was awake when the American League won the game in the 15th inning at 1:34 AM. I woke up in the 11th and watched Pirate Nate McClouth throw out a runner at the plate to keep the game going and saw the 15th inning and another play at the plate. Both plays were correct calls and were VERY close.

The Jam Fest is going on in Morgantown if you may be looking for something to do today. Some of the best High School Basketball talent in the country, and future NBA stars are here. The third Pick in this years NBA draft has also played inn this tournament just to name one.

Steelers Trivia Show

This past Saturday was Week One of the McDonalds Steelers Trivia Challenge. If you missed the show, KDKA has it online if you want a feel for how it works. This is not our week, but one qualifying round for the Semi-Finals. IF we win our round, we play the winners of this round Steelers Fury and the third semifinalist from the week after we play.

This Saturday night coming, this will be our first round qualifying round. It will air this Saturday night at 11:35 PM on KDKA. I'll post a reminder later this week.

Erica and Josh's Birthday Party

Yesterday Val celebrated both Josh's and Erica's Birthdays. She decided to have one party to celebrate both of them rather that two parties, one for each.

I would say it went off pretty good. Started out with Gary playing the role of grillmaster when he grilled the burgers and the dogs. After a hearty BBQ meal, we had the kids blow out the candles on the cake and then finally open their birthday gifts.

Weather was cooperative this year, as is has been shaky the past few years when Val wanted to do something for their birthdays, either a very hot day or a rainy day.

Pictures from the day can be found in this album. You can sort by date to get the latest pictures.

I did find out that Amy is going to have a Baby shower, she is registered at Target.

What A Great Day

Weather was very cooperative yesterday, although it was my typical trip to Walley World for me as far as the drive up. You know when they are doing road construction at a major intersection by a big airport and large College, they should have some kind of an indication that the road you cross is the road you are looking for. However, the Griswalds made it to Wally World.

It was a beautiful day and we were in the right place for a day like that. I have not been to Idlewild Park in probably 20 years, wow has the Soak Zone (aka H2OOOOO Zone) grown.

We started out walking through old Idlewild and a trip through the Jumping Jungle before making it to Story Book Forest. Once we were done there the heat was a rising, the comfort zone from the heat was lowering and that big waterpark was calling our names.

We spent most of the day at the Soak Zone riding rafts, tube, slides, swimming in the pool and just getting splashed by the soak zone. It was an awesome day and once the pool closed we change clothes and spent a little more time at old idlewild. The kids went and rode rides and me and Michelle took in a show. A lousy one, but a show no matter.

It was a great and memorable day.

It's an Idlewild Park Day

What beautiful weather, Phil my Groundhog Buddy a big Thank You for allowing such nice weather, so nice that Michelle, Hayley, Wyatt and I are up and around early and will be heading north to Ligonier PA and Idle Wild Park.

It's going to be sunny and in the 90's today and Idlewild has a Water Park as well as an Amusement Park all tied into one. Michelle (what a sweetie) won four Pick Your Park passes earlier this year on WVAQ and we'll be taking advantage of a fun day of acting like kids again.

I think we'll take the route up by St. Vincent's College (the Steelers Training Camp) even though the greatest football team on earth isn't there yet, on our way there. This should be a fun filled, picture filled memory that we are going to create today.



The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.--Allan K. Chalmers

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes everyone it is once again that favorite time of the week. When we cease the labors for the week and take time to enjoy the fruits of our labors, it is once again the weekend!!

For me, this has been a pretty quick week to tell you the truth. Been kind of busy and the week I do have to say has just flown by and entered me into yet another weekend. No complaints from me, I have a great weekend planned.

Boparc with resume their summer movie series when they will be playing the movie Unaccompanied Minors this evening when it starts to get dark. I've never really seen it, but it may be one that some people may be interested in.

I did break down last night and buy a 21st Century Alarm Clock. Michelle and Chad both had the ones that figure out the exact date and time as soon as you plug it in. I bought the smartset and am impressed with it so far. Chad says it was one of his most useful wedding gifts that he got and loves his.

For any of you looking for something to do this weekend, the Benedum festival is being held in Bridgeport.

Have a great Friday and a start of a great weekend. It should be sunny here tomorrow, wear sun screen.

Thanks WVAQ

Early Morning Ramblings

* The WVU Rich Rodriguez lawsuit is now officially over. The two sides have reached an agreement and it was officially approved by WVU's Board of Governors yesterday. Anyone else find it ironic that on the day that Michigan's President and Athletic Director were to testify, that they decide to "Settle" for the entire $4 Million buyout that was in the contract originally? Michigan is even paying the first $2.5 Million of it and Rod paying the last $1.5 Million over a three year stretch.

* I should mention that Kim has moved her BLOG (again). I guess this site integrates with her iPod better, so that is why she has switched.

* With all the hoopla on our former football coach, WVU named an interim President recently that has been overshadowed by other things. Doctor C. Peter Magrath will take over on the first of August replacing Mike Garrison as a new search begins for a new permanent President.

* I was talking to Chris yesterday, Ironic that me and Michelle went to Deep Creek about the same time they went to Idlewild Park. This weekend they are going to Deep Creek and we are going to Idlewild Park.

* This is to a safe trip to Michelle's sister and Niece Amanda. They are leaving today to got to Italy.

Have a good Thursday.

Feelings are not supposed to be logical. Dangerous is the man who has rationalized his emotions.--David Borenstein

$4 Million

Hey Rich Fraud, looks like all your idiotic showboating and everything didn't do you a damn bit of good as your attorney's have settled to give us the $4 Million.

My sources are saying there are three parts to the settlement.

1.) Rich Fraud owes WVU $4 Million. The settlement is specific in how much Rich has to pay and how much can be paid on his behalf. There is also an agreed upon time table. I on the other hand agree with Eric and Kevin and think he should have to pay us in one of those big checks and have a press conference when he hands it over. Think he'll be smiling?

2.) West Virginia University will waive any interest accrued since the date of the default. That's OK, does anyone realize Bill Stewart's contract is a 5 year $4 Million Contract. Thanks Rich.

3.) Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees. WVU pretty much handled it in house, so that won't be too much of an expense. I think Rich used his own attorney Marv Robon, so his bill shouldn't be too much either, considering how pathetic of a job he did. Maybe Rich's Mommy should have been his attorney.

Hey Rich Fraud, smile as you hand over that money you don't have to begin with.

What a long softball season

How can a team that used to average roughly 20 runs a game become so feeble just a few short years later. This is a team that could score at will on about anyone, and it has turned into a team that has scored a total of 12 runs in the last three games.

We have a good team and some great players, we just have not found our rhythm as a team yet this season. It's a great group of guys, we're just having trouble scoring runs lately. Hopefully we will explode out of this slump and end up with a good season.

Two years ago we had a two year stretch when we were 36-12. We have fallen on harder times the last couple of seasons, hopefully we can return to form soon.

A Life Lesson

Shaving Cream is NOT the same as toothpaste. It may look like it on your toothbrush, but....

Firefox Users Most Secure on Internet, Study Reveals

LINK


Firefox Users Most Secure on Internet, Study Reveals

By Stefanie Hoffman, ChannelWeb
5:03 PM EDT Wed. Jul. 02, 2008
Mozilla Firefox fans might rest a little easier these days after a study released Tuesday revealed that its users are most secure on the Internet.

The study "Understanding the Web browser threat: Examination of vulnerable online Web browser populations and the "insecurity iceberg," was a collaborative effort conducted by researchers at The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Google and IBM (NYSE:IBM) Internet Security Services. The research offers a comprehensive analysis of Web browsers, particularly in the area of security. The study's aim was to analyze Web browser preference and behavior for people using the Internet.

Altogether, the study found that less than 60 percent (59.1) of people use up-to-date, fully patched Web browsers. Failure update browsers exponentially increases the chance for remote attacks executed by hackers, the study found.

In recent years, the Web has become the vehicle for malicious attacks, which have enabled cyber criminals to execute code that shuts down a system or takes complete control of a user's PC. Unlike years past, hackers now are creating new malware specifically to gain access to user's personal and financial information, with the aim of committing identity theft or selling it on the black market.

The study concluded that of the hundreds of millions of users accessing Web browsers worldwide, more than 600 million were at risk of attack for not running the latest, most secure Web browser version as of June 2008.

Firefox users were far and away the most likely to use the latest version, with an overwhelming 83.3 percent running an updated browser on any given day. However, despite Firefox's single click integrate auto-update functionality, 16.7 percent of Firefox users still continue access the Web with an outdated version of the browser, researchers said.

The study also revealed that the majority of Safari users (65.3) percent were likely to use the latest version of the browser between December 2007 and June 2008, after Safari version 3 became available.

Meanwhile, Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT)'s Internet Explorer users ranked last in terms of safe browsing. Between January 2007 and June 2008, less than half of IE users -- 47.6 percent -- were running the most secure browser version during the same time period.

Opera ranked slightly higher than IE, with about 56 percent of users who said that they have applied the latest version of the browser to their computer. Of the four browsers surveyed, Opera ranked last in popularity, with a just 11 million users that comprise .8 percent of the marketshare.

Altogether, Safari has captured only 48 million users, equaling about 3.4 percent of the market -- a user base far surpassed by Firefox's 227 million and IE's 1.1 billion, encompassing 16.1 percent and 78.3 percent of the market respectively.

Researchers initiated the study to highlight the growing global problem of Web exploitation and the increasing number of users who log onto various Web browsers.

Among other things, the researchers aimed to address the growing number of threats launched by attackers in recent years that exploit Web vulnerabilities with stealthy and silent attacks for financial gain.

"Profit motivated cyber"criminals have rapidly adopted Web browser exploitation as a key vector for malware installation," researchers state. "As popularity of this attack vector has blossomed, there have been frequent reports of hundreds of thousands of Web sites succumbing to mass-defacement, where the defacement often consists of an embedded iFrame. These iFrames typically include content from servers hosting malicious JavaScript code designed to exploit vulnerabilities accessible through the user's Web browser and subsequently to initiate a drive-by malware download."

The researchers also stated that attacks have become so sophisticated that they are able to spread malicious code to numerous users by infecting "legitimate" high trafficked and popular Web sites, underscoring the need for users to apply the latest browser patches and updates when surfing the Internet.

Researchers also advised that in light of a more dangerous security landscape and the barrage of Trojans, botnets and other malware, users need to use the most recent version of the installed software and immediately apply the latest patches as they become available.

"With today's hostile Intent and drive-by download attack vectors, failure to apply patches promptly or missing them entirely is a recipe for disaster; exposing the host to infection and possibly subsequent data disclosure or loss," they said.

Best Weekend In a Long Time

I can't think of a weekend that was so great in some time. It was no one thing I did, Friday was actually an indoor power lounge day because of the weather, but this is one of the better weekends I have had in recent memory.

I spent 76 1/2 Straight hours with Michelle, we went out to eat, visited family, watched a few movies and even had our own little cookout this evening at Krepps park before we officially ended our weekend and I took her home.

I think we have learned a lot more about each other than ever before. We had some great talks, some meaningful and some just downright silly, I wouldn't trade one second of it for anything. I look forward to spending more, longer and better ones with her than this one even.

Next Saturday, we are talking about traveling to Idlewild Park (she won four free passes to the theme park of her choice earlier this summer. Weather permitting, we will be heading north.

However to get to another weekend, it's back to work. Hi Ho, Hi Ho....

A few movies in Theaters

WALL-E




Hancock

First Offical Cache hidden

Even though the rain spoiled much of yesterdays plans, I still had a great day and Michelle and I had a nice evening at home snuggled up watching movies.

Yesterday I entered into the new world of geocaching as I actually placed and listed my very first hide. I wanted it to be very special, so I named it My Little Home in West Virginia for an obvious reason. Of course if you want to know that obvious reason you're just going to either start geocaching or be really nice and I'll explain where to find it.

I named the cache after a song of my Grandfathers, I wanted it to be special and I made it very special.

Michele and I placed the Cache yesterday morning after going to the IHOP for breakfast. This was a micro cache and I have another regular cache that is ready to go that is a sealed container, but we need to put a little swag in that one and a prize for the first to find. My cache was published late last night after it was reviewed and was found for the first time just a few minutes after it was published.

Steelers Trivia Airdates

KDKA-TV2
The McDonald’s Steelers Trivia Challenge

Here is the air list for The McDonald’s Steelers Trivia Challenge.

Saturday, July 12 Show #1
Teams: Steelers Fury, Big Money Hustlas, Tomlin’s Trivia Trio

Saturday, July 19 Show #2
Teams: Poised to Strike, Steel City Mafia, Steel City Sting

Saturday, July 26 Show #3
Teams: Steely McNorton, Terrible Trio, Optown

Saturday, August 2 Show #4
Teams: Cope’s Crusader’s, Myron’s Maniacs, Steeler Nation

Saturday, August 9 Show #5
Teams: Art’s Spare Parts, Band for the Other Hand, Cup of Mean Joe

Saturday, August 16 Show #6
Teams: Iron City Boys, Ground Chuck Noll Hogs, Steel Town Teachers

Saturday, August 23 Show #7 Wild Card Round (If we advance from round one...cough)
Teams: Winners of the first three shows

Saturday, August 30 Show #8 AFC Championship Round
Teams: Winners of shows four through six

Saturday, September 6 Show #9 The Big Show (If we advance from Round 1, then make it to the semi's and do well Cough Cough)
Teams: Winners of Show #7 and Show #8 plus runner up w highest score.

OK, NOW it's a Big Ole...

...Oh you know the routine, I'm not working enjoying a holiday. If you are working this morning,t hen it just plain sucks to be you as I am getting ready to head over to the IHOP for breakfast this morning with my sweetheart.

Let's see, what is happening tonight. I am pretty sure the city of Morgantown is putting on their 4th of July Fireworks display tonight, I could be wrong, but I am thinking that tonight is the night weather permitting of course.

Radar for Morgantown is not looking too promising so far. There is a pic nic we may go to tonight if the weather permits, but I think we'll play it by ear for the time being. We tried to go to a baseball game last night, but the game only made it 3 innings before they called it due to rain.

Happy 4th of July everyone. What ever you do, take a few minutes and reflect on why we celebrate this day.

It's a Bog Ole Hairy.......

.......Thursday. It's not Friday HOWEVER, for me it is time to sit back and cease the labors for the week and take time out and enjoy the fruits of those labors, it is the start of my weekend!!!!

For any of you who may be unfortunate and have to work on Friday, sucks to be you. It will be our nations 232nd birthday and you should take a good healthy dump on your bosses desk for making you work. =)

Michelle said to tell all my readers hellooooooooooooooo (in your best Mrs. Doubtfire voice) and for everyone to have a very safe and happy 4th of July Holiday.

At the office yesterday we were all listening to the Eric and Kevin Show , we have been playing are you smarter than Kevin all week until Eric got back today. Actually Mark Devault's stapler is smarter than everyone, but waiting for the show they wee on a site called OneplusYou.com taking some very hilarious quizzes. I learned yesterday that my body could feed 19 cannibals, and I could take 28 5 year olds, but only because I'm uncouth and would be willing to use one as a weapon to take out others. I did find a few things out about my blog.

george-hall.blogspot.com/

WANTED FOR THE INAPPROPRIATE FORCE-FEEDING of a WILLING GYPSY

$2500

What's Your


I guess I'm wanted.

Have a great Thursday and hopefully the start of a safe weekend filled with family, pic nics and fireworks.

OK, I'm a geography nut

I was introduced to another mapping webpage yesterday at work that I was actually quite impressed with. The data seems to be more up to date and complete and is a culmination of multiple sources.

It's called FlashEarth and was pretty well done. I could find orthos for areas that were not covered in Google Earth or NASA's Worldwind. My Apartment and Michelle's house are both on here, and they do not have imagery in Google Earth.

Rained out last night, try again tonight

We had a softball game scheduled last night for 9:00, but Mother Nature wasn't too cooperative and the game was rained out.

Tonight at 6:00 we are going to try it again, weather permitting of course when we will try to hit the field for our second scheduled game of the week. Hopefully we will have a little better luck tonight, but the radar isn't looking all too promising.

Worse comes to worse Friday Night, not Thursday as previously reported, will be the annual Barnes Family / MVP Softball pic nic.

Do I do a Big Ole hairy Thursday this week?

Midweek

Alright, we have two days down and are at humpday, getting ready to go into the home stretch for another weekend. Not sure what the plans are for this weekend as of yet, but I'm sure it will involve Michelle, memories and maybe a few pictures being taken. Maybe a geocache or two, who knows at this time.

We had the late game Monday night in Softball, we scored more runs than we scored in the last 4 or 5 games combined, but when you are playing the best team in the league it just wasn't enough to put one in the "W" column. Michelle even brought Hayley to her first game.

One thing that is going on locally will be RibFest at Mylan Park.

Have a good day.