Ugh... looks like a motherboard problem for my MCE, which will ultimately require an OS reinstall. Look out Vista, the Angels have spoken.
I'm on a mission from God!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Bugger
My Media Center started to show signs of hardware instability at around Easter. Then, after returning from the US about a week ago, I noticed the thing was coughing and choking, in an "unbootable" state. It's either the CPU, the memory, or the board, but my biggest issue has been finding the time to diagnose/test/fix.
However, with a problem comes opportunity.
There's been a number of things I've been unhappy about under the current Vista set up, and I ponder whether I should redesign the whole shebang. Let's face it: Vista is The Thing That Should Not Be. I've seen various people manage to work around Vista's shortcomings to create an efficient work environment, but anyone who thinks this interface is well designed has their head in the sand.
(It reminds me of the South Park episode where Mr Garrison invents the gyroscopic motion vehicle that puts the airline industry out of business, but has a rather uncomfortable operational shortcoming.)
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Anyhoo... I do think Windows continues to be the "easy option" for an underlying OS due to the requirement for an MCE to have a lot of unusual hardware drivers, but my natural UNIX biases are now whispering in my ear from both shoulders.
What tends to give those "angels" even more credence and momentum is that I think the main application -- Vista Media Center -- is merely competent in it's design, but a little frustrating in providing users minimal choice in customisation.
A possibility that has piqued my interest is MediaPortal, a port of XBMC to take advantage of modern hardware, while also allowing to record off a tuner (yay!) I will minimally evaluate this option before I undertake any major changes to the underlying OS.
Anyway, I just need to summon the willpower to start the hardware troubleshooting process...
However, with a problem comes opportunity.
There's been a number of things I've been unhappy about under the current Vista set up, and I ponder whether I should redesign the whole shebang. Let's face it: Vista is The Thing That Should Not Be. I've seen various people manage to work around Vista's shortcomings to create an efficient work environment, but anyone who thinks this interface is well designed has their head in the sand.
(It reminds me of the South Park episode where Mr Garrison invents the gyroscopic motion vehicle that puts the airline industry out of business, but has a rather uncomfortable operational shortcoming.)
.jpeg)
Anyhoo... I do think Windows continues to be the "easy option" for an underlying OS due to the requirement for an MCE to have a lot of unusual hardware drivers, but my natural UNIX biases are now whispering in my ear from both shoulders.
What tends to give those "angels" even more credence and momentum is that I think the main application -- Vista Media Center -- is merely competent in it's design, but a little frustrating in providing users minimal choice in customisation.
A possibility that has piqued my interest is MediaPortal, a port of XBMC to take advantage of modern hardware, while also allowing to record off a tuner (yay!) I will minimally evaluate this option before I undertake any major changes to the underlying OS.
Anyway, I just need to summon the willpower to start the hardware troubleshooting process...
Pigs Garbage
Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead.
It's been out for almost a month now, so I don't count this as a spoiler :)
It's been out for almost a month now, so I don't count this as a spoiler :)
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Test Season
With the Crusaders pipping the Blues, and the Reds predictably doing their best impression of Swiss cheese against the Canes, the Tahs have missed their spot in the S14 semi's.
(OK, that's a harsh call on the Reds - they did show some spirit. If the Tahs had allowed one less Lions' try, they'd be ahead of the Crusaders on the table in terms of points differential.)
Either way, Winter is upon us and the Aussies are out of the Super 14 -- that means it's Test Rugby time!
I thought I'd get my choices out there for a squad of 30 (starter/depth) before Robbie announces the squad -- I'm sure he's on the blower already!
Without further ado:
Loosehead Prop: Benn Robinson / Ben Alexander
Fat Cat has had a very strong season, consistent scrummaging and a high work rate around the park. Alexander is also an excellent young prospect, with generally good performances with the odd flashes of talent in the limited time he's had on the paddock. One ponders WTF has happened to all the front row talent coming out of Queensland. It's not like there's a lack of raw product up there.
Hooker: Tatafu Polota Nau / Stephen Moore
Three weeks ago I would have actually put Moore ahead of Polota Nau, but I think Polota Nau's recent performances really demonstrate that when he concentrates on his throwing, his unbelievable athleticism makes him the no-brainer pick. Both Hookers have actually struggled with consistency this year, and I'm starting Polota Nau, but if he starts throwing badly I'd instantly sub him for Moore to give him a wake up call.
Tighthead Prop: Al Baxter / Guy Shepherdson
It's funny to be saying this, but Baxter has actually become a dominant prop. It was less than two years ago when opposing front rows were targeting him, but all of a sudden under Michael Foley's tutelage, Baxter has become a star. Shepherdson is merely competent, but I'm not sure he's shown enough to be a genuine Test player. If Matt Dunning suddenly emerges he could get pipped. Either way, with Ben Alexander able to play both sides of the front row, Shepherson may not even get a lot of time on the bench.
Lock: Nathan Sharpe / James Horwill
The Wallabies suddenly find themselves with a group of locks that are very inexperienced. The talent pool generally has a season of test experience or less. Sharpe seems to have responded to Robbie's wake-up call, and his experience leading the line out could make him a valuable asset for at least another year. James Horwill is the future leader of the second row, but has spent too much time injured this year to be anything other than depth. He may emerge as that leader before the Test season is over.
Lock: Will Caldwell / Peter Kimlin
This pick may surprise a few people, but Caldwell has quietly done everything that has been asked of him this year, and has had a huge influence of the Tah's strength at the set piece. What makes this more remarkable is just how bad this bloke looked two years ago after both Dan Vickerman and Al Kanaar went down with injuries, and both Caldwell and Dean Mumm were forced into the Waratahs starting line up. This year Caldwell has looked strong at the set piece, and a great presence at the breakdown -- the only area where he is not particularly accomplished (yet) is as a ball carrier. Peter Kimlin obviously has a lot of a talent as a more versatile player (capable of playing in the back row), but I think Caldwell is a better "pure" lock. Either way, a ton of young talent in the second row.
Blindside Flanker: Dean Mumm / Ben Mowen
It would be very tempting to put Ben Mowen as the starter. In the last three weeks he's had a coming of age, being massively influential in three Waratahs wins in the republic. Great work rate, ball carrier, and tall enough to factor into the line out. But Dean Mumm proves to be consistent no matter whether he plays in the second row or at blindside, and you need those dependable performances in Tests. Mitchell Chapman could be an alternative dark horse, and if McMeniman could get through a season healthy he might factor as well, but it's all academic when Rocky Elsom gets back from Leinster.
Openside Flanker: George Smith / Phil Waugh
Not much explanation required re George Smith. Possibly surpassing McCaw as the world's best this year. Waugh's gritty performances and leadership pip David Pocock here, but you'd think Pocock would be the 31st player if you expanded the squad by 1.
No 8: Richard Brown / Wycliff Palu
Palu's got more talent than Brown, but struggles with consistency and sometimes fitness. He was also underwhelming last year in the Tests after a strong Super 14 showing. On the other hand, Brown not only gets better in terms of realising his potential week-to-week, but also shows consistency. Either way, Palu can have considerable impact off the bench.
Halfback: Luke Burgess / Josh Valentine
Burgess has given much stronger performances in the second half of the season; for a while he was looking like a possible one season wonder. Will Genia might have challenged him for a starting spot if he was healthy, but in his absence, Josh Valentine's performance this year pairing with Matt Giteau makes him the choice for depth. Albeit a distant second.
Flyhalf: Matt Giteau / Quade Cooper
Giteau started the S14 season with confidence we've not seen him with at #10, and by the end of the season has become a dominating player here. It could be scary to see what he can do with a Test level forward pack setting the platform for him. As depth I've selected Quade Cooper, who I would expect to show different form in a scenario where he doesn't feel like he has to carry the whole team.
Left Wing: Lote Tuqiri / Drew Mitchell
While Tuqiri has lost some speed, he still has a massive presence around the park. Beyond strike power, he dominates with big hits and tackles, and in recent years has shown considerable leadership. Drew Mitchell has scored some good tries for the Force this year -- he still has games where he makes major mistakes, but when he's on the wing (instead of fullback) he shows Test level talent.
Inside Center: James O'Connor / Ryan Cross
James O'Connor not only shows flashes of brilliance in combination with Matt Giteau, but has a lot of upside and will only get better. I've also put his center partner from the Force, Ryan Cross as his backup. Cross is always right on the cusp of the Test squad, and occasionally plays a bench player, but he's got some genuine talent and could shine if he had to play in a starting role. Where's Berrick Barnes in the equation? Hold that thought...
Outside Center: Stirling Mortlock / Timana Tahu
Stirling Mortlock is still a world class Center. I think he has good leadership, but whether he should maintain the captaincy of the Wallabies is another question... Tahu has realised his tremendous talent ever since the Tahs installed the Halangahu-Beale-Tahu combo. Robbie might see Tahu more as a 12 and Cross more as a 13, and I'm happy to be flexible on that, but I think both are quite flexible players.
Right Wing: Lachlan Turner / Adam Ashley Cooper
It is unfortunate Digby Ioane is out for 6 months after what can only be described as a break out season. If Ioane was healthy, he'd be starting on the right wing, probably bumping Ashley Cooper to depth at fullback, and bumping Cameron Shepherd out of the squad altogether. In Ioane's absence, Lachlan Turner provides similar big speed/big play impact, notably saving a number of tries by holding up ball carriers over the goal line this year. Ashley Cooper is undeniably talented and may be the next best Outside Center after Mortlock, but he's had not only injuries but also a heck of a lot of up and down games this season.
Fullback: Berrick Barnes / Cameron Shepherd
We have some fairly thin positions on the Wallabies -- depth at tighthead prop and halfback are particularly noticeable. However, that's nothing compared to the dearth of talent at fullback. As a former fullback himself, this must scare the heck out of Robbie. While he doesn't have ideal speed, I think what Berrick Barnes possesses in terms of decision making, kicking skills, defense and leadership make him a great possibility for a position swap to fullback (also allowing James O'Connor to pair with Giteau). The alternatives are ugly; Turner's kicking is still very raw, Ashley Cooper is much more suited to wing or center, Mitchell is more suited to wing. Cameron Shepherd scores tons of points for the Force, but to me does not look like what you would expect from a Test level fullback, especially in terms of the consistency of his kicking -- maybe Robbie's tutelage will help here?
Hopefully Robbie can take advantage of an extra couple of weeks of training!
(OK, that's a harsh call on the Reds - they did show some spirit. If the Tahs had allowed one less Lions' try, they'd be ahead of the Crusaders on the table in terms of points differential.)
Either way, Winter is upon us and the Aussies are out of the Super 14 -- that means it's Test Rugby time!
I thought I'd get my choices out there for a squad of 30 (starter/depth) before Robbie announces the squad -- I'm sure he's on the blower already!
Without further ado:
Loosehead Prop: Benn Robinson / Ben Alexander
Fat Cat has had a very strong season, consistent scrummaging and a high work rate around the park. Alexander is also an excellent young prospect, with generally good performances with the odd flashes of talent in the limited time he's had on the paddock. One ponders WTF has happened to all the front row talent coming out of Queensland. It's not like there's a lack of raw product up there.
Hooker: Tatafu Polota Nau / Stephen Moore
Three weeks ago I would have actually put Moore ahead of Polota Nau, but I think Polota Nau's recent performances really demonstrate that when he concentrates on his throwing, his unbelievable athleticism makes him the no-brainer pick. Both Hookers have actually struggled with consistency this year, and I'm starting Polota Nau, but if he starts throwing badly I'd instantly sub him for Moore to give him a wake up call.
Tighthead Prop: Al Baxter / Guy Shepherdson
It's funny to be saying this, but Baxter has actually become a dominant prop. It was less than two years ago when opposing front rows were targeting him, but all of a sudden under Michael Foley's tutelage, Baxter has become a star. Shepherdson is merely competent, but I'm not sure he's shown enough to be a genuine Test player. If Matt Dunning suddenly emerges he could get pipped. Either way, with Ben Alexander able to play both sides of the front row, Shepherson may not even get a lot of time on the bench.
Lock: Nathan Sharpe / James Horwill
The Wallabies suddenly find themselves with a group of locks that are very inexperienced. The talent pool generally has a season of test experience or less. Sharpe seems to have responded to Robbie's wake-up call, and his experience leading the line out could make him a valuable asset for at least another year. James Horwill is the future leader of the second row, but has spent too much time injured this year to be anything other than depth. He may emerge as that leader before the Test season is over.
Lock: Will Caldwell / Peter Kimlin
This pick may surprise a few people, but Caldwell has quietly done everything that has been asked of him this year, and has had a huge influence of the Tah's strength at the set piece. What makes this more remarkable is just how bad this bloke looked two years ago after both Dan Vickerman and Al Kanaar went down with injuries, and both Caldwell and Dean Mumm were forced into the Waratahs starting line up. This year Caldwell has looked strong at the set piece, and a great presence at the breakdown -- the only area where he is not particularly accomplished (yet) is as a ball carrier. Peter Kimlin obviously has a lot of a talent as a more versatile player (capable of playing in the back row), but I think Caldwell is a better "pure" lock. Either way, a ton of young talent in the second row.
Blindside Flanker: Dean Mumm / Ben Mowen
It would be very tempting to put Ben Mowen as the starter. In the last three weeks he's had a coming of age, being massively influential in three Waratahs wins in the republic. Great work rate, ball carrier, and tall enough to factor into the line out. But Dean Mumm proves to be consistent no matter whether he plays in the second row or at blindside, and you need those dependable performances in Tests. Mitchell Chapman could be an alternative dark horse, and if McMeniman could get through a season healthy he might factor as well, but it's all academic when Rocky Elsom gets back from Leinster.
Openside Flanker: George Smith / Phil Waugh
Not much explanation required re George Smith. Possibly surpassing McCaw as the world's best this year. Waugh's gritty performances and leadership pip David Pocock here, but you'd think Pocock would be the 31st player if you expanded the squad by 1.
No 8: Richard Brown / Wycliff Palu
Palu's got more talent than Brown, but struggles with consistency and sometimes fitness. He was also underwhelming last year in the Tests after a strong Super 14 showing. On the other hand, Brown not only gets better in terms of realising his potential week-to-week, but also shows consistency. Either way, Palu can have considerable impact off the bench.
Halfback: Luke Burgess / Josh Valentine
Burgess has given much stronger performances in the second half of the season; for a while he was looking like a possible one season wonder. Will Genia might have challenged him for a starting spot if he was healthy, but in his absence, Josh Valentine's performance this year pairing with Matt Giteau makes him the choice for depth. Albeit a distant second.
Flyhalf: Matt Giteau / Quade Cooper
Giteau started the S14 season with confidence we've not seen him with at #10, and by the end of the season has become a dominating player here. It could be scary to see what he can do with a Test level forward pack setting the platform for him. As depth I've selected Quade Cooper, who I would expect to show different form in a scenario where he doesn't feel like he has to carry the whole team.
Left Wing: Lote Tuqiri / Drew Mitchell
While Tuqiri has lost some speed, he still has a massive presence around the park. Beyond strike power, he dominates with big hits and tackles, and in recent years has shown considerable leadership. Drew Mitchell has scored some good tries for the Force this year -- he still has games where he makes major mistakes, but when he's on the wing (instead of fullback) he shows Test level talent.
Inside Center: James O'Connor / Ryan Cross
James O'Connor not only shows flashes of brilliance in combination with Matt Giteau, but has a lot of upside and will only get better. I've also put his center partner from the Force, Ryan Cross as his backup. Cross is always right on the cusp of the Test squad, and occasionally plays a bench player, but he's got some genuine talent and could shine if he had to play in a starting role. Where's Berrick Barnes in the equation? Hold that thought...
Outside Center: Stirling Mortlock / Timana Tahu
Stirling Mortlock is still a world class Center. I think he has good leadership, but whether he should maintain the captaincy of the Wallabies is another question... Tahu has realised his tremendous talent ever since the Tahs installed the Halangahu-Beale-Tahu combo. Robbie might see Tahu more as a 12 and Cross more as a 13, and I'm happy to be flexible on that, but I think both are quite flexible players.
Right Wing: Lachlan Turner / Adam Ashley Cooper
It is unfortunate Digby Ioane is out for 6 months after what can only be described as a break out season. If Ioane was healthy, he'd be starting on the right wing, probably bumping Ashley Cooper to depth at fullback, and bumping Cameron Shepherd out of the squad altogether. In Ioane's absence, Lachlan Turner provides similar big speed/big play impact, notably saving a number of tries by holding up ball carriers over the goal line this year. Ashley Cooper is undeniably talented and may be the next best Outside Center after Mortlock, but he's had not only injuries but also a heck of a lot of up and down games this season.
Fullback: Berrick Barnes / Cameron Shepherd
We have some fairly thin positions on the Wallabies -- depth at tighthead prop and halfback are particularly noticeable. However, that's nothing compared to the dearth of talent at fullback. As a former fullback himself, this must scare the heck out of Robbie. While he doesn't have ideal speed, I think what Berrick Barnes possesses in terms of decision making, kicking skills, defense and leadership make him a great possibility for a position swap to fullback (also allowing James O'Connor to pair with Giteau). The alternatives are ugly; Turner's kicking is still very raw, Ashley Cooper is much more suited to wing or center, Mitchell is more suited to wing. Cameron Shepherd scores tons of points for the Force, but to me does not look like what you would expect from a Test level fullback, especially in terms of the consistency of his kicking -- maybe Robbie's tutelage will help here?
Hopefully Robbie can take advantage of an extra couple of weeks of training!
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