Tourney Time

So here we go again. The annual tournament that I play with my Dad and a couple of other friends will be coming up in about three weeks. It's not a big tournament by any means, but it's just about the only one I play all year, and I always look forward to it. This year I have two problems, though. Number one, I weigh about 40 pounds more than I did at last year's tournament, and two, I haven't touched a club since last fall. Neither is that big of a deal I guess. Since it's a scramble format, I can just ride the coat tails of my partners, but I'd still like to not embarass myself.

Anything is Possible

So I guess it's true after all, anything is possible. I refer of course to the comments that Stephen Ames made prior to his World Match Play match earlier this year against Tiger Woods, a match in which he was most definitely trounced. Ames won the Players Championship today and one would have to admit that this indicates he was able to bounce back from the "lesson" that the much younger Woods was able to teach him.

Honestly, I thought that whole thing was silly when it happened and, as they are known to do (especially when Tiger is involved), the media managed to make a bit of a mountain out of a mole hill. While he probably didn't put things as eloquently as some of the more seasoned members of the media tent, the fact is Ames was right. Anything can happen, especially in the game of golf, and even more especially in match play. Sure, Ames' comments lit a fire under Tiger the likes of which probably haven't been seen before or since, but it's also a fact that Tiger got knocked out of the Match Play a couple of days later. Anything is possible. UConn got beat by George Mason. Anything is possible. In sports and in life, anything is possible.

Mac Update

I absolutely love my new Mac Mini so far. It does take a little getting used to. The mouse movements are, for lack of a better word, a little "muddy". Thankfully, I found a nice little program called Steermouse via a post on Plastic Bugs. Other than that little hiccup, I would have to say that working on a Mac (compared to Windows) is an exercise in elegance. Everything about it OSX seems to have been put together with 'user experience' in mind. This is no surprise to me, being an iPod user. The iPod user experience is second to none in my opinion.

Next to OSX, Windows feels more of a tool. OSX is an experience. Admittedly, this is from someone who's Windows experience is now old news, but I think I would be safe in saying that someone who switched from OSX to Windows would not come to the reverse conclusion.

I will say that my experience with Front Row has not been all that I expected. I'm still having some troubles getting it to talk to my Windows machine, as my plan was to be able to stream content from my main box with more drive space (Windows) to my Mac Mini. I'm sure this is just some setting that I'm not seeing, and truthfully, I've not taken the time to try to figure it out. I purchased the Mini as a computer first and media center second, so right now Front Row is not a big priority.

All in all, I am very happy with my purchase. If it wasn't for the fact that I have a few things I still have to do that are Windows specific, I'd probably get rid of my Windows box altogether and make the Mini my full time PC.

Taking the Plunge

Well, I've finally gone and done it. I've been waiting and waiting, and with today's announcement of new Intel-based Mac Minis, I have taken the plunge and placed my order. I look forward to my first real foray into the world of Apple and, more specifically, Macs. I have to admit that I've been an Apple fanboy for a while now, which might seem odd to some, seeing as how I just admitted that this new purchase will be my first Mac. But with all I have read and heard over the last couple of years, and with my love of all things iPod, I just like the company and have wanted to experience Macs for a while, in all their glory.

I kicked around the idea of a MacBook Pro for a while, but finally decided that with my plan to use it as a part-time computer, coupled with my bank account cringing at the thought of shelling out $2,000+ for a laptop, I decided the Mini would be the best choice for me... at least for now. So anyway, hopefully I will be posting my review of my new toy sometime in the next couple of weeks.

X-Outs

There's an interesting FAQ over at About.com Golf on X-Out golf balls. I have used X-Outs on many occasions, mostly as a practice ball, but sometimes in a friendly competition with my friends. Most of the time X-Outs only have cosmetic defects which truthfully, I usually can't find anyway. I think they are a great way to get the performance of a higher priced ball at a discount price.

Holmes Wins FBR

As a Kentuckian, it was great to see J.B. Holmes win the FBR Open this week. I have to admit that I haven't been following his career as much as I should. My boss and I almost went to the Southern Farm Bureau last year just to see J.B. play, but it's a pretty long trip and we ended up not being able to make it. At the time, I barely knew who he was, if at all. I just hope that he will be able to deal with his new success and recognition and take it all in stride. I wouldn't be surprised if his phone is ringing off the hook today with supposed swing gurus calling to tell him they can "fix" his swing. Just because he can stripe it down the middle 350 yards doesn't mean anything, because you know, his swing doesn't look like Adam Scott's.

Vijay, My Idol

The more I learn about and observe Vijay Singh, the more I like the guy. As a matter of fact, I think he's the person I'm going to try to pattern my golf after this season. A lot has been made of his incredible work ethic, but I have really been noticing it the past couple of weeks. I mean, he's in his 40's and looks and swings like he's in his 30's. He's not the prototype for the "popular" player on tour, but I think he should be the prototype for anyone out there who wants to improve their game. I just wish he could putt.

The Chinese Invented Golf- in 945 A.D.

So this is kind of cool and off the wall. Apparently the Chinese are claiming that they, in fact, are the birthplace of golf and that it was exported to Europe via Mongolian travellers during the late Middle Ages.

read more | digg story

Why iPod?

I was just reading an interesting post on digg on why all of the supposed iPod killers out there haven't been able to actually kill the iPod. A lot of people have a lot of opinions on the subject, so I figured I might as well give mine too.

While it's arguable that the iPod is still the best player on the market, the fact is that the iPod is a freight train that was started several years back when the iPod first debuted. Back then, I'd say it was definitely the best player out and a breath of fresh air in a market that was just getting off the ground. It was a player that could be used on a Mac and was made by a company that had an underground cult following, and oh by the way, it was a great little device with a great interface and was easy to use.

Fast forward a couple of years and here I am looking for another mp3 player. I had owned several by now, including one of the first CD-based players, and I was looking for something with a little bit more storage than my current Smartmedia-based Rio would allow. I did the research and the iPod topped the list of what I wanted and had the biggest choice of accessories (by now the freight train was rolling down the track), so that's what I got. And I couldn't have been happier. By that time, I had owned and sold probably 5 different types of mp3 players and the iPod was the best one I had ever used, bar none.

Fast forward another couple of years, I'm ready to upgrade, and the iPod with video hits the market. At this point, I don't even do any research. I already know that I love the iPod and so I buy the iPod with video without a second thought. I don't take time to look at the iRivers or the Creatives of the world. I'm faithful to a player that I know will give me the functionality that I want and I stick with it. It's got nothing to do with fashion or being hip. It's loyalty, simple as that.

While the iPod may or may not still be the best player out there with the most features out of the box, I think there are a lot more people out there like me who fell in love with the iPod several years back when it definitely was the best, and now it's just a matter of brand loyalty when we're ready to upgrade. Sure, there are no doubt a lot of people out there who buy the iPod because "everyone who's anyone has an iPod", but I don't have the kind of money to throw away on something just because it's popular. I buy it because it works, and that's what the iPod does... it just works.

Just My Luck

Question: What could be worse than getting a new driver delivered to you on a day when it's raining?

Answer: Waking up the next morning to find about an inch of snow on the ground!!

Creative's Version Of "Podcast"

I saw this a few days ago on Digg, and now it's showing up on The Unofficial Apple Weblog. Apparently everyone is snickering about Creative's attempt at rewriting history by saying that the term "podcast" stands for "Personal On Demand Broadcast". While I agree that this is somewhat lame in it's execution, I actually like the new "definition".

I like the term podcast, I don't think it's going anywhere, but I'm sure a lot of people don't realize that most podcasts can be played on any old mp3 player. And while the term may have been coined with the iPod in mind, the fact is that Apple doesn't own the word, nor do they own podcasts... so why not come up with a definition that is a little bit more all-inclusive?

MacWorld Tomorrow

So everyone is all a buzz over what the big announcements will be tomorrow at the big keynote when MacWorld kicks off tomorrow. I have to say, I have never owned a Mac of any kind. The closest I have come to Apple products is current ownage of 4 iPods (yeah, I know, I have to get off my lazy butt and sell a couple). But even I am excited about what's next for the little company that could.

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a Mac Mini for a while now, but when I heard that they were going to be switching to Intel a few months back, I decided to wait. Rumors have been floating for a while that the first MacIntels might be introduced this week, roughly 6 months ahead of the schedule that Steve Jobs laid out originally. I think it's possible, and it's at least probable that there will be a working prototype at the event this week, with a promise of it's release in the spring.

Other rumors suggest an update of something in the iPod family, with (in my opinion) an update in the Shuffle line the most likely. The Nano is barely 6 months old and the big daddy, the iPod with Video is even younger. The Shuffle is easily the oldest in the group, and the one most in need of an overhaul. If they want to keep the "no screen, life is random" concept with the Shuffle, I'm not sure what they can do with it that will be that big of a deal, though. Maybe smaller, maybe thinner, maybe cheaper... who knows? I don't think they will go with a 2GB Shuffle and have it be at the same capacity as the smallest Nano, unless they drop the 2GB Nano and go with a 4GB and 8GB version. That's possible I guess. But in my opinion, 2GB is a little too much storage for a device with no screen.

I guess we'll all find out tomorrow. If they do introduce Intel-based laptops... my credit card is probably going to take a little beating in the near future.

Resolutions

So like 90% of the rest of the free world today, I have resolutions. Sometimes I do pretty well with my resolutions, but most of the time, like probably 90% of the resolution makers, I fail. I decided this year I would try something a little different by actually writing down my resolutions, and just now I decided to make it even more real by posting it on this blog. Now, I don't know if anyone besides me actually reads this thing, but it's still a bit more significant to me to do it this way than burying my resolutions in some text file in My Documents.

1. Finally lose the weight. Been trying for years and it always comes back. I want to be able to finally finish the "weight loss" chapter of my life and move on to something else.
2. Spend more time playing golf and trying to improve my handicap. I've been stuck at the 18-20 mark for over 10 years. It's time to move on. My goal for this year: get to the 12-15 range.
3. Also in relation to golf, take time to find some new competition, maybe by entering a few tourmaments even though I know I don't have a chance to win, or maybe playing in a few of the weekly scrambles. Nothing can improve your game like some good competition.
4. Manage my money better. Stop adding stuff to my credit cards and start paying them down a little. Stop being lazy and sell some of my old junk on eBay and use the money to pay off a bill or two.
5. Stop being a Kotex. It's time to take my life back.
   

AllPeers for Firefox

So apparently someone is working on what will essentially be a P2P Firefox extension called AllPeers. At first glance, it looks like a nice little tool and I'm sure I'll be giving it a test drive once it comes out. I have to admit though, while I enjoy all the great Firefox extensions out there, and this one seems to be right up there with the best of them, I'm afraid the "peers" or "P2P" monikor will end up sullying Firefox's name to those out there not in the know. It doesn't help that apparently AllPeers will have a bittorrent client built into it.

Firefox has been slowly gaining on IE in terms of popularity. Folks are finally beginning to realize that it helps cut down on spyware and is just an overall better browser. I would hate to see it's popularity diminished because the uninformed masses start thinking of it as the next Napster or Kazaa.

Performancing For Firefox

I have been looking for a good, simple blogging tool for a long while now. Blogger's editor is fine, but sometimes it's a pain to have to go login to the site in order to add in something. I'm currenty working with a Firefox extension called Performancing For Firefox, and it might just be what I have been looking for. It's got a nice, simple looking interface, and I guess we'll see how it looks one I post to this page. I have used similar tools in the past, and they have always left something or another to be desired. If this works... well, I'll be happy.

Local Boy Makes Good

OK, so John Holmes isn't exactly a local, but he is from my home state of Kentucky, so it was great to see him dominate in Q-School this past week. I think he's got a bright future ahead of him. I was also glad to see Bill Haas get his card, although he seemed to have tried really hard to not get it.

Winter Rules

With winter upon us, I thought I would be interesting to talk a little bit about what most golfers like to call "winter rules". As most of us know, the terms winter rules refers to being allowed to improve your lie in less than optimum conditions, mostly brought on by winter weather. Barren areas of the fairway are what we mostly see, and it's reasonable to assume that one might be able to improve his lie if he ends up in one of these areas.

Personally, I don't like to play by winter rules, but if I'm in a group that is recognizing winter rules, I am perfectly willing to take every advantage I am allowed. I like to go by the concept of "fair for one, fair for all", meaning basically that anyone can have bad luck, anyone can have good luck, no matter what the season. I don't get any breaks for landing in a divot in the summer, so why should I get one for landing in a bare spot in the winter? I do make an exception to this line of thinking, however, in that if a person or his equipment might be injured or damaged because of a certain shot (tree root, rock, etc.), I am perfectly willing to let them improve their lie. I don't follow this rule just because of the season. I will do this any time of year.

Here's a great article explaining what a lot of us probably don't know about winter rules.

Skins Game Today

Looks like the annual Skins Game is starting today, and I have to say, I'm looking forward to it. First you have the best player in the world, Tiger Woods, then you have the most prolific Skins winner in history, Fred Couples. But perhaps the most interesting is the final two participants, Annika Sorenstam and Fred Funk, or as I like to call him, The Funker. Apparently, Tiger has been ribbing the Funker that Annika might outdrive him at some point and that he'll never live it down if she does. I wouldn't worry about it if I were him. I mean, she probably will outdrive him at some point, but he can always bring up the fact that he's got a Players title and she doesn't.

Tiger 360

This is a couple of weeks old, but with the release of the Xbox 360 in a couple of weeks, I thought somebody might be interested in some videos of the new Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 for the new console. I'm pretty excited about the 360's release, even though I probably won't be buying one for a while... that is unless I get a boatload of gift cards or money for Christmas.

I've not really done a lot of research on it, but popular opinion is that you'll be out in the neighborhood of at least $500 to get a decent version of the system (including accessories, games, et cetera). I'm not saying I haven't blown that kind of cash before on something frivolous, but until some more games come out that interest me, I'll probably hold off for a while.

My, How Time Flies

Looks like the Golf Channel is already gearing up for the next installment of their successful Big Break franchise. The Big Break V: Hawaii debuts in February and looks like it's the ladies' turn again. According to About Golf, this crop of ladies might be the best yet, in terms of credentials, of any of the Big Break series. They've got several Futures Tour (the ladies' version of the Nationwide Tour) members, as well as a few who have won major amateur titles. Sadly, Michelle Wie isn't on the list.