Rain and Play-Doh

What do you do on a rainy day? Play-Doh

sand and water

Sand village

Work continues in the Sand village, though many have returned to school. Dedicated folks like Jack, keep sand building production going.

"Sure, some days are tough. Our numbers are fewer, and those that are here - seem to be my size, no bigger. But we keep going, you know, for the joy of sand building." - Jack, a Sand village regular.

Jack assures all, sand scoops and buckets will be in action!

How about Ubuntu Unity

Ubuntu Unity is based on Debian GNU-Linux. It's a friendly Linux distro that is easy to install and use. The live ISO, that you can burn to a dvd, can be downloaded from Ubuntu.

With trying any Linux distro, BACK UP YOUR DATA! Save your data to a separate drive. There should be no problem trying a Live ISO of Ubuntu Linux, this test run of Ubuntu Linux should not affect your current Operating System. Again though, to be safe, BACK UP YOUR DATA!

The Ubuntu Unity desktop environment is based on Gnome 3, an easy to use modern interface. Unity is a nice blend of new desktop interaction, with a nod to traditional desktop work flow. The left side bar holds your favorite applications, and the icons give indication of application functions - while applications are not in focus. The top bar provides easy access to system functions, and also provides information on those functions. Application windows occupy the majority of desktop space, and make good use of global menu function. You can maximize any application, have it fill the screen, and still have indication of other running applications not in focus - in the side bar. Pop up alerts, let you know of application function too - such as receiving email or an instant message.

Perhaps one of the nicest features of Unity, is Dash. Dash is a search function that provides you with information on data and applications. Simply start typing what you are looking for or interested in - and usually Dash provides the information before you can finish typing the search query.

Ubuntu Unity 12.04LTS is a Long Term Support distro, supported until 2017. There can sometimes be confusion on 32-bit Linux distro or 64-bit Linux distro. Most modern hardware, a couple years old, is 64-bit. If you are trying Ubuntu Unity, you will want to try Ubuntu Unity 12.04LTS amd64. amd64 is a nod to the company AMD, one of the first to implement 64-bit processing. Simply put, amd64 is 64-bit, most hardware with 64-bit capability should work fine with Ubuntu Unity 12.04LTS amd64.

Ubuntu Unity 12.04LTS is an incredibly stable, smooth operating system. A great Linux distro worth trying, friendly to those new to Linux and a powerful distro for solid production.

the Future of Rock

This Ladies and Gentlemen... is the future of Ukulele Rock & Roll!

Leave it to a preschooler to infuse Hawaiian guitar and thrashing rhythms, in a free flow jam!

Slow roasted chicken in the smoker!

Setting up the grill:

Got my water pan in place with water and a little white wine. Set my soup can in place, to hold some hickory chunks. Piled in the charcoal, made space between the charcoal and water pan, so they are not touching.

Lit the charcoal, and let it burn down. Added a couple chunks of hickory to my soup can. Put the chicken on the grill, over the water pan.

All vents, bottom and top, wide open on the grill. Shut the lid and enjoyed the blue smoke from the grill.

Chicken smoked for an hour or so. And... wow, some tender tasty chicken!

Tip on the bird: marinade the chicken in Italian dressing over night in the fridge.

Music for slow roasted chicken in the smoker, should include Old Crow Medicine Show and Moe.

Good to go BBQing

Water pan, charcoal, and soup can - for wood. Place meat over water pan, and good to go for Summer BBQing!