MrBaconpants.com

Last week I was chatting with a friend on AOHell Instant Messenger and as usual I was having problems. After it logged me out for the 5th time my friend suggested that I use a site called Meebo. I asked him if it was another one of those bug ridden all in one chat programs. He informed me that it was not just an “all-in-one”, but a web based chat client that is more stable then AOHells downloaded program.

Here is what Meebo say about there product:

Meebo is a web based IM that lets you log into your IM networks from any computer with a browser and internet connection with no firewall issues. It employs technologies (like AJAX) to make it act more like a desktop application, which dramatically improves usability. Many users enjoy the benefits of a native DHTML application, as it does not consume as many system resources…

Since it is web based and I don’t have to install anything I thought I would give it a try. Wow it was love at first IM. It worked just like any other chat client but more. That’s right there is more! You can place a Chat window on any website so people can IM you. So if you have a blog your readers (if you’re online) can talk to you right from your webpage. You are going to have to see in action to believe it.

I don’t think I will use it on this site, but I will for Pagewaiter.com, my hosting company. Now I can give support to my customers live right on the site. Also if someone is about to sign up and has questions I can take care of them before they leave and I lose a sale.

They are always updating the service. If you tried this in the past and didn’t like it, check it out again. If you are like me and never heard of it before give it a try. Like I said you will fall in love at first IM.

Ever since I got my eMusic account I have been finding good bands left and right. I only have the 30 downloads a month plan and I usually use them up the first day I get them. If you don’t know what eMusic is you better just go to there site and find out.

Q: What is eMusic?
A: eMusic is among the top digital music services, selling millions of downloads each month and offering a diverse catalog of over 2 million tracks from established and emerging artists in every genre from the world’s top independent labels. Unlike other services that restrict what you can do with your music, eMusic allows members complete flexibility to burn CDs, transfer to MP3 devices and make multiple copies for personal use. eMusic subscription plans are also extremely affordable, with per track costs that are a fraction of what you’d pay for music on other major digital music stores.” – eMusic.com (aff)

Every week I am going to review a band I find in the site. The first is going to be a band called “Beat Beat Beat”.

Beat Beat Beat Living In The Future

I will be honest here, the main reason I listened to this band was the name. How can you pass up a band that uses one word three times in its name?

Here is was All Music Guide had to say about them:

“Beat Beat Beat may have been playing the clever irony card when they named their debut album Living in the Future, because this band sounds as if they’re desperately trying to turn the clock back to 1977… Don’t think that’s a criticism, though — Beat Beat Beat have the goods, and play with the kind of energy, snotty attitude and fast/loud tunefulness that would make their leather-jacketed forefathers proud.” – AllMusic.com

That’s pretty amazing statement, but after listening to the band I realized that it was defiantly a fan that wrote the review. Don’t get me wrong they are a good band, but I wouldn’t say they would make the forefathers of punk proud. The CD is boring. It’s the same hooks and riffs that the forefathers already played out 20 year ago. I was hoping with a name like Beat Beat Beat that they would bring something new to the table that would mix well with the old. Also the recoding itself could have been a little better. If you listen you can hear more then a few missed notes (Why would you leave those in a recording?). Also, something about the mix is off; maybe it’s the vocals getting lost in sea of fuzzy guitars or the almost inaudible bass drum.

The CD is not a total loss there are a few good songs worth downloading. “Don’t Tell Me Now” is one that you can sing along to the first time you hear is. So in my book that makes it an instant classic. Lastly I think “Hate Me” is not that bad, it just sounds like a lot of other good punk/rock songs. If you listen closely it kind of has a Misfits sound to it.

If you’re looking for a CD to play on a road trip and sing along too then this is for you. But keep in mind the replay value of this CD is low since it was not recorded that well and the hooks and vocals are kind of weak.

This band gets two out of five Bacon strips.

Adobe is coming out with CS3 March 27th. I would be more excited but the sad thing is I just got the place were I work to upgrade me to CS2. The only why I can get them to upgrade me again is if CS3 has some unbelievable feature I can’t live with out.

That is why I am going to need your help. The two programs I use everyday are Photoshop and InDesign. So, if you are getting CS3 let me know how the new features work and give me your opinion about how useful they are. Just email them to jmosley[at]mrbaconpants[dotcom]. Thanks!

I am hopefully be going to a CS3 release meeting March 27th at New Perspective. Go here for more details. Evertime the Pittmfug has a meeting something come up so I can make it. I hope the trend stops.

Gmail is no longer working for me. For the past 4 days it will not let me login. I get the message,

We’re currently performing some unexpected maintenance on your account. While we can’t predict exactly how long it will take, we’re working as quickly as we can to restore access to your email–apologies for the inconvenience.

What the hell dose that mean. I asked other gmail users and there accounts are fine. It just sucks, I have a lot of people and companies that have that email address. I am in the proses now changing my email address for my cc, banking, and bills.

Leave a comment if you want my new email address.