DCZ Collectors Lounge - Blogs http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ This is the official home of NASCAR Collectors! en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:42:57 GMT vBulletin 60 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg DCZ Collectors Lounge - Blogs http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ The controllers http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/steve/163-controllers.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:58:20 GMT I use the following short forms, they seems to be well accepted, but just so that you're not wondering what the heck I'm talking about:

NES = Nintendo Entertainment System (1985)
I owned one of these very early on, having previously been a big fan of the Atari 2600. There was no doubt about whether my brother and I would use it, and this was a simple Christmas decision for my parents :biggrin: I'll get into it more when I talk about specific games, but, this was the mainstay for many years.

SNES = Super NES (1990)
I never owned one of these machines, opting instead for a Sega Genesis, so all of the games I'm playing now, I'm playing for the first time. Woo!

N64 = Nintendo 64 (1996)
I have owned several of these over the years. My friend Marko bought one to leave at my apartment around 1997-98 and it became a mainstay in our entertainment needs :) I bought another one around 2005 in a fit of nostelgia.

SMS = Sega Master System (1986)
My brother and I wanted one of these systems because of some of the titles that were available, like Altered Beast and Shinobi. We decided to get one between us one Christmas, thus having both of the systems that were on the market at the time. I don't think we ever used it all that much originally, but once we moved back into Hamilton we were able to get our hands on a lot of cheap, used games and got more use out of it then.


So that's the abbreviations, now on to the controllers!! :happy:

I picked up the NES, SNES and N64 adapters. They also exist for the Sega line of systems and the Atari, and I might eventually pick up that stuff, but for now I can use a NES controller for SMS games and remap the buttons on the SNES to play Genesis, so good enough.

The NES to USB adapter can be ordered fully assembled with a controller included, but there's one reason I can think of not to do this. If the controller dies, you've got to solder to change controllers and possibly bugger up the adapter. With the USB cord you still have to buy controllers, but you're safe if you need a new one. As I said in the last post, I picked up the cord from RetroZone located in California. It cost $20 plus $12 shipping, but since my brother wanted one as well, we split on shipping. I grabbed a couple of refurb'ed, original controllers from the Dundas Gamestop (EB Games/Electronic Boutique) store for $5 each. So $31 to get up and running. Plugged it in and it worked perfectly with no further effort. I still had to tell the emulator which buttons were which, but I'll get to that when I post about the emulators themselves.

The SNES and N64 adapters came from China and cost about $15 each. The trick here was that the seller refused to combine shipping and charged about $10 each for shipping. After I left negative feedback for him, he eventually refunded the excess, but the experience was very scammish. Anyways, the SNES controller set me back $15 at 1 Up Games in Hamilton, but again, plug and play.

I picked up 2 N64 controllers from a private seller for $15 total, but this adapter gave me a hard time. I found the movements very sluggish. It turns out that when you initially use this adapter on XP, the driver doesn't initialize the analogue stick correctly. All you have to do is go to your Control Panel, find Game Controllers/Joysticks and choose the properties of the controller from the list. You have to use the calibration tool here, and this will give you the full range of motion, which kills the sluggishness problem.

Anyways, so that's an idea of the costs involved with getting my hands on these controllers. Here's some pictures of things up and running, on my pretty average PC.

Thanks for reading, more to come.
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]]> Steve http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/steve/163-controllers.html Nostelgic Retro Video Gaming http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/steve/162-nostelgic-retro-video-gaming.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:18:09 GMT For those of you around my age, you may recall, perhaps with fondness, the video game systems I'm about to discuss. Those younger may recall some of them, or recognize the games from ports that have been made to other machines.

A few years ago I rediscovered an Atari 2600 emulator that I had used many, many moons ago. I started playing some of the games, like PacMan and Yar's Revenge. This brought back a rush from my childhood and I went in search of a similar piece of software for the Nintendo. This didn't take long and I found it. A few hours of fooling around with game titles on that system and I knew that what I REALLY needed was a USB version of the original controller. Thankfully, I'm no the first geek in the world to think of this and I found one made by retroZone ( http://www.retrousb.com/ ). Of course things were busy and I never got around to ordering one, until now...

... and if a NES controller on my PC is good, then SNES and N64 controllers will be GREAT! :-)

I picked the SNES and N64 adapters off a company in China, specifically I found them on eBay. The adapters were a good price, but be fully warned that these guys try to work out every single scam in the world not to refund any money for combined shipping. Due to the very hard time I had with them, I won't provide a link to them, if you're interested they're easy to find.

So I thought I'd start a blog to talk about my experiences as I enjoy some of these retro games. I'm sure at least some of you will recognize the games and hopefully it triggers some happy memories for you too. ]]> Steve http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/steve/162-nostelgic-retro-video-gaming.html 1990 to 2008 collectibles, cars, card sets, older things http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/tk1251/144-1990-2008-collectibles-cars-card-sets-older-things.html Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:48:55 GMT you can see pics on My Space at Terkrby you can see pics on My Space at Terkrby ]]> tk1251 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/tk1251/144-1990-2008-collectibles-cars-card-sets-older-things.html Consider This... http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/125-consider.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:56:35 GMT *...If Hines Ward played fullback or tight end, he would never be voted the dirtiest player in the NFL as he was last week on an SI.com poll (of a... ...If Hines Ward played fullback or tight end, he would never be voted the dirtiest player in the NFL as he was last week on an SI.com poll (of a very limited amount of NFL players). Most of those guys should be embarrassed to be taken out the way they are by a guy of Ward's age and size. Many of them complained about being blindsided. That's mostly because they aren't looking to be hit like that by a receiver. He's been in the league long enough now that all opposing defensive players should be aware of him. He takes it as a compliment and he should. Think about it for a second. With all the tough hitting defensive players in the league, a wide receiver is considered the dirtiest. Ya gotta love it. ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/125-consider.html Why do I collect??? http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/116-why-do-i-collect.html Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:14:26 GMT With the latest "rash" (lol, sorry Karl, I had ta use that flashy word) of eBay auctions posted that are to some, way outta control, I was moved again to wonder why we collect.
We have had many a discussion and some "hot" I might add, about WHY we collect.
I collect for, blah, blah, blah.....
I thought that this may be interesting to you all. It was in my recent Franklin Mint email, and was the results of a competition they had, for people to tell them why they collect.
Now I am talking pure collecting. Anything from used match sticks, to diamonds, just about everybody has collected something at sometime in their lives.
Check it out, contrast their reasoning against yours and remember.....we all collect for our own reasons......but we are a brotherhood under the skin.


1-800-THE-MINT


The Franklin Mint Announces Winners in
the “Share Your Story” Contest! We've asked you to share with us your stories on why and what you collect, and we have received many fascinating, funny and heart-touching stories. It has been a difficult task narrowing the selection down, but we are happy to announce the winning entries below. Because there were so many wonderful submissions, we have two Grand Prize Winners of a $250 Gift Certificate, plus 35 additional “Honorable Mention” winners of a $50 Gift Certificate!

A Veteran's Story
by Rebecca H. (Grand Prize Winner)
“To see his face and know that we all appreciated his dedication to keeping our country safe and free was truly priceless...”

While at the VA hospital in Minneapolis waiting for my dad's heart procedure, they had prepped him and had him waiting on his hospital bed in the middle of the hallway for his transport. While laying there nervous before his procedure, he was making small talk and looked up at a statue of the Vietnam, “Three Servicemen.”
Read More...
Why I Collect Fire Trucks & Why Franklin Mint
by Scott M. (Grand Prize Winner)
“It all started in 1996 when I purchased my first fire truck ...”

I was the Fire Chief of a municipal volunteer fire department and had just recovered the first motorized fire apparatus the municipality had from an old member that passed away. This 1916 Model T American LaFrance was found in a storage barn and in somewhat good shape considering its age and storage methods. As the Fire Chief I had decided to solicit the help of an antique automobile restoration expert. This project was going to cost the department $40,000 to restore the vehicle to mint status.
Read More...
Honorable Mentions
My Grand Dad's Coins, by Mike M.
Why I Collect Coins, by Virginia H.
An Old Timer at Heart, by Robert T. S.
Collecting for My Kids, by Peter S.
Monopoly, Baby, by Carlton B.
Collection Connection, by Richard P.
A Dolphin Experience, by Steve M.
Car Crazy!, by Scott L.
Corvettes for Life!, by Bruce J.
Beautiful Reminders of The People's Princess, by Danielle M.
My Dragon Den, by Albert P.
Stamp Collecting, by Merrill P.
My Love of Princess Diana Dolls, by Chris F.
My Pez Collection, by Clayton G.
Family Heirloom Coins, by Michael W.
My “Mom” Doll, by Patty B.
Pocket Knives, by Sylvia H.
Collecting Vintage Jewelry, by Christina D.
Butterflies Are Blessings from Heaven, by Carol G.
My Collection of Books, by Denni G.
My Diecast Story, by Moises F.
Collecting History, by Daniel H.
Coin Collecting, by Samuel I.
My Grandmother's Antique Collection, by Vinny L.
My Collection of “Automobilia”, by Burt T.
Corvettes Large & Small, by Lester T.
The Past in Coins, by Edward I.
Growing up with Automobiles, by R. Michael R.
Collecting World War II Airplane Models and Ships, by Steve W.
Boy Scout Collection, by Paul C.
Vietnam Memories, by Carrie A.
Harley Collection, by Vicky R.
Corvette Lover, by Carl L.
Why I Collect Corvette Models, by Donald B.
Collecting Dolls, by Catherine F.
]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/116-why-do-i-collect.html Blog from the Man Cave August 10th 2009 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/109-blog-man-cave-august-10th-2009.html Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:55:17 GMT Wow been a long time since I have posted anything in here. Summer time is a busy time for me as we are full speed working and just having fun while... Wow been a long time since I have posted anything in here. Summer time is a busy time for me as we are full speed working and just having fun while the kids are out of school. Actually I only have 1 ion school now but the little one will be in there come this time next year. It is so hard to believe that my oldest daughter is in the first grade this year. Man time flies. I know what my Dad meant when he said that time gets away from you when you start your own family.

My favorite time of the year is almost here, NFL season and the Fall hunting season is just around the corner.

I got my Rams tickets today in the mail, Nov 29th at St Louis vs the SeaHAGS, lower level on the 45 on the Rams sideline. I cannot wait. I am going to spend more time there this year and explore the city more. I have a good feeling about my team this year. I don't have any playoff hopes or anything like that but I know that this team will be a much better team than any team we have had since 2004. We finally have football people running the franchise and not some dumbass numbers people. Feels great to know that your owners actaully care(even if they are for sale they are doing everything to WIN games and get the right people in place). Our new coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney have really stepped up. It feels wierd knowing that your team may actually look like a real football team with good fundamentals. I get snapshots and reports from training camp everyday and sometimes twice a day from friends around St Louis. I am excited more about this year than in the years past.

GO RAMS!!!

I am still collecting handguns but haven't made any new purchases in a while and just sticking to what I do have and shooting out in the back yard when I get the chance. I finally did get my TN Handgun Carry Permit, feels kinda weird getting to carry a gun almost everywhere I go. No on really seems to notice it either, even though I don't have to in TN I still carry concealed, except for when I carry my 1911, kinda hard to hide a large auto.

Well it's hotter then hell here today, time to get off here and go take a dip in the pool and find the AC for the evening.
Out...... ]]> Geebi http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/109-blog-man-cave-august-10th-2009.html The Race Pool http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/believe/87-race-pool.html Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:29:16 GMT Before the season started, me and some friends decided to get together and have a weekly racing pool. There's a total of 8 of us and we agreed to put up $50 apiece into the pot. The pot will pay out three winners at the end; $50 for third, $100 for second and $250 for first place. Racing, money and friends. How could I say no? :thrasher:

So anyway, we're what, halfway through the season now? I've been in first place since week 2 or week 3 and have controlled it pretty well. Our points system is unlike anything I've done with racing before, but here's the lowdown. We each get three drivers per week. We get a point for whatever position they finish in. If Driver A finishes third, we get three points. Also, if Driver A leads a lap, that's a -2. If Driver A also leads the most laps, that's another -2. To greatly reward picking the winner, the winning driver actually gets us -10, although it's really -12 because that guy obviously led at least one lap. We also get -5 if one of our drivers gets the pole. It slowly evolved as we got used to it, but basically we have three rounds where we each get one pick. Each round is randomly picked by a random member. That way, no one has the first pick in each round unless they get pulled that way. The order is pulled on Monday and picks are made on Tuesday. Unfortunately, we don't get see any practices, but that's okay. Like I said, there's 8 of us. First off, there's me, no need for further description. Then, we have Caesar, a long time friend of mine, works for Pepsi and is a Jeff Gordon fan. Next is Joaney, wife to Caesar, bit airheaded and loves Kasey Kahne, could have been in those Allstate commercials easily. Next is McCall, longtime friend of Caesar, all around good guy, big time Junior fan. Then we have Lisa, also known as Doc (pharmacist), childhood friend of Joaney and a fan of Jimmie Johnson. Then we have Steven, boyfriend of Lisa (known as Smurf now because of his height) and fan of Kyle Busch. Then we have Jimmy, brother of Lisa, Junior fan I believe. Last we have Butch, father of Lisa and Jimmy and also a Junior fan.

Having this pool going on has made the races a lot more intense and interesting while watching it with one or more of my fellow competitors. Bad luck for some driver makes for a lot of trash talk among us. Those are the basics and I'll update each week. ]]> Believe http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/believe/87-race-pool.html In the blink of an eye.... http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/86-blink-eye.html Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:38:27 GMT *I viewed the post w/the You Tube video of the NASCAR Mexico driver, Carlos Pardo meeting his untimely end, and was moved to write this. We watch,... I viewed the post w/the You Tube video of the NASCAR Mexico driver, Carlos Pardo meeting his untimely end, and was moved to write this.
We watch, cheer, buy merchandise, tease each other, criticize, praise and make fun of these guys, but I think, (at least I know I do,) we forget how near death they are just to satiate their competitive fires, to entertain us and to make a very comfortable living.
They go faster, and the cars get better but there has to be a time when the speed and the competitiveness will be greater than the safety devices, or death will seek out and find that place where nobody thought of anything happening as has seemed to have occurred in Mexico. It can all go away in the blink of an eye.
Safety is an ever moving target, and we can put band-aides on the leaks, but we will never seal the tire completely.
At times like this, I feel like giving up the sport I love the most over them all. I am a baseball, football, basketball fan and a fan of other sports as well, but motorsports is and always will be my first love.
It seems like such stupid thing when tragedies like this occur. What greater good does this thing called racing serve? None I guess in the greater scheme of things.
But it is revered by a great amount of people world wide in all of it's forms. From Karting to F-1 and every type of means of motorized apparatus in between, they all seek to go faster than their friend and competitor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to that driver in hopes that he may rest in peace, and to his family that they may rest assured that they will be reunited w/him one day in the Kingdom of God.
I think of not watching anymore, but after awhile, that will be all it is/was, a passing thought.
Passing, yeah, passing. We love passing.
There is another race in a few days, and I'm pretty sure Carlos Pardo would want us to watch. I know.....I will. ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/86-blink-eye.html Backs against the wall........ http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/84-backs-against-wall.html Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:33:22 GMT Tomorrow night may bring another long year to an end.
Game 6 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs is tomorrow night in Pittsburgh at the "Igloo", Mellon Arena.
It could end an era, as I believe this is the last year at this venue, and it could very well end another season for the Penguins.
IMO, They have nothing to hang their head about. After a great start, the real personality of this team was seen, and they fell in the standings like a rock.
Before it was too late, Pens front office staff realized and remedied the situation.
A new coach was procured, and some big moves were made, and they clawed their way back into playoff contention, where the talent of the team took over and they made it through the playoffs to the finals, to meet their nemesis of last year, the Detroit Red Wings.
Last year, the Wings won due to the Pens youth and inexperience. That and a slight edge in talent.
This year, the Pens are a much better team. But in their own right the Wings improved as well, picking up Hossa from the Pens in the off season. The player that made the big difference in the Pens last year, is making the difference in the Wings this year. The Pens are, after some personnel moves, a significantly better team than went to the "Finals" last year, but the loss, and in contrast the gain for the Wings ( Mr. Hossa) makes a big difference to both clubs.
Well, back to where before all of this rambling I began.....the Pens backs are against the wall.
If I were in this position, I can think of no where I would rather play than where this game will be held.
In the Civic Arena, Mellon Arena, or "the Igloo". What ever you choose to call it, it is the original and historic home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Should the season end there, again, they have NOTHING to be ashamed of. They had a great season, and put up a valiant effort.
The Wings, at this point as has yet to be proven or seen, are a better team. The final results are still to be determined. It is my hopes that the Pens win tomorrow night and it will all be determined by game 7 in "Hockey Town", Detroit, Michigan.
Should the Penguins win there, it would be even sweeter as the Wings celebrated and held the Cup in our rink last year when all was said and done.
Either way, I will be happy. The Penguins are still young and have next year to look forward to and a new arena to play in. There should be many Cups in this teams future if they can keep them together.
On the other hand, if it goes 7, and they still fall to the Wings, they did better than last year, and the better team won.
Should they win in Detroit, even better.
They will be Cup Champs, and they won without, or should I say despite Hossa.
Either way, the game is alive and well in Pittsburgh and Detroit and that is a good thing. Congratulations Red Wings fans. You have something to trully be "proud" off.
All of the Penguin fans in Pittsburgh or where ever you may be, DO AS WELL. ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/84-backs-against-wall.html Today my heart is broken............ http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/83-today-my-heart-broken.html Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:28:56 GMT *Today my heart is broken. I lost a living thing that is as close to me as my parents were, and my wife and children are. The day after I got... Today my heart is broken. I lost a living thing that is as close to me as my parents were, and my wife and children are.
The day after I got married, my wife and I went to the pound to get a" Puppie".
That was my wife's idea, and it was a cool idea I guess as I never cared for big dogs. So a "Puppie" would work out.
Well we arrived and walked up and down the cages and around the other side and up and down another set. There were very many and they all were very loud. Some barked, and some whined. Some jumped on the gate vying for your attention and others acted like they wanted to rip you apart.
They were all fairly large so none really caught my eye. There was one though that she liked. It was large, all white and sat in the back, kind of unassumingly and did not vye for any attention. She (my wife) knelt in front of the cage and he came out and looked at her. He sat for a second, she reached out and he sniffed her hand. Licked it and then turned and walked back into the kennel and sat down. She was sold. We adopted him, and were to find out that day, that he had outlived his stay on more than one occasion. They have a determined length of time, and if no one adopts them, they are put down, but he was such a well mannered and behaved dog, that the staff didn't have the heart to put him down. He dodged the bullet that day as he went home w/us, He was scheduled to be put to sleep in the morning the next day.
He went home w/us and was immediately a friend. He as great w/kids, and we have had various cats over the years and he never bothered them, or any other animals. You could say he was the perfect dog. He was house trained and never destroyed anything. He had a personality all of his own
He was approximately 2 years old when we got him, and our tenth anniversary is coming up on November 22nd, so he was going to be around 12 or 13 soon. Pretty old for a dog who is a Lab, Shepard mix.
Well lately his heath had been failing and he was having trouble getting around. He had been diagnosed w/Cushing's disease, he had hip displaysia, and he had had a blood clot in his tail, which had killed his tail and it had to be amputated. Through it all, he stayed as playful and as great a companion as he had been his whole life.
Well, last night during the night he needed out to go to the bathroom. He had been having more and more trouble moving lately and he got outside, and had to sit and then couldn't get back up to get back in the house.
As hard as he tried, he couldn't regain his feet. My wife and I assisted him in and pondered all night as to what we were going to do. I hoped against all hope that he would be OK after he laid around a little bit and rested that he would be OK and that he would be able to continue to live, but when he was left out again in the morning, the same scenario played itself out. Again, it took both of us to assist him back in, and his rear hips are very touchy. Hence when we had to help him up, he would yelp in pain.
We talked and decided that this was no quality of life for him, and as hard as it would be to loose him, he would be better off put down.
We took him to the Vet's this morning and I thought that having him put "to sleep" would be the hardest part, but as they injected him, he screamed as the injection was almost completed.
Now do I not only miss him and feel bad for doing this to him, I believe he died in pain, and that is/was the last thing I ever would have wanted to happen to him.
Somewhere I hope he is still watching, running through the fields, and jumping and barking. I hope he knows he is loved and that I am so sorry that his last memory was of pain and fear. I miss you Baby, sleep w/the angels.
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]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/83-today-my-heart-broken.html Expecting to hear one thing and hearing another http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ronmcc/78-expecting-hear-one-thing-hearing-another.html Sat, 16 May 2009 15:31:32 GMT I've tried to write this blog on more than one occasion.Finally after much thought here goes nothing.
On February 23rd I went to the Doctor.My blood pressure was high.165/101.I told the doctor that I did'nt feel well and he asked me what I wanted him to do?I replied"what do you think I ought to do"?The doctor said he doesnt treat patience for general medical.I asked if he felt i needed to go to the ER across the street?The doctor told me to go home a 60 mile drive and relax.By the time I got home my blood pressure was 178/111.I called my doctor and she said to come in immediately.I was cold,clammy,perspiring,numbness on my left side.I drove the 11 miles and almost crashed in to the guard rail.I made it to the doctors and the receptionist said "oh" and I was brought in immediately.The nurse started taking my blood pressure and assesing me.BP was 180/115 pulse was 107.The Doctor came in and she started assesing me.I told her about the numbness etc.She tested me for a stroke.I could'nt feel anything she did with spike roller needles etc.They called for a ambulance.The ambulances were busy and they had to send one from a neighboring community.They threw me on the gurney and took me to the ER.On the way the paramedic tried to start a IV.After 5 times of trying I told him to pull the ambulance over and try when we are not traveling down a highway at 70 MPH.They pulled over and the Paramedic still missed the vein.(As I told the paramedic "I Hvae thick skin and bad veins.My veins blow real easy".)I told them to just get me to the ER.We arrived at the ER and the ER doctor met me at the door and told me they were going to get me out of here asap because he didnt feel I was having a stroke.They could'nt life flight me out because of the bad weather.The transport ambulance showed up in 2 hours.I took the 75 mile ride to the lovely Napa Valley.I arrived about 21:30 and went directly to my room on the cardiac floor.I went through all the greetings and 100s of questions.Finally I got to sleep about 01:30.The lab came in about 05:30 to draw my blood.To say I was less than happy was a understatement.The nurse came in and said I would be undergoing numerous tests today.
They arrived at 08:00 to take me down for my tests.I had a x-ray of my chest,CT of my brain and last but not least a MRI of my brain.I was done at 11:30 just in time for lunch.WooHoo.I ate my lunch took a nap and watched TV and hung out the remainder of the day.
The next morning a lady came in about 8:00.She introduced herself and said she was a neurologist.My first thought was like what are you doing here.She asked me numerous questions,verbal tests and checked me for numbness.I am sitting here in the bed and she says they found white lesions on my brain and she is 95 percent sure I have Multiple Sclerosis.To say I was in shock was a understatement.I could here her talking but didnt undertstand what she was saying.The nurse came in immediately after the doctor left.She asked "if I was ok" I had tears in my eyes and told her yeah I was fine.She told me "they were starting Predazone IV to help stop the progression of the MS".I told the nurse I needed to call my family.The nurse left me alone to do so.I had to call my parents first.My dad needed to go to my wifes work and let her know of the diagnosis.
I called my mom and told her and she wanted to chat.I told my mom "I was in no mood and that dad needed to tell my wife in person".My dad called me back.My dad doesnt cry very often.He was crying when he called.I told him what I needed.He notified my wife and she called me about 12:30.We talked and I told her we would get through this.
14:00 in walked a Physical Therapist.Was I in for a rude shock.I tried to stand up and lost my balance and fell back on the bed.The PT helped me back up and we walked out of my room.I walked down the hall with my hand on the wall.I couldnt walk in a straight line and was very unstable.The PT said"welcome to MS".We both laughed.She said I would be "experiencing all kinds of stuff in the next few days".She also said "the simple things in life you took for granted were now going to become a struggle".How right she was.I was moved to the Acute Rehab Unit.I had my own room WooHoo.
The staff came in and assesed me.I was a mess.I had numbenss on left side,reduced strength on left side,short term memory loss,weakness in left leg and hand,speech and swallowing problems,I also had a delay of 3 to 4 seconds and my eyes dont track properly.I spenmt the next 8 days in Acute Rehab.The simplest of tasks now became very difficult.My stamina was gone and I was tired in about 10 minutes whether it was Physical or Mental exercises.
The staff kept reminding me that the MS diagnosis would hit me.I had been in good spirits and was dealing with the diagnosis.I had Physical Therapy,Speech Therapy,Occupational Therapy every day for 3 hours a day.After 8 days I was free from the hospital.
My dad came and picked me up from the Hospital.I left the hospital with a bunch of work orders and RX.I had made some progress but not a whole lot.Long slow road ahead of me.I almost fell getting into the car.I got in and my first request was human food.We went to my favorite pizza place.
The next day I recieved another reality check.I had to take my RX in for a cane and shower chair.I made all my appointments etc.I was exhausted after about 30 minutes and had to take a nap.
The next day I started outpatient rehab 2x a week 3 hours a day.To this day I still go to rehab.
I still suffer from left sided numbness,nerve pain,reduced feeling on my left side,weakness on my left side,delay of 3 to 4 seconds,no depth perception,eyes dont track properly,thick tongue,swallowing issues,short term memory loss on a daily basis.I had a follow up MRI Thursday and will see my Neurologist next Thrusday.We will decide on a drug regimen.I'm so looking forward to injecting myself daily,every other day or once weekly depending on the drug we decide.
My life has changed immensly.I can not work,I cant drive (I veer to the left).I have a new job title.Lead domestic engineer when I am having a good day.I have good days and bad days.If it is bad day I relax and hang out.I have to be able to attend PT.I have had to change the way I do daily tasks that I took for granted.I've learnd how to conserve my energy which is a big deal for people with MS.
When I'm not doing PT I am online doing research on MS and why one beer makes me so sick.I just had discovered Hop Hound beer while we were in Daytona.I had heard alcohol would make me ill and it did.Another lesson learned.
I also do reseach on what meds are out there and I spend a lot of time talking to people who have MS.Over all I take it one day at a time.A good day is a good day.A bad day can be very bad.
I have a positive attitude.I have a 4 year old son.I dont want him having to push me around in a wheel chair.This thought drives me when I am having a bad day.
I have been out in public twice where I needed to use my wheel chair.That was another reality check.I cant walk long distances.I use my cool vest when it is warm and I am outside.Sunblock doesnt work real well anymore.I burn easy when I wear shorts.LOL.
I love the people that make comments to me when I am riding on a electric cart at the grocery store.I tell them I'll trade you bodies for one day and that usually shuts them up.
The prognosis is TBD at this point.Depending how the drug regimen works.I have 4 choicesif the first fails.THe MS will never go away.The Doctors dont know what causes MS.They dont know if MS leads to other Neurological problems.A lot of unknowns.But I stay positive and take one day at a time.So now you know why I am on DCZ a lot lately and will be for the future.LOL.I can see Franklin cringing now.LOL.Thanks for reading. ]]> ronmcc http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ronmcc/78-expecting-hear-one-thing-hearing-another.html <![CDATA[A negative "air" about this place. (Pure conjecture on my part, read w/an open mind)]]> http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/74-negative-air-about-place-pure-conjecture-my-part-read-w-open-mind.html Thu, 07 May 2009 20:35:41 GMT Recently, there seems to be a "negative air" about this place. Someone makes a post or authors a thread, and before the post is done, or the thread is a few seconds old, someone is making a reply or a post that is just aching to start a battle. Be it anti Jr. (which most are) or just plain negative.
I have been thinking very hard about this, and I still cannot decide if it is the bad economy and the effect it is having on us all, and the pressure we are all under, or what it is, but to me this seems totally unnecessary.
I am as guilty as the next guy, but upon seeing, or as one may say, discovering this, I have decided to make a concerted effort to try to be less negative.
I have noticed that the Jr. "bashing" is getting way out of hand. To hear, or should I say read all of the negative Jr. posts, and/or threads, one would begin to think that Jr. is everything bad about NASCAR. To hear/read these posts, He is the reason that, there are no sponsors, the races are long, boring, have no passing whatever is wrong.
He sells too much, he sells too little, Action makes too much of his stuff, his fans are idiots, HE is an idiot, I could go on and on.
If you are frustrated, say what's really on your mind, OR if you don't know, don't say anything. It can't always be Jr. or his fans that are the "Root of all evil". We all get frustrated, and the (what seems as) number one way to vent that frustration is to "slam" Jr..
We're all bound to have differences of opinion, and that will never change, BUT, must we always call someone out who aggravates us? Take a deep breath and let it slide. I have found, if someone says something that "pisses" me off, if I walk away, or close the browser window, go somewhere else, be it away from the PC, or even just surf the web for awhile, and then come back later and check a few different threads before I come back to that thread/post, I see things a whole lot differently.
Less negative posts, lead to a whole lot less negative responses. Less negative responses lead to a whole lot less hurt feelings which in time lead to more positive posts, better relationships and a whole lot nicer place to be.
Again, I am as guilty as anyone, but I am making a concerted effort to make less antagonistic posts and replies. I hope we can all see this and all try to be better friends to each other, rather than being the die-cast, sports, and literary police. It's just not our place to put everybody else in theirs.....again, it's just my opinion, BUT hopefully more of us will agree. Just maybe....... ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/74-negative-air-about-place-pure-conjecture-my-part-read-w-open-mind.html A Home Opener for the ages.... http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/71-home-opener-ages.html Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:55:18 GMT *Recently in the news, you may have heard of the three Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty last weekend. They... Recently in the news, you may have heard of the three Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers who were killed in the line of duty last weekend.
They responded to a marital dispute, and were not informed by 911 (although the operator was told) that there were weapons involved. Upon entering the residence, four responding officers were shot and three killed.
It has pretty much been the talk among the public service community. A large memorial was held in the city, w/a parade etc.
Today was the Home Opener of the Pirates 09' season. There were the typical opening day ceremonies, but today was different than most. The excitement was tempered by the somber tones of bag pipes as the surviving officer was in attendance and a tribute was held for his fallen comrades.
The Pirates wore "PBP" hats and "PBP" patches on their sleeves. Flags were at half staff, and there was a fly over by the local Air National Guard. It was a very moving and emotional experience, even on television. I dearly wish I could have been there and in uniform to pay my respects. Being an emergency responder, we rely on 911 as our eyes and ears until we are on scene and can make our own assessment. This is truly a sad and severe wake up call, that the next call, could be your last.
Couple this w/the loss to the baseball world as well of Harry Kalas, and Mark Fidrych, there were many a tear shed today.
All was not sad this day though, as it also marked the 50th year of service to the Pirate organization by World Series winning pitcher Steve Blass. He pitched two complete game wins in the 1971 season when the Bucs defeated the Baltimore Orioles for the World Series Championship.
He now is a home television announcer and they paid tribute to him and his dedication to the ball club and his various charities and organizations.
The real reason they were there though, was baseball, and as everything in life, the show must go one. And go on it did.
The Bucs continue to look up. They have had a decent team in recent years offensively, but their much lauded pitching staff continued to fall short of their potential. This year so far, out of all seven games played, they have had six "quality starts", that being six or more low pitch count successful innings.
Today was extraordinary.
Zach Duke took the mound and pitched a gem. A four hit complete game shut out. Now granted, it was against the Astros, who have been on a losing streak, since winning on their opening day.
But today was a day of tribute, memories and the hope for a new day.
That new day looks, at least for now, like it may be arriving in Pittsburgh.
As I stated in my previous blog, .500 would be like a playoff birth for the normally underachieving Bucs, but right now, they are one game over .500, hitting the ball, pitching well, and even the defense is sparkling.
I know it's a long year, but I am usually a patient guy and right now, I am enjoying seeing winning baseball again, in the 'Burgh.
As always,
"Let's Go Bucs!!!" ]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/71-home-opener-ages.html Blog from the Man Cave April 13th 2009 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/69-blog-man-cave-april-13th-2009.html Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:18:07 GMT Well it's Monday again. Just got in from working. Still thankful that our work has not slowed down too much. But when you live in a smaller town and have a good name that sure helps when times get like they are now.

I am sitting here waiting on a call to meet a guy to purchase yet another handgun. I love them. They have became my new passion as of late. I know they cost more than the cars I used to collect but they are so much more fun for me. If I get tired of looking at one or don't like it I can have it sold within 24 hours normally.

I am also waiting for my TN Handgun Carry Permit to arrive in the mail. It was mailed last Monday. That is another great thing about my state, we get to carry them after taking the class. I have never in my life been in a situation where one was needed to save my life but today might be that day. The way people are getting and the way the economy is it looks like it will get worse before it gets better. I don't want anyone messing with my family no matter where we are. I know a lot of people don't see eye to eye on guns but I love them and will continue to support the NRA and local groups that fight for my 2nd amendment right. I am not a gung-ho Republican and I don't talk down on the Democrats because most of them are anti-gun. I am no politician. I just want to be left alone.

On another note, the 2009 NFL Draft is in 2 weeks and I cannot wait. The excitement of who your team will take and the way it pans out until season starts is awesome...for football fans.

Until next time.....out. ]]> Geebi http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/geebi/69-blog-man-cave-april-13th-2009.html <![CDATA[The 09' Pittsburgh Pirates season is underway......]]> http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/68-09-pittsburgh-pirates-season-underway.html Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:12:48 GMT Well, two series outta the way for the 09' season, and the Pirates are @ .500. That is way better than what I thought they would be at this point in the young 09' season, and they could have swept one series and won the other.
They are playing their typical (as has been the norm for this core group of players) fundamentally deficient baseball, even as they managed to turn a triple play against the Reds in their last outing.
Andy LaRoche at third had three errors in two consecutive games. He later in the series hit a homerun, but IMO that does little to redeem him.
The Jason Bay and Xavier Nady trades are still looking bad, but they received a lot of players in those deals so time will tell what happens in the end.
Andy was benched in the last two games and the defense was improved.
No, they are not a playoff team as they are playing now, but .500 would (at this point) be like a World Series Championship this year. It all rests on the shoulders of the pitching staff.
It is as they say "a long season" and w/156 games left to be played, I am again along for the ride.
Next up, the "Home Opener", Go Bucs!!!!


]]> FFighter_21 http://diecastcrazy.com/community/blogs/ffighter_21/68-09-pittsburgh-pirates-season-underway.html