It's that time again, I'm taking a week and putting the laptop in storage. I'll be heading out to Disney World in Florida. I'm not doing any web development, tech support, or posting... in fact the only digital thing I'll be doing is taking pictures and videos. Stay cool while I'm away and I look forward to seeing you all here when I get back.

Link: http://twitter.com/GeeG_info

I'll be honest, I'm not a Twitter user. But if you are, you can now follow along there too - eh, what the hey ... they say it's good for SEO.

Rob

If you have a smartphone from Verizon and are experiencing issues, this is why - all phones are affected - except for New York..

Verizon indicated it does not have an ETA for when things will be fixed and they don't have any status message on their site.

ok, I'm anxious and work isn't letting up - so I'm scheduling the big upgrade for next week - Monday I'll let ya all know what days we'll be offline.

Rob

Ok, things are gonna get rather rocky here soon - basically here's the scoop.

1 - The software that powers this site (b2Evolution) is way ahead in codebase - I'm on 2.4 and the current is 3.3.x

2 - The new page design is done ( offering a true liquid layout for widescreen monitors and many other upgraded features )

So, I need to update - this is going to cause some problems because of....

a - The code is so different I will have to delete everything and then start fresh with the new code.

b - the database for this version needs to be upgraded to the new version which will require a conversion

c - all of the plugins that are currently in use on the site will be deleted - some of which are old and can't be replaced simply.

So, this is what will be happening ( I don't know the exact date yet )

- when I delete everything the entire site will go down and during the update / database process I would imagine visitors would see all freakin sorts of crazy errors. Instead, during this time the site will redirect to a temp page offsite - With the domain redirection and code work I figure the better part of an evening you'll not see the real page )

- once that is done I'll add the new skin and then the page will function ... but I'll be missing my spam filters - links won't automatically open in new windows - no recent comments display - no Google Analytics etc....

- then I'll have to change all the hard coded links from the test site (menu/RSS etc)

- finally I'll need to reinstall what I can and invent what I can't.

When all this is done there will still be a good deal of fine tuning - then I can start adding features like instant bacon. So be aware, I'll try and give sufficient warning, but if you see errors - just stop by later or the next day.

The new version (2.0 Raptor) replaces this version (1.1 Dragon)

( a slightly interesting side note is I've been using b2Evo since 2003 when the version was 0.4 )

Well, it's late and the new design has taken a turn far afield of what was last posted, using the comments and suggestions I got I came up with

This design

Last round for comments - what do you think?

Link: http://67.192.191.124/rob/index.php

Alright, I actually spent some time this morning drilling down the new page design - if you could view it and let me know what you think (either in the comments or send me a mail)

It should work in all browsers ( IE 7,8 Firefox >1, Chrome (all) ) I don't have access to Safari so if one of you Mac heads could let me know if it looks right....

There's some spiffying up that needs to be done - but I would welcome any/all criticisms or comments.

Rob

Link: http://67.192.191.124/rob/

Wondering why this weeks updates are Tuesday/Thursday instead of the usual? Well two big projects - still working on a server migration for work and furiously coding the big GeeG upgrade/redesign.

The upgrade is rather huge consisting of a database upgrade and complete code replacement. I don't know when I'll schedule it but work is well underway.

Course this means that for the time being I have absolutely no time for social life or non essential things like- eh, eating...

Rob

I've done a little more work today - you'll notice (well some of you will) that the gallery is gone... I'm untying any personal stuff from the page to make it more focused and (cough ... professional)

Just checked Alexa and things look good there - #1,633,309 Up 7,290 ranks over the last three months.

Got a whole heck of a way to go to get into the top 100,000 though.

Also found a new metric tool called Quantcast, it's free and here's their info.

Quantcast provides direct, accurate audience measurement of your web site traffic -- Profile your audience for FREE!

# et easy-to-read reports that show your audience reach and composition by domain, custom grouping, or cross-network
# Close the gap between internal logs and public ratings from external parties
# Attract higher ad rates and increase ad-based revenue

I plan to set Quantcast up after posting tonight, I'll let you all know how it is.

Ok - I know some of you are gonna be unhappy, but I do feel most people never grooved with it... . I've killed off the radio feature. - It was cool for what it was, but it really doesn't fit anymore. I think instead of the occasional radio feature it's probably better to do a videocast of some interesting topic that is more in line with the GeeG way of thought. Thanks to everyone that liked the feature - and I might (or might probably) do it elsewhere - but not here.

Ok, that's my chunk of redesign for tonight- I've got the basic layout of the new site design, and things are progressing well.

Have a good evening and I'll see you tomorrow night.

Rob

Link: http://website.grader.com/wsgid/2994081/default.aspx

Wow - we hit 90% on Website Grader - I never even did that on my old site! Keep up the good work lads and lasses.

A website grade of 90/100 for geeg.info means that of the hundreds of thousands of websites that have previously been evaluated, our algorithm has calculated that this site scores higher than 90% of them in terms of its marketing effectiveness.

Your website has an Alexa rank of 1,914,302 which is in the top 6.84 % of all websites.

This blog currently has a Technorati rank of 593,504, which puts it in the top 0.85% of blogs tracked by Technorati.

GeeG Radio - Dennis DeYoung - One Hundred Years From Now

All you Styx fans listen up -

Have ya heard that Dennis had released an album in Canada and it got picked up by a company in the states? Well, here it is... and hopefully I won't pick up too much hell for previewing it just days after release. If it goes down tho, you'll know I did. :-)

The former front man of Styx - follows up his last album . I heard a radio interview where Dennis states the album tries to pick up after "Pieces of Eight" - don't get me wrong, I love Styx (then and now) I love Dennis DeYoung, but I think only a few songs here are in that spirit. In the most part this seems to be a DeYoung album. Not that that is a bad thing, I've got 'em all ... but I don't see more than a tad of retro Styx in it.

All in all a good effort - solid album with the voice that we all grew up with. Dennis - if you end up reading this - please don't sue me :-)

Dennis - you could take a few notes from the latest Asia album, it's ok for you to be yourself and go back to retro while retaining your current style - we'd all like it.

Is it a great album -yes, worth a listen - yes - should ya buy it - my call is yes.

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

GeeG Radio -Foreigner (1977)

What we need today is a good solid rock album - and there's hardly a better choice than the first self titled album from Foreigner. This album makes me long for those lost days of arena bands.

Hold up your lighters - get that beach ball bouncing and get that hairspray out. Time for a little fun.

Rob

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

GeeG Radio -Boston - Corporate America (2002)

I think a good many people (even some Boston fans) Missed this albums release. It's a strong album with that signature sound. Of note is track 4 where for the first time ever we have a female singer with the band.

If you've ever liked the band Boston - this album will not disappoint!

Have Fun!

Rob

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

GeeG Radio - Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind (1983)

Many people might find it hard to believe that a Geek can also be a metalhead, but I'd say a good many I know (Including me, are)....

I'm in the mood this week for one of my fav Maiden albums - Piece of Mind... Think my favorite track is Revelations.

Every once in a while we all need to bang our heads against something and I'm no exception. Enjoy this classic metal album as much as I will.

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

GeeG Radio -Asia - Phoenix (192k)

A real special treat for Asia or Progressive rock fans tonight - mind you these are all sampled at 192k so it might take a while for songs to start playing.

Nearly 26 years after their first landmark album the members of Asia got back together for the Phoenix album. Released in the summer of 2008 it quickly became one of my favorite albums.

Rising from the ashes in 2008, the Multi-Platinum Supergroup Asia returns with "Phoenix," the first new album featuring the original line up in 25 years. With a revered musical pedigree, Geoff Downes (Yes, The Buggles), Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (ELP), and John Wetton (King Crimson) have returned to their hit making roots. Featuring the anthemic lead track "Never Again", and the poignant "An Extraordinary Life," Asia’s revived the sound that made them radio staples.

I think my favorite track would be Orchard of Mines - it just struck the right chord at the right time - but all of these tracks rock with the classic Asia sound.

Enjoy this excellent album!

-Rob

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

Top 'O the Evenin Lads and lasses - I've got the Second batch of fine fine Irish tunes to get you into the St. Patty's Day spirit.

Surely these songs will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.

Enjoy!

-Rob

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

So Saturday night be sure to set those clocks ahead an hour...

Or you'll find the only one that knows what time it truly is will be the cable box.

Sunday the 8th - Turn those clocks ahead and change the batteries in your smoke/co2 alarms....

Well - it's nary a couple weeks now till St. Pattys Day rolls around and this bein one of my favorite musical holidays deserves a special dose of music.

I've got a whole rousin round of songs guaranteed to get you off of your barstools and swingin yer fists at the nearest patron for callin you a wee folk.

Surely the best medicine to combat a cold start to March - Have a few rounds and enjoy lads and lasses... Oh and a special thanks to me pal Kev on this one.

-Rob

Everyone Loves or at least likes Steve Miller. I'm sure everyone's heard The Joker at least 500 times.

But I bet you haven't heard one other track off what I think is one of the best albums ever. This massive gem of an album contains so much fun and funk it should be illegal. This is a recording that should be played while with friends and enjoying a drink or 14.

I bet this gets you in the outdoor party spirit

Enjoy! - Rob

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

You know, there's just something cool about a song done in acapella. These made the past weekends long road trip fun in the car - now I'm passing along a few to you to lighten your work week. I've put up quite a diverse selection of songs, though I'm not sure exactly who the artists were. I imagine some at least are from Rockapella - but back in the day a lot of these were mislabeled as that artist so it's anyones guess.

Crank up the volume and enjoy this light hearted mix - Rob

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll get this weeks updates.

GeeG Radio - Enter The Haggis (assorted)

It's getting ever closer to March - and when St. Pattys day looms so does my appetite for Irish music. This particular band I found while creating the website for the Irish Music Fest here in Ct last year. (Bands Website)

There aren’t many groups in North America who could lay claim to possibly 18 different genres of music, but Toronto’s Enter The Haggis is one of them. To engage this quintet is to indulge rock, fusion, bluegrass, traditional Celtic fare, agitpop, folk, even Latin flavors.

Getting yourself in the spring spirit shouldn't be at all hard with these tunes, just go easy on the whiskey - it ain't March yet!

Have fun!

Rob.

-note these radio features change weekly - if you followed an older link you'll understand.

GeeG Radio - Red Earth ( India on My Mind )

Welcome to Ambient Electronic with an ethnic flair. This weeks album is to offset two things - winter, and frustration... or stress if it fits better.

This album features tracks by some of lounge music's biggest names, all undoubtedly composed and sung with India on their minds! Many penetrating sounds will paint the canvas of your minds with hues of India. Walk barefoot through the arid sands of Rajasthan, soak in the wet fragrances of the monsoon's first shower, pound through the undergrowth of Kerala with the elephants, and reverberate with the frantic pace of Bombay.

Finding any album info on this online is sketchy at best - so enjoy this hard to find mix album. Get a cup of tea, have some curry even...

Progressive Rock fans should be super happy, and you general music fans should too. I've put together a sampler of the band from the middle of it's ever continuing evolution. Turn up your sound and get a progressive groove on with these excellent tunes.

Enjoy! - Rob

Want to take your mind far from the snow and cold? Check out the latest..

GeeG Radio - CD Quality - David Gilmour - On an Island

I wondered what I could put up that would take our minds off of the cold. One album sprang to mind straight away. This is David Gilmours most recent album. It's both deep, playful and full of summer stirrings.

Hearing the voice and guitar of Pink Floyd at his solo best is a treat. If you haven't bought this album yet, this might inspire you.

I'd suggest putting on the headphones, cranking this up, and listening to it while relaxing (either in bed or wherever that spot is for you) - The songs range from a fun relaxed romp through the artists landscape to more personal tunes set to a revised Floyd beat and Riff.

This is sure to offset the winter a tad... Enjoy and all the best...

Rob

Oh yes, a special treat for you this week. How about an entire album in CD Quality? Cool? Yes, an how about this album being Ozzys cover album entitled "Under Cover" ? Haven't heard of it? Don't feel bad not too many people have. The track listing is HERE - Some excellent listening to thaw out your Mid winter freeze.

Got the Monday blues? Ticked off at your boss? Bummed out cus your cat exploded? No problem! We've got you covered with some great tunes 1980's style. Enjoy!

This months site news is HERE and while traffic was down due to the holidays - Site ratings were way up. Hope you all had as nice a holiday season as I did and here's to the next year!

Rob

Happy freaking New Year everyone! Try your best to be safe and watch the ball drop. I'll be taking a couple days off from posting to spend New Years Eve with friends and my Lady - and a good part of New Years Day too.

See you all on Friday !

Rob

Well, what could I do - I thought of what songs to put up for New Years and could only think of two - one of which was from Dan Fogelberg - so I nixed that idea and delivered you lads and lasses a whole bunch of songs straight from the Captain. Fire up the Geeg Radio and grab some rum - it's time for some songs to get riotous by.

Aye, and have a blast me hardies!

Hey, if you are a regular reader or if you've just stopped by for a link or two - GeeG wishes you a safe and happy holiday. I hope Santa brings you everything you wanted - but just in case you find a big old lump of coal in your stocking, you can always go out and buy yourself a Wii and not share it with anyone.

Merry Christmas - !

image credit

Happy Holidays GeeG readers - Tonight I give you the last radio update before Christmas. It's full of fun and silly, Goofy tunes to wrap presents by ... You do have all your presents dontcha?

Be good - some updates coming tomorrow....

W00T - GeeG Radio fans, Expect a treat today - not just for the music, but as I promised last week, the newly redesigned radio feature is here. You now get Auto Play, an integrated playlist, a new player with better streaming and full quality mp3's. - No more 96k bitrate for you.

Today's update covers more Christmas songs- but wait! These are special - and they play in a pop out window ... so no more losing songs when you surf out.

Rock on with your bad selves - any problems with any browser be sure to use the contact us link on the right.

And for you new Radio listeners - just use the link on the top right of the page to open the radio.

Rob

Well, if you've stopped by tonight you are in for a treat - I've got week II of Christmas going with a bunch of songs off of "Slim Sphincters Christmas Gas". If you can't get a clear picture of what this might entail - I challenge you to go and listen. But hey, put down that coffee first