Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) will be debuting the first record, "Out of Ashes," for his side project titled "Dead By Sunrise" on October 13th.  I've listened to a  few tracks already -- amazing.  Check it out!!

Mood: cheerful

Song: Dead By Sunrise - My Suffering

Over the weekend, I updated the site with some new components.  I added a contact form, an area to showcase some projects I stay busy with, some information about me professionally (including my resume - as an example for those out there that need help - please know I am very happy where I am currently employed and am not looking for a job).  There is also a new footer to make navigation of sub-sections of the site easier.  Notice there are things on the footer that haven't made it onto the main navigation yet.  Please be aware, they are coming. 

Anyway, things in life are good, but busy.  I look forward to continuing on the tZ Family of Scripts for mIRC and making some suggested changes to ErrorZilla Mod and Hide Navigation Bar for Mozilla Firefox shortly.

I'm finishing up a website design for my mom, and then I should have some more free time.

Mood: contemplative

Dear Digg,

I'm a web developer myself, and I"m constantly thinking of new ways to improve various sites.  Digg is a tough one for me, because I already think its so good.  But I realized today my LEAST favorite thing about Digg.  I came in to work and logged on.  Alas, once again, my cookies have been cleared by the various anti-malware software deployed by them that employ me.  I find an article I like... all the way back on page 4 (not that far, in actuality).  I click the obvious and addicting "digg it" button, to add my vote to the story's e-popularity contest.  I am presented with a shiny, AJAX-y prompt about registering or logging in.  Then it hit me.  "why doesn't digg store all the values I digg as a guest user... either client side or via HTTP session state -- the digg id to each story... and then automatically digg them when I DO log in....  that way I can log in at MY convenience (and I'll want to to make sure my digg's are counted!"    Then I thought about library computers, or other public workstations, where there may be a "guest" user that is actually different people.  So I came up with a solution for that too:  when I log in, don't auto-digg my stories.  Show me a list of all stores "guest-dugg," and ask me which ones I would like to add to my own diggs when I log in....  a la check boxes, complete with "deselect all" and "select all" buttons.

This would SOOOO improve the usability of your site.  I plan to submit my suggestion once per week until I receive a response, because I think it's that valuable.  This needs to go to a developer now.  Don't let it stop with customer service.  :)

Mood: accomplished

Tonight, the Pittsburgh Steelers declared victory over the Arizona Cardinals 27 to 23 in Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, FL at Raymond James Statium. Members of the Steeler Nation (ones who were born in Pittsburgh and ones from foreign lands) accross the country celebrated as their franchise became the first in NFL history to win 6 Super Bowls, making the Steelers the winningliest team in all professional football.

The Arizona Cardinals had defeated the Seatle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game to gain entry, for the first time, to the Big Game. Unforunately, the Cardinals were not able to capitalize on their NFC Championship victory, and take it all the way. Despite the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, and after forcing the Steelers to make the first safety in Super Bowl history, the Cardinals were defeated by an under-two-minute drive (nicknamed The Big End in the 4th quarter, led by Steelers' Quarterback Legend, Big Ben Roethlisberger (#7).

Roethlisberger met Steelers wide-receiver Santonio Holmes (#10) 4 times for 88 yards during the final drive. (The drive was 78 yards from start position to goal, but the Steelers suffered a 10 yard penalty during the drive forcing them to acheive an additional 10 yards.) Holmes was a wide-receiver from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Santonio "The Toes" Holmes' final 6 yard catch was grabbed in the far right corner of the end zone. As Holmes was falling out of bounds, he maintained control of the ball and also tapped the toes of both his feet, giving the Steelers a 4 point lead over the Cardinals.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin maintained humility and respect for the players and showed the character that Pittsburgh has come to know and love in our coaches.

Thus I give you, the outcome of Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers - 27. Cardinals - 23... Sorry Cardinals. If you are in need, here is a gift for you... and I say to you...

Mood: excited

Song: Steelers Anthem

A couple weeks ago, I decided that I am going to pursue my certification to be a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer.  I studied the C# book for the past 2 weeks and took an exhaustive practice test several times.  All my hard work paid off.  Today, I took Microsoft Certification Exam 70-315, Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET.  If I pursue all 5 MCSD exams, I will automatically also pick up a certification as a Microsoft Certified Applications Developer.  From either of these paths, I can easily become a Microsoft Certified Professional Developer or a Microsoft Certified Enterprise Developer.  I'd really love to be able to accomplish these things.  Below are the stats from my exam today:

Exam Number:	70-315
Exam Name:	Developing and Implementing Web Applications with Microsoft Visual C# .NET and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Date Taken:	January 20, 2009
Exam Passing Score:	700/1000
Jay's Score:	952/1000 [Download PDF Results]

Passing this exam made me a Microsoft Certified Professional.

I want to thank Jesus for giving me the ability to do what I'm doing.  I know if He hadn't put a love for technology in my heart when I was younger, I wouldn't be in the position I am in, and I wouldn't have the ability to provide for those I love like I am able to (to the best of my ability).  Thanks Jesus.  You're the greatest!  <33

Anyway, this is the first of 5 exams I plan to take before the end of March 2009.  70-316, here I come!  :)

Mood: accomplished

Song: Harvest - Because I Am