<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><rss xmlns:atom='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' version='2.0'><channel><atom:id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250</atom:id><lastBuildDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:24:50 +0000</lastBuildDate><title>The ramblings of Derk Gates</title><description/><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/default.htm</link><managingEditor>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</managingEditor><generator>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>36</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-93131112287385234</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:30:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2008-06-03T13:20:41.649-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>downhere - Wide Eyed and Mystified CD Download Free




Derk Gates - 6/2/2008

What can I tell you about downhere?  I saw U2 back in 1987 at the Hoosier Dome with the other 45,000 concertgoers and even though U2 was playing for 45,000 they had a way of connecting with the audience to make you feel like they were performing for just you.  Well, Downhere has that same gift.  It's difficult to </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2008/06/downhere-wide-eyed-and-mystified-cd.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-3872513705352792215</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:28:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2008-06-03T13:24:50.222-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>








American Idol Season 7


Here we go again...

On the girls side I think the last two will be:


  

Carly Smithson

  

Kristy Lee Cook



  If she continues to sing flawlessly throughout the competition I really think she will win.
  Can you say "Carrie Underwood"?


On the guys side I think the last two will be:


  

Michael Johns

  

David Cook



  There is something mystical and </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2008/03/american-idol-season-7-here-we-go-again.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-6253028517494693604</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:21:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2008-01-04T16:39:30.427-05:00</atom:updated><category domain='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#'>For Those about to Rock</category><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
AC/DC

We roll tonight to the guitar bite

Stand up and be counted for what you are about to receive
We are the dealers
We'll give you everything you need
Hail hail to the good times
Cos rock has got the right of way
We ain't no legends ain't no cause
We're just livin' for today
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you

</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2008/01/for-those-about-to-rock-we-salute-you.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-8906312578031807323</guid><pubDate>Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:50:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2007-02-22T20:04:20.998-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>American Idol Season 6

OK, here are my predictions in order:

Girls:

Lakisha Jones
Jordan Spark
Haley Scarnato

Honorable Mention, but won't win:

Alaina Alexander
Gina Glocksen

Guys:

Phil Stacy
Chris Sligh
Blake Lewis</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2007/02/american-idol-season-6-ok-here-are-my.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-115981657297745576</guid><pubDate>Mon, 02 Oct 2006 19:04:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-10-02T15:32:40.056-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Downhere Concert Review

On October 1st, 2006 I went to the Don't Conform Tour in Kokomo, Indiana. The lineup was Downhere, Matthew West, and Barlow Girl. The concert was at the new Oakbrook Community Church. The church had an amazing amphitheater perfect for a concert. Kudos to the sound board operator for producing crystal-clear sound. The lighting was also excellent.

Downhere was the first to</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/10/downhere-concert-review-on-october-1st.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-115704610423140100</guid><pubDate>Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:41:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-08-31T13:41:44.276-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Conan Emmy Intro
This is absolutely brilliant and funny!</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/08/conan-emmy-intro-this-is-absolutely.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-114929282869151210</guid><pubDate>Sat, 03 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-06-02T20:00:28.710-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Evolution of Dance
I see many people I know in this guy's dance moves!</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/06/evolution-of-dance-i-see-many-people-i.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-114929183817193022</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 Jun 2006 23:43:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-06-02T19:43:58.176-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Icebreakers Commerical - Joey Lawerence
WHOA!</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/06/icebreakers-commerical-joey-lawerence.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-114929172821687666</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 Jun 2006 23:42:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-06-02T19:42:08.263-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Sprint crime deterrent
I found great humor in this commercial the first time I saw it!</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/06/sprint-crime-deterrent-i-found-great.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-114737137481475689</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 May 2006 18:15:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-05-11T15:05:04.336-04:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>UNBELIEVABLE!

I'm so disappointed Chris got voted off the show. This may actually boost his career to sell more records than Kat, Elliott, and Taylor combined! Anyway, you feel the same way sign the petition below. It probably won't do any good, but it can't hurt!




http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/541145038</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/05/unbelievable-im-so-disappointed-chris.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-114073565476361499</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2006 22:57:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-02-23T18:40:19.746-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>The day after yesterday

Last night the guys took the stage and while many were mediocre at best there were also several exceptional performances.

Here are my picks:

CHRIS DAUGHTRY
(Could potentially go all the way)

The next three are close behind:


ELLIOTT YAMIN

JOSÉ SWAY PENALA


ACE YOUNG</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/02/day-after-yesterday-last-night-guys.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-114064329577941733</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:09:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-02-22T16:45:25.726-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>American Idol season #5

It's that time of year again to be glued to the TV every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

After seeing the final 12 ladies perform last night my preliminary picks are:


KATHARINE MCPHEE
(could potentially make it to the finals)The next three are following close behind.


AYLA BROWN

MELISSA MCGHEE
STEVIE SCOTT

</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/02/american-idol-season-5-its-that-time.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-113949140619323392</guid><pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2006 13:18:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-02-09T08:31:13.996-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>
Jack Bauer gets played by no man



If everyone on "24" followed Jack Bauer's instructions, it would be called "12".If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he'd shoot Nina twice. Upon hearing that he was played by Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Bauer killed Sutherland. Jack Bauer gets played by no man. If you wake up in the morning, it's </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/02/jack-bauer-gets-played-by-no-man-if.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-113890913914915003</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2006 19:35:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-02-02T14:38:59.150-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Attention Hardee's:

PLEASE stop the stupid cheesy paper commercials.  I've had enough seeing two idiots in their pickup truck slobbering all over themselves while shoving sandwiches big enough for three people in their mouth.  Like that isn't enough they have to eat the paper also?  Give me a break.</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/02/attention-hardees-please-stop-stupid.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-113890889672967318</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2006 19:30:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-02-02T14:34:56.730-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Marty Casey &amp; the Lovehammers

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised at how good Marty Casey's album is.  I was anticipating more grunge sounding.  The album is definitely not pop and it probably won't be on every radio station in heavy rotation, but the songs are catchy and put together well.  I think if the punk rock element of several of the tracks could be toned down about 10% it might </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/02/marty-casey-lovehammers-i-have-to.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-113890850106317440</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2006 19:16:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2006-02-02T14:28:21.073-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Time to Switch

OK, so I haven't posted anything since September of 2005.  Sue me.  Anyway, since my last post was regarding Rockstar: INXS I figured I might as well follow up on it.  Even though I hated JD Fortune early in the competition I have to admit after getting the latest album "Switch" I don't think they could have done much better trying to find a replacement lead singer.

The album </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2006/02/time-to-switch-ok-so-i-havent-posted.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-112725829291787761</guid><pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2005 22:58:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2005-09-20T18:20:16.953-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>The Big Night

In next few hours INXS will be a complete band again. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be the wrong person. My fear is that J.D. Fortune is going to win. Sure he is talented, but he is too full of himself. I think he will crash and burn if chosen. I am disappointed the band dropped Suzie from the top three. She has one of the best voices. Her voice would be enough of a reason </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2005/09/big-night-in-next-few-hours-inxs-will.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-112197265832630899</guid><pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:04:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2005-07-21T15:46:17.690-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Warning: 'iTunes' Attachment Is AIM Worm

Anti-virus vendor Trend Micro on Wednesday issued a warning for a new computer worm infecting users of America Online Inc.'s Instant Messenger application.

The worm, identified by Trend Micro Inc. as W32/Opanki, spreads by tricking users into clicking on a file named after Apple's popular iTunes music service.

"This worm arrives as the file ITUNES.EXE,"</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2005/07/warning-itunes-attachment-is-aim-worm.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-112129492375533898</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2005 22:48:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2005-07-13T17:48:43.776-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Rock Star:INXS

I predict the final two contestants will be Jordis and Ty.
</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2005/07/rock-starinxs-i-predict-final-two.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-111784008192562760</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2005 23:08:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2005-06-03T18:08:01.953-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Internet Explorer Default Text Size

If Internet Explorer drives you crazy by trying to "help" you by changing the default text size here is the answer!

Go to Start&gt;Run, type regedit. Navigate to:  


HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\International\Scripts  


Right-click on the Scripts key, choose new&gt;DWORD value, name it Default_IEFontSize. Right-click on </atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2005/06/internet-explorer-default-text.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-110263747980910560</guid><pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2004 00:08:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2004-12-09T19:12:47.236-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Old Navy

I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate the stupid Old Navy commercials with the Christmas carolers!

In the name of all that which does not suck, please take these commercials off the air!

</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2004/12/old-navy-i-dont-know-about-you-but-i.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-109665975032061463</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2004 19:42:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2004-10-01T14:56:12.490-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>FFH - Still The Cross

Wednesday I picked up the new FFH CD at Light and Life books.  It is, as expected, absolutely fantastic! However, this album is ever so slightly different than previous works. Some of the tracks rock a bit more and I was pleasantly surprised to hear some horns. Track #2, "You Love Me Anyway", sounds like Chicago is backing them up.
</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2004/10/ffh-still-cross-wednesday-i-picked-up.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-109587957469384502</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2004 18:02:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2004-09-25T14:04:31.673-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Back to the Fifties

Another Back to the Fifties Festival in the can! It's amazing how, in mid-September, it can be cool enough for a jacket in the morning and warm enough to make you look forward to air-conditioning. I also need to to remember to use Sun Block next year. You think I would have learned my lesson getting sunburnt every year.
</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2004/09/back-to-fifties-another-back-to.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-109587911435213044</guid><pubDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2004 18:49:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2004-09-22T13:54:08.230-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>Pathetic, huh?

I know, it's pretty pathetic that I haven't posted anything in over eight months!
</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2004/09/pathetic-huh-i-know-its-pretty.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item><item><guid isPermaLink='false'>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5535250.post-107408390070561219</guid><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:38:00 +0000</pubDate><atom:updated>2004-01-14T07:39:40.500-05:00</atom:updated><title></title><atom:summary type='text'>How to Increase the Number of Simultaneous Downloads in Internet Explorer

By default, MSIE limits you to two downloads at a time (with one in the queue). This will keep the download speeds reasonable. However, if you have a fast connection (such as 1.5Mbps cable modem or DSL connection), you can increase the number. Here's how: 

Click Start | Run and type regedit to open the Registry Editor</atom:summary><link>http://www.DerkGates.com/blog/2004/01/how-to-increase-number-of-simultaneous.htm</link><author>noreply@blogger.com (Derk Gates)</author></item></channel></rss>