Beefing up streaming content in  Media Center:  http://lifehacker.com/5602709/

I built a PC not long ago that’s dedicated to the TV, for streaming and what not.  I was using Media Center to stream Netflix, but have pretty much stopped using MC in favor of just using a web browser to get Netflix content.  The only thing I still find MC useful for is watching ripped movies that are stored locally, but if this enhancement can help then that would make it a much more attractive option.

It’s odd how life can be pleasant, while being unpleasant, but then I guess that’s the whole concept behind sweet and sour sauce.  A little happy, a little sad.

Despite all I enjoyed the past weekend.  I met the folks in Waxahachie for breakfast and to return Mom’s laptop (now loaded with Unbuntu).  After breakfast we cased the Walmart, and scoped out a little local nursery where they bought a fat frog planter.  When I got back home we went swimming at Mitzy’s sister’s house with two of the little ones on Saturday, and we had a nice time.  The water was cool, and the sun was hot, so it was not a bad combination.

Sunday I went up to the pub to watch FC Dallas play Philly, and despite being the only one there watching the game I enjoyed the match.  FC Dallas won 3-1.  My original plans had been to go watch Mad Men at the Angelika with Mitzy after the match, but while at the pub I got an email from a guy I had been emailing about indoor soccer.  He informed me that they had a game that night, and wondered if I could come out.  Luckily enough, on Saturday, after hanging out with the folks I had stopped by Sports Authority and purchased indoor boots, soccer socks, and shin guards.  This meant I was equipped to go out and play, which had not been the case when he had called me on Thursday about their match that evening.

So that’s how I found myself on a Sunday night at the Inwood Soccer Center playing indoor soccer.   We ended up getting pounded 9-3, but I still had a blast and had some decent touches.  The guys on the team are young, or at least look younger by about 10+ years, but they seemed pleasant enough fellows and were happy to have an extra man on board.  I hung back and played defense, which seems to be my natural inclination.  I roamed up the pitch as far as midfield, but not much further.

Last night, Tuesday, I was back at the pub for the USA v. Brazil Int’l friendly.  I met some really cool people, and enjoyed watching the match even though it was a poor result 0-2.   I discovered while there that there is a national support group for the USMNT, named American Outlaws, and while I couldn’t join that night I did it this morning via their website!  They do a lot of organizing for the US national team, and you get discounts and what-not for game tickets, travel to games, merch, etc, etc.   I ended up hanging out on the balcony with some blokes who were friendly enough.  We talked about football for awhile, and ranged into a bit of politics as well.  It wasn’t a bad cap to the evening.

I have another indoor match on Sunday, and that will be the end of the summer season, but the fall season will start soon, and hopefully I’ll get to keep playing with these guys.  Though I have a backup group if it all falls through.