• Home RSS Feed

    Status Update: Friday August 20th, 2010 

    by
    Barry
    Published on 08-20-2010 03:00 AM
    Categories:
    1. System Status Updates

    Hi Everybody,
    Things are beginning to settle down here on the new site. The digest is now working. In fact it's better than ever! You should now be getting it at a fairly consistent time each day.

    Login Required

    This new system can't read your login credentials from the old system in order to automatically log you back in . So everybody needs to log back in one time and then we'll remember you again.

    If you have forgotten your username or password, you can have that information sent to you, which includes resetting your password to something random, use the link below the login prompt ("Click here if you have forgotten your Username or Password") . Please read the directions carefully. If you need help with this, please contact my assistant, Alexia. Please do not register again.


    New Interface(s) coming!

    I am delighted to say that I have contracted with Zack Darling Creative Associates to develop a new interface for the system that will both return the site to a warmer feel, and take it a big step forward in both attractiveness and functionality. The digest and the upcoming Business Directory are also going to get a facelift!

    Zack is the Art Director for both the Harmony Festival and Earthdance, a co-producer of the Tecno-Tribal Dance, as well as the son of Diane Darling, a long time Wacco. I'm hoping that we'll be able to show you the designs as the process progresses, and perhaps even let those of you who wish to use the new design as it is being developed (at your own risk!). As always, your feedback it appreciated!

    The first step in this process is to implement an interim design in the next few weeks, that I think is an improvement over the current look and feel. You'll be able to choose whether you want to switch to that one or keep this one. The final design will be implemented this fall.

    Malware Update

    We have now located the source of the malware problem. It turns out it was the our banner ad system that was attacked rather than the bulletin board system. So the premature upgrade really wasn't necessary, but its just as well.

    We have completely purged the malware from the system and upgraded it and have taken other steps to prevent this from happening again. According my understanding of the problem, you would have had to click on one of the banners and you then would have been prompted to install something on your computer. You would have had to agree to this in order for your system to have been affected by this issue. I hope you realize that we would never have a banner from one of our valued sponsors require to install software.

    Again, if you are using a Windows-based PC, you should always be running some sort of virus protection software. And if you have any concerns, now would be a good time to do a full system scan. And again, I have received no reports of any user being effected by this problem.

    Technical Issues Update

    There are still several issues with this new system, particularly with posting images and having them show up in emails and the digest. We will be working on that very shortly to both fix some bugs and simplify the process and then post a video to help you this.

    The Gratitude system also has some problems.

    Click here for a roundup of the most significant issues.

    I hope you all enjoy the remaining days of summer, especially now that it's warmed up a bit!

    Barry

    Welcome to the new WaccoBB.net Website! 

    by
    Barry
    Published on 08-08-2010 03:30 AM  Number of Views: 240 
    Categories:
    1. System Status Updates

    Hi Everybody!

    Welcome to the new WaccoBB.net website. We've arrived here a bit pre-maturely, but safe and sound none the less. Last week, while I was on a 1 week working vacation in the Sierras, the site was attacked by some sort of malware (ie virus, bot, etc). I don't know exactly what happened, but as soon as I saw evidence that something was amiss I took the site down to prevent any further damage. No data has been lost.

    I haven't heard of any reports of member's computers being infected, but it's good practice to use a virus protection system and do periodic full system scans. Now would be a good time to do one!

    Rather than try to figure out what happened and clean the system, we decided to do an emergency upgrade to this new site (and a private server) that I and my full time programmer, David Sims, have been working on the last several months. It 's not quite ready yet, but it is close enough. The site has state of the art security features so this shouldn't happen again. In addition, I'll be conducting a full site wide security review to be sure it's locked down tight!

    We hadn't gotten to making the site pretty yet, so it's rather plain for the time being. I plan on hiring a local professional design firm this week to give the site (and digest) a long overdue visual refresh. And a new logo is on the way, too! The Digest isn't quite up yet but I expect it will be ready tomorrow (August 11th). There are also some bugs; the most serious one at the moment is preventing attachments from working. We plan to get that one fixed very soon, and get the system stabilized over the next few weeks, including restoring the banners. Please let me know if you encounter any trouble.

    What is here now, are a bunch of NEW FEATURES! Starting with a new Home page, separate from the category list, along with other premium content pages. For the meantime, I'll post the latest system status here, as the system still has some bugs in it (Congratulations, you're a beta tester!). In the future, I plan on featuring articles from some of our more thoughtful and eloquent members here. I'm sure we'll find many other uses for this area, too. You'll also find a listing of the most recent posts at the bottom of this page.

    There's also a much more developed user profile page, including user photo/image albums! (Here's a few shots from my vacation). You can also receive posts from other users there, which you can moderate.

    You'll notice that threads now have tags, which is a concept that is familiar to some of you. Basically it's just a user specified keyword. Clicking on a tag will take you to a list of threads with that tag. I think this will help us quite bit. For instance, you'll be able to filter threads by city... I'll be tweaking how tags work and posting more about that soon.

    Once we all settle into the new digs, I'll be unveiling some more new features that are already implemented, including:
    • Blogs
    • Facebook integration
    • User created groups
    Please post your thoughts, opinions, troubles and ideas in the Feedback category. Some kind folks already have...

    So the adventure continues... I hope to use this new site to continue to expand how we can participate as a Conscious Community!

    Barry

    Status Update: Wednesday August 11th, 2010 

    by
    Barry
    Published on 08-11-2010 02:12 PM  Number of Views: 143 
    Categories:
    1. System Status Updates

    Well we've made good progress and fixed several bugs today, but there are still several remaining issues:
    1. Digest: The digest is mostly working and some of you probably received Wednesday's digest. The main problem is delivering it! Our email routine still needs to be refined. This should be fixed by tomorrow. However, problem #2 below effects it this, too.
    2. Email Delivery:The ATT networks (which includes email address ending with @sbcglobal.net, @!att.net, @pacbell.net and @prodigy.net) has our email server marked as compromised. We are working to get them to trust us again! ("You can trust me, really...") It may take a few days. In the meantime users with those email accounts won't receive any email from us, including posting confirmations and public or private replies.
    3. Gratitude system: There are various bugs with this system, but clicking on the gratitude button on the website works. We are still working on recovering the data of which posts received gratitude from whom. That will probably happen sometime next week.
    4. Attachments: We fixed the problem with being able to post attachments, but they are not showing up in email notifications or the digest.
    5. Emailing all users: The facility that allows me to send an email out to all users is also not working. You'll know what that is fixed, (except of course if you are on a ATT network!).
    6. Quotes: Quotes are not being displayed correctly in emails and the digest. They are showing up on the website, however.
    7. And a variety of minor nits.
    All in all its not too bad for doing an emergency major upgrade that wasn't quite ready yet! On the positive side, there were quite a few posts today so the system is largely working.

    Thanks for your patience while we handle these issues. I'm hoping we'll have it running smoothly again in a couple of weeks. And we'll be doing a major visual redesign in October.

    I feel confident that this new platform will be stable and flexible to allow it to continue to expand, while providing you with more control.

    Barry

    P.S. Have you noticed that you can click on the title of this article and you'll be taken to a page where you can post/see comments?
    10 Comments

    Restaurant Reviews: Sarah's, Santi, spoonbar!, Gaia's Garden 

    by
    "Mad" Miles
    Published on 08-30-2010 09:57 AM  Number of Views: 89 
    Categories:
    1. Reviews
    2. Restaurants



    Recent and not so recent eating excursions, minor knife deprivation and envy, personal asides and embarrassing confessions. With discursive meanderings and irrelevant side remarks that will probably be irritating to most of you. I don't think I'm ADD/ADHD, but evidence to the contrary can be found below. Read on...? Now you can't claim I didn't give you fair warning!



    "Affordable Family Food with Local Organic Ingredients"

    Been waiting for Greg Alahan's (sp?, just call him Greg, he insisted on it last night) new place to start serving in the evenings. They've been open for breakfast and lunch for a couple of months. You may know his work from Stella's and Elmo's, in the spot where Henweigh now resides. But that's all grease in the bucket.

    This time the prices are moderate, and his work is delicioso as always. I ate there last night.

    Had the double cut pork chop, with rough mashed potatoes (bacon, chives) and grilled yellow squash. A glass of pino, a custard with fresh fruit, $26 approximately, pre-tip. (And for anyone who remembers the beginning of this thread three four years ago, yes, I still tip 20%.)

    A near perfect meal. The potatoes were scrumptious, the squash grilled just right, the chop, smoky, caramelized crispy on the outside, chewy yet tender. With a touch of Tapatio, salt and pepper? Mmmmm.

    They don't have steak knives. Their table knives have a serrated edge, but as a bladesman I would have preferred something a little more lethal. Umm, I mean, efficient.

    Chef Autumn at Aioli* recommended the gumbo. I had it a few weeks ago, at the end of lunch. They were out of prawns, so I only got the chicken and andouille. Scrumptious, filling. $8.75!!!

    *     Aioli is still the best gourmet deli I know of! I love their cheese-steak sandwich, many other things to choose from, and not all of them made with animal protein. Nicholas and Autumn are damn fine cooks. I mean chefs.


    Sarah's F'Ville Kitchen prices range between $7.75 and $10.75. A few entrees are around $13.75 up to $21.75 for steak. If I recall correctly my double pork chop entree was $13.75. Amazing! Compare that to my favorite pricey place across the street. What a deal.

    Wednesday through Monday, 7-3. Now open evenings, finally!, Thursday through Sunday, looks like they close around 9:00. Double check that, cause I don't have it in front of me, and it's not on their blog-spot webpage.

    6566 Front Street, Forestville (That's Highway 116 through "town") 887-1055

    Cash ONLY

    It cost me $3.00 to use the Bank of the West ATM across the street. Afterwards * the sous chef told me the liquor store near by, Al's just west of Mosaic Restaurant, provides cash on a credit or debit card, and only charges $0.50. When I checked it turns out it's $1.00. Beats $3.00.

    * I know afterwards isn't a correct English word, but it's how we talk. I believe it is colloquial to the South.
    They have Live Jazz during Sunday Brunch. Whole grain waffles, pancakes and bellinis. Outdoor patio! Great while the weather lasts. With this cool summer, that may not be long. Nice, comfortable interior. Well decorated, striking a balance between an art gallery and homey spot.

    Some of the yelp reviews ding them on presentation. This isn't your high end restaurant. It's basic, good cooking influenced by the skills of accomplished chefery. At these prices I'm not about to whine about the lack of a garnish on my plate!! I plan to become a regular, as long as my unemployment checks keep rolling in.

    During dinner, I had a very pleasant conversation with a couple of other wacoons. About this board, the local restaurant scene, this thread, etc. They expressed their fear that the place would be jammed soon. It wasn't last night. I arrived around 8:30 and there were a couple of parties on the patio, and two more in the dining room. Eat there soon before it's too late to get a table.

    I've eaten there a couple of times in the last two months. Very good. Next to Traverso's. The last time I was there I had a superb salad and the Tagliatelle with rabbit sugo (confit), asparagus, oyster fungi and thyme. With a glass of a nice dry, white Italian wine. Can't recall the vintage.

    I'm not going to go into detail here. Check out their site embedded in their name above.

    Suzanne, who I met a couple of years back at The Ace In The Hole pub (RIP) used to work at K&L in Sebastopol. She's now a manager at Santi. I just enjoy seeing her walk across a room... (Call me? yeah, I'm shameless...)

    Delicious food, well presented, state of the art fine, and healthful, Italian cuisine. Not cheap. But they're doing Happy Hours with discounted drinks and small plates.


    spoonbar! in the h2hotel

    Ate there with my sis and dad on Tuesday evening. Very ultra modrin, (As the Nu-Beams would say), Danish contemporary post-industrial design. The bathroom is coed, with separate little loos, two for the boys, two for the girls. Reminded me of a changing room for a sauna.

    We went because I love Moroccan cuisine, and the Jeff Cox review said they did merguez, harissa, and a lamb tagine. So we shared one order of two different sausage skewers, beef and lamb, some greens, the tagine and some flat bread (their version of pita.)

    A tagine is a savory stew, named for the vessel it's cooked in, a Tagine, a clay pot, conical lid. They don't cook their tagines in a real tagine vessel here. I asked. They do serve it in a ceramic dish that looks like a tagine.

    The skewers were very tasty and satisfying, three per order, a perfect split for our party. So was the kale. (A mite salty in my book, and I'm a salt lover. My sister didn't agree, and my dad is in his own world. When asked he had no complaint.)

    The tagine? Filling, nice combination of meat, garbanzo beans, English peas and vegetables, cooked to the perfect texture and consistency, but a bit bland. It didn't have that special smoky, subtle, complex combination of cinnamon, cardamon, turmeric, garlic and onion spiciness that I love in this dish and this national cuisine.

    By the way, those are the traditional North African spices I remember for this style of cooking, just off the top of my head. I may have forgotten a few.

    The "flat bread" came at the end, not as the     ordered appetizer. We had to remind our waiter. Their fresh harissa didn't have the burn my sister was looking for. I liked it. The hot pepper was subtle and came on slowly, and it was just the right level if you're not looking for a volcano in your mouth. We shared the cannoli, first time I've had chocolate sauce with cannoli.

    They're newly opened. Working out the kinks. I reported our findings, both positive and constructively critical to our waiter.

    Prices, moderate to chere. Our three way split meant we didn't eat too much. The total was around $110, pre-tip.

    I would definitely go back to fill my jones for Moroccan food. (Man, do I miss that place in Wrigleyville!) But I might call first to see if they've amped up the flavor of their tagine.

    They have lots of other standard Amero-European choices.

    A place to see, and be seen. Big room, the entrance is on the street, not past the fountain, waterfall sculpture down the side. That's the hotel lobby entrance.

    The menu and all other particulars are on their webpage.


    And their steak knives? Very substantial and threatening. I commented to my dinner companions that these were the first sharp knives I've been loaned in a restaurant that I could see using to defend myself with, quite     effectively.

    Yeah, I know, adolescent male fantasies, arrested emotional development. What can I say? I love them wicked blades. Until I meditate upon what could be done with them, then I'm sickened and horrified.


    Gaia's Garden

    I've known Ari Camarota and Susan Church since the summer of 2000. They are two of my friends who I love dearly and miss because we've drifted apart in the last year or so, due to different schedules, pressures of our own personal and business lives and the unavoidable conflicts that trouble all humans who love one another.

    Ari is a Master entertainer, musician, raconteur and host. I've only half kidded him that he should write a guide for the adult male; fashion, accessories, home decor, shopping, diet, cultural taste in general. He's an expert and has much to offer. He's great on TV. He should be the internationally known hipster version of Martha Stewart. Seriously, he's that good at an amazing array of stuff.

    Susan is a sweet, sweet person with a heart as big as the known universe. I miss her parties. Especially the Gemini Birthday party every May. I did her wrong a few years back, didn't come through on a promise and waited too long to notify her that I couldn't bring myself to do it. Let's just say there's karmic payback for being a flake.

    But all this is neither here nor there in a restaurant commentary. I just wanted to put on public record how much I miss both of them (you!).

    They bought Govinda's a year ago in May. That's the previous name of the vegetarian buffet next to the Last Record Store. On Mendocino. Same building as Community Market. Across the street from Video Droid.

    I ate there months ago when they first reopened, I'd eaten there when it was Govinda's. I haven't been hanging in "TOWN". So other than stopping by to check in with Ari in the mid-afternoon when it's closed*, I haven't been hanging out and eating there as I'd intended when they took over the joint.

    *     I buy the best damn orange juice to be had in this region, Columbia Gorge Organic, at Community Market. (Crunchy Central!) Yeah, I know it's not local, but at least it's sold here. I find Odwalla to be too sweet, and bland.

    Believe it or not, these asides are part of my narrative. There's going to be a payoff, I promise!

    Back to my story.

    Thursday night, after the KRSH Backyard (Band of Heathens ROCK!, and Twang!!! Bill Bowker and crew are living boons to the soul) I had dinner with distant, but dear, friends. Who I met at Susan and Ari's parties.

    I kicked myself. Perfect coconut peanut ginger tofu, basmati rice, vegetable curry, black bean soup, yellow split pea soup (dahl), the best salad bar in the region, bar none. A nice Amber ale, Great Company, a bit of a chance to catch up with Ari. One of the best meals I've had in months. I've only listed what I ate here. There were several other choices.

    It took me back to the     little storefront Buddhist buffet, on the main drag of Mucha, Taipei.

    Both have a wide variety of choices, perfectly cooked vegetables, grains, tofu (in various forms), numerous condiments and sauces to create any taste you crave. Or if you're an ascetic purist, you can go without. The healthiest diet possible.

    And CHEAP!!! Financially that is, luxurious in every other way. My tab was $13.06 pre-tip. Ari did say he was giving me the, "geezer," discount. (Bastard!)

    I just read their website (Sorry guys! I've been preoccupied...) One of the best restaurant sites I've perused in years. Interesting narrative, specific and accessible details, no extra fluff (unlike my contributions here). Check it out. Especially the opening narrative, the menu and the music schedule.

    Gaia's Garden has the imminent potential to not only be the tastiest and healthiest place to eat out, in all of central Sonoma County, if not beyond, but the coolest boit de la nuit.

    Ari has been at the heart of the local music scene, for at least two decades. If they get our business, Susan and he could be major impresarios for our cultural, social and political community. As they already are. Their "It's Your Party Mobile DJ" sound system has powered the voices and music of most of the rallies held in Courthouse Square, and other places where demonstrations happen, for at least the last ten years. For little or no pay. They're due, and we owe them.

    Won't be big shows. The intimate room and crunchy decor (the good earth based natural crunchy that we all love and need), along with the master musicians and a professional mix, could, should and I hope, be, the next very cool thing.

    It's not big enough to replace The Studio Cafe. But for sitting down, listening, having a great meal, a couple of glasses of beer or wine, or a soda, and chatting with some friends (Please, not too loud while the performers are creating!?) chatting up the beautiful person of your choice, you know the drill, this could become it. At times, when things get cooking on stage, there will be dancing, and no blood.

    Aside from back in the kitchen, there will be absolutely no need for sharp knives, steak or otherwise!

    ************************************************************************

    That's it for now.

    Remember,

    No matter where you go.

    There you are.
    I'm hungry.
    1 Comment

    Privacy Statement for WaccoBB.net 

    by
    Barry
    Published on 08-12-2010 08:01 AM
    Categories:
    1. Official Statements

    We use your email address to:
    1. Send you notifications from WaccoBB.net, including
      - Daily Digest
      - Individual Email notifications of new threads or replies to any categories or threads you are subscribed for Individual Email notification.
      - Up to 3 system messages per month.
    2. Your email address is included, but obscured, in any individual email update sent to other registered members if they have subscribed to the category or thread to which you have posted. This is done so they can directly reply to you via email.
    3. Your email address is never given to third parties.

  • Recent Posts across All Categories

    Arnoldo

    2 Poet Laureate's read poetry in the studio on KOWS 107.3fm This Friday 7-9pm

    Arnoldo 1 Minute Ago

    Dear Listeners to Tommy's Holiday Camp,
    It is with great pleasure that I welcome Mike Tuggle, the former poet laureate of Sonoma County, and the

    Go to last post
    tomcat

    Smart Meters Being Installed

    tomcat 2 Minutes Ago

    I live in SW Santa Rosa and the PG&E contractors came by today to install the new Smart Meters on my gas and electric meters.
    I told them I

    Go to last post
    Tars

    Re: Why there are no jobs in America

    Tars 4 Minutes Ago

    I tried to delete this copy of the post, but the forum software won't let me.

    Go to last post
    Barry

    Re: The "Look" of waccobb.net

    Barry 5 Minutes Ago

    Glad you like it, Patty! AND... we'll be introducing a new style later this month that I'm hoping you'll (and everybody else) will like more yet! And

    Go to last post
    PGundry

    Re: The "Look" of waccobb.net

    PGundry 10 Minutes Ago

    I'll admit I am just perusing the new design and I'm sure there are things to "correct" -- I just wanted to congratulate you on a clean clear

    Go to last post
    Tars

    Re: Why there are no jobs in America

    Tars 11 Minutes Ago

    Paraphrase: Greedy stupid Washington pols want to take taxes from workers to pay for unemployment insurance, medicare, Social Security, infrastructure

    Go to last post
    Hotspring 44

    Re: Puzzles

    Hotspring 44 1 Hour Ago

    <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CSH%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if

    Go to last post
    Docmoses

    Free Metal Storage Shed - 10 x 13

    Docmoses 1 Hour Ago

    We have a Metal Storage Shed - Free - just need to unscrew a whole bunch of screws and take away - good condition- call if interested - Moses 292-6061

    Go to last post
    isis@isisoasis.org

    Grapes of Wealth, Play at Isis Oasis this weekend ONLY!!!!

    isis@isisoasis.org 1 Hour Ago

    Go to last post
    robert labensart

    Experience deep relaxation and pain relief w/ professional massage- $45 Intro Special

    robert labensart 1 Hour Ago

    Experience deep relaxation and pain relief with professional massage therapies combined with:

    Hot stone massage- Experience how deeply relaxing hot stone

    Go to last post
    robert labensart

    Effectively Clear and Release Stress- Intro. Special $70/hour - Hypnotherapist

    robert labensart 1 Hour Ago

    Experience how to dissolve upsetting feelings or limiting beliefs about any unpleasant experience through these two emotional releasing and clearing therapies.

    Go to last post
    Heartfire

    Reg: House/pet sitting for three weeks

    Heartfire 1 Hour Ago

    Thank you everyone, I have a number of people to interview.

    Go to last post
    Thad

    Re: Puzzles

    Thad 1 Hour Ago

    6 cm

    More?

    Go to last post
    tomcacy

    Looking For a Pair of 12 or 15-in. PA Mains

    tomcacy 2 Hours Ago

    Hello,I am another poor Musician looking to complete my keyboard rig with a pair of passive speakers - 12 to 15-in. Floor Monitors or Mains.I play keyboards

    Go to last post
    galephil

    Re: What questions should we ask the candidates for the Sebastopol City Council?

    galephil 2 Hours Ago

    Another question:
    What criteria will you use to reduce budget items if cuts are required in the future?

    Thanks for your helpful

    Go to last post
    Kermit1941

    Puzzles

    Kermit1941 2 Hours Ago

    Sally made three cubes out of modeling clay. The smallest of the three was 3 centimeters by 3 centimeters by 3 centimeters. The next largest was 4

    Go to last post
    dominus

    Wanted - Chain Link Farm Gate

    dominus 2 Hours Ago

    We're looking for a couple of old chain link farm gates - 10 ft. in size. If you have one or two that you'd like to get rid of, please email. Thanks

    Go to last post
    dominus

    Bubble Wrap

    dominus 2 Hours Ago

    We're in need of sheets of bubble wrap so if you've got some lying around, we'd be happy to come & pick it up. Thanks very much.

    Go to last post
    Thad

    Re: Why there are no jobs in America

    Thad 2 Hours Ago

    Why thank you very much for your kind offer and being there is no other way at this moment I will be glad to sign on to the bottom line, but, since you

    Go to last post
    Peace Voyager

    Urgent requests for: PEACE TODAY

    Peace Voyager 2 Hours Ago

    Dear Community,

    Our world needs you to respond to organizing a regional Peace Day event.

    I very much need your assistance

    Go to last post