hansolo77

Just got back from the appointment. They think it might be a couple of things. First and foremost, they want me to stop taking the NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) I've been taking for my headaches. They said I should take Tylenol instead because the other stuff will kill the lining in my stomach. They think it could be an ulcer, and not necessarily my gall bladder. According to the specialist/surgeon, I only have a handful of symptoms, it's not a 100% guarantee that the gall bladder is the cause. They're not ruling it out though. They just want to eliminate a more likely potential cause. So the plan going forward is that they are prescribing me a proton pump inhibitor (Prilosec). Then, in a couple of weeks, I'm to report back for a follow-up to see if it helped. If not, they're going to do a scope from the top down, rather than bottom up, to visually check for ulcers. If that shows up ok, then they've eliminated the stomach as the issue, and will focus on the gall bladder. In all honestly, I'm fine with the Prilosec treatment if it helps. I'd rather take a pill every day than have another huge surgery and scar on my stomach.

Nice score Floyd. Thanks for the submission! And thanks Cynicaster for providing us with some valuable intel. I will say in my practice runs, I did spend most of my time going after the stations and ignoring the fighters. It makes sense now, to try to get those fighters first for more points. Updated OP, DB, RSS

Heh, at least you "THINK" you came very close. For all you know, it might form into something even more, and you're only half way lol. Still, you're improving the top score! Updated OP, DB, RSS

WOW! Care to share any tips on achieving that score?! Updated OP, DB, RSS

Yeah I've actually been learning quite a bit with my RetroPie builds. I learned pretty quickly that I needed to make small edits, then multiple backups. Having it in a virtual environment is going to help a lot with messing around with things and figuring out what works without it damaging other things. That's my biggest concern. I also like that I can do this without having to shut down the computer and reboot it from another drive/partition - just run it simultaneously. I almost feel like I've been living under a rock and missing out on things everybody already knows about.

Cool thanks for the advice. After starting this thread I went out on the internet and did some searching to try and see if I could figure out what I needed. I came across a virtualization program called Oracle VirtualBox. It was free so I figured I'd start there. I was concerned with going through and setting stuff up on my server using it's built in technologies. I'm not very familiar with the whole server OS, so I didn't want to go poking around in stuff that might screw something up. VirtualBox does everything automatically. All I had to do was install it then create a "box" and install whatever on it. Seems to have worked. Gonna get experimenting with it soon, once I start feeling a little better that is.

I'm looking to venture into an area of technology I'm completely unfamiliar with. To be honest, I have no idea where to start. I really want to get in and learn Linux. Seeing all these great developments in things, like Kodi and RetroPie, I want to do more not only to help the community, but also to help broaden my capabilities. To that end, I'd like to do something with my home server, that is supposed to support this type of thing. I think it's called "Virtualization". I've already tried doing what I'm familiar with, creating a separate user account. That essentially gives me a blank Desktop to work with, aside from whatever programs I've installed that created shortcuts to "all users". This is a start, but I can't figure out how to lock this account off from the rest of the computer. I can only make it work with THAT user or my File Sharing Admin user, not simultaneously. I don't want something I do on the account I created end up having effects on the rest of the system. I use my server for computer backups and storage of digital media (photos, music, etc). I want to have access to to these files from the account, but I also want to have access to install software that I can run only from this account that won't interfere with the normal running of the computer. I want to be able to do things (because I'm experimenting) at the same time, while doing something like watch a shared movie. Can something like that be accomplished from a USER level? Or do I need to do something like dual booting so I can have a Linux OS and a Windows OS? Or is dual booting not the correct term? I want to be able to have multiple OS environments running at the same time. Is that possible? Basically I want my regular Windows Server software running, then I want my created user account be able to run Linux and access Windows Server shares while not disrupting any of the programs running. Any idea where I should start?

Oh boy something to look forward too. All this because I have pain. Why can't there be a solution that doesn't cause more issues?

Yeah I hear more about people that have had these problems AFTER I start talking about my own. I researched a bit and it looks like this sort of thing is pretty common. It's probably due to all the crap we eat. Even if it's not stones or sludge, I'm keeping in high spirits that this guy I'm calling tomorrow will at least be able to help identify what the problem is. Apparently he's a general surgeon, not necessarily a gall bladder specialist. But he may specialize in that particular area, which should help me.

You'll get it. I've not played this in awhile, I don't think I've made it to the 2nd stage lol. Updated OP, DB, RSS

This is way out in left field. But seeing as how you guys are all kind of my extended family, I thought I'd clue you in on what's been going on in my life as of late.. If you remember, I've been having a lot of pain in my abdomen off and on over the past few years. Nothing has really been properly diagnosed. It started out after I had my appendix rupture back in my early 20's (I'm 38 now, so give or take 15 years?). I get these feelings of really bad gas and bloating, but without the relief you get by passing it. I've tried all the over the counter stuff like GasEx and Pepto. Nothing really works. I take OTC (over the counter) medicine for pain, like Ibuprofen. The doctor won't prescribe anything for it. Sometimes it gets really bad and starts causing nausea and occasional vomiting. A couple of years ago, I felt like my doctor was finally willing to break down and care a little more about the symptoms and ordered up a Colonoscopy. The results were inconclusive. The colon specialist told me I had a good pre-night cleanse, and he saw no abnormalities. The only issue he had was the colon spasms where it looked like it was fighting the camera, but nothing severe (like cancer/etc). My doctor prescribed an intestinal muscle relaxer. It didn't help, I still had the pain. About a week later, I woke up and had a lot of blood in my stool. It wasn't black or tarry, it was literally bright red, dripping. Scared the crap out of me so I went to the ER. I tried to get them a stool sample but I was all cleared up from the previous bowel movement. They took me back for X-Rays (or maybe it was an MRI, don't remember). A few hours later they came back with the results with a definitive diagnosis.. Diverticulitis. They had photos of them, clearly depicted. I asked why the colonoscopy didn't show it, and they said it's because a colonoscopy only shows the internal colon, whereas diverticulitis is external pockets on the outside of the colon, they'd not see it. Nobody gave me any medication to fix the problem, only a suggestion of a diet change (no seeds, strawberries, tomatoes, pickles, etc). I've done that, still have the problem every now and then. My doctor's only solution is to eat more fiber and continue taking Ibuprofen. Years go by, nothing changes. Same pain, different levels of severity. I mentioned it to the doctor on occasion while doing a physical, he briefly tosses it aside, saying things like "more fiber, less fats, less sugar, exercise more". Never offering anything more than that. No drugs either. I continue to live life in constant pain, taking 4x200mg Ibruprofen's almost daily. I have other health concerns too, such as migraines that he literally refuses to diagnose beyond "check for sleep apnea, get new glasses, get your teeth fixed". I'm about to change doctors, I'm sick of waiting. Anyway... I had a physical back at the end of September for work. It's their new policy for the insurance, have had to do it the last 5 years or so. I had filled out the pre-exam sheet describing things like my health history in the last month, like vomiting, nausea, change in appetite, change in weight, etc. There was a section to write down things you'd like to discus with the doctor during the visit. I said "Athletes Foot still a problem (he wrote a script for a $50 tube of cream that lasted about a week and a half and didn't solve the problem last year), Migraines still a problem, and Stomach Pain still a problem". I even wrote a "(hernia?)" because my co-manager at work said he had the same symptoms, and that's what it sounds like to him. I've also been told by coworkers that I have a growing bulge on the right side that looks like a hernia (it hurts too). Then another coworker suggested it could be gallstones, that she had the same pains and it was finally resolved when they removed her gallbladder. He looked at the chart and was like "What are you in here today for? If it's a physical, I can't talk about anything else you're concerned about without having you come back for a separate appointment." So I told him to do the physical because I need that for work. He was willing to look over these other concerns, but just glancingly. Physical went as expected.. Everything looked good. Weight is down 27 pounds since last year, cholesterol is still high but not serious yet, continue to eat more vegetables and exercise more. He then checked my foot, prescribed something stronger this time. Said to come back in a month for a followup on it, and he'll address the other concerns I had then. He did palpitate my stomach though and didn't seem too concerned about the potential of a growing hernia. Said to just continue taking Ibuprofen for the pain, and he'll see me in a month. WTF? Now today. I've been having a steadily increasing pain with my stomach since the doctor visit. It hurts to stand up or while standing, and is more manageable when sitting or laying down. Even sitting/lying the pain is there, just not as bad. I woke up today very VERY tired. The CPAP said I had like 17 apnea episodes last night. I've been averaging 3-4, and anything under 5 my sleep doctor said is normal. Makes a lot of sense, seeing as how I was constantly rolling over in pain throughout the night. I was cramping really bad when I woke up, and went to the bathroom. Had a normal bowel movement, got dressed and went to work. I managed to stay an hour and half before practically keeling over in pain. My job today was to receive our frozen bakery order, and it was 2 pallets. Damn near killed me. I got half way through, dizzy with pain, and sat down for like 5 minutes. Finished, then told my boss I was leaving to go straight to the ER. I hate leaving work early, especially when I have to go to the ER. But I did. I just couldn't take it anymore. I walked in and told them what was up. They brought me a wheelchair and said I had to use it because I was complaining about abdomen/chest pains and trouble breathing, and those symptoms require it. I go with it, and they wheel me back to my triage room. I get in there and there are like 8 people waiting for me. I started to panic, because normally when I come here there is only the nurse doing all the work. Why are all these people here for me? Am I that obvious of needing help or something? They calmed me down and I saw their name badges that said they were from the Fire Department as interns. So I'm their class project I guess. One guy takes my blood pressure, one guys takes my pulse, another my temperature, another installing an IV while another is watching him giving tips. The actual triage nurse is talking to me asking questions about my history, the pain, the locations, etc. Then next thing I know I'm by myself for 20 minutes. Then a doctor comes in, I tell her all the same stuff again, and she starts doing the palpitations. She was pushing really hard to try and get a feel for stuff. She even had me breath in really deep and hold it while she pushed up into and under my rib cage. That about killed me. She ordered up an ultrasound to check the gallbladder, and to bring me some pain medicine. Another 40 minutes go by and a nurse comes in to give me a shot in the arm (said the medicine couldn't be done through the IV). It killed my arm. The pain was similar to somebody punching it really hard and leaving a bruise, but it was just the medicine. My arm is still hurting from it, but there's nothing showing for it. She then wheeled me back to the ultrasound girl. We talked and made jokes to make me feel better. Said we'd split the millions if she found out I was pregnant. I spent the whole time telling her all the same story leading up to this, including the bits about my lazy doctor. She was surprised I hadn't found somebody new too. Anyway, on the way back I asked her if she saw anything out of the ordinary, and she said she's not allowed to say because the initials on her name badge don't give her the clearance. She just takes the pictures. So I'm back in my little triage waiting room. Turn on the Science channel and watch 2 full hours of space stuff (talking about dwarf planets and Pluto). Then a different doctor comes in and says very clearly "You have what we call the technical term: "Gallbladder Sludge". Said it's basically the liquids in my gallbladder are getting too thick for it to perform is proper functions. He said if I've had this type of pain as long as I've said I've had it, and the ultrasound shows this sludge he saw, then I'm definitely going to need to be considering a surgery sooner than later. He wants me to call a specialist on Monday to have a followup, and said he wouldn't be surprised if a surgery was ordered up within the next couple of weeks. So that's nice I guess. Another doctor, with another diagnosis. One who doesn't believe anything is wrong, who finally ordered a colonoscopy. A colon specialist who said there's nothing wrong except muscle spasms. A hospital doctor who said there is clear evidence of Diverticulitis. And now ANOTHER doctor who says there is clear evidence of what he diagnosed as "Biliary Colic". All I know is, I'm in pain. It's starting to effect my work. And I've had 4 different doctors tell me 4 different things. And none of them have given me medication to either help with the pain or help address the problem with a fix. There's still things it could be too. I've heard Crohn's Disease mentioned more than once, ulcers, IBS, hernia, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. The only thing I know it's NOT is Appendicitis. Hopefully it's true that it's gallbladder and now it can be fixed. But I've been here before with Diverticulitis, and changing the diet didn't help that either. So yeah, long winded. Sorry about that. I just wanted to share with you guys what's been going on in my life. Hope I didn't bore you.

Anything for money I guess I'll pass.

I almost thought "Only in America"... but... It's cool they both got a laugh out of it. I wonder if I put myself up for auction like that, if I'd get any bidders. Pretty cool they got up to 70k in bids.

Wow first post and you killed my score! Updated OP, DB, RSS

Not a bad run! I've not had a chance to play yet, but plan to do so on my next day off! Updated OP, DB, RSS

Yeah I hate it when they make cliff hangers like that. Unless they no FOR SURE they're planning on continuing the story with another movie. I guess when the made it they thought they were, and Disney pulled the plug after... As long as they do something with it, either in Movie, Comic, or Novel form, I'm ok with it. I know they announced another season of Star Wars Rebels is in production, so maybe they'll tie it into that. Speaking of Rebels.. I lost track of where I was in the last season, so the last few days I've been re-watching it. OMG, awesome ending. Dave Filoni has come up with some GREAT Force lore. If you guys haven't watched it, or Clone Wars, I recommend it!

Wow, not a bad deal. I spent like $100 bucks each on 3 of them for my server.

Well said. I was so tired last night, I forgot to make the official announcement!

What gets me, the same guy who wrote Episodes 4-6 also wrote Solo. If you look at it as what it is, a back story not an origin story, it works. Various aspects of Han's life have all existed only in the Expanded Universe, which the release of TV shows and Movies is continuously re-writing. We knew Han was a cadet in the Imperial Academy, but that was pretty much it. Now we know a little more, and that is good. We knew Han rescued Chewie some time in their past, and that a friendship (life debt) was kindled that lasted the rest of their lives. Now we know a little more, and that is good too. We ALL knew Han made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, led to jokes and obscurity. Now we know a little more, and that was an awesome scene in the movie. We knew some time in the past Han and Lando met and that Lando somehow managed to lose the Falcon to him "fair and square". Now we know a little more, and it was great! What I liked was that all these things we thought we knew, we only knew parts of. The movie fleshed him out and built his back story with so much more, he's almost a complete character now. If they didn't shelf the whole thing, I could easily see them taking another shot at more of his backstory. They can show what and why he has "special modifications" to the ship, introduce him to Jabba, have him run a few smuggling tasks before hitting the BIG ONE that he had to ditch the cargo from (resulting in Jabba wanting Greedo to kill him). What I gotta know though is WTF with the ending?!

Updated to remove new GOTQ (Game of the Quarter) - Bosconian

Welcome fellow High Score Achievers! This "quarter's" game (heh, quarters lol) is Bosconian. It was among a 3-way tie in the previous voting polls, so I used the random number generator to pick the winning game. I went specifically with the "MARATHON RULES" from Twin Galaxies, as opposed to the 1-life or 5-life rules. We don't have any way to monitor lives lost without actually watching you play, so a Marathon version, where you can keep playing until Game Over seems the most obvious option. Just make sure you guys change the DIP setting to disable continuing! I'm not familiar with this exact game, although I am familiar with a clone of it. It will be a fun competition I'm sure. Seeing as how the last game, although voted upon, wasn't very popular, I hope this one will work some magic back into competition! Happy gaming!

Bosconian (ボスコニアン Bosukonian) is a multi-directional scrolling shooter arcade game which was developed and released by Namco in Japan in 1981. In North America, it was manufactured and distributed by Midway Games. Bosconian was ported to the Sharp X68000, Sharp X1, and MSX computers. Bosconian allows the player's ship to freely roam across open space which scrolls in all directions. The game also has a radar, which tracks the position of the player's ship, enemy formation attacks, and space stations. The object of Bosconian is to score as many points as possible by destroying enemy missiles and bases. The player controls a small fighter ship that can move in eight directions, and can fire both forward and backward. Each round consists of a number of green enemy bases that must all be destroyed to advance to the next round (a semi-transparent automap helps identify their location). Each station consists of six cannons arranged in a hexagon, surrounding a central core. The player must either destroy all six cannons (200 points each) or shoot the core to destroy a station (1,500 points), and in later rounds the core is capable of defending itself (opening and closing while launching missiles). Additionally, the player must avoid or destroy stationary asteroids (10 points), mines (20 points), and a variety of enemy missiles and ships which attempt to collide with his or her ship. Enemy bases will also occasionally launch a squadron of ships in formation attacks — destroying the leader causes all remaining enemies to disperse, but destroying all enemies in a formation scores extra bonus points. A spy ship (worth a random bonus value) will also appear occasionally, which must be destroyed or the round will go to "condition red" regardless of how long the player has taken. Throughout the game, a digitized voice alerts the player to various events: "Blast off!" (start of a round) "Alert! Alert!" (enemies approaching) "Battle stations!" (formation attack) "Spy ship sighted!" (Spy ship advancing) "Condition red!" (enemy attacks become more aggressive; occurs when the player takes too long to clear a round, or misses the spy ship) Bosconian does not have a definite ending, and will continue until the player has lost all of his or her lives. Similar to Galaga, Bosconian rolls over from Round 255 to Round 0, causing the game to behave abnormally during this round. If the player can successfully complete Round 0, the game continues to Round 1, as though the player had started over. Upon scoring 2,000,000 points, no more lives thereafter. --- Quoted from Wikipedia

4th Quarter 2018 GOTQ Winner: Cynicaster - 351,570 (link) Bosconian Leaderboard POSITION USER NAME TOTAL SCORE 1 Cynicaster 351,570 2 Mame Offender 249,800 3 Floyd Turbo 106,820 4 millerbrad 81,230 5 rtkiii 61,450 6 hansolo77 55,640 Last Updated by hansolo77: 12-31-2018 Please use these settings when submitting a hi-score for Bosconian: ROMSet: Bosco Unknown: Off [All] Freeze: Off Allow Continue: No Rank: A [Medium Difficulty] Starting ships: 3 Extra ships: 20K Then 70K Special Rules: Continues are NOT allowed! The green coloured default values match the Twin Galaxies settings. The red coloured values need to be changed! # you can change your Mame dip switch settings by following this guide: # you can make a printscreen of your hi-score screen by following this guide: # general rules for submitting your hi-score:

YOU GOT IT! LOL! Updated OP, DB, RSS