Microcenter saves my day with a better and new PC build

Years ago, I wished there was a Microcenter in Brooklyn, NY or Queens, NY at least. This wish finally came true as of recently when both locations were open in March 2014. In the past I use to shop at CompUSA to pick up my computer parts from the early 2000's until they closed down. For a decade I didn't step foot into a computer store again because there were none near my area. Bestbuy came close but didn't offer many choices. With Microcenter finally being in my area, I am able to go back to the store again, take a look at the PC parts in person and ask questions to the sales reps. The sales reps are great and want to help you find the best product for any budget you specify. The added bonus is I don't have to wait several days for my items to arrive and if something is defective, I can return to the store same day just like I use to do with CompUSA.

Now as far as my new build goes, below are my parts:

• Western Digital Black 2.0 TB hard drive
• Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H motherboard (I wanted an Asus Maximus but couldn't afford it. So Gigabyte was my second choice and I'm happy with it. The board stays cool and definitely meets the requirements I'm looking for based on the overheating issues I had previously on my old build.
• Intel Core i5 4670K 3.4GHZ Socket 1150 processor (basically I got the Gigabyte + Intel i5 bundle).
• Cool Master Hyper T4 CPU Cooler
• Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL8 Desktop Memory Kit (Two 8GB Memory Modules) - Loving my new RAM. This new build is definitely going to surpass the 7 year mark down the line like my wife's build I put together 4 years ago with parts I had since 2007.
  
• NZXT Phantom 410 Mid Tower Red computer case - For the computer case, I chose NZXT Phantom 410 Red because the case allows cable management, lots of airflow with the ability to add more fans to the top of the case, and the front. The case also comes with 3 fans.  I also purchased an additional LED fan in blue to add to the side panel to allow further cooling.
  
• COOLMAX ZP-850B 850W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI / CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC and Compatible with Core i3/i5/i7 Power Supply - Power supply was from my old system. I purchased this 2 years ago and it is still running fine till this day.
  

Overall, the build cost me about $1300. It was worth the investment because I am planning on having this system around for the next decade with only a few upgrades here and there in between. The last build I had lasted 7 years. I use my computer for web design, content updates, podcasting, video editing, and during my down time, I use it for gaming. This build will allow me to do all that and I also want a system to last me more than 5 years this time around. Definitely hoping that it goes beyond that point like the build I put together for my wife a few years ago.

Below are the pictures of the new case and after the build was put together:

Video Below:

Winds & Walls - Alternative Rock Band from Queens, NY

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity of attending a performance by local rock band from Queens, New York, Winds & Walls. The band's website is currently under construction. I'm currently working with Omar Feliciano, the band's rhythm guitarist to get the site up and running at windswalls.com I grew up going to high school with the band's rhythm guitarist, Omar Feliciano. We use to learn guitar together and eventually, he ended up going full speed with his music aspirations while working as a research assistant during the day at a local college.

Overall, the band's music reminds many of us who grew up in the 2000's of the alternative, punk rock style type of sound. The music video of their latest single, Hindsight is amazing. Professionally done and definitely great vocals from lead singer Rosie Posadas.

Below is their video "Hindsight" from Youtube.

Gout..

Earlier in February 2014, I was diagnosed with Gout after coming down with severe foot pain on my right toe. It was a very painful experience. Having to go to the emergency room at NY Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, the staff there were great and friendly. Had X-rays done and once the doctor gave me my diagnoses, I accepted it and coped with it. This was not the first time it happened. Last year around the same time in February, I got diagnosed with it and had to take medication. I was in denial for awhile but having to have spoken to a friend and colleague about the condition, he made me aware of some life changes I have to make to be healthier again.

What caused the Gout in the first place was having a sudden change in uric acid levels. This could happen from alcohol consumption, eating food with high purine (high protein content) such as beef, seafood and some vegetables. Best way to avoid the symptoms from repeating again is to limit or avoid some of these foods all together.

One thing I had to give up as a result was alcohol. As much as it's a past time favorite to relax and kick back, watch a tv show or enjoy with friends and family, I have to give that up right away as it was after consuming it that caused the spike in uric acid levels. Doctor also recommended it as well as this was the cause of the sudden jump. Plus slow metabolism was another cause of it as my body could not break down the content as quickly as it once did.

I also found positivity out of all this. I can enjoy Curry still which helps cleanse the system and fight off inflammation. My friend Dan also suggested I try the Greens from It Works!. This also helped as it balances out the acidity level in my blood which again was caused by high uric acid. Overall this was the reason why I was away for awhile between recovering, trying to be able to walk again without the assistance of a cane and trying to get life back to normal as possible.

Hope this story can help someone who may be going through something similar.