“I got plenty o’nothin’ and nothin’s plenty for me…”

Wow, where did August go?    Most of the month has gone by with nothing new appearing on this blog.   It seems like it was only a few days ago that I was struggling with the server switch and site relocation.    That is all done now and things appear to be going well.   There are still some issues with broken links and missing images but I may be able to resolve that over the weekend.   It’s good to not have to worry about possible hardware failures.

The SQL server that powers this blog also has the annoying habit of shutting down without warning.   I may have an idea how to solve this, too, but that may have to wait a little longer.   In the meantime, if you see that the blog is down,  please drop me a line to let me know.

Regular blog entries will return soon.   I have much I need to write about.  I also have (literally) hundreds of images that need to be added to this site, some of them going back over a year.   I may evern write a few posts for the techie patch collectors out there about my experiences setting this up.

Many thanks to both Brett Estrade and James Ford for getting me through this switch, and just for putting up with my gripes and pleas for help.   Without them, this could not have happened as smoothly as it did.

A few days ago the old server arrived here.   I plan to set it up here at home.   I may use it as a “sand box” or test server.   I also need to extract some files from it that were not copied during the move and weren’t backed up on my pc here at home.   That’s plenty for me, for now!

The mail server at OAImages’ new home has now remain unblocked by what I call the “internet gods” for over 25 hours now.  That’s a very good sign that they agree my server is clean and not a spammer.   It appears my email problems are now resolved.

I only wonder who had this ip address before me and what were they doing to merit notice by CBL.

I will continue to monitor this situation.  However if you have trouble getting email from this site’s server, especially concerning passwords  for the members area, please see my previous post on this subject.

Update:  8/7/10 @ 1400: The block by CBL has been lifted for over four hours now.  This is a good sign, but not a resolution of the problem below… yet.

Automated emails from this site’s mail server are currently being blocked by many or most ISPs.   It has been listed on the Composite Blocking List for being compromised in some way.   I have already had it delisted, but it has been listed again.

This most directly affects subscribers to the site as it prevents automated messages concerning passwords from being delivered.  I consider this a critical issue.  If it cannot be resolved soon, I will return to the old server and hosting solution.  In the mean time, please read the rest of this message if you are experiencing difficulties logging into the members area!

1. If you recently subscribed and don’t get your initial password right away that means the email has probably been rejected. Please email me at jpannell@triad.rr.com.  I will try to find the rejected message and send it on manually. Please be patient.   It may be several hours before I can respond.   If I cannot find the message, send you a password, or the wait is unacceptable then I will return any payment you made in full.
2. Until I know this is working well, please do not try to recover a lost password. The email probably will not get to you and I have no way of knowing what your password is after you change it!
3. If you absolutely must have access to the members area before this can be fixed and have forgotten your password, use the “request new password” link ONCE, then email me at jpannell@triad.rr.com and be patient.  I may be able to find the rejected email and send it on to you manually.  Kindly remember, I do have a life of my own and may not be able to respond for several hours or more.
4. If you recently subscribed and don’t get your initial password right away, please email me at jpannell@triad.rr.com.   That means it’s probably been rejected.    I will try to find the rejected message and send it on manually.  Please be patient.

Yes, I consider the above to be an unacceptable answer but it is the best I can do until this situation is resolved, short of returning to a server I know is on its last days.  Please be patient!

The matter of broken links and missing image files is a less serious problem.   The site sends me emails whenever a missing image is found.   Usually this is due to me not converting all the file names to all lower case when I downloaded and upload them between the servers.   As these emails are between users on my server, they are not blocked and are not affected by the first problem.

I’ve been watching the traffic flow into the site since I flipped the switch here last night. It looks like DNS entries propagate very fast these days! That’s a far cry from what I remember when I first built this domain when it still took several days for a DNS change to take effect.

If you want to see what sort of traffic this site gets, you can view the stats here:

http://www.oaimages.com/webalizer/usage_201008.html

On another note, I was made aware of a couple of problems so far.  One dealt with this blog and was very easily fixed.  When I rebooted the server last night, I forgot to restart the mySQL server.

A more serious issue deals with the process that automatically subscribes someone to the members area after they pay.   This should be fixed soon.

I also had a “d’oh!” moment.   I never created an email address for webmaster@oaimages.com on this new server.   That will be done shortly!

If you see this post you have accessed OAImages on its new home. It has been running at its IP address for over a week now. A few days ago, oaimages.net was pointed here. Late Thursday night, the switch was flipped for OAImages.com. It may take a couple of days for the DNS changes to propagate around the internet so some visitors may see this site sooner than others.

I expect there to be a few hiccups. Please let me know, preferably in the comments, if you experience any problems.

Thank you.

• Getting Closer
  Posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010 in OAImages News – Views: (17)
  While the rest of the patch collecting world is at the BSA National Jamboree and the trade-o-rees around it, I have been working on relocating this site.     Thanks to Brett Estrade, webmaster of patchlodge.com for the invaluable help he has given me thus far with this move, and for listening to my sometimes stupid questions.
• Interactive OA Blue Book
  Posted on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 in OAImages News – Views: (60)
  I was only recently made aware of this announcement made by Roy More some five months ago, concerning an interactive Blue Book website.         Some are under the impression this website will be discontinued.     That is not true.It has been my hope that Roy and I could work together on the Blue Book in the future.
• Today’s Status Report
  Posted on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 in OAImages News – Views: (49)
  “Everything is in a state of flux, including the status quo.” – Robert ByrneAnother portion of this site’s move has been accomplished.     This blog’s software, WordPress, is now installed and running at the new location.       Perhaps I should call it “OAImages Blog 2.0″?Until the move is final, this blog will continue to be updated periodically.

“Everything is in a state of flux, including the status quo.” – Robert Byrne

Another portion of this site’s move has been accomplished.     This blog’s software, WordPress, is now installed and running at the new location.       Perhaps I should call it “OAImages Blog 2.0″?

Until the move is final, this blog will continue to be updated periodically.   However, my primary focus now is on the site move.     All previous blog posts and data will be transferred to the new location in due course.

My goal is to be moved into the new location by the time everyone returns home from the Jamboree, or shortly thereafter.

I was only recently made aware of this announcement made by Roy More some five months ago, concerning an interactive Blue Book website.         Some are under the impression this website will be discontinued.     That is not true.

It has been my hope that Roy and I could work together on the Blue Book in the future.   I still hope that happens and look forward to hearing more about this in the future.

While the rest of the patch collecting world is at the BSA National Jamboree and the trade-o-rees around it, I have been working on relocating this site.     Thanks to Brett Estrade, webmaster of patchlodge.com for the invaluable help he has given me thus far with this move, and for listening to my sometimes stupid questions.     Thanks, too, to James Ford for his help throughout the years with keeping this site going.

You can follow the move in progress at:   http://204.109.59.2.     As you can see there are still many issues that need to be resolved.

Maybe some day soon I’ll even start answering my email again!       I know I have a lot to answer.     Some I have been deliberately putting off until after the move is done.     Please remain patient.

• Moving On Up?
  Posted on Sunday, July 18th, 2010 in OAImages News – Views: (5)
  The move to a new server and location is now in progress.   It is taking priority over any other site work, projects, or even maintenance at this point.   It would be nice to be settled into a new virtual home by the time everyone returns home from the Jamboree but I am making no promises.
• The Last Hurrah?
  Posted on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 in OAImages News – Views: (70)
  As many have noticed this site’s server has been having a lot of problems lately.     It appears to be running alright now, but I don’t know how long that will last.   The short explanation is the current server appears to be dying.     I have already started making the preparations for a move but have my doubts if I can avoid further interruptions.

The move to a new server and location is now in progress.   It is taking priority over any other site work, projects, or even maintenance at this point.   It would be nice to be settled into a new virtual home by the time everyone returns home from the Jamboree but I am making no promises.   In the meantime, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I have no other hardware failures.

Once I get a bit further along, I may post a link to the ip address for the new location in case anyone wants to see the move in progress.     Then in time, the virtual change of address forms will be filed and the site will be officially at the new home.

Does anyone realize how long it takes just to upload the images used on this site?

More details will follow.

As many have noticed this site’s server has been having a lot of problems lately.     It appears to be running alright now, but I don’t know how long that will last.   The short explanation is the current server appears to be dying.     I have already started making the preparations for a move but have my doubts if I can avoid further interruptions.

Please be patient during this frustrating time for all of us.

For those about to go to the Jamboree:   Have fun.     Trade lots of patches and send me images when you return.   Work and finances do not allow me to be there at all this time around.

• Possible System Maintenance
  Posted on Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 in OAImages News – Views: (54)
  I have discovered some issues with this server last night.     Most users will not experience any problems, yet, but this may require me to take down the server for an extended period of time to repair the problem.       I don’t yet know when this will be but will try to give some sort of warning if possible and practical.

I have discovered some issues with this server last night.     Most users will not experience any problems, yet, but this may require me to take down the server for an extended period of time to repair the problem.       I don’t yet know when this will be but will try to give some sort of warning if possible and practical.     Please be aware of this and don’t panic if this site is unavailable.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support.

• Second Jamboree Trade-O-Ree Announced
  Posted on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 in Patch Collecting – Views: (89)
  I had previously passed along an announcement from Roger Ward of a Trade-O-Ree to be held during this Summer’s BSA National Jamboree.     Richard Shields has also asked me to share information about another Trade-O-Ree   that will be held near the Fort A.P. Hill.2010 NATIONAL JAMBOREE TRADE-O-REESponsored by The Society of Scout Memorabilia DealersFri.
• Section S-4 “FourCorps 2010″
  Posted on Thursday, June 24th, 2010 in Florida Lodges – Views: (49)
  During the week of June 13-19,  128 brothers (including National Chief Brad Lichota)  participated in the 2010 “FourCorps” service project, in the Ocala National Forest, near Deland, Florida.   This is believed to be the first time a  Section has taken on the task of a week in  a National Forest, along the lines of the “ArrowCorps” projects of 2008.

During the week of June 13-19,  128 brothers (including National Chief Brad Lichota)  participated in the 2010 “FourCorps” service project, in the Ocala National Forest, near Deland, Florida.   This is believed to be the first time a  Section has taken on the task of a week in  a National Forest, along the lines of the “ArrowCorps” projects of 2008.   Over 4500 man-hours of service were completed, in projects such as trail rehabilitation, fence building, the planting of over 1000 shrubs, clearing non-native invasive species, pouring concrete for “bear boxes” in campsites and a  handicapped-accessible campfire ring, and building 78 birdhouses.   All with a heat index of between 95 and 110 degrees, and no air conditioning.

Two lodges (Echockotee 200 and Seminole 85) issued pieces for their members for the event.   The Section created several items were available to commemorate the week’s work.   All participants received the oval patch with the bear paw print with their registration packet, with extras available by advance order to anyone, not just participants.

Also available for ordering was a jacket patch, neckerchief, and metal cast belt buckle.   Many attendees did not order anything ahead of time, so extras are few and far between.    Several patches that didn’t make it  onto neckerchiefs were also sold.

As each attendee departed on Saturday morning, they were given an arrowhead-shaped patch, with yellow and red thread.   Staff members, crew leaders, and noteworthy workers received an identical patch, with gold and red mylar thread.

I had previously passed along an announcement from Roger Ward of a Trade-O-Ree to be held during this Summer’s BSA National Jamboree.     Richard Shields has also asked me to share information about another Trade-O-Ree   that will be held near the Fort A.P. Hill.

2010 NATIONAL JAMBOREE TRADE-O-REE

Sponsored by The Society of Scout Memorabilia Dealers

Fri. July 23rd – Sun. Aug 1st

Fri. 7/23 3pm to 1am; Sat. 7/24 noon to 1am;

Mon-Thur 7/25-7/29 Noon to 11pm

Fri. 7/30–Sat. 7/31 noon to 1am; Sun Aug. 1st noon to 5pm

Buses Welcome                                                                       Plenty of Free Parking

Buy, Sale and Trade

All kinds of Boy Scout Memorabilia

Eagles Lodge

21 Cool Springs Rd. Fredericksburg, VA

(Please continue.   More information after the jump!)

From the South: Take Exit 133 North – US-17 towards Warrenton. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Falmouth/ US-17 Bus and merge onto US-17/ Warrenton Rd. Continue to follow Warrenton Rd. In 1.7 miles stay in the left lane. You will cross US-1 and the road becomes Butler Rd/Va 218. Continue another 1.2 miles. You will pass a CVS on the right and cross a small bridge. At the traffic light turn right onto Cool Springs Rd. The Eagles Lodge is 3/10th of a mile on the left.

From the North: Take Exit 133A – Falmouth / US-17 Business. The exit merges onto Warrenton Rd. In 1.7 miles stay in the left lane. You will cross US-1 and the road becomes Butler Rd/Va 218. Continue another 1.2 miles. You will pass a CVS on the right and cross a small bridge. At the traffic light turn right onto Cool Springs Rd. The Eagles Lodge is 3/10th of a mile on the left.

For Table Rental & Other Info Contact:

Richard Shields       704-282-1339           richard@thecarolinatrader.com

• Jamboree Trade-O-Ree Announced
  Posted on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 in Patch Collecting – Views: (78)
  Roger Ward recently sent me information for a trade-o-ree (TOR) to be held near this Summer’s BSA National Jamboree.   I gladly pass this along here.2010 Jamboree 100th Ann BSA Patch Show AtThe Ramada Inn Fredericksburg South,VASiesta Beach Trading Company presents the2010 Jamboree 100th Ann BSA Patch ShowFriday July 23rd to Tuesday August 3rd, 201012 Day Show From Friday To Tuesday(Please continue.
• Just Whose Centennial Is It?
  Posted on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 in Patch Collecting – Views: (72)
  Many lodges and councils are issuing patches this year for the BSA’s centennial. I even recently started to build a page on this site for these issues.     However this isn’t the only significant Scouting centennial that will occur within the next few years.
• Lodge 104: BSA Centennial Neckerchief
  Posted on Monday, June 14th, 2010 in Occoneechee 104 – Views: (83)
  Along with the other pieces recently issued by Occoneechee lodge was this neckerchief for the BSA’s centennial.   Thanks to Greg Grimes for this image.Just to rib my friends in the lodge, I’ll note the design of the neckerchief is unusual in that it uses far less purple than is commonly employed on many of the lodge’s recent issues!

• Can You Really Trust Facebook?
  (PC World)

June 20, 2010

Roger Ward recently sent me information for a trade-o-ree (TOR) to be held near this Summer’s BSA National Jamboree.   I gladly pass this along here.

2010 Jamboree 100th Ann BSA Patch Show At
The Ramada Inn Fredericksburg South,VA

Siesta Beach Trading Company presents the

2010 Jamboree 100th Ann BSA Patch Show

Friday July 23rd to Tuesday August 3rd, 2010
12 Day Show From Friday To Tuesday

(Please continue.   More information after the jump!)

The Hours Will Be From 1pm To Midnight Daily

Admission Is Free For Scouters, and The Public.
Jamboree Bus Contingents Welcome !!

Ramada Inn South
Fredericksburg Room
5324 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Route 1 At Market Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Phone, 540-898-1102
Fax, 540-898-2017

Easy Directions, at the Crossing Of U.S. 1, and Interstate I – 95.
>From The North, Take I – 95 Exit # 126
>From The South, Take I – 95 Exit # 126 A.

Please join us at the Ramada Inn South for the GREATEST Trading Event Of The Year !!

There will be Thousands of Scouting Memorabilia Items Available.   This Is The Superbowl Of Collecting For This Year. There will be tables full of OA patches, CSP’s, JSP’s, National & World Jamboree, Insignia, Books, Philmont, NOAC, Merit Badges, Uniforms, Collecting Supplies, Stamps, Medals, Pins, Eagle Items, and Scout Memorabilia Dealers and Traders From ALL over the Country.

The Lobby At This Show is Luxurious, and There are Flags from all over the United States and The World Hanging From The Ceiling. There are Many Plush Couches and Tables in the Lobby for Trading, and a beautiful Tropical Pool Area With Large Pool, Hot Tub, and Sauna.

Flyers and promotions will be available through your favorite Scouting Memorabilia Dealers, Black Warrior Trading, Jon Hall, Heart O’Texas, Conley Williams, Siesta Beach Trading Company, Roger Ward, and Streamwood, Chris Jensen, Patch-L, etc. The Outside Sign at the Front Of The Ramada Inn Will be promoting our show, which can be seen from the interstate. There has been a Tradeoree at this Location since the First Tradeoree at this location in 1985, when this Hotel was a Holiday Inn, and is known as a site where a show is held during every National Scout Jamboree. There have been 3 Very Successful Tradeorees held as this same location by Brush Creek Trading Company for the Last Three Jamborees. This is the Closest Patch Show Near The Jamboree.

For Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA Hotel Availability, Go To Hotels.com or Kayak Search Engine for Different Options.

So See You There !!

If you have any other questions, please contact
SIESTA BEACH TRADING COMPANY
ROGER WARD
P.O. BOX 1201
NOKOMIS, FL 34274
flpatches@aol.com