MOG vs Last.fm

OK, so remember how I said that MOG was doing better than Last.fm at using my processor and memory?  Well, I was wrong, but it isn't my fault.  The problem is that MOG's "MOG-O-Matic" preference pane hands all the real work off to the System Events application.  So although the MOG software uses almost no processor cycles, it's not true to say that MOG uses less of my system.  In fact, it's the opposite.

I've been in touch with MOG's support team, and they're trying to work with me to resolve the issue, but for now, I've re-activated my Last.fm account and will run it until MOG can fix whatever is going on with their software.

Ten Artists You Need in Your iPod/iTunes/MP3 player

I just posted my year-end list of artists everyone should own over at my MOG page.  The list includes some things you might expect and some that you might not.  Give it a look if you have time.  

Also, MOG's custom skin-handling issues that posted about last time are fixed, so I'm much happier.  I didn't need to sign up with Rhapsody, but am able to listen to music, so that's better too.

In the same post you'll find a link to my homemade album covers for some live concerts that are available from the Internet Archive's Live Music Archive.  If you haven't been over there, check it out, there's lots of free, live music available, some from people you know and some that you won't.  It's rated for quality so you won't waste your time with sub-standard recordings.  I'm partial to 3 of the Grateful Dead concerts and 2 by Smashing Pumpkins, but you might like others.

MOG Has Issues

OK, so I know that I was raving about MOG, but seldom is anything perfect, and MOG is no exception.  First off, they're affiliated with Rhapsody, which means that in order to listen to my recommended artists, I have to install Rhapsody, which means I have to sign up and give them my credit card number.  Not gonna happen.  Period.  At least Last.fm lets me listen for free.

Second, I tried making a custom skin for my MOG page, thinking I would do an ELO-tribute style, something with lots of blue and red and yellow and some stars in the background, a la Out of the Blue.  Turns out that the set of skin files you download is old and doesn't include some new items that MOG has added to their pages.  So I dig and find the offending CSS that doesn't match my page, it's on a second CSS file that loads AFTER mine does, so I can't override it.  Hmmmm....  Further, it seems that the skins you make only YOU can use.  What's the point if I can't share them with others?

Anyway, I'm a bit disappointed.  If you want to read my latest post over there, here it is.