I have long thought that any law passed that cannot be enforced makes a mockery of the Justice system.
Further, laws that make normally good standing people criminals does exactly the same.
I have heard it said that we are all criminals in the eyes of the law. I guess we are all innocent as well with jurisprudence in the USA.
December 31, 2007
December 27, 2007
Seperation of Church and State
Our government is of the people and a church is a community of people. So you have the curch and state as the same subset of people. There is going to be overlap. So seperation is nigh impossible as a concept.
Thomas Jefferson made clear that the purpose of the First Amendment was to establish a "wall of separation" between Church and State in order to protect individuals' right of conscience. So it was to protect the religion from government.
It is important as a society to have limits on behavior. It is important that a State has limits on behavior as well. When it comes to religion the limits are set up (usually) by preternatural authority. Example being the 10 commandments. or the 613 Mitzva of the Torah. or the 1500+ Fatwa of Islam. So Divinely inspired and humanly inforced by people whom are both participants in religion and state.
So what happens when a limit on behavior by the state is in direct conflict with a limit on behavior in a religion? Anything from debate to war will occur.
Thomas Jefferson made clear that the purpose of the First Amendment was to establish a "wall of separation" between Church and State in order to protect individuals' right of conscience. So it was to protect the religion from government.
It is important as a society to have limits on behavior. It is important that a State has limits on behavior as well. When it comes to religion the limits are set up (usually) by preternatural authority. Example being the 10 commandments. or the 613 Mitzva of the Torah. or the 1500+ Fatwa of Islam. So Divinely inspired and humanly inforced by people whom are both participants in religion and state.
So what happens when a limit on behavior by the state is in direct conflict with a limit on behavior in a religion? Anything from debate to war will occur.
December 26, 2007
Fairly Awesome Chirstmas 'prank'
Here is the link to story:
ASHLAND, Ore. — Even in death, Chet Fitch is a card.
Fitch, known for his sense of humor, died in October at age 88 but gave his friends and family a laugh recently: Christmas cards, 34 of them, began arriving — written in his hand with a return address of "Heaven."
The greeting read: "I asked Big Guy if I could sneak back and send some cards. At first he said no; but at my insistence he finally said, 'Oh well, what the heaven, go ahead but don't (tarry) there.' Wish I could tell you about things here but words cannot explain.
"Better get back as Big Guy said he stretched a point to let me in the first time, so I had better not press my luck. I'll probably be seeing you (some sooner than you think). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Chet Fitch"
A friend for nearly 25 years, Debbie Hansen Bernard said, "All I could think was, 'You little stinker."'
"It was amazing," she said. "Just so Chet, always wanting to get the last laugh."
The mailing was a joke Fitch worked on for two decades with his barber, Patty Dean, 57. She told the Ashland Daily Tidings this week that he kept updating the mailing list and giving her extra money when postal rates went up. This fall, she said, Fitch looked up to her from the chair.
/**/
"You must be getting tired of waiting to mail those cards," he told her. "I think you'll probably be able to mail them this year."
He died a week later.
ASHLAND, Ore. — Even in death, Chet Fitch is a card.
Fitch, known for his sense of humor, died in October at age 88 but gave his friends and family a laugh recently: Christmas cards, 34 of them, began arriving — written in his hand with a return address of "Heaven."
The greeting read: "I asked Big Guy if I could sneak back and send some cards. At first he said no; but at my insistence he finally said, 'Oh well, what the heaven, go ahead but don't (tarry) there.' Wish I could tell you about things here but words cannot explain.
"Better get back as Big Guy said he stretched a point to let me in the first time, so I had better not press my luck. I'll probably be seeing you (some sooner than you think). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Chet Fitch"
A friend for nearly 25 years, Debbie Hansen Bernard said, "All I could think was, 'You little stinker."'
"It was amazing," she said. "Just so Chet, always wanting to get the last laugh."
The mailing was a joke Fitch worked on for two decades with his barber, Patty Dean, 57. She told the Ashland Daily Tidings this week that he kept updating the mailing list and giving her extra money when postal rates went up. This fall, she said, Fitch looked up to her from the chair.
/**/
"You must be getting tired of waiting to mail those cards," he told her. "I think you'll probably be able to mail them this year."
He died a week later.
December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas
So I wish for a safe and merry Chirstmas to everyone. And a Happy holiday as well.
As a Catholic the Christmas season is celebrated from first Advent to the Epiphany.
December 20, 2007
Holiday Blues?
Ever feel like your just off balance in the spiritual sense?
For the last few weeks I have this feeling I am disassociated with life in general. My new job has something to do with this. As I went from a "show-up-do-the-job-leave" to a "Your-responsible-for-190-employee workstations" situation.
Things are becomming more stable here, so less time spent in work. Still I am pulling about 50 hours this week.
I think its more then the job though. As I often find myself, after work, stitting wondering what to do.
Ah well, maybe more vitamin D (thats the lack of sun one?)
For the last few weeks I have this feeling I am disassociated with life in general. My new job has something to do with this. As I went from a "show-up-do-the-job-leave" to a "Your-responsible-for-190-employee workstations" situation.
Things are becomming more stable here, so less time spent in work. Still I am pulling about 50 hours this week.
I think its more then the job though. As I often find myself, after work, stitting wondering what to do.
Ah well, maybe more vitamin D (thats the lack of sun one?)
December 18, 2007
I am a Paladin
Hi, my name is Willy Toledo...
and I am a Paladin. I am a combination of a spell caster and a specialist in melee combat...
up-close and personal, clearly what I like most.
But this is serious, I´m a protector of the Holy Light.
I am Willy Toledo, and I'm a Paladin. And you? What's your game?
Je suis un mage
"My name is Jean-Claude Van Damme... and I am a mage."
"Hand-to-hand combat for me: it's over!"
"Now I can cast powerful spells!"
"Just try messing with me... I'll turn you into a sheep."
"A sheep!"
"...Because we all are a bit like sheep, you know..."
"I am Jean-Claude Van Damme, I am a mage."
"And you?" "What's your game?"
December 17, 2007
December 15, 2007
Evolution
The Pope recently acknowledged the validity of the theory of evolution. Which is fine with me. Faith and Science are not meant to be in lock step. Science is rife with models that work well within certain confinements and badly when you expand the scope. Physics for instance.
So whenever anyone outside of possibly a mathematician tells you something is fact, you have to wonder.
My main problem with Evolution is the very beginning of life on Earth. The various papers and text books always say something like. The conditions were just right to produce life.
Which is not unlike spontaneous generation right? Then you go back further, the universe has limitations in what can and cannot be done, commonly referred to laws. How are these in place? or more simply why does the universe behave the way it does?
Around this point science and belief systems are in a murky area. You either say God or shrug depending upon the person.
In trying to wrap your mind around this various analogies can arrive. The closest one I can think of is computer programming.
A programmer is limited by two major obstacles, The sheer power of the computer system and imagination. So you put in place a computer with infinite power and a programmer with omniscience. (No Shoo I am NOT referring to you in any way). That programmer now has to set in parameters to allow the rest of his creation to work.
"God does not play dice with the universe. " -- Albert Einstein
Apparantly, God GM's world of warcraft...
So whenever anyone outside of possibly a mathematician tells you something is fact, you have to wonder.
My main problem with Evolution is the very beginning of life on Earth. The various papers and text books always say something like. The conditions were just right to produce life.
Which is not unlike spontaneous generation right? Then you go back further, the universe has limitations in what can and cannot be done, commonly referred to laws. How are these in place? or more simply why does the universe behave the way it does?
Around this point science and belief systems are in a murky area. You either say God or shrug depending upon the person.
In trying to wrap your mind around this various analogies can arrive. The closest one I can think of is computer programming.
A programmer is limited by two major obstacles, The sheer power of the computer system and imagination. So you put in place a computer with infinite power and a programmer with omniscience. (No Shoo I am NOT referring to you in any way). That programmer now has to set in parameters to allow the rest of his creation to work.
"God does not play dice with the universe. " -- Albert Einstein
Apparantly, God GM's world of warcraft...
December 12, 2007
Merriam-Webster's newest word. W00T!
Now its okay to use on an English majors term paper?
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Expect cheers among hardcore online game enthusiasts when they learn Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. Or, more accurately, expect them to "w00t."
"W00t," a hybrid of letters and numbers used by gamers as an exclamation of happiness, topped all other terms in the Springfield dictionary publisher's online poll for the word that best sums up 2007.
Merriam-Webster's president, John Morse, said "w00t" was an ideal choice because it blends whimsy and new technology.
"It shows a really interesting thing that's going on in language. It's a term that's arrived only because we're now communicating electronically with each other," Morse said.
Gamers commonly substitute numbers and symbols for the letters they resemble, Morse says, creating what they call "l33t speak" — that's "leet" when spoken, short for "elite" to the rest of the world.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Expect cheers among hardcore online game enthusiasts when they learn Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. Or, more accurately, expect them to "w00t."
"W00t," a hybrid of letters and numbers used by gamers as an exclamation of happiness, topped all other terms in the Springfield dictionary publisher's online poll for the word that best sums up 2007.
Merriam-Webster's president, John Morse, said "w00t" was an ideal choice because it blends whimsy and new technology.
"It shows a really interesting thing that's going on in language. It's a term that's arrived only because we're now communicating electronically with each other," Morse said.
Gamers commonly substitute numbers and symbols for the letters they resemble, Morse says, creating what they call "l33t speak" — that's "leet" when spoken, short for "elite" to the rest of the world.
December 09, 2007
December 07, 2007
Circle Time
Connor, as stated many times, is Autistic and you never quite know whats going on in that wonderful mind of his.
Recently we met for our family Christmas Tree hunt. Connor loves the outdoors and snow especially. We gather at a particular parking spot in a sleeply little town in the mountains.
At this point in time we were standing around saying our 'hellos' and catching up with people we havent seen for awhile.
Connor noticed we had spread out in a vague circle, which needed his attention. So he started requesting people hold hands and make a circle.
Because language is a challange he formulates what words he knows to get the achieved results.
My Brother-in-law Doug, understood this and waited until Connor addressed him directly, this made Connor think and use the needed words (always a good exercise for him).
Doug, with the hands to Jim (paraphrased). After we were all in a ring Connors face was very lit up with a smile and I asked him now what?
So we naturally had to start walking around in a big ring. All of my extended family members gleefully complied.
After that Connor informed us it was time to go into the trucks.
It was just one of those great moments in life that makes for good memories.
Recently we met for our family Christmas Tree hunt. Connor loves the outdoors and snow especially. We gather at a particular parking spot in a sleeply little town in the mountains.
At this point in time we were standing around saying our 'hellos' and catching up with people we havent seen for awhile.
Connor noticed we had spread out in a vague circle, which needed his attention. So he started requesting people hold hands and make a circle.
Because language is a challange he formulates what words he knows to get the achieved results.
My Brother-in-law Doug, understood this and waited until Connor addressed him directly, this made Connor think and use the needed words (always a good exercise for him).
Doug, with the hands to Jim (paraphrased). After we were all in a ring Connors face was very lit up with a smile and I asked him now what?
So we naturally had to start walking around in a big ring. All of my extended family members gleefully complied.
After that Connor informed us it was time to go into the trucks.
It was just one of those great moments in life that makes for good memories.
December 05, 2007
In case you or your kids are playing World of Warcraft
In warcraft you can join the Alliance or the Horde. At first glance this can be deceptive. After you start to really delve into it you realize that Blizzard has thrown a twist and the Alliance is Evil and the Horde is good. Which seems counter intuative.
Humans - Generally racist, imperialistic, egotistical, salvers, and can be megalomaniacs. When Stormwind was rebuilt, they hired masons to rebuild the city, then banish them instead of paying. Oh, and remember Alterac! (too long to get into here)
Dwarves - The "Exploration Guild" is nothing more than strip miners digging up large areas of land. The King of the dwarves own daughter ran off to be away from him.
Night Elves - Narcissistic. They created a new World Tree (Teldrassil) defying the guardians of such things, the Dragon Aspects. As such, Teldrassil is rotted from the inside out.
Gnomes - Dangerous and Short sighted. Foolishly nuked their whole city. Tend to be materialistic.
Draenei - Fallen demons who are now 'pure of heart'. Zealot race that can take things too far. 'Kill em all let god sort them out'
Further. The vast majority of the bad guys in game are alliance. And the best way to look at any group is by the leaders.
Thrall - Enigmatic leader who escaped his slave beginnings to unite the Horde for the good of Azeroth. He even forged a pact with the Humans, Who promptly ignored and attacked.
Cairne Bloodhoof - Wise leader of the Tauren, his people are nomadic and very respectful of nature. This guy is easily the greatest leader in game
Vol'jin - the Darkspear Troll leader. Has taken on the responsibility of eliminating bad VooDoo and stopping the evil troll tribes.
Sylvanas Windrunner- Once near mindless followers of lich king, Sylvanas Windrunner has broken the ultimate shakles and forged a community and alliance with the Horde against the human oppressors.
Kael'thas Sunstrider - Betrayed by the alliance they have forged a pact with the Forsaken and obliquely with the Horde. If you could judge any of the horde races on being less then good it would be the Blood Elves, I think its because of thier past relationships with the Alliance.
Humans - Generally racist, imperialistic, egotistical, salvers, and can be megalomaniacs. When Stormwind was rebuilt, they hired masons to rebuild the city, then banish them instead of paying. Oh, and remember Alterac! (too long to get into here)
Dwarves - The "Exploration Guild" is nothing more than strip miners digging up large areas of land. The King of the dwarves own daughter ran off to be away from him.
Night Elves - Narcissistic. They created a new World Tree (Teldrassil) defying the guardians of such things, the Dragon Aspects. As such, Teldrassil is rotted from the inside out.
Gnomes - Dangerous and Short sighted. Foolishly nuked their whole city. Tend to be materialistic.
Draenei - Fallen demons who are now 'pure of heart'. Zealot race that can take things too far. 'Kill em all let god sort them out'
Further. The vast majority of the bad guys in game are alliance. And the best way to look at any group is by the leaders.
Thrall - Enigmatic leader who escaped his slave beginnings to unite the Horde for the good of Azeroth. He even forged a pact with the Humans, Who promptly ignored and attacked.
Cairne Bloodhoof - Wise leader of the Tauren, his people are nomadic and very respectful of nature. This guy is easily the greatest leader in game
Vol'jin - the Darkspear Troll leader. Has taken on the responsibility of eliminating bad VooDoo and stopping the evil troll tribes.
Sylvanas Windrunner- Once near mindless followers of lich king, Sylvanas Windrunner has broken the ultimate shakles and forged a community and alliance with the Horde against the human oppressors.
Kael'thas Sunstrider - Betrayed by the alliance they have forged a pact with the Forsaken and obliquely with the Horde. If you could judge any of the horde races on being less then good it would be the Blood Elves, I think its because of thier past relationships with the Alliance.
December 04, 2007
Another GREAT way to save the planet. One Candle at a time!!
Exactly how insane is this Man Made Global warming myth going to become?
Check out this 'idea' Let's light one less candle this Hanukkia. Um to stop global warming...
Excuse me. Laughing... to hard to type....
Check out this 'idea' Let's light one less candle this Hanukkia. Um to stop global warming...
Excuse me. Laughing... to hard to type....
December 03, 2007
If you get a divorce your KILLING THE PLANET!!
If you got a divorce you delt a near killing blow to the planet with your own personal increase in man made global warming!
How Dare you put your own needs, wants, personal safety, assets and childrens safety above that of the planet! You unthinkable Cad!
Go out there right now and lower your carbon footprint! its the LEAST you could do.
Bastage!!
Divorce creates global warming newspaper story
How Dare you put your own needs, wants, personal safety, assets and childrens safety above that of the planet! You unthinkable Cad!
Go out there right now and lower your carbon footprint! its the LEAST you could do.
Bastage!!
Divorce creates global warming newspaper story
December 01, 2007
Wag the Finger
Your sitting at work in the lunchroom. You have a bag from Burger King. Out of seemingly no place someone impales you with advice on how much fat or how bad fast food something, something, blah blah blah....etc.
Probably based on an article in a magazine or on their AOL homepage or worse from second hand information. Or even based on some scientific study that is now in doubt.
What causes people to proffer unsolicited advice? Some people do feel better when they belittle others. Maybe its some form of Tourette's. Could be society is loosing the concept of respecting a personal space. Could be all those I guess.
Seems like we keep getting these learnered people spouting off about health as if everyone is exactly the same. Yet we are unique at the nano-level right? My DNA is mine and mine alone. A brother can be type 1 diabetic and his sister not. A lifetime smoker can be healthy while a wholistic practitioner of yoga and squeeky clean living can be taken down that long road of Cancer treatment.
We have been told to take wheat germ, lower salt, eliminate fat, elminate caffine, take vitamins, get calcium, take omega-3 fatty acids, drink more water, eliminate sugar, eat oat bran, stop having x-rays, eat like this, dont eat like that, something, something, blah blah blah....etc.
To me it looks like the scientific community knows less and less every year about how the body functions.
Probably based on an article in a magazine or on their AOL homepage or worse from second hand information. Or even based on some scientific study that is now in doubt.
What causes people to proffer unsolicited advice? Some people do feel better when they belittle others. Maybe its some form of Tourette's. Could be society is loosing the concept of respecting a personal space. Could be all those I guess.
Seems like we keep getting these learnered people spouting off about health as if everyone is exactly the same. Yet we are unique at the nano-level right? My DNA is mine and mine alone. A brother can be type 1 diabetic and his sister not. A lifetime smoker can be healthy while a wholistic practitioner of yoga and squeeky clean living can be taken down that long road of Cancer treatment.
We have been told to take wheat germ, lower salt, eliminate fat, elminate caffine, take vitamins, get calcium, take omega-3 fatty acids, drink more water, eliminate sugar, eat oat bran, stop having x-rays, eat like this, dont eat like that, something, something, blah blah blah....etc.
To me it looks like the scientific community knows less and less every year about how the body functions.
November 26, 2007
World of Warcraft commercials
The reason everyone must play this game. Look at who else is playing!!
Mr. T
William Shatner
Scientists to blame for the universes demise!!
I'm afraid its in the news so it must be true!
You see quantum systems can exist in many different physical configurations at the same time. By observing the system, however, we may pick out one single 'quantum state', and therefore force the system to change its configuration.
Cosmologists observing dark energy have done just that, "Incredible as it seems, our detection of the dark energy may provide evidence that the universe will ultimately decay," says Prof Krauss.
So much for all of existance. DAMN YOU SCIENCE!!!!!
You see quantum systems can exist in many different physical configurations at the same time. By observing the system, however, we may pick out one single 'quantum state', and therefore force the system to change its configuration.
Cosmologists observing dark energy have done just that, "Incredible as it seems, our detection of the dark energy may provide evidence that the universe will ultimately decay," says Prof Krauss.
So much for all of existance. DAMN YOU SCIENCE!!!!!
November 16, 2007
Natasha Bedingfield (Another vid)
The concept of this song and video can make a guy burst into a cold sweat.
Natasha.Bedingfield.-.I.Wanna.Have.Your.Babies_
Uploaded by crazygirlka
Good Music video (they are rare)
Geeze, I am SOOOOO glad the 'being single' portion of my existance is long past.
Toby Keith - I'm Just Talkin' About Tonight
Uploaded by Toby-Keith
Online
Brad Paisley wrote this song about online personna's. It also has Jason Alexander, William Shatner, Estelle Harris, Maureen McCormick and if you look really quick, Patrick Warburton.
Cooler Online
Uploaded by twopugs
November 12, 2007
November 09, 2007
Heared this today.
Lets say I start a business. A consulting business. You the customer have to pay me even if you do not use my services. Even if you use someone elses consulting business you have to pay them and me.
Welcome to the Public School system...
Welcome to the Public School system...
November 08, 2007
Christmas and Elections.
If you follow the news, heck even if you dont. You know that there is an election comming. My home page touted that Hillary Clinton has a 20 point lead.
So I did a straw poll here at work and out of the 1oo some people (the question was: Do you have someone you like for president followed by, Do you think Hillary has a chance).
Zero said Hillary. None confirmed they thought she had a chance.
So who exactly is backing her to become "President Again"?
serves me right for reading the news....
So I did a straw poll here at work and out of the 1oo some people (the question was: Do you have someone you like for president followed by, Do you think Hillary has a chance).
Zero said Hillary. None confirmed they thought she had a chance.
So who exactly is backing her to become "President Again"?
serves me right for reading the news....
November 05, 2007
I gots the muzik in me!
As stated before I enjoy music. While I was at a party for my sisters 40th anivesary (yay Sis!). My eldest nephew made it a point to tell me that I had introduced him to rock n roll. This nephew is a musician at times playing in bands.
In driving home I commented on being an influence on the kids music. I turned to my wife and asked if I had influenced her musical tastes as well. She confirmed that I had.
Kind of felt good knowing that there is something positive I am credited with. I'm sure there are more things. This just seemed very tangible.
In driving home I commented on being an influence on the kids music. I turned to my wife and asked if I had influenced her musical tastes as well. She confirmed that I had.
Kind of felt good knowing that there is something positive I am credited with. I'm sure there are more things. This just seemed very tangible.
November 04, 2007
Halloween costume
There is this Game Called Bio-Shock which has a Metal monster character (Big Daddy) and a scary little girl (Little Sister) as the 'bad guys'. Pretty good costume
2
November 03, 2007
Trust in the ability of mankind to adapt its envornment.
A book well worth reading
"As a particular resource becomes more scarce, its price rises; this rise of price creates an incentive for people to discover more of the resource, ration it and, eventually, develop substitutes."
Capitalism is the solution for resource shortages!! WOOT!
"As a particular resource becomes more scarce, its price rises; this rise of price creates an incentive for people to discover more of the resource, ration it and, eventually, develop substitutes."
Capitalism is the solution for resource shortages!! WOOT!
October 28, 2007
80's music and my kids.
I have an eclectic musical taste. It encompasses classical, crooning, big band, folk, country, western, rock, novelty, punk and various other sub-genre. Most modern classic and improv jazz leaves me cold. As does disco. I grew up during the polyester disco craze and was so glad when the Sex Pistols and the Ramones came onto the music sceen. (KROQ!).
My largest bunching of songs I like hail from the 80's. Over the top music with some Raw edges and a good amount of Camp. Fun stuff, fun bands, good times associated with them.
At any rate, Quite a few teens around here have embraced some of the more popular 80's bands and with my collection my kids are no different. They know the Beatles, Sinatra and Boomtown Rats among others.
Connor, however is a different sort of kid. He loves music. Certain songs he will latch onto and repeat. He is adept at searching Google Video and watching Looney Toons.
Somehow someplace he got an 80's band video onto his most watched list. The Pet Shop Boys is one of the more successful English bands from the 80's and the song "Oppertunities" has been played and played since it first aired. Not exactly what you would expect a nine year old to be listening too.
I cant help but smile sitting in the next room hearing him belt out the dulcet tones.
Here is the video:
My largest bunching of songs I like hail from the 80's. Over the top music with some Raw edges and a good amount of Camp. Fun stuff, fun bands, good times associated with them.
At any rate, Quite a few teens around here have embraced some of the more popular 80's bands and with my collection my kids are no different. They know the Beatles, Sinatra and Boomtown Rats among others.
Connor, however is a different sort of kid. He loves music. Certain songs he will latch onto and repeat. He is adept at searching Google Video and watching Looney Toons.
Somehow someplace he got an 80's band video onto his most watched list. The Pet Shop Boys is one of the more successful English bands from the 80's and the song "Oppertunities" has been played and played since it first aired. Not exactly what you would expect a nine year old to be listening too.
I cant help but smile sitting in the next room hearing him belt out the dulcet tones.
Here is the video:
October 26, 2007
oooh disaster! lets make it a politica! item!
Rush Limbaugh has been calling the 'traditional' news outlets the "drive-by media".
More and more I am agreeing with his assessment. Take something going on right now that directly affects me. The So Cal fires, not because I used to live down there, rather that I have many good friends down there.
The news down there isnt quite enough to fill the pages? We have to have sound bites about man made Global warming being to blame. Comparisons between Qualcomm stadium evacuation and the Superdome.
The water drop planes not being allowed to fly in unsafe wind conditions without fire spotters being a headline as well.
And of it all the fact that they think us so gullible is the topper.
The brave men and women fighting the fire have made great strides in getting and keeping the fire contained and they have saved lives and property again and again.
More and more I am agreeing with his assessment. Take something going on right now that directly affects me. The So Cal fires, not because I used to live down there, rather that I have many good friends down there.
The news down there isnt quite enough to fill the pages? We have to have sound bites about man made Global warming being to blame. Comparisons between Qualcomm stadium evacuation and the Superdome.
The water drop planes not being allowed to fly in unsafe wind conditions without fire spotters being a headline as well.
And of it all the fact that they think us so gullible is the topper.
The brave men and women fighting the fire have made great strides in getting and keeping the fire contained and they have saved lives and property again and again.
October 21, 2007
WWSD? (what would Shoo do)
Shoo in a comment on his blog said he like being attacked randomly by people. (this was in a response to someone saying treat people they way you want to be treated. Anyways I saw this vid and thought of shoo,.
October 19, 2007
October 18, 2007
Cruel Humor
I was thinking of a posting about my ole buddy Tim and realized I didnt have a picture. So I googled "people who look like tim" and lo and behold. This is pretty accurate with my mental image.....
October 12, 2007
Tarnished Nobel?
I'm a bit let down that the Nobel Prize people would hand the prize over to someone that is doing a good job lying for his own benefit. We have a good chunk of the school systems and the News media trumpeting his cause despite the truth.
to paraphrase a friend of mine, The truth is not important here, the message is all important.
Anyways, it looks like a UK truck driver has more sense then the Nobel Prize people. 11 lies that school kids should know about Gores film
to paraphrase a friend of mine, The truth is not important here, the message is all important.
Anyways, it looks like a UK truck driver has more sense then the Nobel Prize people. 11 lies that school kids should know about Gores film
October 09, 2007
September 24, 2007
The more behinder I get.
Wow, life is moving a bit too fast as of late. As luck would have it, things seemed to slow down a bit Sunday night.
To recap: Lost my job, got new job, lost vacation, family went on vacation sans me. worked some 90 hour weeks, built a deck, built a shed on the deck, worked some more hellacious hours. School started, Tina went back to work, the kids retired from being Acolytes, we scrambled to get the collage paperwork in, Tina went down south to visit family (I had to work). Trevor went off to collage (didnt call for 4 days, then we tracked him down). I got the hooks and shelf up in the bathroom. We cleaned up the room the boys inhabit, I wired Diana and Connors room for internet. We had company over. I reloaded the OS on my old Dell Dimension 8200 for Connors use. The dishwasher seems to be leaking.
Now I just need to haul Trevors stuff downstairs. Then
To recap: Lost my job, got new job, lost vacation, family went on vacation sans me. worked some 90 hour weeks, built a deck, built a shed on the deck, worked some more hellacious hours. School started, Tina went back to work, the kids retired from being Acolytes, we scrambled to get the collage paperwork in, Tina went down south to visit family (I had to work). Trevor went off to collage (didnt call for 4 days, then we tracked him down). I got the hooks and shelf up in the bathroom. We cleaned up the room the boys inhabit, I wired Diana and Connors room for internet. We had company over. I reloaded the OS on my old Dell Dimension 8200 for Connors use. The dishwasher seems to be leaking.
Now I just need to haul Trevors stuff downstairs. Then
September 18, 2007
paved with good intentions.
My nephew is a hunter. He went to a collage that had quite a few hunters enrolled. They had a gun locker set up. that required two people to open for access to the guns and ammo. Everyone knew where the weapons where, and everyone seemed happy with the prospect.
In comes a new person in charge of the school. She is shocked to find out there is a gun locker on campus so she bans it and all fire arms.
Now there was just as many weapons on campus but now no one knew where they were and practically anyone had access to them.
(story provided by my sibling)
In comes a new person in charge of the school. She is shocked to find out there is a gun locker on campus so she bans it and all fire arms.
Now there was just as many weapons on campus but now no one knew where they were and practically anyone had access to them.
(story provided by my sibling)
September 17, 2007
Why would anyone?
Time and time again we see waste in government. Budget requirements that make you spend or get your funding cut. Systems where the actual service rendered is dwarfed by the bureaucracy. Common sense tossed aside for group by in.
Insurance companies themselves are pretty ponderous and lacking in efficency. So why would anyone want government to run healthcare?
Right now most healtcare is this:
I'm going to pay you money every week at some point I have to go to the doctor and you will pay for it out of the money I have given you. You keep the rest of the money for this service. You will have to fight with the doctors so they do not do stuff or bill stuff that isnt needed. Oh, and you cannot say anything to me about my own personal habits or health.
With Government it would be something like this:
We are going to take your money and determine who gets paid for healthcare.
Insurance companies themselves are pretty ponderous and lacking in efficency. So why would anyone want government to run healthcare?
Right now most healtcare is this:
I'm going to pay you money every week at some point I have to go to the doctor and you will pay for it out of the money I have given you. You keep the rest of the money for this service. You will have to fight with the doctors so they do not do stuff or bill stuff that isnt needed. Oh, and you cannot say anything to me about my own personal habits or health.
With Government it would be something like this:
We are going to take your money and determine who gets paid for healthcare.
September 15, 2007
Finally More Nuclear plants
31 possible plants being built
I see this as a great wonderful awesome thing. I just hope a couple of these are put in Oregon.
I see this as a great wonderful awesome thing. I just hope a couple of these are put in Oregon.
September 11, 2007
Code Monkey (Ronns kids fav.)
Ronn recently showcased this song done in an 'unplugged' setting. In the comments Toymaker says this version is the one Ronns boy likes bestest. So I thought to put it on mine.
September 09, 2007
Internet help Desk
Oldie but a goodie. Working at Dell phone in tech support I can really appreciate this guys bit.
September 08, 2007
L33+ talking.
Way back in my early days of the internet I happened upon Internet Relay Chat (IRC). So I was introduced into a world of Slang. LOL, AFK, BRB, L8R and so on.
As the newness wore off of just chatting and online games with other people took my interest, quite a few of the slang terms moved over and a bunch of new ones have entered my lexicon.
FTW = For the Win!
AoE = Area of Effect (some kind of offense that works on a location instead of an individual Think of a gernade .vs. bullet)
Gank = Taking out (sending to the graveyard), another player who has no chance against you. (Think of Mike Tyson .vs. one of Jerry's Kids.... TYSON FTW)
WTS = Want to sell
WTB = Want to buy
LFG = Looking for group
pewpew = Dealing large amount of damage (think of old laser fire sound effect)
PUG = Pick up group
Agro = Getting the attention of a creature by it attacking you.
lots of others, and as time passes I dont even notice its slang. It's just WTF? another TLA needing defined, LOL n00b.
As the newness wore off of just chatting and online games with other people took my interest, quite a few of the slang terms moved over and a bunch of new ones have entered my lexicon.
FTW = For the Win!
AoE = Area of Effect (some kind of offense that works on a location instead of an individual Think of a gernade .vs. bullet)
Gank = Taking out (sending to the graveyard), another player who has no chance against you. (Think of Mike Tyson .vs. one of Jerry's Kids.... TYSON FTW)
WTS = Want to sell
WTB = Want to buy
LFG = Looking for group
pewpew = Dealing large amount of damage (think of old laser fire sound effect)
PUG = Pick up group
Agro = Getting the attention of a creature by it attacking you.
lots of others, and as time passes I dont even notice its slang. It's just WTF? another TLA needing defined, LOL n00b.
September 06, 2007
September 01, 2007
August 31, 2007
August 20, 2007
Pachelbel Rant (5min and funny)
Rob Paravonian going off on pretty much the music industry as a whole.
August 19, 2007
Happy Anniversary Honey
19 years ago this day I made my best choice ever. And got married. I had met Tina at a Church Dance. Two days later we went skating and aside from a minor bout of insanity I had, we have been together ever since.
Life does have its twists and turns, good times and bad. I am pretty lucky that our worst times are pretty dang good in the overall scope of things. If I do have times when things get me down, Job loss, bad day at work, etc. I just have to sit back a minute, think of Tina, and the rest of the day is easy.
It's pretty cool being in love.
Life does have its twists and turns, good times and bad. I am pretty lucky that our worst times are pretty dang good in the overall scope of things. If I do have times when things get me down, Job loss, bad day at work, etc. I just have to sit back a minute, think of Tina, and the rest of the day is easy.
It's pretty cool being in love.
August 14, 2007
First day at work
And what a day! Still have a lot to go over and more to learn.
but, its fun and I am being handed quite a few projects. So its all good.
but, its fun and I am being handed quite a few projects. So its all good.
August 10, 2007
Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance
They say that there is a series of mental processes you go through with a loss. My call center closing was not any different.
One minute I'm helping a customer on the phone, next moment I'm cleaning out my desk. I just grabbed the personal stuff and left. I thought it was acceptance, but it was denial.
Next day it hit me harder and I got some anger and some depression. Prayed a lot, which is your classic bargaining. Weekend was the Anger, Bargaining, Depression bits.
Monday I interviewed for the job I accepted this thursday. Closer to home. Better money and a pretty challanging occupation.
There are bunches of questions about what exactly happened that will never fully be answered. Even though things seem to be working out pretty good (nice bonus from the severence that we dont have to dip into). I'm still not in that acceptance phase.
Anger, Denial, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. There is a great comedy act on that in the 1979 movie All That Jazz. I tried to find that video link but wasnt able too..... yet....
One minute I'm helping a customer on the phone, next moment I'm cleaning out my desk. I just grabbed the personal stuff and left. I thought it was acceptance, but it was denial.
Next day it hit me harder and I got some anger and some depression. Prayed a lot, which is your classic bargaining. Weekend was the Anger, Bargaining, Depression bits.
Monday I interviewed for the job I accepted this thursday. Closer to home. Better money and a pretty challanging occupation.
There are bunches of questions about what exactly happened that will never fully be answered. Even though things seem to be working out pretty good (nice bonus from the severence that we dont have to dip into). I'm still not in that acceptance phase.
Anger, Denial, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. There is a great comedy act on that in the 1979 movie All That Jazz. I tried to find that video link but wasnt able too..... yet....
August 03, 2007
Out of Work
Thursday August 2nd we were called into a meeting, I was about two hours into my shift. Earlier we had received an e-mail that 'big-wigs' would be out and about today. At the meeting they announced they were closing the call center and handed us our final checks.
This took everyone by suprise. Not even the upper management seemed to know what was going on. Now in retrospect you can pierce the veil and see what happened.
Dell went after the home market with a vengence. The $399.00 pc. They expanded the sales force and went after other electronic markets. MP3 players, Plasma Televisions, Home Entertainment technologies. This was all under the tenure of Kevin Rollins.
The stocks tumbled, the company did some cost saving measures and outsourced a bulk of the customer care and technical support. Quality all around slipped. The Bloggers really went into overdrive and the bad press etc. Kevin 'left' the company. If you look at his parting gifts compared to other CEO's you can read between the lines.
IMHO it was a line on a spreadsheet that delivered our fate. Anyone looking for a smart tech savvy guy with excellent personal skills. Dependable and loyal.
I'm looking,.
This took everyone by suprise. Not even the upper management seemed to know what was going on. Now in retrospect you can pierce the veil and see what happened.
Dell went after the home market with a vengence. The $399.00 pc. They expanded the sales force and went after other electronic markets. MP3 players, Plasma Televisions, Home Entertainment technologies. This was all under the tenure of Kevin Rollins.
The stocks tumbled, the company did some cost saving measures and outsourced a bulk of the customer care and technical support. Quality all around slipped. The Bloggers really went into overdrive and the bad press etc. Kevin 'left' the company. If you look at his parting gifts compared to other CEO's you can read between the lines.
IMHO it was a line on a spreadsheet that delivered our fate. Anyone looking for a smart tech savvy guy with excellent personal skills. Dependable and loyal.
I'm looking,.
August 01, 2007
mini-Trampoline
Connor, likes to jump. It used to be he would jump on the couch or bed. This is not what those are designed for, so Tina went out and found him a mini-trampoline (two actually).
Mini-Tramps are usually found at garage sales and they are in pretty good condition. You do not see one that has heavy use. They are in-fact, near perfect condition.
The only one I have ever seen used... is connors...
It has had the legs welded on (he stripped the screw on legs) I have replaced about 1/4 of the springs. It may be time to start looking for a new one.
Mini-Tramps are usually found at garage sales and they are in pretty good condition. You do not see one that has heavy use. They are in-fact, near perfect condition.
The only one I have ever seen used... is connors...
It has had the legs welded on (he stripped the screw on legs) I have replaced about 1/4 of the springs. It may be time to start looking for a new one.
July 30, 2007
Joanne Rowling
So I'm pondering what is Ms. Rowling going to do next, insofar as writing goes?
There is an issue with 'topping' what you did before. Seeing as Harry Potter is a best selling juggernaut the likes of which has never been seen before in the history of publication. It kind of puts one hell of a height of the bar for her.
Of course she really doesnt 'have to' write anything else ever. Broke single mom writes seven books and becomes the richest woman in England. She did mention she was going to take her notes and make an encylopedia. Which sounds fun. She also mentioned she wanted to 'fall in love' with a new project.
Personally, If I was in her shoes I would probably write a series of childrens books for kids just learning to read. Something that cannot be savaged by those icky people who wait for someone to fail and pounce upon them like vultures.
Have the proceeds go to 'reading is fundamental' or some such organization that helps kids learn to read.
Just an idea out there for ya Ms. Rowlings...
There is an issue with 'topping' what you did before. Seeing as Harry Potter is a best selling juggernaut the likes of which has never been seen before in the history of publication. It kind of puts one hell of a height of the bar for her.
Of course she really doesnt 'have to' write anything else ever. Broke single mom writes seven books and becomes the richest woman in England. She did mention she was going to take her notes and make an encylopedia. Which sounds fun. She also mentioned she wanted to 'fall in love' with a new project.
Personally, If I was in her shoes I would probably write a series of childrens books for kids just learning to read. Something that cannot be savaged by those icky people who wait for someone to fail and pounce upon them like vultures.
Have the proceeds go to 'reading is fundamental' or some such organization that helps kids learn to read.
Just an idea out there for ya Ms. Rowlings...
July 28, 2007
They say its your birthday (Beatles)
title is the answer to the question below....
Yup 46 trips around the sun. Woot! Not that I have really cared or payed attention too much. I figure the aches and pains that I do not recall from my earlier years are all the reminder I need. Anyways, it was an interesting day.
I came into work and was slammed because we had a lack of techs and I try to do my utmost to answer questions and review notes and come up with possible solutions for folks. At one point I had three people at my desk and six messanger windows open. (King multi-tasker here). I survived.
The morning was rather uneventful as everyone slept in. So I watched a bit of tube and decided I wasnt going to walk in on my b-day. The family met me for Mexican food. I overate and felt stuffed the rest of the day. Headed home to a light dinner of Greek peppers, feta, hummus and spinich puff thingys (insert proper greek word here).
Then it was phat lewt time. I got Ultimate x-men trade novel, Modern history of comedy (with DVD), new running pants, Comic book holders, work shirt and a Jet Li DVD (Fearless) so all in all a good haul.
We had some cheesecake for dessert with fresh blackberries. And watched some of the comedy DVD then Doctor who.
After all had settled down I perused some Doug and the Slug music videos.
So next another trip around the sun...
Yup 46 trips around the sun. Woot! Not that I have really cared or payed attention too much. I figure the aches and pains that I do not recall from my earlier years are all the reminder I need. Anyways, it was an interesting day.
I came into work and was slammed because we had a lack of techs and I try to do my utmost to answer questions and review notes and come up with possible solutions for folks. At one point I had three people at my desk and six messanger windows open. (King multi-tasker here). I survived.
The morning was rather uneventful as everyone slept in. So I watched a bit of tube and decided I wasnt going to walk in on my b-day. The family met me for Mexican food. I overate and felt stuffed the rest of the day. Headed home to a light dinner of Greek peppers, feta, hummus and spinich puff thingys (insert proper greek word here).
Then it was phat lewt time. I got Ultimate x-men trade novel, Modern history of comedy (with DVD), new running pants, Comic book holders, work shirt and a Jet Li DVD (Fearless) so all in all a good haul.
We had some cheesecake for dessert with fresh blackberries. And watched some of the comedy DVD then Doctor who.
After all had settled down I perused some Doug and the Slug music videos.
So next another trip around the sun...
July 27, 2007
Here's another clue for you all.
Today is:
Opening track on the Third side of the White Album. (first song 2nd CD)
Opening track on the Third side of the White Album. (first song 2nd CD)
July 23, 2007
Busy work
I play World of Warcraft (W0W). It has largely taken the place of TV for me. That is to say instead of plopping down on the couch. I'll log in and visit the people online. It's more social and with all the bad shows on TV (American Idol, Survivor, that housewives show, etc.) I am not missing much.
Some people I work with have been getting together recently. So I have been meeting up with them on a different server then my usual haunt. Blizzard, the company behind warcraft has 210 different servers (realms) with identical worlds. They would put up a new server when the others got full. With 8 million accounts you could see why they would need multiple worlds.
It is a Sword and Sorcery setting and you design a character to play or portray. You start out doing tasks and gaining abilities and learning about the history past and current, along the way. Warcraft has a fairly deep storyline that goes back various incarnations of the game. You do not need to know the 'Lore' to play but I find it does add to the Entertainment.
Anyways, my new character is a rogue, they sneak around, pick-pockets, open locks and do a bunch of sneaky attacks that build up. I am on a Player versus Player server (PVP). Which means you can find yourself under attack by players of another faction. In WoW there are two factions. The evil, imperialistic Alliance, and the noble, accepting yet rough Hord.
Recently I have been upgrading gear as I have outgrown my old set. So I have my character travel to various points in the world and gather items then find someone with the skills to make the leather armor and daggers. As you gather up various stuff you can put it up for sale in a server wide auction house. The build in economy means you buy, sell and trade for items that you cannot or willnot get.
It can be quite a bit of busywork. Or you can ignore most of that and just plod along. In the course of 30min you can log on, do some stuff, laugh with some people and log off. I find it much more satisfying then sitting alone on the couch trying to find something worth watching on the Tube.
Some people I work with have been getting together recently. So I have been meeting up with them on a different server then my usual haunt. Blizzard, the company behind warcraft has 210 different servers (realms) with identical worlds. They would put up a new server when the others got full. With 8 million accounts you could see why they would need multiple worlds.
It is a Sword and Sorcery setting and you design a character to play or portray. You start out doing tasks and gaining abilities and learning about the history past and current, along the way. Warcraft has a fairly deep storyline that goes back various incarnations of the game. You do not need to know the 'Lore' to play but I find it does add to the Entertainment.
Anyways, my new character is a rogue, they sneak around, pick-pockets, open locks and do a bunch of sneaky attacks that build up. I am on a Player versus Player server (PVP). Which means you can find yourself under attack by players of another faction. In WoW there are two factions. The evil, imperialistic Alliance, and the noble, accepting yet rough Hord.
Recently I have been upgrading gear as I have outgrown my old set. So I have my character travel to various points in the world and gather items then find someone with the skills to make the leather armor and daggers. As you gather up various stuff you can put it up for sale in a server wide auction house. The build in economy means you buy, sell and trade for items that you cannot or willnot get.
It can be quite a bit of busywork. Or you can ignore most of that and just plod along. In the course of 30min you can log on, do some stuff, laugh with some people and log off. I find it much more satisfying then sitting alone on the couch trying to find something worth watching on the Tube.
July 18, 2007
Travel
My daughters heading back home from her Germany trip today. This means she has traveled more then I have, as I have only been across the northern and southern boarder of the US.
It has been a quieter house without her, we miss her a lot. I am really glad she is comming home. As a dad I worry. Even though she was with some great people who have my trust, I still just feel better knowing she is home.
I figure she will have quite a few stories to tell and pictures to show. It is one of those things in life that have a lasting impact.
It has been a quieter house without her, we miss her a lot. I am really glad she is comming home. As a dad I worry. Even though she was with some great people who have my trust, I still just feel better knowing she is home.
I figure she will have quite a few stories to tell and pictures to show. It is one of those things in life that have a lasting impact.
July 17, 2007
Global Warming now world's most boring topic: report
Spoofed news story
* 89 per cent wanted to know how it was possible for humans to control the climate, given that they have enough trouble forecasting it.
* 96 per cent believe those who use the term "climate change denial" are attempting to equate it with "Holocaust denial"
* 100 per cent of these respondents also believe such people should receive lengthy prison terms for crimes against the English language
* 79 per cent of the bands that took part in the Live Earth event did so because they feared the planet would be destroyed by global warming before they had a chance to receive free worldwide television exposure
* 87 per cent only tuned in to watch the lead singer from Sneaky Sound System, who is hot
* 92 per cent of those same people watched her on mute because they didn't want to hear that song again
Of all the issues raised in the survey, most common was whether the global warming debate was all just an elaborate ruse designed to sell stuff.
The study highlighted how those who subscribe to the prophecy of global warming automatically commit themselves to purchasing a vast array of expensive products, whereas sceptics don't have to buy anything to support their point of view.
Over 98 per cent of people surveyed also predicted that the standard response from global warming proponents to that last statement would be: "yeah, it won't cost anything - except the future of your planet".
* 89 per cent wanted to know how it was possible for humans to control the climate, given that they have enough trouble forecasting it.
* 96 per cent believe those who use the term "climate change denial" are attempting to equate it with "Holocaust denial"
* 100 per cent of these respondents also believe such people should receive lengthy prison terms for crimes against the English language
* 79 per cent of the bands that took part in the Live Earth event did so because they feared the planet would be destroyed by global warming before they had a chance to receive free worldwide television exposure
* 87 per cent only tuned in to watch the lead singer from Sneaky Sound System, who is hot
* 92 per cent of those same people watched her on mute because they didn't want to hear that song again
Of all the issues raised in the survey, most common was whether the global warming debate was all just an elaborate ruse designed to sell stuff.
The study highlighted how those who subscribe to the prophecy of global warming automatically commit themselves to purchasing a vast array of expensive products, whereas sceptics don't have to buy anything to support their point of view.
Over 98 per cent of people surveyed also predicted that the standard response from global warming proponents to that last statement would be: "yeah, it won't cost anything - except the future of your planet".
Walking
In order to get into better shape and to loose wieght I walk to work as much as possible. I do change it up and ride my bike sometimes, but the bulk of the time I walk to work and jog home.
This is a two mile trek with a couple of pretty good hills. I dont use a headphone\ipod\mp3 player\radio or anything like that. One I like to hear cars approaching, two music can really disrupt my walking cadance.
Back in November I was in a car wreck and hurt my right ankle. Just this week I have tried walking without the brace and so far so good. I was jogging home last night without any problems but Tina came by and I accepted the ride.
So, I guess I'll see if I did more injury later.
This is a two mile trek with a couple of pretty good hills. I dont use a headphone\ipod\mp3 player\radio or anything like that. One I like to hear cars approaching, two music can really disrupt my walking cadance.
Back in November I was in a car wreck and hurt my right ankle. Just this week I have tried walking without the brace and so far so good. I was jogging home last night without any problems but Tina came by and I accepted the ride.
So, I guess I'll see if I did more injury later.
July 16, 2007
Plumbing.
Being that my pop knows a thing or two about plumbing, he is periodically called upon to diagnose what some particular issue is with the plumbing of some house general plumbing knowledge.
He is a remarkable resource with a vast amount of knowledge and is generally spot on with his advice and solutions. My Pop is quite possibly the foremost expert on plumbing alive today. you would be hard pressed to find someone with his 70 years plus knowledge.
While he will gladly dole out advice and plans etc. It is very, very difficult to get him to 'stop by and take a look' at something (unless your family). He explained it to me this way "If you go do the work, there can be an expectation that you are going to maintain that if something goes wrong". As such the few times he did go help out, he would supervise and not accept any form of payment in any form. Making it more of a learning\teaching thing.
This attitude probably saved quite a few friendships.
He is a remarkable resource with a vast amount of knowledge and is generally spot on with his advice and solutions. My Pop is quite possibly the foremost expert on plumbing alive today. you would be hard pressed to find someone with his 70 years plus knowledge.
While he will gladly dole out advice and plans etc. It is very, very difficult to get him to 'stop by and take a look' at something (unless your family). He explained it to me this way "If you go do the work, there can be an expectation that you are going to maintain that if something goes wrong". As such the few times he did go help out, he would supervise and not accept any form of payment in any form. Making it more of a learning\teaching thing.
This attitude probably saved quite a few friendships.
July 13, 2007
Friday the 13th
- The 13th day of a month is more likely to fall on a Friday than on any other day.
- In each 400-year cycle of the Gregorian calendar, 170 years have one Friday the 13th, 171 have two, and 59 have three.
- It is impossible to have a year with no Friday the 13th or a year with four or more Fridays the 13th.
- When there are three Fridays the 13th in a year, they occur in February, March and November except in leap years.
- In leap years, they occur in January, April and July.
- When there is only one Friday the 13th in a year, it falls either in May, June, August or October.
July 11, 2007
Good Media minded definition.
Activist.
A politically-concerned citizen given to the vigorous pursuit of Liberal causes. Not to be confused with extremist, a politically-concerned citizen given to the pursuit of Conservative causes (e.g., animal-rights activist, gun-rights extremist).
A politically-concerned citizen given to the vigorous pursuit of Liberal causes. Not to be confused with extremist, a politically-concerned citizen given to the pursuit of Conservative causes (e.g., animal-rights activist, gun-rights extremist).
July 10, 2007
Worlds funniest joke (go ahead and google it)
Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says: "Calm down, I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: "OK, now what?"
Bertrand Russell (what a guy)
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
Bertrand Russell (British Author, Mathematician & Philosopher)
Bertrand Russell (British Author, Mathematician & Philosopher)
July 07, 2007
July 05, 2007
Quotes from movies
Yeah right. Who's the only one here who knows the illegal ninja moves from the government?
You ask for a miracle, I give you the FBI
I made fun of "Lord of the Rings" so hard, it made some supergeek puke all over the counter. Where do we keep the mop and bucket so I can make Elias clean it up?
Let's take a look-see. Hate your hair. Not likely. Yikes. Yikes. Yikes. And, let me guess, you have a great personality.
Damn you! I'm not an actor, I'm a movie star!
The gun katas. Through analysis of thousands of recorded gunfights, the Cleric has determined that the geometric distribution of antagonists in any gun battle is a statistically predictable element. The gun kata treats the gun as a total weapon, each fluid position representing a maximum kill zone, inflicting maximum damage on the maximum number of opponents while keeping the defender clear of the statistically traditional trajectories of return fire. By the rote mastery of this art, your firing efficiency will rise by no less than 120%. The difference of a 63% increase to lethal proficiency makes the master of the gun katas an adversary not to be taken lightly.
Want a twinkie, Genghis Khan?
Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues.
Sir, the private believes that any answer he gives will be wrong! And his senior drill instructor will beat him harder if he reverses himself, sir!
Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?
I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species and I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You're a plague and we are the cure.
Water floats, but also capsizes boats.
Hostage etiquette: kidnapper pays the incidentals.
I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
God's given me a gift. I shovel well. I shovel very well.
Are you staring at me or her? 'Cause you're starting to freak me out.
I'd like to punch that guy in the face right now. But I can't, you know, because I'd get in trouble. I bet you get a lot of that on "Let's Make A Deal."
You ask for a miracle, I give you the FBI
I made fun of "Lord of the Rings" so hard, it made some supergeek puke all over the counter. Where do we keep the mop and bucket so I can make Elias clean it up?
Let's take a look-see. Hate your hair. Not likely. Yikes. Yikes. Yikes. And, let me guess, you have a great personality.
Damn you! I'm not an actor, I'm a movie star!
The gun katas. Through analysis of thousands of recorded gunfights, the Cleric has determined that the geometric distribution of antagonists in any gun battle is a statistically predictable element. The gun kata treats the gun as a total weapon, each fluid position representing a maximum kill zone, inflicting maximum damage on the maximum number of opponents while keeping the defender clear of the statistically traditional trajectories of return fire. By the rote mastery of this art, your firing efficiency will rise by no less than 120%. The difference of a 63% increase to lethal proficiency makes the master of the gun katas an adversary not to be taken lightly.
Want a twinkie, Genghis Khan?
Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues.
Sir, the private believes that any answer he gives will be wrong! And his senior drill instructor will beat him harder if he reverses himself, sir!
Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?
I'd like to share a revelation that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify your species and I realized that you're not actually mammals. Every mammal on this planet instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment but you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply and multiply until every natural resource is consumed and the only way you can survive is to spread to another area. There is another organism on this planet that follows the same pattern. Do you know what it is? A virus. Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet. You're a plague and we are the cure.
Water floats, but also capsizes boats.
Hostage etiquette: kidnapper pays the incidentals.
I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.
God's given me a gift. I shovel well. I shovel very well.
Are you staring at me or her? 'Cause you're starting to freak me out.
I'd like to punch that guy in the face right now. But I can't, you know, because I'd get in trouble. I bet you get a lot of that on "Let's Make A Deal."
July 04, 2007
Independence day.
Independence day. My favorite day of remembrance. If you read the news you get the impression that everything is bad. On the contrary, they just dont get ratings for the good things. I assembled a few patriotic quotes from people I feel we could learn a lot from.
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, For then it costs nothing to be a patriot." -- Mark Twain
"The things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that it stands for was written by their lives. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history." -- Woodrow Wilson
"Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return." -- Colin Powell
"We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another." -- Richard Nixon
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." -- Abraham Lincoln
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." -- John F. Kennedy
"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men." -- Samuel Adams
July 02, 2007
Just Connor and Me.
Last Thursday and Friday Tina and Trevor headed to collage sign ups, testing and orientation. Trevor tested well. (maybe 'too well' but, that's another posting).
Connor is fun to be with. He sees things and comments on them. You never quite know where he is coming from without some introspection. Recently he wanted to go to the Hospital pool. We finally latched onto the fact his Omi and Opa had been in town and the hotel they stayed at did have a hospital look.
He is quite fond of Burger King, not for the food but for the fact it is a drive though. He is very particular about the quality of fruit in the form of black berries and can distinguish tart and sweet primarily by touch. Same with Apples.
He enjoys hot dogs, tater tots, Kraft Dinner, pringles, white cheddar popcorn and rice cakes.
Frequently we will play catch with the football, pass with the hockey puck, or pitch and hit with the baseball.
Every time I see his smile, I cannot help grinning myself. I see him as the embodiment of joy.
Connor is fun to be with. He sees things and comments on them. You never quite know where he is coming from without some introspection. Recently he wanted to go to the Hospital pool. We finally latched onto the fact his Omi and Opa had been in town and the hotel they stayed at did have a hospital look.
He is quite fond of Burger King, not for the food but for the fact it is a drive though. He is very particular about the quality of fruit in the form of black berries and can distinguish tart and sweet primarily by touch. Same with Apples.
He enjoys hot dogs, tater tots, Kraft Dinner, pringles, white cheddar popcorn and rice cakes.
Frequently we will play catch with the football, pass with the hockey puck, or pitch and hit with the baseball.
Every time I see his smile, I cannot help grinning myself. I see him as the embodiment of joy.
June 27, 2007
Posse
Boans = RBG, Gorlach = Shoo, Tuuk = Me, Keight = Tina, (Treon = Drew not pictured)
For the last year we have been meeting on the casual Sunday and Tuesday night to play World of Warcraft, WoW. This has been a really nice way to stay in touch with long time friends and have a good time. Using VoIP software (teamspeak) we get the laughs and off cuff comments that makes for a socially good time. So here is a pict of our Avatars.
June 25, 2007
Bike riding
I ride to work and back again. There is a couple of hills towards work and two on the way home. So its uphill both ways (and downhill too).
June 22, 2007
The News
I'm reading news articles and I'm finding less and less journalist and more and more activists. Are politicians and journalists now students of Adolf Hitler's 'Big Lie'?
The Big Lie, defined by Adolf Hitler in his 1925 autobiography Mein Kampf as a lie so "colossal" that no one would believe that someone "could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously".
The Big Lie, defined by Adolf Hitler in his 1925 autobiography Mein Kampf as a lie so "colossal" that no one would believe that someone "could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously".
June 21, 2007
Good Ole Sam C.
“Suppose you were an idiot; and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”
--Mark Twain
--Mark Twain
June 18, 2007
Fathers Day 2007
My Pop is one of those guys that you cant help admiring. Moreso if you are his son. Moreover, once you become a Dad. He is one of the 'The Greatest Generation'. He has faith in God and is a man of his word, honest and hard working. He has a curious nature and is always learning and educating himself. He is a devoted loving husband and family man.
Growing up he was always there, sit down dinners. Taking us to movies. He was my companion through Y-indian guides and a goodly chunck of boy scouting. As typical of a father and son there was stuff I did that he didnt 'get'. He would always listen though, and offer up his own advice in a take it or leave it fashion.
In our youth we are so egocentric, I think that is what leads to us 'kids' being so antagonistic where advice comes in. We do not see the message as much as see the messanger as attacking us. I sure am glad that some of his sage wisdom stuck even if, as a kid, I gave him more lip service then thanks.
So, I look up to this man and try to be like him, fail, and try again. Because thats what he would do.
Happy Fathers Day Pop.
Growing up he was always there, sit down dinners. Taking us to movies. He was my companion through Y-indian guides and a goodly chunck of boy scouting. As typical of a father and son there was stuff I did that he didnt 'get'. He would always listen though, and offer up his own advice in a take it or leave it fashion.
In our youth we are so egocentric, I think that is what leads to us 'kids' being so antagonistic where advice comes in. We do not see the message as much as see the messanger as attacking us. I sure am glad that some of his sage wisdom stuck even if, as a kid, I gave him more lip service then thanks.
So, I look up to this man and try to be like him, fail, and try again. Because thats what he would do.
Happy Fathers Day Pop.
June 14, 2007
Unflappable
It's fairly rare for me to not pick up on something quickly.
My wife has a group of Senior Girl Scouts that have been regulars at our household for quite some time. One of the girls was a late addition into the Girl Scout program and was one of those personalities that likes to throw shocking comments out there to get a reaction or to watch said reaction.
However, when she pulled her various attempts she found Tina to take said comments in stride. So much so that Tina was able to redirect the statement or correction in such a ways to cause this particular girl scout pause. I think, this in no small way, allowed this girl to not only continue on with the program but have an accepting outlet for her various life issues that had not existed previously. Sage advice if you will.
Now the thing I had not quickly picked up on was how my Darling better half had become so unflappable. My siblings where quite quick to point out the source...
My wife has a group of Senior Girl Scouts that have been regulars at our household for quite some time. One of the girls was a late addition into the Girl Scout program and was one of those personalities that likes to throw shocking comments out there to get a reaction or to watch said reaction.
However, when she pulled her various attempts she found Tina to take said comments in stride. So much so that Tina was able to redirect the statement or correction in such a ways to cause this particular girl scout pause. I think, this in no small way, allowed this girl to not only continue on with the program but have an accepting outlet for her various life issues that had not existed previously. Sage advice if you will.
Now the thing I had not quickly picked up on was how my Darling better half had become so unflappable. My siblings where quite quick to point out the source...
June 13, 2007
Summer movies 2007
I recall in my Teens having a movie to look forward to see nearly every week, during the summer.
The last few summers it has been pretty difficult finding anything worthy of heading out to the theaters for. It is as if Hollywood is afraid of somthing.
All the films I am interested in seeing this time around are sequals.
Spiderman, Harry Potter, Shrek.
The Summer fare I am really looking towards is Doctor Who. And thats on Sci-Fi channel. Oh and with Heroes on summer leave I can start Tivoing '24' again.
I'm dissapointed that Grind House didnt do better. Something like that can make the executives take more chances.
The last few summers it has been pretty difficult finding anything worthy of heading out to the theaters for. It is as if Hollywood is afraid of somthing.
All the films I am interested in seeing this time around are sequals.
Spiderman, Harry Potter, Shrek.
The Summer fare I am really looking towards is Doctor Who. And thats on Sci-Fi channel. Oh and with Heroes on summer leave I can start Tivoing '24' again.
I'm dissapointed that Grind House didnt do better. Something like that can make the executives take more chances.
June 11, 2007
What to know about Graduation in my town.
Found this all out the hard way. By experiencing a graduation first hand. To start off with 500 kids means two very full stands in a stadium and lots of people getting there early to snatch up the prime spots. So if your kid is supposed to be there at 1:30, you needed to have a squatter there at noon to noon:30.
Bring something to sit on. The metal aluminum bench dissapates heat from your bum quickly.
Figure out how you are going to get your kid afterwards BEFORE you let him head into the crowd.
Bring something to sit on. The metal aluminum bench dissapates heat from your bum quickly.
Figure out how you are going to get your kid afterwards BEFORE you let him head into the crowd.
June 07, 2007
WIres and sleeping with a vaccum cleaner in your nose.
Okay, so I have been getting the nods around 2:00pm some some days. My doctor wasn't sure if it was my type II or Apnea. So I got to go to this lab with hotel rooms. They had Dish network and I brought a small handful of comics just in case.
So I show up and they get me to my room and I change into my P.J.'s I get to watch some sports center (Ducks win the cup) and fill out some forms. Its a nice twin bed, actually pretty comfortable mattress. The room is clean and decent hotel looking but no windows and there is a fairly obvious camera with an IR light next to it. (You REALLY need to change clothes in the bathroom).
So then you head to a barber chair and they start the process of sanding down bits of skin and applying conductive glue and little tiny wires to various parts of your head shoulders and back. This consists of about one million sixteen wires. These are all linked into a large block that plugs into a receptacle by the bed. Next I head back to the room and sit carefully waiting and watching myth busters.
Next the tech comes in and I get as comfy as possible with all this Medusa crap and get a sensor put into my nose (tickles) and another into my mouth. Okay, now its time to sleep till about 2:00am.
Time passes and around 1:00am I wake up and cannot seem to roll over anymore as either the wires are stuck or there are Lilliputians tying me down Ala Gulliver. I am also parched and have no way of leaving the bed without tearing small bits of myself free from the various electrodes. As luck would have it the SECOND time I asked for assistance a nice lady brought me a glass of water.
I must have drifted off because next thing I know they are going to put me on a CPAP machine for the rest of the night. I get to loose the nose and mouth sensor but now have this clear plastic little critter mating with my nose for the rest of the night.
This CPAP is a reverse vaccum cleaner that keeps positive airflow going up your nose. On the bright side it has a water thingy to add a fine mist and keeps me from gettind dried out. Also I can close off my passage and have it make funny noises through my open mouth. Imagine the worlds longest Rasburry...
So it takes me a good 30min to fall asleep but it seems to go quick cuz my alarm goes off at 5:30am. And it feels like I just went to sleep. Now I have to lay restrained until the tech comes in to remove the various connections from me so I can stand up.
I still have crap in my hair and a good long shower still didnt remove some adhesive.
So now the unofficial results. I had some apnea episodes when I was sleeping on my back. Enough to qualify to try the CEPAP for the rest of the night. This means they have enough results for full evaluation with and without. Which means I do not have to go back.
So now I get to find out the results.
So I show up and they get me to my room and I change into my P.J.'s I get to watch some sports center (Ducks win the cup) and fill out some forms. Its a nice twin bed, actually pretty comfortable mattress. The room is clean and decent hotel looking but no windows and there is a fairly obvious camera with an IR light next to it. (You REALLY need to change clothes in the bathroom).
So then you head to a barber chair and they start the process of sanding down bits of skin and applying conductive glue and little tiny wires to various parts of your head shoulders and back. This consists of about one million sixteen wires. These are all linked into a large block that plugs into a receptacle by the bed. Next I head back to the room and sit carefully waiting and watching myth busters.
Next the tech comes in and I get as comfy as possible with all this Medusa crap and get a sensor put into my nose (tickles) and another into my mouth. Okay, now its time to sleep till about 2:00am.
Time passes and around 1:00am I wake up and cannot seem to roll over anymore as either the wires are stuck or there are Lilliputians tying me down Ala Gulliver. I am also parched and have no way of leaving the bed without tearing small bits of myself free from the various electrodes. As luck would have it the SECOND time I asked for assistance a nice lady brought me a glass of water.
I must have drifted off because next thing I know they are going to put me on a CPAP machine for the rest of the night. I get to loose the nose and mouth sensor but now have this clear plastic little critter mating with my nose for the rest of the night.
This CPAP is a reverse vaccum cleaner that keeps positive airflow going up your nose. On the bright side it has a water thingy to add a fine mist and keeps me from gettind dried out. Also I can close off my passage and have it make funny noises through my open mouth. Imagine the worlds longest Rasburry...
So it takes me a good 30min to fall asleep but it seems to go quick cuz my alarm goes off at 5:30am. And it feels like I just went to sleep. Now I have to lay restrained until the tech comes in to remove the various connections from me so I can stand up.
I still have crap in my hair and a good long shower still didnt remove some adhesive.
So now the unofficial results. I had some apnea episodes when I was sleeping on my back. Enough to qualify to try the CEPAP for the rest of the night. This means they have enough results for full evaluation with and without. Which means I do not have to go back.
So now I get to find out the results.
May 31, 2007
CFL lights
A friend recently blogged on Compact fluorescent lights and how much better they are (Green etc). I have purchased them in the past. In my case I found they cost alot more and lasted a very short period of time. Of the six pack I got (sylvania brand) only one is still working after six months.
Then I am reading how you need to take pains to dispose of them. (http://www.earth911.org)
Seems they have to be crushed in a negative vacuume environment with mercury screens.
Next we read that there are a lot of bulbs out there that have no safety rating on them.
Finally if you accidently drop one the EPA recommends the following:
EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.-- Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands)-- Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.-- Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.-- Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it.-- If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling options are available).-- Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. More-- The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.
YIKES!!! no more 'be careful of bare feet". Or you can even look at this poor lady. And figure you might be shelling out $2,004.28 for a blub.
Looks like your 'safer' with those LED light blubs. Although, I still need to check into those.
Then I am reading how you need to take pains to dispose of them. (http://www.earth911.org)
Seems they have to be crushed in a negative vacuume environment with mercury screens.
Next we read that there are a lot of bulbs out there that have no safety rating on them.
Finally if you accidently drop one the EPA recommends the following:
EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.-- Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands)-- Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.-- Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.-- Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it.-- If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling options are available).-- Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. More-- The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.
YIKES!!! no more 'be careful of bare feet". Or you can even look at this poor lady. And figure you might be shelling out $2,004.28 for a blub.
Looks like your 'safer' with those LED light blubs. Although, I still need to check into those.
May 30, 2007
Online Fun and Games
I really enjoy the MMORPG genre. It is fun and costs less then some other game habits. I enjoy that they are ongoing and you do get chat with people all over the world. I also like some of the funny situations that occur.
Running a person accidentally off a cliff
Having your pet wander off only to come back with half of the denizens of the dungeon chasing him.
Winning a duel by someone jumping to thier death.
Asking an innocent question in such a manner that its meaning is innunedo.
That moment when someone realizses they made a terminal error. Like attacking a giant with a dagger.
Running a person accidentally off a cliff
Having your pet wander off only to come back with half of the denizens of the dungeon chasing him.
Winning a duel by someone jumping to thier death.
Asking an innocent question in such a manner that its meaning is innunedo.
That moment when someone realizses they made a terminal error. Like attacking a giant with a dagger.
May 28, 2007
Cumputer blu's (part deux)
After the last OS crash I installed a 2nd hard drive in my wifes system. I loaded the OS on that and set up Connor with a limited access account. I lowered his internet access and restricted the XP log-in account as well. I even put in a simpler interface and had on ly his icons.
Somehow with this in place he was able to get an unrecoverable error....
So I had to re-re-load the OS on saturday. It went much quicker this time.
I clamped down his access even more. I think my error came in the form of the kodak software icon in the lower right corner. It would throw up error messages due to his limited access. I am going to lock him down even further and move the kodak from all users to just tina.
Also, I got the icons down there perm hid.
Lets see him break THAT!!
Somehow with this in place he was able to get an unrecoverable error....
So I had to re-re-load the OS on saturday. It went much quicker this time.
I clamped down his access even more. I think my error came in the form of the kodak software icon in the lower right corner. It would throw up error messages due to his limited access. I am going to lock him down even further and move the kodak from all users to just tina.
Also, I got the icons down there perm hid.
Lets see him break THAT!!
May 25, 2007
May 23, 2007
Money $$$
There are two people I trust with my money. First is my wife, I come a close second. I trust my better half so much that when dating I gave her a credit card of mine, this is generally a pretty stupid thing to do. Luckily she is more fiscally responsible then I am (except, for a water filter incident).
We have been fairly busy and gotten a couple of days behind in looking in the mailed letters of the people who want us to pay them back (read Credit Card companys). We have been paying off the balance and avoiding the sometimes stupidly high rates they charge for using thier money. The current card was due today and we needed to assess if we could avoid the stupidly high rate by paying it off.
Now then I do not trust Quicken either so I actually keep two sets of books for our main account. One that Quicken handles and one that I handle. This works for my peace of mind but sometimes something crops up that just requires time to look through and fix.
Last week I noted a wider then usual discrepancy between my two sets of books. So I could have delved into the accounts and seen where the problem(s) are or wait for the statement and use that as a starting point. I got the statement and had planned on delving this week.
With the stupidly high charge nigh, I had to do the delving this AM before work. It took an hour and 15min but I found and resolved the issues and got Tina an accurate balance in which we could assess and pay off the card and thus avoid the stupidly high charge.
So it was a win but made for a very busy no coffee morning..
We have been fairly busy and gotten a couple of days behind in looking in the mailed letters of the people who want us to pay them back (read Credit Card companys). We have been paying off the balance and avoiding the sometimes stupidly high rates they charge for using thier money. The current card was due today and we needed to assess if we could avoid the stupidly high rate by paying it off.
Now then I do not trust Quicken either so I actually keep two sets of books for our main account. One that Quicken handles and one that I handle. This works for my peace of mind but sometimes something crops up that just requires time to look through and fix.
Last week I noted a wider then usual discrepancy between my two sets of books. So I could have delved into the accounts and seen where the problem(s) are or wait for the statement and use that as a starting point. I got the statement and had planned on delving this week.
With the stupidly high charge nigh, I had to do the delving this AM before work. It took an hour and 15min but I found and resolved the issues and got Tina an accurate balance in which we could assess and pay off the card and thus avoid the stupidly high charge.
So it was a win but made for a very busy no coffee morning..
May 22, 2007
Time Passages
Recently RBG posted a pict of his family on a recent vacation. As I expanded the picture I was wondering who that guy on the left was, must be an extended family member or something.
Then it hit me that it was my childhood chum himself. While planet revolutions and rotations mark the passage of time, the mind tends to freeze images in the state of last observation or preferred observation.
My mind see's my friends as they were .vs. as they are dispite that nearly 20 years have passed.
Then it hit me that it was my childhood chum himself. While planet revolutions and rotations mark the passage of time, the mind tends to freeze images in the state of last observation or preferred observation.
My mind see's my friends as they were .vs. as they are dispite that nearly 20 years have passed.
May 20, 2007
The Man Song (wow style)
Never heard of Bob and Tom but this was pretty dang funny. When placed with a gnome just adds to the fun.
May 16, 2007
LoTR .vs. Star Wars (Clerks II) Warning Language ahead)
If you hold Lord of the Rings in your mind as diety you may not want to watch this. Warning-heavy colorful metaphors in use.
May 14, 2007
Back in Action
Got Tina a new Hard Drive for her computer, then re-loaded her OS.
Connor whom I suspect aided in the corruption of whatever files that go corrupted is now set up with a limited use account on Tina's system. He seems to have taken to the new interface quite nicely.
only a small glitch in the setup when the CPU fan had become unplugged. Other then that, we are up and rolling with more storage then ever!!
Connor whom I suspect aided in the corruption of whatever files that go corrupted is now set up with a limited use account on Tina's system. He seems to have taken to the new interface quite nicely.
only a small glitch in the setup when the CPU fan had become unplugged. Other then that, we are up and rolling with more storage then ever!!
May 09, 2007
Computer blues
Okay, so I get my new system. It's great works awesome. You should see my DivX copy of Torchwood on it! I had to figure out the damn sound card for teamspeak. Got that done by serendipity.
Now my wifes system is locking up. Add to that one of my kids 'decided' to reboot the system during a windows update.
So, playing with new system hat comes off and IT tech hat goes on.
Booted to safe mode, ran anti-vi, found boot sector issue. Booted to recovery console ran good ole chkdsk /p and repaired. Rebooted. System was running more stable but going on a web browser would crash.
I have IE.7 and could not figure out how to run recovery. Looked it up at MS.com and found the instructions (It was pretty much what I guessed). Nice to have that confirmation.
Now I just need to go try it and see if that resolves the issue. If not I may need to re-load the OS.
Now my wifes system is locking up. Add to that one of my kids 'decided' to reboot the system during a windows update.
So, playing with new system hat comes off and IT tech hat goes on.
Booted to safe mode, ran anti-vi, found boot sector issue. Booted to recovery console ran good ole chkdsk /p and repaired. Rebooted. System was running more stable but going on a web browser would crash.
I have IE.7 and could not figure out how to run recovery. Looked it up at MS.com and found the instructions (It was pretty much what I guessed). Nice to have that confirmation.
Now I just need to go try it and see if that resolves the issue. If not I may need to re-load the OS.
May 08, 2007
Final System Operational
Got my system from UPS last night. The box is frigging huge! And over 70 lbs.
I had taken time on Sunday and Monday to move all the needed files over to various family USB memory keys. Got the case upgraded the Ram moved the components from the old system (left running on our local network).
Then after all the updates etc. I pulled WoW directly across the network. Turns out that WoW has no registry entries so it just runs no problem. This saved me about 10 hours of downloads.
Pulled off the bloatware. Installed the software. More updates etc.
Ready to roll! Fired up WoW and maxed out the graphics. Worked like a champ! Not sure where teamspeak hid its settings but I have to re-enter those.
Code Name: Big Red Kitty is online!
May 07, 2007
Leftist thought control
I really enjoy David Limbaughs writings. I find he echo's quite a bit of my personal viewpoints and makes some rather pointed observations.
This quote: "Increasingly, from the left's perspective, there is just one acceptable viewpoint. " Rings so true.
Great read to share: Link to artical
This quote: "Increasingly, from the left's perspective, there is just one acceptable viewpoint. " Rings so true.
Great read to share: Link to artical
May 04, 2007
Torchwood
Sci-Fi show set in England (made by the BBC). It's a X-files, tiny bit CSI Law & Order. Set in Cardiff England lead by an Immortal. Searching out alien artifacts and implimenting them for the defense of the earth.
Tough to find here in the US but well worth watching. Oh, be prepared for it being an 'R' rating.
May 03, 2007
Coolest video I have seen in awhile
Watch Video
An excellent mime performance to one of the biggest hits of the 90's. Even better when the original performer joins him on stage!
May 01, 2007
New Computer time
Finally looking to replace my old Dell Dimension 8200 system. It's been a peach but has been showing its age quite a bit as of late.
Went the complete route and I am going to send the components down the family line. The wife gets my nifty 19" Digital flat panel and speakers. My son is getting the tower. I am keeping the keyboard and mouse.
Starting off I got a 22" wide aspect Samsung monitor. Killer specs. on this. 1000:1 contrast and a 2 ms response G2G.
It's an SLI compatible motherboard and has plenty of room for additional hard drives and opticals. I got 3GB ram for it and some nice Logitech speakers.
Should be really spiffy! Now to wait till it arrives.
April 25, 2007
World of Warlocks.
I play MMORPG's (Massivly, Multiplayer, Online, Role, Playing, Games). Which means using my computer I can log into an internet based game along with 8-million other people and pretend to be various sword and sorcery type characters. My current MMORPG of choice is World of warcraft (WoW).
In warcraft you can choose to be Good and tolerant Hoard or Evil and imperialistic Alliance. You choose a race and Gender. Hoard are Orc's, Trolls, Blood elfs, Forsaken and Tauren, all diverse looking and vast culture differences all comming together in a wonderful melting pot. The Alliance is almost xenophobic in its options of Humans, Dwarfs, Gnomes, Night elfs, and the Deamon spawn Draenie.
You can pick from different classes of characters as well. Warriors, Paladins, Rogues, Priests, Hunters, Shaman, Mage, Druid and finally the Warlock.
Warlocks are Warlocks were mages that delved too deeply into the roots of demonic power. Consumed by a lust for dark knowledge, they've tapped into chaotic magics from beyond the world. The Burning Legion now feeds them their powers, allowing them to channel destructive energies and call upon the powerful emissaries of their demon masters.
So not generally nice people and at the same time the most popular class currently. Having one along in a group can be very advantagous. They can fulfill many different roles and aid greatly in getting people to your location.
They can also get you killed. Recently I had the chance to have a warlock in my group. There was some terran that if able to bypass would have cut some time off of our journey through a dungeon. We tried to jump to a ledge that was just out of range for us. Not for the Warlocks demon though. The creature being seperated by elevation like that meant it would have to run back to its 'master'. This pet is a blueish void walker, that is known for being a threat and having other creatures attack it. This was the case as it meandered around the dungeon. It gathered up quite a few bad guys. When I say quite a few, I mean more then 10. Possibly 20 where lead back to our group of four...
We can take on several bad guys at once, four or five? No problem. We like keeping it to three or less. In this case out manned and out gunned thanks to our warlock buddy we had one choice. Die screaming. This is called a 'wipe' in the MMORPG world.
Never trust a warlock.
In warcraft you can choose to be Good and tolerant Hoard or Evil and imperialistic Alliance. You choose a race and Gender. Hoard are Orc's, Trolls, Blood elfs, Forsaken and Tauren, all diverse looking and vast culture differences all comming together in a wonderful melting pot. The Alliance is almost xenophobic in its options of Humans, Dwarfs, Gnomes, Night elfs, and the Deamon spawn Draenie.
You can pick from different classes of characters as well. Warriors, Paladins, Rogues, Priests, Hunters, Shaman, Mage, Druid and finally the Warlock.
Warlocks are Warlocks were mages that delved too deeply into the roots of demonic power. Consumed by a lust for dark knowledge, they've tapped into chaotic magics from beyond the world. The Burning Legion now feeds them their powers, allowing them to channel destructive energies and call upon the powerful emissaries of their demon masters.
So not generally nice people and at the same time the most popular class currently. Having one along in a group can be very advantagous. They can fulfill many different roles and aid greatly in getting people to your location.
They can also get you killed. Recently I had the chance to have a warlock in my group. There was some terran that if able to bypass would have cut some time off of our journey through a dungeon. We tried to jump to a ledge that was just out of range for us. Not for the Warlocks demon though. The creature being seperated by elevation like that meant it would have to run back to its 'master'. This pet is a blueish void walker, that is known for being a threat and having other creatures attack it. This was the case as it meandered around the dungeon. It gathered up quite a few bad guys. When I say quite a few, I mean more then 10. Possibly 20 where lead back to our group of four...
We can take on several bad guys at once, four or five? No problem. We like keeping it to three or less. In this case out manned and out gunned thanks to our warlock buddy we had one choice. Die screaming. This is called a 'wipe' in the MMORPG world.
Never trust a warlock.
Faith = I have a pretty good idea.
First off I believe in God. I also believe that the biblical writings were divinely inspired. Further I am a practicing Catholic Born and raised. Just so ya know where I am comming from.
Subject: the Supernatural. Is everything in the universe explainable by the sciences? Or will it be as our knowledge of Physical science advances?
Are there things\ideas\concepts\phenomenon that exist outside of the realm of understanding?
If everything in the universe is explainable does that leave room for a God?
Let's assume that everything is explainable and all a function of various energies and chemicals. Human life itself was just a series of reactions that produced carbon based cellular constructs due to the way the universe works. In otherwords stuff happens in a cascade of reactions with no real purpose or plan. It simply is.
or
There is a pattern or order beyond our understanding that defines the scope of everything?
Subject: the Supernatural. Is everything in the universe explainable by the sciences? Or will it be as our knowledge of Physical science advances?
Are there things\ideas\concepts\phenomenon that exist outside of the realm of understanding?
If everything in the universe is explainable does that leave room for a God?
Let's assume that everything is explainable and all a function of various energies and chemicals. Human life itself was just a series of reactions that produced carbon based cellular constructs due to the way the universe works. In otherwords stuff happens in a cascade of reactions with no real purpose or plan. It simply is.
or
There is a pattern or order beyond our understanding that defines the scope of everything?
April 23, 2007
Cartoon Heroes - Aqua
This song came to me as part of dance dance revolution. It's a real kick:
We are what we're supposed to be
Illusions of your fantasy
All dots and lines that speak and say
What we do is what you wish to do
We are the color symphony
We do the things you wanna see
Frame by frame, to the extreme
Our friends are so unreasonable
They do the unpredictable
All dots lines that speak and say
What we do is what you wish to do
It's all an orchestra of strings
Doin' unbelievable things
Frame by frame, to the extreme
One by one, we're makin' it fun
We are the Cartoon Heroes - oh-oh-oh
We are the ones who're gonna last forever
We came out of a crazy mind - oh-oh-oh
And walked out on a piece of paper
Here comes Spiderman, arachnophobian
Welcome to the toon town party
Here comes Superman, from never-neverland
Welcome to the toon town party
We learned to run at speed of light
And to fall down from any height
It's true, but just remember that
What we do is what you just can't do
And all the worlds of craziness
A bunch of stars that's chasing us
Frame by frame, to the extreme
One by one, we're makin' it fun
We are the Cartoon Heroes - oh-oh-oh
We are the ones who're gonna last forever
We came out of a crazy mind - oh-oh-oh
And walked out on a piece of paper
Here comes Spiderman, arachnophobian
Welcome to the toon town party
Here comes Superman, from never-neverland
Welcome to the toon town party
You think we're so mysterious
Don't take us all too serious
Be original, and remember that
What we do is what you just can't do
What we do is what you just can't do
What we do is what you just can't do
What we do is what you just can't do
What we do is what you just can't do
We are the Cartoon Heroes - oh-oh-oh
We are the ones who're gonna last forever
We came out of a crazy mind - oh-oh-oh
And walked out on a piece of paper
There's still more to come
And everyone will be
Welcomed at the
Toon - Toon
Town - Town
Party
My Grandpa
My Pop's dad was a very interesting fellow. He did things his way. He lived through interesting times. Thanks to a few vacations back east and my Grandfolks heading out to visit I have quite a few fond memories and quite a few stories about them as well.
At one point in time I was in Florida experienceing humidity and swiming in lakes, trying to get the hang of shuffleboard.
I had an interest in performing magic and in talking with Grandpa he revielve that he had seen Houdini perform a straight jacket escape while suspended upsidown from a building.
Wanting a first hand account I pressed him for details. He went on saying there was a large crowd and you could barely see this guy up there squirming around like a worm on a hook then he dropped the jacket. My Grandpa was not sure what all the fuss about this guy (houdini) was.
Pretty much what you would expect from a first hand account of something...
I miss Grandpa. Shoulda talked with him more.
At one point in time I was in Florida experienceing humidity and swiming in lakes, trying to get the hang of shuffleboard.
I had an interest in performing magic and in talking with Grandpa he revielve that he had seen Houdini perform a straight jacket escape while suspended upsidown from a building.
Wanting a first hand account I pressed him for details. He went on saying there was a large crowd and you could barely see this guy up there squirming around like a worm on a hook then he dropped the jacket. My Grandpa was not sure what all the fuss about this guy (houdini) was.
Pretty much what you would expect from a first hand account of something...
I miss Grandpa. Shoulda talked with him more.
April 20, 2007
My mind
As I walk the two miles to work I have 30minutes to myself. So I tend to think. Having no first hand knowledge of how other peoples minds function I can only guess that mine is typical. I go from subject to subject in rapid succession. I get itdea's and store them or discard them as they get thought through.
I gain some insights into subjects, I simplify others and all in all just enjoy the tumult that goes on. Yes, if feels like I am observing my brain at work, Not sure if that makes sense to you or not.
On todays walk I jumped onto the often thunk issue of what I would do with the sudden influx of vast amounts of fundage. The thought occured to purchase homes near mine and give them to my friends, Hopefully setting up an interest bearing account to pay the property tax...
Anyways, having Shoo and Robert as close neighbors has a lot of appeal to me. And nostalgia. The families interacting would be a hoot and just being able to sit around talking over dinner or such would be a blast. Seeing as how I was the one that moved away from where they live I guess its some kind of compensation.
Then my mind goes into the situation from the viewpoint that Rob and Shoo are not just single guys, they are family men with wives and kids. Now I LOVE living in a smaller city (27k). I like the slower pace of life and the sheer amount of nature that we have around us. My question is how thier families would react if suddenly moved into this place. The shopping here is statistically nil compared to the OC. The venues for entertainment as well (we have two movie theaters or 11 screens). Companies here are 'different' as well. Most places dont have employees leave for two weeks to hunt Elk. The schools would be a dramatic change for the kids. There is a lack of diversity but a greater acceptence of people.
I gain some insights into subjects, I simplify others and all in all just enjoy the tumult that goes on. Yes, if feels like I am observing my brain at work, Not sure if that makes sense to you or not.
On todays walk I jumped onto the often thunk issue of what I would do with the sudden influx of vast amounts of fundage. The thought occured to purchase homes near mine and give them to my friends, Hopefully setting up an interest bearing account to pay the property tax...
Anyways, having Shoo and Robert as close neighbors has a lot of appeal to me. And nostalgia. The families interacting would be a hoot and just being able to sit around talking over dinner or such would be a blast. Seeing as how I was the one that moved away from where they live I guess its some kind of compensation.
Then my mind goes into the situation from the viewpoint that Rob and Shoo are not just single guys, they are family men with wives and kids. Now I LOVE living in a smaller city (27k). I like the slower pace of life and the sheer amount of nature that we have around us. My question is how thier families would react if suddenly moved into this place. The shopping here is statistically nil compared to the OC. The venues for entertainment as well (we have two movie theaters or 11 screens). Companies here are 'different' as well. Most places dont have employees leave for two weeks to hunt Elk. The schools would be a dramatic change for the kids. There is a lack of diversity but a greater acceptence of people.
April 18, 2007
April 16, 2007
Trevor and Lee go to Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT)
OIT is the only completely geothermally heated university campus in the United States. Which for a technical school is pretty tech...
Trevor was granted a scholorship and we are awaiting the results of the others we submitted for. He has already been admitted and so this was a first visit to the campus. We talked to admissions and Financial had lunch and got a tour. It is a modest campus on the hill overlooking Klamath lake. The Houseing is a large four story building right there on campus. It's small but functional.
Trevor really seemed to enjoy the tour and the prospect. He spoke to one of the teachers and was pleasantly upbeat about the prospect of learning to be a civil engineer. When asked he said it would be the most important four years of his life. Good attitude...
The support services is great as well. Its looking good
Trevor was granted a scholorship and we are awaiting the results of the others we submitted for. He has already been admitted and so this was a first visit to the campus. We talked to admissions and Financial had lunch and got a tour. It is a modest campus on the hill overlooking Klamath lake. The Houseing is a large four story building right there on campus. It's small but functional.
Trevor really seemed to enjoy the tour and the prospect. He spoke to one of the teachers and was pleasantly upbeat about the prospect of learning to be a civil engineer. When asked he said it would be the most important four years of his life. Good attitude...
The support services is great as well. Its looking good
April 09, 2007
wierdness
I'm having a tough time with household repars as of late. Our new bathroom had the lights go out. Blown breaker. No big issue. Head downstairs and hit the switch.
It wont reset. Make sure that there is nothing plugged in or anything and still... It wont reset.
Moved the wires to another breaker and it worked fine. So its not an overload.
Now then. This particular breaker is a GFCI and will throw over if there is a grounding issue. So that immediatly puts the breaker as suspect... Add to that the fact that there is a GFCI outlet in the bathroom (I had installed that and was told by an inspector to get a GFCI breaker so I just left it).
So its possible that the two are interfearing with each other.
So off to the store and get a new GFCI breaker ($40.00 YIKES!) and a new standard outlet (with a large cover for cosmetic reasons).
I installed the new outlet and the breaker resets! wooT! done! solved!!
..............not so fast bucko..................
The GFCI throws later and that puts me into the position of opening and setting in the new breaker. Dangit... that was going to be returned... ah well..
Then the breaker wont reset. Umkay... whats going on?
So I re-re-wire it back into a backup non-GFCI breaker and call up our local electrical shop and he gives me some stuff to look for. There is some kind of grounding out going on. So now to check the fan and lights...
Whee!!
So I got a new doorbell. and guess what. The doorbell chime starts going off and WILL not stop! I have to cut it at the wall. .... Grumble....
I hate not being able to fix crap...
It wont reset. Make sure that there is nothing plugged in or anything and still... It wont reset.
Moved the wires to another breaker and it worked fine. So its not an overload.
Now then. This particular breaker is a GFCI and will throw over if there is a grounding issue. So that immediatly puts the breaker as suspect... Add to that the fact that there is a GFCI outlet in the bathroom (I had installed that and was told by an inspector to get a GFCI breaker so I just left it).
So its possible that the two are interfearing with each other.
So off to the store and get a new GFCI breaker ($40.00 YIKES!) and a new standard outlet (with a large cover for cosmetic reasons).
I installed the new outlet and the breaker resets! wooT! done! solved!!
..............not so fast bucko..................
The GFCI throws later and that puts me into the position of opening and setting in the new breaker. Dangit... that was going to be returned... ah well..
Then the breaker wont reset. Umkay... whats going on?
So I re-re-wire it back into a backup non-GFCI breaker and call up our local electrical shop and he gives me some stuff to look for. There is some kind of grounding out going on. So now to check the fan and lights...
Whee!!
So I got a new doorbell. and guess what. The doorbell chime starts going off and WILL not stop! I have to cut it at the wall. .... Grumble....
I hate not being able to fix crap...
April 05, 2007
Good Parenting
Where do good parents come from? How do you judge if they are good parents or not?
If I had to narrow it down I would have to say. Consistancy in quality of Attention, Observation and Interaction all tempered with a deep affection and fear.
The only good way to judge a good parent is by checking out thier grandkids. So in my case the jury is out. But, Im not worried.
My parents are my Mom and Pop, The Bingo's, The Moores and Mrs. Vircsik. All of which are shapped concepts and idea's in my mind on how things worked and more importantly helped shape the essence of that aspect of my person.
Add to that life experiences of being the youngest of five and being an Uncle before I was ten years old. I had lots of interactions with lots of baby peoples on various levels.
So far I have three great kids and a very happy home and home-life. Our teens are very open and honest about thier interactions and thier teenage friends take a liking to us as well. The kids all do well in school and have an eye pointed towards collage. They think for themselves and are not afraid of questioning thier teachers, peers and elders.
So I am happy with our results so far. Good thing Tina is a better parent then I am eh?
If I had to narrow it down I would have to say. Consistancy in quality of Attention, Observation and Interaction all tempered with a deep affection and fear.
The only good way to judge a good parent is by checking out thier grandkids. So in my case the jury is out. But, Im not worried.
My parents are my Mom and Pop, The Bingo's, The Moores and Mrs. Vircsik. All of which are shapped concepts and idea's in my mind on how things worked and more importantly helped shape the essence of that aspect of my person.
Add to that life experiences of being the youngest of five and being an Uncle before I was ten years old. I had lots of interactions with lots of baby peoples on various levels.
So far I have three great kids and a very happy home and home-life. Our teens are very open and honest about thier interactions and thier teenage friends take a liking to us as well. The kids all do well in school and have an eye pointed towards collage. They think for themselves and are not afraid of questioning thier teachers, peers and elders.
So I am happy with our results so far. Good thing Tina is a better parent then I am eh?
April 04, 2007
Steve Story
I have a buddy from back in High School named Steve.
One time Steve needed to get some gear to the school for a chior trip around the state. At this point I was already graduated and Steve was a senior. The plan was: I would go to Steves, he would drive his gear over to the school, I would drive the car back to his house and head home.
Simple elegant etc. So its early in the AM I arrive. Steve is a little frantic as he was planning on getting up early and packing rather then packing the night before. So I helped him finding items and things while the clock ticked away. Finally with his luggage assembled and put in the back of the car he went to pull out into the driveway so I could get in the passenger side (not much room in the garage).
For some reason Steve decided to opt out of closing the driver side door as he backed out. Either he was showing off or thought he was saving the time needed to get in and out of the car, I dunno... Really I am at a loss to explain what was going on inside that brain.
Now as he backed out the door hit the edge of the garage door opening, and due to various laws of physical motion, Bent backwards.
So the car stops, Steve is looking shocked and puzzled and frenetic. The garage appears fine but the door is bent backwards at a good 45 degree angle. I myself am actively repressing the urge to laugh myself delirious. Steve locks eyes with me for a split second and with all speed vanishes inside the house.
The Door is truely bent, the glass is undamaged and the hinges as well. I am midway into this inspection when Steve emerges, fairly wild eyed, gripped in his hand is a standard bathroom plunger.
He moves to the door with steely determination and attempts to use the plunger to pull the BEND out of the door... yeah, BEND not DENT...
This fails and I voice the obvious. "ITS NOT A DENT ITS BENT"
So Steve has gone through the Anger, Denial, Bargining and hits Depression. He verbally tries to figure out how to cover his ass from his mom (who is working at this time and will NOT be home for several hours)
Steve himself will be on a trip for the next five days anyways.
So I assist him into the 'acceptance' phase by again stating the obvious: "There really isnt any way out of this one"
So we tied the door shut with a rope and traversed to the High School...
One time Steve needed to get some gear to the school for a chior trip around the state. At this point I was already graduated and Steve was a senior. The plan was: I would go to Steves, he would drive his gear over to the school, I would drive the car back to his house and head home.
Simple elegant etc. So its early in the AM I arrive. Steve is a little frantic as he was planning on getting up early and packing rather then packing the night before. So I helped him finding items and things while the clock ticked away. Finally with his luggage assembled and put in the back of the car he went to pull out into the driveway so I could get in the passenger side (not much room in the garage).
For some reason Steve decided to opt out of closing the driver side door as he backed out. Either he was showing off or thought he was saving the time needed to get in and out of the car, I dunno... Really I am at a loss to explain what was going on inside that brain.
Now as he backed out the door hit the edge of the garage door opening, and due to various laws of physical motion, Bent backwards.
So the car stops, Steve is looking shocked and puzzled and frenetic. The garage appears fine but the door is bent backwards at a good 45 degree angle. I myself am actively repressing the urge to laugh myself delirious. Steve locks eyes with me for a split second and with all speed vanishes inside the house.
The Door is truely bent, the glass is undamaged and the hinges as well. I am midway into this inspection when Steve emerges, fairly wild eyed, gripped in his hand is a standard bathroom plunger.
He moves to the door with steely determination and attempts to use the plunger to pull the BEND out of the door... yeah, BEND not DENT...
This fails and I voice the obvious. "ITS NOT A DENT ITS BENT"
So Steve has gone through the Anger, Denial, Bargining and hits Depression. He verbally tries to figure out how to cover his ass from his mom (who is working at this time and will NOT be home for several hours)
Steve himself will be on a trip for the next five days anyways.
So I assist him into the 'acceptance' phase by again stating the obvious: "There really isnt any way out of this one"
So we tied the door shut with a rope and traversed to the High School...
April 03, 2007
Cowboy
This is my current desktop picture at work. If you take a bit of a look at this picture you see a bit more then a boy on a horse. I see someone who is very comfortable and at home. It looks like this is something he does every day and its not a big deal.
In fact this is his second time riding this horse and it has been several months between rides. There is nothing I could write that would truly capture the joy he expresses. It really does make be happy we have this particular option available to us. Thanks Kraig and Nancy.
March 30, 2007
Worst Phonetic Alphabet
Please let me know if you can think of worse examples.
- Ate
- Bait
- Call
- Date
- Eight
- Four
- Gnome
- High
- Idiom
- Jake
- Knife
- Loofa
- Moon
- Noon
- One
- Phone
- Qatar
- Right
- Sea
- Tsing
- Uno
- Vex
- Wright
- Xerxes
- Yam
- Zander
March 28, 2007
Computers be funny peoples.
In my current post I talk to quite a few computer owners. On the fringes of owners I find you have the people who bought the lowest cost system they could and are expecting it to run every software out there at blazing speed. Counterpose that with older e-mail only user who buys a high end loaded system that has way too many features that they will never use.
Case in point. My buddy Shoo is what you would easily classify as a 'High End' computer user. Lord High Programing guru lord of the Dance kinda guy. He has multiple systems and one of which sounds pretty high end. Loaded with features that Shoo could easily take advantage of. However having the added complexity isnt always bestest. His Sound card appears to be capabable of doing many wonderful things. Shoo, really hasnt done much more then just let it run under whatever settings it had from the get go.
With our using VOIP for playing games his sound is doing some odd things. some very annoying. There is a complex number of settings and trying to configure it for both the game and VOIP can be a challange.
Last night he jumped on his older system and that sound works great for the VOIP. Probably a less sophisticated card as well, it works as expected.
Case in point. My buddy Shoo is what you would easily classify as a 'High End' computer user. Lord High Programing guru lord of the Dance kinda guy. He has multiple systems and one of which sounds pretty high end. Loaded with features that Shoo could easily take advantage of. However having the added complexity isnt always bestest. His Sound card appears to be capabable of doing many wonderful things. Shoo, really hasnt done much more then just let it run under whatever settings it had from the get go.
With our using VOIP for playing games his sound is doing some odd things. some very annoying. There is a complex number of settings and trying to configure it for both the game and VOIP can be a challange.
Last night he jumped on his older system and that sound works great for the VOIP. Probably a less sophisticated card as well, it works as expected.
March 27, 2007
March 26, 2007
good ole fashion war.
It must be really tough for a military leader now when a war has to be fought with great restraint. Putting your own mens welfare after the 'enemies'.
It did not used to be that way. Once upon a time it was two different leaders or governments have a disagreement and have people fight for them. The winner was the one left standing and they would then take the other leaders people and lands adding them to thier own. or they would decimate the others holdings making the value nil. Brutal and simple, Romans were good at this, Carthage anyone?
No real simple answer to the question are wars bad? Depends on the war, which depends on the winner, which depends on what the war was about.
'Wars are bad cuz people die', is a really bad criteria for defining wars badness.
I think the worst idea is to have a political body run a war.
It did not used to be that way. Once upon a time it was two different leaders or governments have a disagreement and have people fight for them. The winner was the one left standing and they would then take the other leaders people and lands adding them to thier own. or they would decimate the others holdings making the value nil. Brutal and simple, Romans were good at this, Carthage anyone?
No real simple answer to the question are wars bad? Depends on the war, which depends on the winner, which depends on what the war was about.
'Wars are bad cuz people die', is a really bad criteria for defining wars badness.
I think the worst idea is to have a political body run a war.
March 23, 2007
Truth - a vanishing breed
Was thinking on my walk into work today. That truth and honesty appear to be laking. The TV news is agenda biased and would make Goebbels quite proud.
Newspapers have the same issues, probably cuz of AP. Science used to be about theory and proofs, until something becomes political like Global Warming or Stem Cell research.
Then its only enough 'fact' to prove your point. Recently I had someone tell me that lies and decet are a good thing as long as they motivate people to do conform to certain behaviour.
Pretty scary stuff. Very elitest as well. Be wary when someone says "You should listen to me and do what I say because I know better then you"
Newspapers have the same issues, probably cuz of AP. Science used to be about theory and proofs, until something becomes political like Global Warming or Stem Cell research.
Then its only enough 'fact' to prove your point. Recently I had someone tell me that lies and decet are a good thing as long as they motivate people to do conform to certain behaviour.
Pretty scary stuff. Very elitest as well. Be wary when someone says "You should listen to me and do what I say because I know better then you"
March 21, 2007
Trivia Answers for yaz!
Patrick "Eel" O'brian - Plastic Man
Ralph Digby - The Elongated Man
Monkey D Luffy - Manga "One Piece"
Reed Richards - Mr. Fantastick
The commonality is they are all shape shifters of the 'rubber man' variety.
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