Originating missive
I'm a pretty happy guy. I love my town, love my family. I think we are living in some of the greatest times ever. I mean all in all life is good.
This little study by academics Daniel Kahneman, Alan Krueger, David Schkade, Norbert Schwarz and Arthur Stone. Show that if you turn off the TV your happier.
I'm pretty sure this revolves mostly around watching TV news. It's very destructive.
Please abstain.
April 02, 2008
April 01, 2008
Humor
Lets try the same idea two different ways. See which is funny which isnt.
First one:
Wouldnt it be great to start drowning about 100 people to death in the ocean?
Second one:
What do you call 100 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
Obviously the second one is funny the first one is puzzling. So its the wording and the term Lawyers that add to the mirth.
What do you call 100 republicans at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 environmentalists at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 puppies at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 (insert ethnic or religious group here) at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 policemen at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 terrorists at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 Sandinista Freedom fighters at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
Can some of the above be not funny to someone? yes, depending upon your association with the above groups. I would point out thefor example.
The more personal 'cruel' humor is the easier it is to find someone offended.
Being able to laugh at yourself is a virtue to be sure. Not taking yourself too seriously in this life because you are not getting out alive...
First one:
Wouldnt it be great to start drowning about 100 people to death in the ocean?
Second one:
What do you call 100 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
Obviously the second one is funny the first one is puzzling. So its the wording and the term Lawyers that add to the mirth.
What do you call 100 republicans at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 environmentalists at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 puppies at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 (insert ethnic or religious group here) at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 policemen at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 terrorists at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
What do you call 100 Sandinista Freedom fighters at the bottom of the ocean? A good start...
Can some of the above be not funny to someone? yes, depending upon your association with the above groups. I would point out the
The more personal 'cruel' humor is the easier it is to find someone offended.
Being able to laugh at yourself is a virtue to be sure. Not taking yourself too seriously in this life because you are not getting out alive...
March 31, 2008
Connor part II
Connor got some Batman PJ's. They have both long pants and shorts for diferent seasons.
Connor, however wears both pants the shorts on the outside. I thought this was pretty strange, until I realized, thats how the Batman wears his clothes...
I guess Connor got it right.
Connor time
I am the food shopper at our house. That is to say the bulk of the edible items are purchased by me and Connor during a weekly run. I really enjoy the time with him and he likes going to Sherms
Sunday as we pulled into our parking spot Connor said "Look at the flag, Dad" being more concerned about the various four wheel projectiles being maneuvered all around me. I made a quick response. As we got out of the car again he said "Look, there is the flag". A sweep around with the old enhanced ocular membranes didn't produce anything my brain thought was flag like.
Glancing down I spotted where he was looking, Of course it was the Stars and Stripes nearly directly above us.
"Yes Connor, that is the Flag of the United States of America" I pointed out, always trying to expand his vocabulary with some object to attach the words too.
Connor looked at me and asked "Like pledge of allegiance?"
He got it.
March 30, 2008
March 29, 2008
Closed minds dont bother reading.
This is a good read for anyone who still believes in the cult of man made global warming.
More info here as well. As stated on the <--link
INCOMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF A COMPLEX PROBLEM: All climate modelers must build their models based upon our current understanding of how the climate system works. Therefore, if there is some important - but as yet poorly understood - process that they are missing, they will all tend to make the same error. Past evidence for this is the tendency for climate models to drift away from a realistic climate over time. This suggests that it takes a higher level of understanding to capture the intricate processes that stabilize the climate system.
and more.
More info here as well. As stated on the <--link
INCOMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF A COMPLEX PROBLEM: All climate modelers must build their models based upon our current understanding of how the climate system works. Therefore, if there is some important - but as yet poorly understood - process that they are missing, they will all tend to make the same error. Past evidence for this is the tendency for climate models to drift away from a realistic climate over time. This suggests that it takes a higher level of understanding to capture the intricate processes that stabilize the climate system.
and more.
March 28, 2008
Practical Application!
I just had this idea. Lets say your an environmentalist who believes in man made global warming and you want to show everyone how dangerous CO2 levels can be.
Find a place thats public but a bit private, get a large clear trash bag you can sit in, then seal it from the inside. You will expel CO2 gases into the bag and show everyone how much warmer it gets inside there and eventually how dangerous CO2 can be.
I would urge anyone out there to try this themselves. First get an environmentalist and put them in a bag....
hey... its for science....
Find a place thats public but a bit private, get a large clear trash bag you can sit in, then seal it from the inside. You will expel CO2 gases into the bag and show everyone how much warmer it gets inside there and eventually how dangerous CO2 can be.
I would urge anyone out there to try this themselves. First get an environmentalist and put them in a bag....
hey... its for science....
March 22, 2008
Light
There are 6.6 Billion people on the planet. Not everyone has a light bulb but there are enough people out there who do that the average bulb per person is probably around five.
The most popular bulb is 60 watt, which outputs around 70 candle power.
This means the world is now 462,000,000,000,000 candles brighter then it was just a few hundred years ago. Now the human eye was not meant to handle this kind of light. Which probably explains why the eye care industry has prospered so much.
Lets go back a scant 1000 years. No one was wearing glasses! Now there are factories pumping out hundreds of thousands of lenses each day. This Global Brightening crises is being ignored by the main stream media!
FIGHT THE LIGHT.
I am going to have to sell black ribbons to stop this horrible destruction of our ocular environment!!
The most popular bulb is 60 watt, which outputs around 70 candle power.
This means the world is now 462,000,000,000,000 candles brighter then it was just a few hundred years ago. Now the human eye was not meant to handle this kind of light. Which probably explains why the eye care industry has prospered so much.
Lets go back a scant 1000 years. No one was wearing glasses! Now there are factories pumping out hundreds of thousands of lenses each day. This Global Brightening crises is being ignored by the main stream media!
FIGHT THE LIGHT.
I am going to have to sell black ribbons to stop this horrible destruction of our ocular environment!!
March 20, 2008
When Elections become fun.
I was very dis-heartened to find McCain being the republican choice for President. I prefer someone conservative with a record that backs him as such. The press selected him and with a lackluster set of candidates he was skimmed off the top.
Early on the Democrat race was considered in the bag by Hillary Clinton. There was even talk about her gaining the party after super Tuesday. Obama did something of an upset, it was looking like he might get the nomination. Until Republican voters started re-registering democrat to keep Hillary's in the race.
So now you have something that the DNC NEVER wanted to have happen. Political civil war between two candidates while the Republican candidate can just take a trip to other countries while watching his eventual opponent get ripped apart by their own party.
It's very delicious after such a bad taste from the GOP candidate. Because no one can trash a Democrat as well as a Democrat..
Further reading
Early on the Democrat race was considered in the bag by Hillary Clinton. There was even talk about her gaining the party after super Tuesday. Obama did something of an upset, it was looking like he might get the nomination. Until Republican voters started re-registering democrat to keep Hillary's in the race.
So now you have something that the DNC NEVER wanted to have happen. Political civil war between two candidates while the Republican candidate can just take a trip to other countries while watching his eventual opponent get ripped apart by their own party.
It's very delicious after such a bad taste from the GOP candidate. Because no one can trash a Democrat as well as a Democrat..
Further reading
March 19, 2008
March 16, 2008
Good Video series. You Suck at Photoshop
I ran across these videos a while back. Its a Photoshop tutorial done by a bitter man, comedy ensues. There are eight so far. This is the first one.
March 15, 2008
Joblessness
The job search is ongoing. I scour the papers and the local businesses websites weekly. For the first time ever I preformed great in an interview and didn't land the job.
Another one I applied for sent a notice that they were short on funding and would not be opening that position after all.
Not the best of times. There is a job fair this week. I am going to see what they offer.
Keep me in your prayers please, I could use any divine help out there.
Another one I applied for sent a notice that they were short on funding and would not be opening that position after all.
Not the best of times. There is a job fair this week. I am going to see what they offer.
Keep me in your prayers please, I could use any divine help out there.
March 11, 2008
March 07, 2008
Son day Roadtrip (Thursday)
I took a trip to Trevor (older sons) collage. He ran out of food and money. As Connor has a four day weekend he came along.
.
The driving is just under 200 miles and we stopped for lavoritories and caffine at White city. Then 'Lake of the Woods' which cuts through the cascades to Klamath.
As a travelling companion Connor is great. He loves looking out the windows and pointing out things of interest. Klamath Falls has quite a bit of snow. OIT likewise had some drifts upwards to three feet. We arrived unscathed and Trevor was still in class so we poked around a bit and then waited in one of the lobby like nooks in the residence hall.
Trevor arrived looking a bit haggard. He had gotten up early to clean up his room. It was not quite a full disaster. We started the process of going through some of the stacks of papers and cleaning it the rest of the way.
We took a break and got his food card back on track. Then went to financial aid to ask about Pel grants and scholorships. Turns out the deadline for some had already gone. So we have to cross fingers for FAFSA. They suggested we talk to his guidence counciler who was perplexed as she doesnt know much about financial. However, she pointed us to another guidence councilor who informed us that Junior and seniors have more enginnering grants available too them.
Next to Trevors study peoples, finally the school health center to answer some perscription questions. Wal-mart I plunked down some cache for food and some bins for organizational stuff.
Lunch at an italian place then back to cleaning and organizing. When I left he had a place for everything and a couple of workspaces. Now he should be able to organize his school stuff and hopefully pull off all A's and B's. While this was going on Connor was quite content to play around on Trevors upper bed and make cleaning suggestions.
Around 5:30 I hit the road home. Long freaking drive.
March 05, 2008
RIP Gary Gygax
Dungeons and Dragons creator dies
In my 'Teens' on up a new genre of game offered me and my friends lots of fun. It's originator was Gary Gygax. He passed away on March 4th. Thanks for the fun.
Doc Fahrenheit
Ansunidam
Suru
Torrie Pineson
Frazapacheria
Adzam
Schneka
and oh so many others have a firm spot in my nostalgic memory.
In my 'Teens' on up a new genre of game offered me and my friends lots of fun. It's originator was Gary Gygax. He passed away on March 4th. Thanks for the fun.
Doc Fahrenheit
Ansunidam
Suru
Torrie Pineson
Frazapacheria
Adzam
Schneka
and oh so many others have a firm spot in my nostalgic memory.
March 04, 2008
Imigration: Where below came from.
My previous posting is Mexican immigration law.
Every one of the laws below are actual laws of Mexico, today. That's how the Mexican government handles immigrants to their country.
Yet people from Mexico come here illegally, they protest in our streets, they get on our welfare program, and we have members of the United States Senate, both parties, doing everything possible to allow it to continue so that it doesn't make these people mad.
Interesting eh?
Every one of the laws below are actual laws of Mexico, today. That's how the Mexican government handles immigrants to their country.
Yet people from Mexico come here illegally, they protest in our streets, they get on our welfare program, and we have members of the United States Senate, both parties, doing everything possible to allow it to continue so that it doesn't make these people mad.
Interesting eh?
March 02, 2008
Imigration: What do you think of this?
First, if you immigrate to the United States of America, you must speak the native language.
You have to be a professional or an investor.
There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools, no special ballots for elections, no government business will be conducted in your native language.
Foreigners will not have the right to vote, nor will they ever be allowed to hold political office. If you're in our country, you cannot be a burden to taxpayers. You are not entitled, to welfare, to food stamps, or other government programs.
You can come if you invest, but it must be an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage.
If you do come and you want to buy land, okay, but we're going to restrict your options. You will not be allowed to buy waterfront property in the United States. That will be reserved for citizens naturally born in this country in fact, as a foreigner, you must relinquish individual rights to property.
You don't have the right to protest. You're allowed no demonstrations, you cannot wave a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our government or its policies, or you get deported. If you come here illegally, you go straight to jail.
You have to be a professional or an investor.
There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools, no special ballots for elections, no government business will be conducted in your native language.
Foreigners will not have the right to vote, nor will they ever be allowed to hold political office. If you're in our country, you cannot be a burden to taxpayers. You are not entitled, to welfare, to food stamps, or other government programs.
You can come if you invest, but it must be an amount equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage.
If you do come and you want to buy land, okay, but we're going to restrict your options. You will not be allowed to buy waterfront property in the United States. That will be reserved for citizens naturally born in this country in fact, as a foreigner, you must relinquish individual rights to property.
You don't have the right to protest. You're allowed no demonstrations, you cannot wave a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our government or its policies, or you get deported. If you come here illegally, you go straight to jail.
February 28, 2008
Health Care
I do not think universal health care is a good idea. I am not big on socialism. Whenever this discussion arises it always goes back to cost. 'Some people cannot afford health care'
So what exactly is being done to lower the costs?
An entire industry has come into being around 'coding' medical proceedures for insurance purposes. My doctors office has a Doctor two nurses and five people in billing.
If I go see my doctor I throw down a co-pay $20 to $45. I sit for about 15min, get my weight checked, my temp and blood pressure, then I sit for about 10 to 15min. The doctor comes in and spends 5min to 15min with me. Then its either out for testing or to the pharmacy etc.
Next that blank form you signed is filled out with whatever 'prodeedure' was done and is sent off to the insurance for billing. Hopefully the insurance pays the contracturally agreed upon amount and the doctor gets the rest of thier money for your visit in one to three months. I have seen estimates that 68% of the costs go into this paperwork.
Having been in manufacturing I know that everytime a worker touches something there is a cost involved. If you have a sucessful business you pass this cost on to your customer.
Waiting one to three months to get paid, having to re-submit something to the insurance company a few times all costs a company.
As a consumer I tend to check prices and buy things on sale. Getting our weekly grocery bill down 10 or 20 bucks is what I call a win. With insurance in the picture a consumer doesnt have any incentive to look for the best doctor at the best price. They mostly go to whomever they 'like' or whomever is on the plan.
Way back when my pop would pay the doctor out of pocket and then submit to insurance for re-imbursement. This cost out of pocket would prompt the question 'what is that test for and why do we need it?'
I am thinking the best way to rein in healthcare costs is to allow the consumer to make the choices with thier own money. lets get that 68% down.
So what exactly is being done to lower the costs?
An entire industry has come into being around 'coding' medical proceedures for insurance purposes. My doctors office has a Doctor two nurses and five people in billing.
If I go see my doctor I throw down a co-pay $20 to $45. I sit for about 15min, get my weight checked, my temp and blood pressure, then I sit for about 10 to 15min. The doctor comes in and spends 5min to 15min with me. Then its either out for testing or to the pharmacy etc.
Next that blank form you signed is filled out with whatever 'prodeedure' was done and is sent off to the insurance for billing. Hopefully the insurance pays the contracturally agreed upon amount and the doctor gets the rest of thier money for your visit in one to three months. I have seen estimates that 68% of the costs go into this paperwork.
Having been in manufacturing I know that everytime a worker touches something there is a cost involved. If you have a sucessful business you pass this cost on to your customer.
Waiting one to three months to get paid, having to re-submit something to the insurance company a few times all costs a company.
As a consumer I tend to check prices and buy things on sale. Getting our weekly grocery bill down 10 or 20 bucks is what I call a win. With insurance in the picture a consumer doesnt have any incentive to look for the best doctor at the best price. They mostly go to whomever they 'like' or whomever is on the plan.
Way back when my pop would pay the doctor out of pocket and then submit to insurance for re-imbursement. This cost out of pocket would prompt the question 'what is that test for and why do we need it?'
I am thinking the best way to rein in healthcare costs is to allow the consumer to make the choices with thier own money. lets get that 68% down.
February 25, 2008
Byron joins the blogging community
No doubht FlyingVan had something to do with this.
Welcome Byron, glad to see you here and well everywhere you seem to be going nowadays.
Byron was someone I met in High School who had neat stuff at his house, I was probably someone rather different. At anyrate stage crew, band roadies, dune buggy rides, mountain cabin hang outs, road trips, jet skiiing and more usually involved his generosity.
Probably the first mechanical genius I ever met.
Nice seeing ya bud.
Welcome Byron, glad to see you here and well everywhere you seem to be going nowadays.
Byron was someone I met in High School who had neat stuff at his house, I was probably someone rather different. At anyrate stage crew, band roadies, dune buggy rides, mountain cabin hang outs, road trips, jet skiiing and more usually involved his generosity.
Probably the first mechanical genius I ever met.
Nice seeing ya bud.
February 24, 2008
Voodooray Mech.
Two of the things I really enjoy is Machinima and pop songs other then the big US media machine. So when voodooray combined the two I enjoyed it enough to share.
House of my familys past
Once upon a time in the land of Disney there was a house of the future. . Shortly after my family moved out west in the late 50's my pop started working installing plumbing at the park.
Dad has many a story about working there, getting a canoe ride to Tom Sawyers Island in the morning and at lunch. Meeting Mister Disney, running gas pipes for the burning cabin etc.
However Pop, was most facinated with the Monsanto house of tomarrow. It was poised between the entrance to Tomarrow land and the Matterhorn. And like the Detroit concept cars never becames a staple.
They eventually took it out because it no longer represented the future. As far as a structure goes it withstood thousands and thousands of people. In fact the wrecking ball bounces off it several times. (so the story goes).
So, today I see they are reviving the concept. I kinda wish they would look up the folks who had a hand in the original and brought them in for the grand re-opening.
in-laws
I have quite a few in-laws. Jim, Nancy, Doug, Wolfgang, Renate, Connie, Carl and Carolyn.
Otha, who was married to my sister and Gus who passed away.
I have a slew of nieces and nephews as well but they are never referred to in-laws.
My mind has different classifications and feelings about these various peoples. As luck would have it I like and enjoy all of them. I have had issues with some in the past and probably will do so in the future, but that is the same with my siblings as well. Its just family.
While we are all friendly I think the best friendship I have is with Carl. We met going out with sisters around the same time, found out similer interests and came from similer backgrounds as well.
All in all I feel one of Gods blessings in my life is my extended family and how much we enjoy each other when we were together. It's nice to have a family you would have chosen...
Otha, who was married to my sister and Gus who passed away.
I have a slew of nieces and nephews as well but they are never referred to in-laws.
My mind has different classifications and feelings about these various peoples. As luck would have it I like and enjoy all of them. I have had issues with some in the past and probably will do so in the future, but that is the same with my siblings as well. Its just family.
While we are all friendly I think the best friendship I have is with Carl. We met going out with sisters around the same time, found out similer interests and came from similer backgrounds as well.
All in all I feel one of Gods blessings in my life is my extended family and how much we enjoy each other when we were together. It's nice to have a family you would have chosen...
February 22, 2008
Haunting my brain.
So your sitting minding your own business and somehow something sets into motion a song being played internally in your grey matter.
I call this being Haunted.
For about two months I have had the same song in heavy rotation in the auditory cortex. It is far from my normal fare. In so far as I have a 'normal' fare... its by a band named Flyleaf. and its called: I'm So Sick.
When I finally looked up the lyrics I was pleased to see it was cohesive and well matched to the music. It is a darker song.
I call this being Haunted.
For about two months I have had the same song in heavy rotation in the auditory cortex. It is far from my normal fare. In so far as I have a 'normal' fare... its by a band named Flyleaf. and its called: I'm So Sick.
When I finally looked up the lyrics I was pleased to see it was cohesive and well matched to the music. It is a darker song.
I will break into your thoughts
With what's written on my heart
I will break, break
I'm so sick,
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss,
Selfishness
I'm so sick
I'm so sick
If you want more of this
We can push out, sell out, die out
So you'll shut up
And stay sleeping
With my screaming in your itching ears
I'm so sick,
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss,Selfishness
I'm so sick
I'm so sick
Hear it, I'm screaming it
You're heeding to it now
Hear it! I'm screaming it!
You tremble at this sound
You sink into my clothes
And this invasion
Makes me feel
Worthless, hopeless, sick
I'm so sick,
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss,
Selfishness
I'm so sick
I'm so sick
I'm so sick
Infected with where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss, selfishness
I'm so
I'm so sick
I'm so
I'm so sick
February 21, 2008
Working for yourself.
For sometime the idea of working for myself, my own business, if you will. Has a certain appeal.
My biggest stumbling block is comming up with a business that I feel is viable. Anyone can open a business. For one to work you have to fill a need or create a need to fill, or assist with filling a need.
Having some kind of storefront has appeal for me. As does starting something like a home base business and working up from there.
My neighbor is a Gardener, it suits him and he enjoys the work and answers to himself.
Ill keep thinkin.
My biggest stumbling block is comming up with a business that I feel is viable. Anyone can open a business. For one to work you have to fill a need or create a need to fill, or assist with filling a need.
Having some kind of storefront has appeal for me. As does starting something like a home base business and working up from there.
My neighbor is a Gardener, it suits him and he enjoys the work and answers to himself.
Ill keep thinkin.
February 18, 2008
Blogs .vs. Blockbuster
My experience at Dell doing customer care aided me in getting my money back from Blockbuster today.
We rented "So I Married an Axe Murderer" last week, primarily for my daughter who is a Mike Meyer fan and enjoys our 70's and 80's culture. The DVD had a flaw and around the final chapter it stalled. I tried it on my PC and it did the same thing.
I would have run it through a disc doctor but it is not my property. It was rather disapointing evening. So today I hoof it the two miles and tell them it was defective.
Jason, the slightly bewildered clerk informed me that they did not have another copy. So I asked for a refund. He started working on the register and informed me my refund would be in the form of a store credit. I had my sales slip with me and the CC I placed the original charge on.
We have found ourselves renting less and less and with my current situation I would prefer to have the money then a credit. So I asked for a refund of the $4.29. Jason had to go back to the back of the store to talk to a manager, when he returned I was informed that there will be NO refund only a store credit. I asked if it was policy to not give refunds when they rented a defective product. I was told he manager had informed him that there was no refund. He did not seem to understand the term policy.
So I asked if there was a corporate phone number, he cherrfully pointed it out on the recept and let me use the phone.
Soon I was talking to Vicki in customer care (more likely a third party contracted call center). Vicki asked if there was a different movie I would be interested in seeing. In all honesty there wasnt. She seemed to verify that there was not another copy of the movie I wanted, not sure on that.
Next she informed me she would open a case number and someone would call me back in the next 3 days to discuss the matter.
You get this? I pay to rent a movie, it doesnt work, they will not give me my $4.29 back, but they will set up paperwork to have someone call me in a few days. In my businessmans mind I can see the 15min of this phone call has already cost them more then $4.29 and I'm really starting to get annoyed. Vicki said she could call the store but, she doubted she would have any more luck then I did.
This is the point in the narrative where I explain how Dell customer care experienced helped. At one point we in customer care received some additional training on call excalations. That is, certain key words and phrases that signaled us to either push the customer higher up the food chain or stop the bullshit and grab your ankles.
So, I am on the phone with Vicki, who is about to write up this case report so I let fly with one of the phrases. "Man, I cannot WAIT to blog about this hassle"
There was about a two second pause and I thought I might have been hung up on. I threw out a 'Hello?' and Vicki responded as if startled. She informed me she was getting ready to call the blockbuster store in question, before, making the case notes out. Hmmm, that seemed like a change in plan.
Next the phone line rang and Jason the guy I talked to originally picked up and a short conversation took place. Vicki came back on the line and said Jason would be glad to put the credit back on my card.
Behold the power of the Blog.
We rented "So I Married an Axe Murderer" last week, primarily for my daughter who is a Mike Meyer fan and enjoys our 70's and 80's culture. The DVD had a flaw and around the final chapter it stalled. I tried it on my PC and it did the same thing.
I would have run it through a disc doctor but it is not my property. It was rather disapointing evening. So today I hoof it the two miles and tell them it was defective.
Jason, the slightly bewildered clerk informed me that they did not have another copy. So I asked for a refund. He started working on the register and informed me my refund would be in the form of a store credit. I had my sales slip with me and the CC I placed the original charge on.
We have found ourselves renting less and less and with my current situation I would prefer to have the money then a credit. So I asked for a refund of the $4.29. Jason had to go back to the back of the store to talk to a manager, when he returned I was informed that there will be NO refund only a store credit. I asked if it was policy to not give refunds when they rented a defective product. I was told he manager had informed him that there was no refund. He did not seem to understand the term policy.
So I asked if there was a corporate phone number, he cherrfully pointed it out on the recept and let me use the phone.
Soon I was talking to Vicki in customer care (more likely a third party contracted call center). Vicki asked if there was a different movie I would be interested in seeing. In all honesty there wasnt. She seemed to verify that there was not another copy of the movie I wanted, not sure on that.
Next she informed me she would open a case number and someone would call me back in the next 3 days to discuss the matter.
You get this? I pay to rent a movie, it doesnt work, they will not give me my $4.29 back, but they will set up paperwork to have someone call me in a few days. In my businessmans mind I can see the 15min of this phone call has already cost them more then $4.29 and I'm really starting to get annoyed. Vicki said she could call the store but, she doubted she would have any more luck then I did.
This is the point in the narrative where I explain how Dell customer care experienced helped. At one point we in customer care received some additional training on call excalations. That is, certain key words and phrases that signaled us to either push the customer higher up the food chain or stop the bullshit and grab your ankles.
So, I am on the phone with Vicki, who is about to write up this case report so I let fly with one of the phrases. "Man, I cannot WAIT to blog about this hassle"
There was about a two second pause and I thought I might have been hung up on. I threw out a 'Hello?' and Vicki responded as if startled. She informed me she was getting ready to call the blockbuster store in question, before, making the case notes out. Hmmm, that seemed like a change in plan.
Next the phone line rang and Jason the guy I talked to originally picked up and a short conversation took place. Vicki came back on the line and said Jason would be glad to put the credit back on my card.
Behold the power of the Blog.
February 17, 2008
Tim W. you will be missed
Tim W. worked with me at Dell. He was the I\T guy there. One person handling 300+ stations. He was a good guy. He is going to die, probably this week. Well, thats not quite true. I understand he had an anuryisem and is brain dead. His family is taking him off the machine soon. Maybe today or it already happened.
Tim was a kindered soul, he liked the things I did (as did the fellow members of the tech support department). After we were put into place it wasnt uncommon for Tim to saunter over and spend a moment or two waxing nerdy with us.
There are certain things that tech heads just can't talk to with a large bulk of the population.
I liked Tim and while I always figured we would get together for something, now that oppertunity is lost and I am sad.
My heart goes out to his daughter and family.
Tim was a kindered soul, he liked the things I did (as did the fellow members of the tech support department). After we were put into place it wasnt uncommon for Tim to saunter over and spend a moment or two waxing nerdy with us.
There are certain things that tech heads just can't talk to with a large bulk of the population.
I liked Tim and while I always figured we would get together for something, now that oppertunity is lost and I am sad.
My heart goes out to his daughter and family.
January 31, 2008
January 25, 2008
My Favorite show (all time)
Doctor Who. Back in November of 1963 those lucky Britons where introduced to an Unearthly child, Susan who's eccentric Grandfather was The Doctor (played by William Hartnell). What first seemed like an early twilight zone quickly becomes full fledged science fiction as they journey back to the stone age with Susans unbelieving and not quite willing teachers.
Of course I was in Southern California then, watching Hopalong Cassidy and the Cisco kid on KTLA and KTTV. In that time before cable the BBC was an ocean away. No, my first introduction to the Doctor was on a UHF channel when I was in Junior High school. Tom Baker was 'My Doctor'. Blue screen special effects and third rate Television sets would have been a quick turn to another station if not for clever writing and top notch performances. And then it happened, while fighting an enemy he fell off a radio telescope tower to his death.
Yup, the lead character died. Not something you EVER see. End of the series? Nope, as it turns out The Doctor is a time lord (not a human). As such he has this thing he does call regeneration where by he can change every molecule in his body and get around something as minor as a crushed body.
This is the plot device that kept. the show going for 26 seasons and seven Doctors. In 1989 they stopped producing the television show, however there was several books and radio shows that would keep the flame burning. Somehow Fox television made a so so attempt to bring him back to the magic glowing box in 1996 with the 8th doctor. Then there was more radio and a flash animation series as well. Until 2005 when they re-started production.
Christopher Eccelson brought a frentic pace with some amazing stories and and equally amazing back story (Bad Wolf anyone). Plus, they added websites that would keep the plot running. With a climax that brought David Tennent into the role, created a spinoff Torchwood, and leads us to the above clip.
This was filmed as part of a childrens fundraiser and takes place between the 2007 season and the 2008 season. Peter Davidson (the fifth doctor) meets David Tennet (the tenth doctor). Its amusing enough for the current doctor fans but just grabs us long time fans by the nostalgic heart.
This is a great show and I am doubly blessed that my whole family enjoys the Doctors exploits as much as I do.
January 20, 2008
Entertaining peoples
Laughter is something different. Something is funny for some reason and we laugh. Likewise is the need for entertainment.
I am starting to think we are at an entertainment crossroads. While we have no idea what the first entertainment was we could surmise it had something to do with watching something, then telling about what you saw.
You can see how that could branch into fiction and story's. So the old campfire tales, singing, poems and physical humor, with its oohs awe's and laughter.
Someone gifted at the above would start honoring requests. If someone new came along, the group would want to share the old familier acts.
A natural extension would be to send your entertainers to visit friends, tribes, neighbors. Throw a few centuries and you have an industry around entertainment.
With the internet we have a retro back to the storytelling on a wide scale. With that raw unpolished edge that makes it that much more novel. Also, we have captured entertainment from the past that we can discover or recall.
Television in a small way has stepped up its game. There have been some very good shows out the last few years. Movies are struggling trying to find where they belong. radio has lost most of its traction and is being relegated to background noise.
January 19, 2008
Working with Windows
I work with Windows. Mostly XP Pro and various Server builds. Some Vista. Today I am upgrading my laptop from XP home to XP pro, so I can remote into work via our VPN (virtual private networ). A VPN is a digitally secure way to connect across the internet.
The reason you need XP pro for this is to connect to a Domain. A Domain is a large computer network consisting of various servers, workstations and other devices.
Using the VPN I can access our Domain and do pretty much anything I could do at work. Neato! So phone calls early on a Sunday that somone needs a password reset means I can help out in my PJ's and then go back to bed. Versus, throwing on sweats and driving the mile to work. Seeing as how its a 5 min round trip I havent really jumped on this as soon as I could have.
So installing XP is something you do while your doing other things because it takes awhile and its about as much fun as watching paint dry on a cold rainy day. If you are lucky enough to have an office with all the same make and model of computer all purchased about the same time this is a really quick job. You have your computer boot from the NIC (Network Interface Card) and download an image file of exactly how you want the system to work.
If you have a mishmash of systems and not all the images then your stuck doing it by CD.
So, you set your computer to boot off the CD, you let it go through the steps and then delete the partions set up new partitions and reformat them (trust me its the cleanest bestest way). After it finishes up you have your windows but it will look large on the screen and will not be able to connect to the internet very well.
So, you need to have the drivers for your NIC or Wireless device ready to go. I do this in advance because I have done it after the fact and ended up looking for a computer that is hooked to the internet.
Okay so you install the driver and viola, your on the internet. Now comes the fun part. XP will require three update sessions the longest about two hours to get all the security patches and service packs into place.
Next you will need to find out what other devices are not working. Probably the video and audio. So now you need to either find out what is in y0ur system (again knowing in advance, good plan) and go to said websites and get the latest greatest for your system.
Now if you bought your computer from a decent company, they will have a nice website with all your drivers in an easy to find and download place. If you went to a mom and pop local guy, hopefully he provided you with a good list with the make and model numbers of your components.
Otherwise your gonna have to know what each device is, where to find the make and model number and hope that the manufacturer decided to mark the item.
Finally, you need to add in your security stuff. I like freeware like Free AVG and Windows Defender. Yes, there are others out there. Yes, they are arguably just as good or better. I like these ones, cuz the cost is right.
So now you got your system all in shape, and if your a good IT guy you make an image and save it for the next time. If you are not a good IT guy you figure you will do the same thing again and it will just take time. If your a home person and want to make a recovery disk, this is the point to find somone with a program that will do just that. Like Ghost. Your mom and pop people will probably be able to do just that for a small fee. Make sure they make the CD or DVD bootable.
What a fun way to spend a morning eh? At least I can blog during most of this.
January 18, 2008
CAFE standards, bringing death, smog and loss of jobs to your country!!!
CAFE standards drive up the cost of cars. The high cost of cars means people keep thier old car for longer periods of time. Cars over time pollute more.
It used to be Americans bought a car around 5 years, now its 9 years.
In the 1980's the CAFE standars made smaller more fuel efficent rolling deathtraps. Directly resulting in thousands of deaths on the roads.
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain all are stumping for this "tax" that, like a typical government program is a road to hell paved with good intentions.
REf Artical
It used to be Americans bought a car around 5 years, now its 9 years.
In the 1980's the CAFE standars made smaller more fuel efficent rolling deathtraps. Directly resulting in thousands of deaths on the roads.
Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain all are stumping for this "tax" that, like a typical government program is a road to hell paved with good intentions.
REf Artical
January 16, 2008
the Comics Code
Sometime in the 1950's some quack of a shrink went to juvenile prisons and interviewed the kids asking if they read comic books. The vast majority 0f those incarcerated did. He did not go outside of the prisoned teens.
Comics at that time were mostly Scary storys, Tales of suspense, dealing with the macabre.
This shrink went on to write a book 'Seduction of the Innocent' and appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency looking to censor such books.
The Comics Code Authority (CCA) was formed by the publishers to regulate thier industry.
At one point the now well known comic book writer Marv Wolfman was not able to put his name in the first page credits as it went against the code. His comic book company petitioned the CCA and got that allowance.
As with any rule, law or regulation the industry found ways around the code. As they could not mention Satan, or Zombies they came up with a caracter named Mephist0 and zuvembies.
Good ole' Stan Lee wanted to do an Anti-Drug comic in 1971. Due to the codes black and white rules they were not able to approve the comic. Stan went on to publish the comic without the CCA seal and while it was a big deal for the industry the average comic buyer did not notice.
Comics at that time were mostly Scary storys, Tales of suspense, dealing with the macabre.
This shrink went on to write a book 'Seduction of the Innocent' and appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency looking to censor such books.
The Comics Code Authority (CCA) was formed by the publishers to regulate thier industry.
At one point the now well known comic book writer Marv Wolfman was not able to put his name in the first page credits as it went against the code. His comic book company petitioned the CCA and got that allowance.
As with any rule, law or regulation the industry found ways around the code. As they could not mention Satan, or Zombies they came up with a caracter named Mephist0 and zuvembies.
Good ole' Stan Lee wanted to do an Anti-Drug comic in 1971. Due to the codes black and white rules they were not able to approve the comic. Stan went on to publish the comic without the CCA seal and while it was a big deal for the industry the average comic buyer did not notice.
January 15, 2008
January 11, 2008
Caramelldansen
Diana's flash video features Carmell Dansen. This, I understand, is the Pink girls that caught the attention of the web.
Escapism
Busy busy lives. Tina is getting ready to go Yurt camping over the weekend with the Girl scouts. So she had to run out late last night and do shopping. With my on-call position I find myself getting calls early in the AM having to throw on sweats to get something fixed.
RBG is being flown all over the globe for back to back meetings.
Flying Van has feast of famine with split second decisions that puts the lives of others in his hands.
Ronn has to deal with a state run, federal compliant bureaucracy, and teaching the most difficult nightmare students of all, Tenured Teachers.
Shoo probably has some kind of stress someplace, sometime... kinda... i think...
Timmer's entire life is a demented living hell of guilt and acquiescence as anyone who reads between the lines of his blog can tell.
Keeka... well her stress is self induced... :p
So every so often comes Down time. Unwind time. Escapism.
Personally, when I walk out the door from work and start perambulating the downtown streets, I begin the process of exorcism of the work day demons. This usually is recanting some less then fun event and thinking of 'what I shoulda done' or 'what I shoulda said' or just accepting I was an ass.
When I reach home Connor is there to erase any trace of Funk from my brain. “Hey, Daddy your back! Did you have a good at work?” or sometimes a hug or sometimes a request for Pizza. He has that sunshine on a cloudy day effect on pretty much everyone around him.
So for escape itself, it is no secret that I opt out of TV for WoW. Lately books are few and far between, however, getting into a nice fiction is a plus. Going to the occasional movie (so few I want to see anymore). Or just doing something that isn't related to anything I do at work.
So my house is my escape pod from work into my life.
Whats yours?
RBG is being flown all over the globe for back to back meetings.
Flying Van has feast of famine with split second decisions that puts the lives of others in his hands.
Ronn has to deal with a state run, federal compliant bureaucracy, and teaching the most difficult nightmare students of all, Tenured Teachers.
Shoo probably has some kind of stress someplace, sometime... kinda... i think...
Timmer's entire life is a demented living hell of guilt and acquiescence as anyone who reads between the lines of his blog can tell.
Keeka... well her stress is self induced... :p
So every so often comes Down time. Unwind time. Escapism.
Personally, when I walk out the door from work and start perambulating the downtown streets, I begin the process of exorcism of the work day demons. This usually is recanting some less then fun event and thinking of 'what I shoulda done' or 'what I shoulda said' or just accepting I was an ass.
When I reach home Connor is there to erase any trace of Funk from my brain. “Hey, Daddy your back! Did you have a good at work?” or sometimes a hug or sometimes a request for Pizza. He has that sunshine on a cloudy day effect on pretty much everyone around him.
So for escape itself, it is no secret that I opt out of TV for WoW. Lately books are few and far between, however, getting into a nice fiction is a plus. Going to the occasional movie (so few I want to see anymore). Or just doing something that isn't related to anything I do at work.
So my house is my escape pod from work into my life.
Whats yours?
January 09, 2008
Wow
My Friends, my wife and I all get together online and play World of Warcraft (as previously stated ad nausium). You are welcome to join us in game. Just know that you can only group in fives.
Here is a run down of our little guild:
Tuuk is played by me
Keight is played by Tina
Gorlach by Shoo
and
Boans is played by RBG
RBG's boy played Treon but he is currantly on Sabbatical.
The links you see are to a neat little data base that the folks who run Warcraft (Blizzard) set up so you can check out your character and possibly look for new improved items in game.
Here is a run down of our little guild:
Tuuk is played by me
Keight is played by Tina
Gorlach by Shoo
and
Boans is played by RBG
RBG's boy played Treon but he is currantly on Sabbatical.
The links you see are to a neat little data base that the folks who run Warcraft (Blizzard) set up so you can check out your character and possibly look for new improved items in game.
January 08, 2008
Computer stuff
Because of what I do I get to answer computer questions. Most are for the beginner computer people out there.
If you are not the sort of person who would ever be interested in games and you do not use a Windows machine at work then go with the $799.00 Mac Mini. Buy the apple keyboard and mouse for another $100.00 and a digital flat panel monitor with a DVI port. A Dell ultra sharp monitor refurbished from a company with a good return policy will cost you about $150.00
so your looking around $1050.00 for a 'good' starter Macintosh. It will have all the basic software you could use.
You can get by without security software.
You will not be able to buy software for your computer from most normal outlets.
Very few people will be able to help you with any tech problems (few occur actually) and your internet provider will not have a clue how to set up your system (99.9% of the time this will not be an issue)
Or you can buy a PC with keyboard mouse monitor for $550.00 (based on Dell inspiron 530)
1. Either pay $40.00+ a year or get anti-virus for free.
2. Use either windows defender or some spyware program for free.
3. Buy Microsoft Office with your computer for either $150.00 or $280.00 or get a compatible office product for free. FYI if you buy Microsoft Office Small business your looking aroun $370.00.
If you are not the sort of person who would ever be interested in games and you do not use a Windows machine at work then go with the $799.00 Mac Mini. Buy the apple keyboard and mouse for another $100.00 and a digital flat panel monitor with a DVI port. A Dell ultra sharp monitor refurbished from a company with a good return policy will cost you about $150.00
so your looking around $1050.00 for a 'good' starter Macintosh. It will have all the basic software you could use.
You can get by without security software.
You will not be able to buy software for your computer from most normal outlets.
Very few people will be able to help you with any tech problems (few occur actually) and your internet provider will not have a clue how to set up your system (99.9% of the time this will not be an issue)
Or you can buy a PC with keyboard mouse monitor for $550.00 (based on Dell inspiron 530)
1. Either pay $40.00+ a year or get anti-virus for free.
2. Use either windows defender or some spyware program for free.
3. Buy Microsoft Office with your computer for either $150.00 or $280.00 or get a compatible office product for free. FYI if you buy Microsoft Office Small business your looking aroun $370.00.
January 07, 2008
Congress Bans the Light Bulb.
You have to Dig to find this The global warming scam is going to be a winfall for GE at the cost of our pocketbook and the environment.
Flourescent blub's do not have any positive side I can see. They are supposed to save you money on your electrical bill. However, you cannot throw them away in the trash can and if you break one you are looking at a nasty time getting it cleaned up.
I'll have to see if I can get a perscription for one if the ban has allowances for medical needs.
Flourescent blub's do not have any positive side I can see. They are supposed to save you money on your electrical bill. However, you cannot throw them away in the trash can and if you break one you are looking at a nasty time getting it cleaned up.
I'll have to see if I can get a perscription for one if the ban has allowances for medical needs.
January 04, 2008
Time for Chores!
The other day, Connor (my youngest) came into the bedroom and requested the assistance of my wife. As previously stated, he has language delayed Autism.
So it went something like this "Come on momma, time for chores, I need help"
Tina obliged and was then helping him make his bed. Which had to be made in a very specific way. Sponge bob blanket, wolf print blanket, the comforter folded a specific way all tucked int with the microbead pillow then the regular pillows in specific places.
A kid wanting to clean up his room... good thing.
Next he rousted my collage teen and had him make his bed which is in the same room. Another good thing as I had pretty much given up on the make your bed thing.
So the next day Connor inlisted the help of my high school age daughter to make the bed (exact same way). Got my collage kid to do make his. Then had my nephew house guest make his as well.
I am thinking soon I will have to make my bed again...
So it went something like this "Come on momma, time for chores, I need help"
Tina obliged and was then helping him make his bed. Which had to be made in a very specific way. Sponge bob blanket, wolf print blanket, the comforter folded a specific way all tucked int with the microbead pillow then the regular pillows in specific places.
A kid wanting to clean up his room... good thing.
Next he rousted my collage teen and had him make his bed which is in the same room. Another good thing as I had pretty much given up on the make your bed thing.
So the next day Connor inlisted the help of my high school age daughter to make the bed (exact same way). Got my collage kid to do make his. Then had my nephew house guest make his as well.
I am thinking soon I will have to make my bed again...
January 03, 2008
Friends Ebb and Tide
My Family was pretty static when I came along. My Mom and Pop had settled into the American dream in a So Cal. town.
This made for a consistant set of faces going all through school. That is why two of the links to your right are people I have known for forty years. The bulk of the rest over 25 years.
My wife and I have followed suit and our kids have had the same 'home town' experience as well. So while I have been blessed with a nurturing family and a wonderful home life with good friends, periodically I ponder the ebb and tide of some friendships.
John B. lived across the street and moved when I was six or seven. Peter P. lived up the street he and his sister Barbara and I would run around till the street lights came on (my mom's signal to come home). Jim E. lived on the corner his Dad worked at Mattel, he was the first kid I knew who's parents got a divorce.
They all moved away early. Thier houses reminded me of them.
Junior High friends, High School friends, Youth Group Friends, Boy Scouting Friends, Air Explorer friends. Work Friends etc. There are so many lives that weave themselves into the threads of your life. Some you loose track of, like Steve V. who I last saw on a beach and understand lives in the mid-west now. Some weave back in, Like Ronn who virtually is linked via blogs. or Flying Van who I have always had some contact with but large gaps in the weave.
I find it comfortable that people who have known me for such a long time are still in contact and interested in my life and goings ons.
So thanks for reading. And Shoo special thanks for the blogging.
This made for a consistant set of faces going all through school. That is why two of the links to your right are people I have known for forty years. The bulk of the rest over 25 years.
My wife and I have followed suit and our kids have had the same 'home town' experience as well. So while I have been blessed with a nurturing family and a wonderful home life with good friends, periodically I ponder the ebb and tide of some friendships.
John B. lived across the street and moved when I was six or seven. Peter P. lived up the street he and his sister Barbara and I would run around till the street lights came on (my mom's signal to come home). Jim E. lived on the corner his Dad worked at Mattel, he was the first kid I knew who's parents got a divorce.
They all moved away early. Thier houses reminded me of them.
Junior High friends, High School friends, Youth Group Friends, Boy Scouting Friends, Air Explorer friends. Work Friends etc. There are so many lives that weave themselves into the threads of your life. Some you loose track of, like Steve V. who I last saw on a beach and understand lives in the mid-west now. Some weave back in, Like Ronn who virtually is linked via blogs. or Flying Van who I have always had some contact with but large gaps in the weave.
I find it comfortable that people who have known me for such a long time are still in contact and interested in my life and goings ons.
So thanks for reading. And Shoo special thanks for the blogging.
December 31, 2007
Laws imposed
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.
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 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.
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