November 27, 2011
To get rid of income inequality
To get rid of income inequality, the simplest thing is for the IRS to take in the entire paycheck, every pay period of everyone who is working, average it out over the entire population, calculate and take out the taxes and mail the balance to each and every individual working or not.
As to the Big, Bad Corporations, have the IRS collect all the income corporations make, deduct what is determined by President Obama to be fair income for a corporation and mail the check to the CEO.
November 22, 2011
Inequality.
"Next time a liberal tells you they're upset about "income inequality", 1st, tell them you agree. 2nd, Suggest that they go to their human resources dept. and ask for their salary and the lowest earner in their company's salary to be averaged... for "fairness". If they agree, which they will, bc liberals ALWAYS practice what they preach--then, tell them you don't want to stop at "income inequality"--tell them to start a lobbying group where they tackle social inequities such as: "automobile inequality", "television inequality", "sneaker inequality", "hair weave inequality" ~Vanessa Jean-Louis.
November 17, 2011
Working hard.
I love my job. It is hard work, early in the AM bike ride. A five hour physical work out of moving pallets and hand stacking items with a few electronic hook ups and cleaning thrown in for good measure.
Next working with various Costco Members, answering questions on electronics, resolving issues with same. Occasionally loading up something heavy onto a cart or into a car. It is a blast.
The managers tend to leave me on my own. Other then some direction on what new change they want implemented or some new merchandising set up. For the most part I know what needs to be done or have a list my supervisor has left and I go, go, go.
It turns out that managers really like not having to manage someone... Further, there is an art to seeing something that needs to be done prior to being told (which makes no sense to my way of thinking).
When you hear someone say, "Don't worry about that, Lee is here"
I love my job.
Next working with various Costco Members, answering questions on electronics, resolving issues with same. Occasionally loading up something heavy onto a cart or into a car. It is a blast.
The managers tend to leave me on my own. Other then some direction on what new change they want implemented or some new merchandising set up. For the most part I know what needs to be done or have a list my supervisor has left and I go, go, go.
It turns out that managers really like not having to manage someone... Further, there is an art to seeing something that needs to be done prior to being told (which makes no sense to my way of thinking).
When you hear someone say, "Don't worry about that, Lee is here"
I love my job.
November 14, 2011
Some fundamental questions on same-sex attraction
Some fundamental questions on same-sex attraction
Daniel Avila
Posted: 10/28/2011
More than once I have heard from or about Catholics upset with the Church for its insistence that sexual relations be limited to marriage between husband and wife. Does not this moral rule force people with same-sex attraction into lives of loneliness? If they are born that way, then why should they be punished by a restriction that does not account for their pre-existing condition? God wants everyone to be happy, and for persons with same-sex attraction is not their happiness to be found in the fulfillment of that attraction? Some seek to change the Church’s teaching on marriage or have left the Church because of it. They believe either that God through the Church ignores the needs of people or that the Church misunderstands what God desires.
Daniel Avila
Posted: 10/28/2011
More than once I have heard from or about Catholics upset with the Church for its insistence that sexual relations be limited to marriage between husband and wife. Does not this moral rule force people with same-sex attraction into lives of loneliness? If they are born that way, then why should they be punished by a restriction that does not account for their pre-existing condition? God wants everyone to be happy, and for persons with same-sex attraction is not their happiness to be found in the fulfillment of that attraction? Some seek to change the Church’s teaching on marriage or have left the Church because of it. They believe either that God through the Church ignores the needs of people or that the Church misunderstands what God desires.
That is, if God causes same-sex attraction, and yet commands that it not be satisfied, then this is divine cruelty. Or, if God causes same-sex attraction, then it must be the divine will that those with the attraction should act on it and it is the Church that is being cruel in its teaching or at the very least tragically mistaken about what God wants. In either case, the belief that the Church is wrong on this issue starts from a faulty premise. God does not cause same-sex attraction.
The best natural evidence of what God causes and wants for us is our genetic code. Science has isolated certain genetic combinations that are typical to human creation and development. The most basic and the first genetic expression is that which occurs at our conception, when at the same time our individual human life begins our sexual identity as male or female begins. That which is genetically encoded, for believers, points to a codifier, and communicates through its design the codifier’s intent. Interpreting from a spiritual perspective the genetic code which supplies our sexual difference, we have to conclude that God wants us to be male or female.
No one has found a “gay gene.” Identical twins are always, of course, the same sex, providing further proof of male and female genes. If there was a gay gene, then when one twin exhibits same-sex attraction, his or her identical sibling should too. But that is not the case. The incidence of finding identical twins with identical same-sex attraction is relatively rare and certainly not anywhere near one hundred percent. Something other than the hardwiring found in the genetic code must explain the variance.
So what causes the inclination to same-sex attraction if it appears early and involuntarily and “who,” if anyone, is responsible? In determining the answer to the “what” question, the most widely accepted scientific hypothesis points to random imbalances in maternal hormone levels and identifies their disruptive prenatal effects on fetal development as the likely and major cause.
The most recent and most comprehensive discussion of this research is found in a book published earlier this year by a scientist who also happens to be a gay-rights advocate. Even though it discounts other environmental factors that other scientists believe also may play a role, Simon LeVay’s publication, “Gay, Straight and the Reason Why: The Science of Sexual Attraction” is worth the read.
LeVay is not interested in the “who” question and describes same-sex attraction as just a variation among other human inclinations. Catholics do not have the luxury of being materialists. We look for ultimate explanations that transcend the strictly physical world and that stretch beyond our limited ability to mold and reshape reality as we know it. Disruptive imbalances in nature that thwart encoded processes point to supernatural actors who, unlike God, do not have the good of persons at heart.
In other words, the scientific evidence of how same-sex attraction most likely may be created provides a credible basis for a spiritual explanation that indicts the devil. Any time natural disasters occur, we as people of faith look back to Scripture’s account of those angels who rebelled and fell from grace. In their anger against God, these malcontents prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. They continue to do all they can to mar, distort and destroy God’s handiwork.
Therefore, whenever natural causes disturb otherwise typical biological development, leading to the personally unchosen beginnings of same-sex attraction, the ultimate responsibility, on a theological level, is and should be imputed to the evil one, not God. Applying this aspect of Catholic belief to interpret the scientific data makes more sense because it does not place God in the awkward position of blessing two mutually incompatible realities—sexual difference and same-sex attraction.
If in fact this analysis of causation and culpability is correct, then it opens new perspectives on the Church’s teaching in this area. Being born with an inclination which originates in a manner outside of one’s control is not sufficient proof that the condition is caused by God or that its satisfaction meets God’s purpose. Furthermore, a proper understanding of who is really at fault should deepen our compassion towards those who experience same-sex attraction and inform our response to the question of loneliness. Ultimately, an accurate attribution of responsibility for same-sex attraction frees us to consider more fully the urgent question of why sexual difference matters so much to God. These matters will be addressed in my next column.
Daniel Avila formerly served the Catholic Bishops in Massachusetts and now lives and works in the Washington, D.C., area.
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/mark-shea/chesterton-famously-said/#ixzz1dk3QOkud
November 07, 2011
IPCC written by kids...?
link to read.
“We’ve been told that [the IPCC] is a responsible business man in a three-piece suit, but it turns out it’s a sloppily dressed teenager -- a spoiled brat that can’t be trusted,
”
“We’ve been told that [the IPCC] is a responsible business man in a three-piece suit, but it turns out it’s a sloppily dressed teenager -- a spoiled brat that can’t be trusted,
”
November 06, 2011
November 05, 2011
Herman Cain's Gauntlet
By Cal Thomas
When it comes to sex, the media apply different standards to Republicans and Democrats.
Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton allegedly trolled for women, using state troopers as his procurers. As president, Clinton engaged in oral sex with Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office. He lied about it under oath and was impeached, though later acquitted by the U.S. Senate. Other sexual accusations tainted Clinton, including one that he raped one Juanita Broaddrick. That "everybody lies about sex" and "it was just sex" and didn't affect his public responsibilities, were just two of the exculpatory statements from Clinton's Democratic defenders. James Carville slimed Paula Jones, one of Clinton's accusers, by saying you never know what you'll find "when you drag a hundred-dollar bill through a trailer park."
Many other Democrats in modern times have been caught with their pants down -- JFK, John Edwards. Some paid a political price. Most did not because their policies were favored by the liberal media, which gave them cover.
Now it is Herman Cain's turn and the rules have suddenly changed. Cain stands accused of sexually harassing two women more than a decade ago when he headed the National Restaurant Association. Many in the media wolf pack have already judged him guilty because he updated his initial statement denying the allegations. And yet The Washington Post, in association with Politico.com -- which broke the "story" -- routinely updates its online pages when new information comes to light.
Is Cain, a relative media novice, expected to have instant and total recall of events that may or may not have happened more than 10 years ago?
The way this works is, if you can't give the media immediate and detailed answers to their questions, they "raise new questions" and then when you do provide them additional information they say you should have provided it before and must be covering something up, prompting even more questions.
One cannot say what, if any, political motives the anonymous female accusers might have, or even if they helped bring these charges to Politico. So much of this is subjective. What is known is that a charge of sexual harassment is not proof that sexual harassment occurred.
This story also has a noxious odor of racism about it. Historically, perhaps the worst stereotype directed at African-American men is that they are oversexed and constantly on the prowl for female conquests.
Cain's candidacy has unnerved the Washington political establishment. I have just finished his book "This is Herman Cain!: My Journey to the White House." In it, I learned that Cain is a self-made man who achieved success without government and without self-loathing. He is the enemy of big government, and of Democrats' "can't do" condescending attitude toward minorities. Cain exudes a positive and optimistic spirit.
Were Cain to become president, this "CEO of self" would threaten the political and economic prison liberal Democrats have built to keep disenfranchised minorities down and voting for Democrats for fear their government programs will end. Cain has a better way and he writes about it in his inspiring personal story, which is the embodiment of the American Dream.
This is why Cain is being excoriated by the liberal left. Even some in the Republican establishment wish he would just go away. There will be more on this as reporters and tabloids throw money at Cain's accusers, seeking to get them to talk in violation of their termination agreements.
If you're wondering why more qualified people don't run for office, consider what is being done to Herman Cain. People don't want every mistake or bad decision they've made trumpeted from the rooftops and so they avoid politics to the nation's detriment.
Cain may ultimately triumph over these allegations. On Monday Cain recorded his biggest fundraising day ever, netting $400,000. Still, the best defense is a good offense and what would be best for Cain is for him to get all the facts out, immediately, before his enemies do it for him.
When it comes to sex, the media apply different standards to Republicans and Democrats.
Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton allegedly trolled for women, using state troopers as his procurers. As president, Clinton engaged in oral sex with Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office. He lied about it under oath and was impeached, though later acquitted by the U.S. Senate. Other sexual accusations tainted Clinton, including one that he raped one Juanita Broaddrick. That "everybody lies about sex" and "it was just sex" and didn't affect his public responsibilities, were just two of the exculpatory statements from Clinton's Democratic defenders. James Carville slimed Paula Jones, one of Clinton's accusers, by saying you never know what you'll find "when you drag a hundred-dollar bill through a trailer park."
Many other Democrats in modern times have been caught with their pants down -- JFK, John Edwards. Some paid a political price. Most did not because their policies were favored by the liberal media, which gave them cover.
Now it is Herman Cain's turn and the rules have suddenly changed. Cain stands accused of sexually harassing two women more than a decade ago when he headed the National Restaurant Association. Many in the media wolf pack have already judged him guilty because he updated his initial statement denying the allegations. And yet The Washington Post, in association with Politico.com -- which broke the "story" -- routinely updates its online pages when new information comes to light.
Is Cain, a relative media novice, expected to have instant and total recall of events that may or may not have happened more than 10 years ago?
The way this works is, if you can't give the media immediate and detailed answers to their questions, they "raise new questions" and then when you do provide them additional information they say you should have provided it before and must be covering something up, prompting even more questions.
One cannot say what, if any, political motives the anonymous female accusers might have, or even if they helped bring these charges to Politico. So much of this is subjective. What is known is that a charge of sexual harassment is not proof that sexual harassment occurred.
This story also has a noxious odor of racism about it. Historically, perhaps the worst stereotype directed at African-American men is that they are oversexed and constantly on the prowl for female conquests.
Cain's candidacy has unnerved the Washington political establishment. I have just finished his book "This is Herman Cain!: My Journey to the White House." In it, I learned that Cain is a self-made man who achieved success without government and without self-loathing. He is the enemy of big government, and of Democrats' "can't do" condescending attitude toward minorities. Cain exudes a positive and optimistic spirit.
Were Cain to become president, this "CEO of self" would threaten the political and economic prison liberal Democrats have built to keep disenfranchised minorities down and voting for Democrats for fear their government programs will end. Cain has a better way and he writes about it in his inspiring personal story, which is the embodiment of the American Dream.
This is why Cain is being excoriated by the liberal left. Even some in the Republican establishment wish he would just go away. There will be more on this as reporters and tabloids throw money at Cain's accusers, seeking to get them to talk in violation of their termination agreements.
If you're wondering why more qualified people don't run for office, consider what is being done to Herman Cain. People don't want every mistake or bad decision they've made trumpeted from the rooftops and so they avoid politics to the nation's detriment.
Cain may ultimately triumph over these allegations. On Monday Cain recorded his biggest fundraising day ever, netting $400,000. Still, the best defense is a good offense and what would be best for Cain is for him to get all the facts out, immediately, before his enemies do it for him.
November 03, 2011
Obama Changes Fundamental Answer: "I Think We Are Better Off" Than We We...
I guess it depends on what you mean by "Better"....
October 30, 2011
They pour over the data to convince skeptics that the overall planet has been on a warming trend. This also shows that the warming has stalled or stopped or something not going up over the last 10 years.
If this was not enough there is this A skeptical physicist ends up confirming climate data.
Which turns out to be a poor snow job. Because, the other shoe dropped: Scientist who said climate change sceptics had been proved wrong accused of hiding truth by colleagu.
Meanwhile in the scientific world the actual discussion is on mans contribution and if we should become Amish (or buy carbon offsets from Al Gore).
October 29, 2011
Rep. Paul Ryan Blames Obama for Dividing America
Paul Ryan just has so many good things to say. I wish he was running for President. This interview hits so many good points.
Occupy Madison loses permit - News - The Daily Cardinal - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Occupy Madison loses permit - News - The Daily Cardinal - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Good lord, how can this be supported by anyone?
October 28, 2011
Mitt Romney
Flip Flop
I am not wanting Mitt to get the nominee for President. I can see myself voting for him over the current disaster that is Obama. Over the last few months I keep seeing him change position on various items. At first I assumed we had some out of context reporting from our dear old MSM.
Having Cain getting higher in the poles is nice, as I like his policies and overall attitude. I am also glad that John Huntsman is trailing by a good margin. I am not sure why he is considered a Republican at all (other then he registered that way?)
Another election season is about to open!
I am not wanting Mitt to get the nominee for President. I can see myself voting for him over the current disaster that is Obama. Over the last few months I keep seeing him change position on various items. At first I assumed we had some out of context reporting from our dear old MSM.
Having Cain getting higher in the poles is nice, as I like his policies and overall attitude. I am also glad that John Huntsman is trailing by a good margin. I am not sure why he is considered a Republican at all (other then he registered that way?)
Another election season is about to open!
October 27, 2011
October 16, 2011
Picture to follow
Robert, Robert and Lee. Robbie, Robert and Lee. Shoo, Bobert and Lee. Shoo, Robert and Lee. When you have two friends for 44plus years and you have consistently been in contact, things like turning 50 are important. Tina tried to get Robert and Shoo to come for my fiftieth. Robert, unfortunately couldn't make it. I jumped at the chance to surprise Robert this weekend. Robert has arranged with Shoo to surprise him on Shoo's 50th.
I got the call from Andrew, Roberts eldest, about the event. We have an airline that does commuter hops to LAX from Medford. They do not fly on Friday, so I got Thursday flight out at 2:30PM with a Return from LAX flying out at 5:30AM.
Tina drove me to my Pops house on Wednesday after work. We visited and ate, Pop is learning to play electric Organ. I followed him around with his routine, Walking, Sherries restaurant etc., then a ride to the airport.
The flight was uncomfortable as I chose my seat poorly. The flight dropped me at the maze of LAX and the walk to the street and Budget rent-a-car shuttle was a long one, augmented by the scaffolds and partitions set up for a re-modelling. The car was rented, GPS was set and I was driving in that mystically fairy land known as El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula.
Traffic is horrid and my trusty Garmin tried its best to avoid numerous freeway blockages by shunting me to various freeways then, surface streets. I got to tour Norwalk and Compton on my surface street route to Brea. I got quickly disgusted with the sheer amount of commercials on the Radio broadcast (really, twenty minutes of each hour?) So the XM came in handy, once I eliminated bulk of the stations down.
Two hours and thirty minutes later I was so happy I live in Oregon and badly in need of head ache meds. My sis-in-law was gracious enough to give me food and medication. We chatted, walked the dog, watched some tube and I slept soundly. Next morning was some small bagels, then another treat of So-Cal traffix. This time I was Garmin'd to the toll freeways. This was really cool. Not only do you drive over 10 mph, but you get a better sense of the sheer amount of undeveloped land. I made good time and soon arrived at Shoo's domicile.
Due to the painters not finishing last Wednesday most of his houses furnishings where piled into the living room. It only added to the fun that only a chaotic atmosphere can bring. Shoo took me on a tour of Laguna and then Costa Mesa where we snapped pictures of my old neighborhood and my old house. It was unoccupied and the construction guys there let me inside for a few pictures.
We had a nosh at Togo's, played some WOW and relaxed in the jacuzzi prior to heading out for family dinner at a Vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant. Shoo was not feeling all that great so he bowed out early. Leaving his daughter Val and I the opportunity to watch the Ducks blank the Sharks.
Next morning, Saturday, was Roberts surprise. I had a few hours to kill so I headed to Irvine Spectrum and looked at the sights. Then headed off to the local Costco to spy on them.
Robert's daughter Hailey, had me hide in various spots as she enjoyed her Dad NOT seeing me. Finally I got to step out from the shadows. Robert was surprised and happy to see me. We went to a favorite family restaurant, joked and got back in time for the festivities. Andrew had set up linked X-boxes and we did some Halo followed by poker, then more Halo.
Just a pretty good set of downtime with Pizza and spaghetti. As midnight approached I was more and more worried that if I slept I might miss my wake up call and not make my flight. Seeing as I was open seating getting to the airport early was paramount.
So I headed straight there and waiting for the employees to arrive. The flight back was much shorter, due to my sleeping through most of it.
What a whirlwind! It is good to be home.
I got the call from Andrew, Roberts eldest, about the event. We have an airline that does commuter hops to LAX from Medford. They do not fly on Friday, so I got Thursday flight out at 2:30PM with a Return from LAX flying out at 5:30AM.
Tina drove me to my Pops house on Wednesday after work. We visited and ate, Pop is learning to play electric Organ. I followed him around with his routine, Walking, Sherries restaurant etc., then a ride to the airport.
The flight was uncomfortable as I chose my seat poorly. The flight dropped me at the maze of LAX and the walk to the street and Budget rent-a-car shuttle was a long one, augmented by the scaffolds and partitions set up for a re-modelling. The car was rented, GPS was set and I was driving in that mystically fairy land known as El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula.
Traffic is horrid and my trusty Garmin tried its best to avoid numerous freeway blockages by shunting me to various freeways then, surface streets. I got to tour Norwalk and Compton on my surface street route to Brea. I got quickly disgusted with the sheer amount of commercials on the Radio broadcast (really, twenty minutes of each hour?) So the XM came in handy, once I eliminated bulk of the stations down.
Two hours and thirty minutes later I was so happy I live in Oregon and badly in need of head ache meds. My sis-in-law was gracious enough to give me food and medication. We chatted, walked the dog, watched some tube and I slept soundly. Next morning was some small bagels, then another treat of So-Cal traffix. This time I was Garmin'd to the toll freeways. This was really cool. Not only do you drive over 10 mph, but you get a better sense of the sheer amount of undeveloped land. I made good time and soon arrived at Shoo's domicile.
Due to the painters not finishing last Wednesday most of his houses furnishings where piled into the living room. It only added to the fun that only a chaotic atmosphere can bring. Shoo took me on a tour of Laguna and then Costa Mesa where we snapped pictures of my old neighborhood and my old house. It was unoccupied and the construction guys there let me inside for a few pictures.
We had a nosh at Togo's, played some WOW and relaxed in the jacuzzi prior to heading out for family dinner at a Vegetarian Vietnamese restaurant. Shoo was not feeling all that great so he bowed out early. Leaving his daughter Val and I the opportunity to watch the Ducks blank the Sharks.
Next morning, Saturday, was Roberts surprise. I had a few hours to kill so I headed to Irvine Spectrum and looked at the sights. Then headed off to the local Costco to spy on them.
Robert's daughter Hailey, had me hide in various spots as she enjoyed her Dad NOT seeing me. Finally I got to step out from the shadows. Robert was surprised and happy to see me. We went to a favorite family restaurant, joked and got back in time for the festivities. Andrew had set up linked X-boxes and we did some Halo followed by poker, then more Halo.
Just a pretty good set of downtime with Pizza and spaghetti. As midnight approached I was more and more worried that if I slept I might miss my wake up call and not make my flight. Seeing as I was open seating getting to the airport early was paramount.
So I headed straight there and waiting for the employees to arrive. The flight back was much shorter, due to my sleeping through most of it.
What a whirlwind! It is good to be home.
October 03, 2011
Loss of a Mom
My Mom has been in a care facility for the last few years. Alzheimer's is very hard on loved ones.
In August she had a fairly bad fall and we feared the worse. Her head injury was treated but not surgically. That may or may not have hastened her demise today.
Recently there has been a joyous occasion, a wedding of my Nephew and his beautiful bride. My mother was in a pretty good condition and the care facility brought her to join in the festivities. I had a very nice visit and she recognized me, introducing me as "Her Baby" for the first time, in a long time.
When she had her fall, I was in Canada and not sure how I would make it back before she died. As I waited for a phone call, I had lots of thoughts about Mother and that last memory stood out as a good last one to hold onto. I had placated myself with the possibility that good memory would be my last one. She seemingly recovered and appeared to be on the mend, even regaining words to the songs she used to hum.
This Friday I got word that she had collapsed and the prognosis was not good. The care providers gave her a week. I had the option to head South to say goodbye. I wrestled with my August nice memory and haunting thoughts of the last time I saw my Grandmother. Something that I wish I could have un-seen. I decided to keep myself a little distant. We went on an outing to Crater lake on Saturday with Connor. Something he requested to do prior to winter closing the area. I went to a going away party for a manager at work. Although, I felt odd and detached from the festivities. I left early and had a run home. Neither night had me sleeping well. Sunday we missed Mass due to a schedule change we had not heard about.
I had spoken to my Pop, who graciously gave me the option to come down or not. I sent an e-mail to my two oldest friends explaining the situation. They responded in kind, that being there was important and I should re-consider. This struck me hard as I went to work Sunday, I actually felt a pressure above my heart as I kept busy and my mind off events. I spoke to a few people, including management, who immediately suggested I take some time off to do what was needed. I thanked them for their support and went about my work day. I had a few well-ups of emotion but nothing I could not work around. As the end of shift came around I realized that I had left my wife out of the equation.
It only shows how compromised I was emotionally that I thought I was going to have to go through this alone. My wife had a wonderful relationship with my Mom and equal rights to be there. I called and asked if she wanted to go down and without hesitation she affirmed. Which sent me relief as it exposed my wrongful thinking. I asked her to come get me and told Management that I had to leave.
Now I felt an urgency to head south, we hastily packed overnights and headed down the ninety minute drive. My Pop and my sister Nancy were with mom. We talked and cried and watched the care staff, who had genuine affection for my Mom. Dad had spent the last few nights as had some of my siblings. He constantly gazed at her and saw to her comfort. He was jovial, sad, pragmatic and emotional. As it got later, everyone needed rest. Tina and I headed to Pops house as Nancy and Pop spent the night with Mom.
I gave her a kiss goodbye and told her that I loved her.
The next morning we got two calls. The first call said she was not doing well and the second was she had passed. I broke down sobbing, Tina was there.
We headed over and Mom had been washed up and lie in the bed. Looking peaceful and asleep.
Early that morning, while her breathing was labored. My Pop, holder her hand, leaned over and told her it was time to leave. She died, with the love of her life gently holding her hand and a large outpouring of love which filled the room from her last few days. The attendance remarked how amazingly peaceful her passing was, of the likes they rarely see.
All things come to an end. My Mom's passing was a beautiful example that matched her beautiful life among us.
In August she had a fairly bad fall and we feared the worse. Her head injury was treated but not surgically. That may or may not have hastened her demise today.
Recently there has been a joyous occasion, a wedding of my Nephew and his beautiful bride. My mother was in a pretty good condition and the care facility brought her to join in the festivities. I had a very nice visit and she recognized me, introducing me as "Her Baby" for the first time, in a long time.
When she had her fall, I was in Canada and not sure how I would make it back before she died. As I waited for a phone call, I had lots of thoughts about Mother and that last memory stood out as a good last one to hold onto. I had placated myself with the possibility that good memory would be my last one. She seemingly recovered and appeared to be on the mend, even regaining words to the songs she used to hum.
This Friday I got word that she had collapsed and the prognosis was not good. The care providers gave her a week. I had the option to head South to say goodbye. I wrestled with my August nice memory and haunting thoughts of the last time I saw my Grandmother. Something that I wish I could have un-seen. I decided to keep myself a little distant. We went on an outing to Crater lake on Saturday with Connor. Something he requested to do prior to winter closing the area. I went to a going away party for a manager at work. Although, I felt odd and detached from the festivities. I left early and had a run home. Neither night had me sleeping well. Sunday we missed Mass due to a schedule change we had not heard about.
I had spoken to my Pop, who graciously gave me the option to come down or not. I sent an e-mail to my two oldest friends explaining the situation. They responded in kind, that being there was important and I should re-consider. This struck me hard as I went to work Sunday, I actually felt a pressure above my heart as I kept busy and my mind off events. I spoke to a few people, including management, who immediately suggested I take some time off to do what was needed. I thanked them for their support and went about my work day. I had a few well-ups of emotion but nothing I could not work around. As the end of shift came around I realized that I had left my wife out of the equation.
It only shows how compromised I was emotionally that I thought I was going to have to go through this alone. My wife had a wonderful relationship with my Mom and equal rights to be there. I called and asked if she wanted to go down and without hesitation she affirmed. Which sent me relief as it exposed my wrongful thinking. I asked her to come get me and told Management that I had to leave.
Now I felt an urgency to head south, we hastily packed overnights and headed down the ninety minute drive. My Pop and my sister Nancy were with mom. We talked and cried and watched the care staff, who had genuine affection for my Mom. Dad had spent the last few nights as had some of my siblings. He constantly gazed at her and saw to her comfort. He was jovial, sad, pragmatic and emotional. As it got later, everyone needed rest. Tina and I headed to Pops house as Nancy and Pop spent the night with Mom.
I gave her a kiss goodbye and told her that I loved her.
The next morning we got two calls. The first call said she was not doing well and the second was she had passed. I broke down sobbing, Tina was there.
We headed over and Mom had been washed up and lie in the bed. Looking peaceful and asleep.
Early that morning, while her breathing was labored. My Pop, holder her hand, leaned over and told her it was time to leave. She died, with the love of her life gently holding her hand and a large outpouring of love which filled the room from her last few days. The attendance remarked how amazingly peaceful her passing was, of the likes they rarely see.
All things come to an end. My Mom's passing was a beautiful example that matched her beautiful life among us.
September 30, 2011
Get into the BOX!
Test build successful! On to the next phase!
The motherboard is attached to the case using stand-offs. These are little brass fixtures that screw into the appropriate case holes to match the board mounting holes. You can eyeball it pretty easily. If you really want to be sure a template is a good choice.
Next up you want to mount the power supply. Mine goes fan down on the bottom of the case (which is very common now).
My power supply is modular. So you only need to use the cables you want. The rest you store in a bag for later.
Next up are the drives. For the DVD you remove a panel from the front of the tower and slide it into place. This tower is tool-less so it has some handy knobs that lock the drives down.
DVD in place! Next the hard drive.
This case comes with some rails that snap onto each side of a standard drive. Then you just slide it into position.
Finally the motherboard. Start with the back plate which labels all your various ports. It just snaps into place. Next you place the board slide it towards the back and secure using the mounting screws into the a fore mentioned stand-offs.
Using the back panel and some small black zip-ties you work the various cables through the channels to the proper position. Less spaghetti cables mean better cooling. I start by running power to everything, then data connectors to everything else. Including the case cables for the on off buttons and front panel USB and audio ports. Next I systematically secure the cables.
Any add-on cards, like a graphics card requires removal of a back panel (usually a screw, or you might have to bend-snap it off) and securing it into the socket.
Now you attach keyboard, mouse and monitor. Plug in the power supply, hit the power supply on switch (if it has one). Then push the start button.
TECH SUPERSTITION! NEVER close up the side panels prior to starting up your system for the first time. In fact, leave them off till after you install the OS.
Note how clean of cables this case is? It is a work of art.
Here it is running!
Next up, Installing the OS. This is something I may not blog about... Not sure yet. Its a lot of looking at this:
-fini-
The motherboard is attached to the case using stand-offs. These are little brass fixtures that screw into the appropriate case holes to match the board mounting holes. You can eyeball it pretty easily. If you really want to be sure a template is a good choice.
Next up you want to mount the power supply. Mine goes fan down on the bottom of the case (which is very common now).
Finally the motherboard. Start with the back plate which labels all your various ports. It just snaps into place. Next you place the board slide it towards the back and secure using the mounting screws into the a fore mentioned stand-offs.
Any add-on cards, like a graphics card requires removal of a back panel (usually a screw, or you might have to bend-snap it off) and securing it into the socket.
Now you attach keyboard, mouse and monitor. Plug in the power supply, hit the power supply on switch (if it has one). Then push the start button.
TECH SUPERSTITION! NEVER close up the side panels prior to starting up your system for the first time. In fact, leave them off till after you install the OS.
Here it is running!
Next up, Installing the OS. This is something I may not blog about... Not sure yet. Its a lot of looking at this:
September 29, 2011
Building a computer.
Lets say you want to make this metal box into a computer... Further you have all the other parts as well.
First thing is to set up everything and do a test build. You start by putting the processor into the motherboard.
The insertion is minor thanks to the zero insertion force style socket. First you open the mouse trap looking device, line up the slots on the processor with the socket and being careful not to touch the pins on the bottom or the metal on the top, you drop it into place.
The sound made while closing is not unlike fingernails on a chalk board. It sounds like your destroying the pins and is very disconcerting. Next you either apply some conductive paste and put the heat-sink fan into place.
It has four pins that push through and lock into place, you should make sure you plug in the fan to the appropriate place on the board. This now becomes a nice handle for maneuvering your board.
Next up install the RAM. Pretty easy and a little tricky. This is one time you MUST consult your manual to find the placement. This becomes simple if you have four matching sticks of RAM.
The packaging your board came in is perfect for a test build. I next installed the graphics card, hooked up my monitor, keyboard and mouse.
If you have good components this is what you will see.
Now we know everything works. Time to install the stuff.
September 28, 2011
My new Obelisk
My old computer died. I tried to revive it, but the parts are out of stock and problematic to find.
After perusing Toms Hardware guide, I got a battle plan of what I wanted in a system. I checked out the usual vendors and was not happy with what I saw .vs. what I wanted. Even Costco had some nice towers but too much $$ for too little power.
As I was pricing a system at New Egg when I came across a DIY system that was 90% exactly what I wanted.This little beauty was just perfect!
Here is my system out of the shipping box. Big black tower in the back. Motherboard, power supply and processor in front. In the foreground the Hard drive and RAM. I salvaged my DVD drive and Graphics card from my old system before recycling it responsibly.
Towers are very important consideration. Airflow, accessibility and aesthetics all come into play. The only complaint is the metal is a thinner gauge then I would like. There is a lot of quality in the product. The inside was painted to match. Both side panels have thumb screws for easy access. All the cables are clearly labeled and plenty long enough for any motherboard. The front, back and top fans are large powerful and quite, bonus for the pretty blue lights in the front fan. If you need additional cooling you can add three more without any problem. The front panel has two USB, Headset and mic and eSATA. Which is pretty standard. You have huge add on potential for additional drives and devices. I am considering a card reader.
The Motherboard is excellent! It has the current intel chipsets, can handle two graphics cards and up to an i7 Intel processor. No downside at all! Everything is clearly marked and well laid out. The tech support is difficult to understand due to the accent. However, the e-mail support works well, it just takes longer.
Intel i5 2500k is a great chip for gamers. It is inexpensive and benchmarks above several i7 cousins. It comes with a nice heat-sink fan and a manual that is good for something...
Hard drives above 500 gigabyte are more then enough. 1-Terabyte is cheap enough, so... why not? I like Seagate for no particular reason.
RAM can be tricky. Matching the speed to your system build takes a little bit of research. G.Skills have good RAM at a good price. These are dual channel DDR3 1600. They have a built on heat sink and offer a lifetime warranty.
Finally the power supply. You need to have enough power to run everything and more. Most manufactured PC's short you in this area. Dell, HP, Acer, all barely squeak by with the minimum required levels.
This beast is by corsair, it also has the advantage of being modular. You only plug in the cables you need for your system. Sweet!
After perusing Toms Hardware guide, I got a battle plan of what I wanted in a system. I checked out the usual vendors and was not happy with what I saw .vs. what I wanted. Even Costco had some nice towers but too much $$ for too little power.
As I was pricing a system at New Egg when I came across a DIY system that was 90% exactly what I wanted.This little beauty was just perfect!
Here is my system out of the shipping box. Big black tower in the back. Motherboard, power supply and processor in front. In the foreground the Hard drive and RAM. I salvaged my DVD drive and Graphics card from my old system before recycling it responsibly.
Towers are very important consideration. Airflow, accessibility and aesthetics all come into play. The only complaint is the metal is a thinner gauge then I would like. There is a lot of quality in the product. The inside was painted to match. Both side panels have thumb screws for easy access. All the cables are clearly labeled and plenty long enough for any motherboard. The front, back and top fans are large powerful and quite, bonus for the pretty blue lights in the front fan. If you need additional cooling you can add three more without any problem. The front panel has two USB, Headset and mic and eSATA. Which is pretty standard. You have huge add on potential for additional drives and devices. I am considering a card reader.
The Motherboard is excellent! It has the current intel chipsets, can handle two graphics cards and up to an i7 Intel processor. No downside at all! Everything is clearly marked and well laid out. The tech support is difficult to understand due to the accent. However, the e-mail support works well, it just takes longer.
Hard drives above 500 gigabyte are more then enough. 1-Terabyte is cheap enough, so... why not? I like Seagate for no particular reason.
Finally the power supply. You need to have enough power to run everything and more. Most manufactured PC's short you in this area. Dell, HP, Acer, all barely squeak by with the minimum required levels.
This beast is by corsair, it also has the advantage of being modular. You only plug in the cables you need for your system. Sweet!
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