Scripting News: 8/24/2005
Scripting News: 8/24/2005
I had to go out and get gas after my trip to Columbus yesterday so I thought I would give this Subway sub a try. Pretty good overall. I did make a few changes: No salt and I used the little packets of mustard & mayo so I could put on how much I wanted but otherwise I kept everything just like Dave suggested. I'm not a big ham eater, but this was a nice mix.
If I am not getting the latest Subway concoction, I usually am getting a Veggie Delight with a full selection of veggies (sans cucumbers) with either the Sweet Onion or Southwestern sauce. I will skip all sauces if the sub is to be taken to work the next day and put on some vinegar or little packets of something. My bread choice is usually either wheat (no whole wheat locally) or the Honey Oat, but I will mix it up and I am always willing to try a new bread if they have it.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
In India, you may NOT kiss the bride - Yahoo! News
In India, you may NOT kiss the bride - Yahoo! News
A quote from a movie: "From the country that brought you the Kama Sutra, THE TURN AWAY" where just before kissing the couple in a film will turn away.
Now I will agree that the couple should have respected the laws of the temple and not kissed, but it still seems a bit that public kissing is frowned upon.
A quote from a movie: "From the country that brought you the Kama Sutra, THE TURN AWAY" where just before kissing the couple in a film will turn away.
Now I will agree that the couple should have respected the laws of the temple and not kissed, but it still seems a bit that public kissing is frowned upon.
Court Nixes Some Ads Sent to Cell Phones - Yahoo! News
Court Nixes Some Ads Sent to Cell Phones - Yahoo! News
This all makes sense, especially since here in America people get charged for every text message. People are beginning to realize that getting charged for receiving text messages makes no sense, but that is slow in getting implimented.
There was a comment made somewhere that outside of America people who get free text messaging use it very differently, and much more efficiently. We consider outselves so sophisticated yet we don't seem to get how to really use new technology.
This all makes sense, especially since here in America people get charged for every text message. People are beginning to realize that getting charged for receiving text messages makes no sense, but that is slow in getting implimented.
There was a comment made somewhere that outside of America people who get free text messaging use it very differently, and much more efficiently. We consider outselves so sophisticated yet we don't seem to get how to really use new technology.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
tech.memeorandum - Getting the buzz in the blogasphere
tech.memeorandum
A good idea, although it is just another place to check out. Given everything is updated every 5 minutes I am not too sure if I would like it in my aggregator. There is also a political Memeorandum site as well for those who want more info than you can shake a stick at.
A good idea, although it is just another place to check out. Given everything is updated every 5 minutes I am not too sure if I would like it in my aggregator. There is also a political Memeorandum site as well for those who want more info than you can shake a stick at.
Symantec: Mozilla browsers more vulnerable than IE | CNET News.com
Symantec: Mozilla browsers more vulnerable than IE | CNET News.com
Intersting, but I'm still not switching. Frankly I think Firefox is a better browser, security problems and all. I would find it hard to believe though that an open source project would not get a lot of eyes on security and, in the long run, Firefox proves more secure.
Intersting, but I'm still not switching. Frankly I think Firefox is a better browser, security problems and all. I would find it hard to believe though that an open source project would not get a lot of eyes on security and, in the long run, Firefox proves more secure.
Beacon Journal | 09/20/2005 | Akron rock legend calls for a chat
Beacon Journal | 09/20/2005 | Akron rock legend calls for a chat
Akron may not be the center of the music universe, but even the distance galaxies have some interesting tidbits. Love or hate The Pretenders and Devo they have made an impression on music. All from a little town in the rust belt!
I hate to admit it, but I don't follow the local music scene. I hate bars - too many people, smoking (which drives me nuts), noise. Sensory overload. If I could find some quiet coffee bars with no smoking it might be more up my alley, although you don't usually don't find interesting music in venues like that.
(BTW - this would be an excellent example of when to use a Microformat. Click on the time listed and boom! it is on your calander. I guess we can only drag the "dead wood blogs" so far so fast though. ;))
Akron may not be the center of the music universe, but even the distance galaxies have some interesting tidbits. Love or hate The Pretenders and Devo they have made an impression on music. All from a little town in the rust belt!
I hate to admit it, but I don't follow the local music scene. I hate bars - too many people, smoking (which drives me nuts), noise. Sensory overload. If I could find some quiet coffee bars with no smoking it might be more up my alley, although you don't usually don't find interesting music in venues like that.
(BTW - this would be an excellent example of when to use a Microformat. Click on the time listed and boom! it is on your calander. I guess we can only drag the "dead wood blogs" so far so fast though. ;))
The Fourth Annual Blogger Boobie-Thon for Breast Cancer and Hurricane Katrina Victims
The Fourth Annual Blogger Boobie-Thon for Breast Cancer and Hurricane Katrina Victims
Interesting idea. My grandmother was a breast cancer survivor so I usually try to support research into this area. At least this, once a year, raises some awareness of the ongoing problem.
And remember - breast cancer is not just for women. When my grandma was in the hospital after her surgery she ran into a man who had just had the same surgery she had for the same reason.
Interesting idea. My grandmother was a breast cancer survivor so I usually try to support research into this area. At least this, once a year, raises some awareness of the ongoing problem.
And remember - breast cancer is not just for women. When my grandma was in the hospital after her surgery she ran into a man who had just had the same surgery she had for the same reason.
Bloglines | My Feeds
Bloglines | My Feeds
I just got around to listening to this. Nice intro about Microformats.
I love the idea of Microformats. There have even been some GreaseMonkey scripts to help convert some of the Microformats to the base format they are based upon. That is the key to Microformats though - human readable, machine parsable. Personally, I'm lazy and if I can get the computer to do something for me, like say adding an event to my calander, then I'm all for it. Isn't that what computers are for?
Now, to get a Microformat to handle online shopping transactions...
I just got around to listening to this. Nice intro about Microformats.
I love the idea of Microformats. There have even been some GreaseMonkey scripts to help convert some of the Microformats to the base format they are based upon. That is the key to Microformats though - human readable, machine parsable. Personally, I'm lazy and if I can get the computer to do something for me, like say adding an event to my calander, then I'm all for it. Isn't that what computers are for?
Now, to get a Microformat to handle online shopping transactions...
Off To Columbus
Yours truely is off to Columbus, OH to return a rental car with my sister in law. The company wants $150 for the privledge of dropping the car of here in town. It is cheaper to drive back to Columbus and drop the car (van actually) off back where they got it.
They had to rent the van when theirs broke down in Columbus over the weekend. Both of them want to take a cattle prod to the dangly bits of some people over at AAA since they were basically lied to about when they could use their membership and the extent of the benefits. Not to mention some piss poor customer service. You might think that when someone says "by cell phone battery is dying, I cannot hold" the next words would not be "please hold". Fortunately they got an understanding tow company that really worked with them, even working through their dispatcher to get things handled after their phone completely died (18 hours of recharge time). Might I add this was not even the company that ended up with the tow. These people know how to do customer service!
Anyways I was just killing some time before I head over to meet up with my sister in law. We have to wait until my brother gets home from work. My MP3 player is loaded up for the trip down, and everything I need is ready to go. The trip back I will have my 2 year old niece in the car, so I see a lot of kiddie DVDs on the way back. I grabbed Shrek. At least it is something I would not mind listening to. I know my niece is used to longish road trips since she has been doing it since she was born, but I expect this to take longer than we plan on.
They had to rent the van when theirs broke down in Columbus over the weekend. Both of them want to take a cattle prod to the dangly bits of some people over at AAA since they were basically lied to about when they could use their membership and the extent of the benefits. Not to mention some piss poor customer service. You might think that when someone says "by cell phone battery is dying, I cannot hold" the next words would not be "please hold". Fortunately they got an understanding tow company that really worked with them, even working through their dispatcher to get things handled after their phone completely died (18 hours of recharge time). Might I add this was not even the company that ended up with the tow. These people know how to do customer service!
Anyways I was just killing some time before I head over to meet up with my sister in law. We have to wait until my brother gets home from work. My MP3 player is loaded up for the trip down, and everything I need is ready to go. The trip back I will have my 2 year old niece in the car, so I see a lot of kiddie DVDs on the way back. I grabbed Shrek. At least it is something I would not mind listening to. I know my niece is used to longish road trips since she has been doing it since she was born, but I expect this to take longer than we plan on.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Montreal Gazette - canada.com network
Montreal Gazette - canada.com network
To me this is one of those great potential ideas, but it needs to prove itself. This, combined with hybrid and other technologies could go a long way toward reducing our need on oil. Ideally we should try to get something else for transportation, but this will help.
To me this is one of those great potential ideas, but it needs to prove itself. This, combined with hybrid and other technologies could go a long way toward reducing our need on oil. Ideally we should try to get something else for transportation, but this will help.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Beacon Journal | 09/14/2005 | Final dump cleanup set to begin today
Beacon Journal | 09/14/2005 | Final dump cleanup set to begin today
I never realized I drove relatively close to a toxic dump every day. Granted it does not sound like anything overtly nasty, but still closer than I would like to be.
I already live less than a mile from an old city dump. No smell or anything, but I know they are venting methane from the site.
I never realized I drove relatively close to a toxic dump every day. Granted it does not sound like anything overtly nasty, but still closer than I would like to be.
I already live less than a mile from an old city dump. No smell or anything, but I know they are venting methane from the site.
Paolo Valdemarin Weblog
Paolo Valdemarin Weblog
Mmmmm...on first glance this seems a bit odd. After all blogs are already indexed by Google. However the advanced search page makes more sense. If you are looking for blogs about a given topic this could help you. This is even more reason to have an RSS or ATOM feed.
There are two things that I hope will come out of this. First off the results from blogsearch are RSS feeds. Maybe that will move into regular Google. Second if Google is going to index our blogs in this manner, we should be able to get simple and free search for our blogs from Google.
Mmmmm...on first glance this seems a bit odd. After all blogs are already indexed by Google. However the advanced search page makes more sense. If you are looking for blogs about a given topic this could help you. This is even more reason to have an RSS or ATOM feed.
There are two things that I hope will come out of this. First off the results from blogsearch are RSS feeds. Maybe that will move into regular Google. Second if Google is going to index our blogs in this manner, we should be able to get simple and free search for our blogs from Google.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Roberts Rebuffs Democrats' Questions - Yahoo! News
Roberts Rebuffs Democrats' Questions - Yahoo! News
Mmmmm... part of this process is to feel out how a justice feels about certain issues, particularly abortion. Guess what? By deciding to sidestep the issue he pretty much stated his view - I'm going to overturn Row v. Wade first chance I get. Let's see - involved in the Reagan administration and was fast tracked by W. He may want to play the moderate, but I truly doubt he is.
Mmmmm... part of this process is to feel out how a justice feels about certain issues, particularly abortion. Guess what? By deciding to sidestep the issue he pretty much stated his view - I'm going to overturn Row v. Wade first chance I get. Let's see - involved in the Reagan administration and was fast tracked by W. He may want to play the moderate, but I truly doubt he is.
TiVo 7.2 OS adds content protection, blocks transfers, and auto-deletes some shows | PVRblog
TiVo 7.2 OS adds content protection, blocks transfers, and auto-deletes some shows | PVRblog
This is the future of DRM. I was considering a TiVo, but now I may consider refurbishing an old PC and building my own. Again, I don't want to burn any DVDs, I just want to be able to watch my shows when I want to.
This is the future of DRM. I was considering a TiVo, but now I may consider refurbishing an old PC and building my own. Again, I don't want to burn any DVDs, I just want to be able to watch my shows when I want to.
Random Ravings
As I sit and wait for some data to upgrade to move on with my next task at work, and I have run out of other desk stuff to do, I thought I might put out a short "what the hell is going on in my life" type of entry.
The health front is pretty good. My leg still wants to swell more when I eat salty junk food, but if I keep moving it is not too bad. This month is when I try to step up my workout routine by adding some weight lifting again. The Natatorium where I work out has a fitness circuit, which from what I have heard is similar to Curves, only allowing men to work out as well. I am somewhat "old school" in how I handle the circuit - I do a single (once around the circuit) and then follow that with 100 crunches using an ab roller. Well, I do as many as I can right now. Back when I was doing the circuit regularly I did 100. I may never 6-pack abs, but stronger abs helps with back problems which is what I am more interested in. After my trip to VA Beach in October I will probably add my once a week yoga class back in as well.
One of my goals is to get ready for the Victoria Blossom Walk and the Vancouver Discover Walks next April. This involves 2 20K or so walks back to back on back to back weekends. It's a regular blister fest! Since I will be in the area I want to do additional walks between the weekends. Just the walks, over a 6 day period, is about 100 K (62 miles for the metric-impaired) and yours truly is far from ready right now. I have plenty of time, just need to get some miles on the old feet.
I'm still hacking away at the local hiking programs. I just about have the required trails for the local one. Once I get the manditory trails done I will be looking to get some of the outer lying programs.
My roof is done! There was some problems doing the last bit that was unexpected by everyone. We have had a nasty rainstorm since and no water anywhere. Bonus! Now to take out some trees that are in the hedges right on the property line. Technically they are the neighbor's trees, but frankly they don't keep up the hedges (the last owners put up a fence so they don't have to see the hedges) so I don't imagine they will care. These are some small (10 ft or so) trees that are starting to become a problem for pulling up shingles. Unfortunately there will probably be a chemical war involved with getting the stumps out, or at least not sprout new stuff. I still have a basement window that needs to be replaced, but I am going to use a piece of wood on that for now. Next year's big task is replacing the steps to the basement. Oh happy day!
I am still not sure what to do with the front of my house. I do not know if I want to try and put in a raised bed or if I just leave it. My guess is I will just to make it look cleaner. Of course that is going to mean getting some kind of flower, ground cover, whatever to put in. I would love to put in a veggie garden, but there is too much shade for 90% of veggies. I may try some tomatoes up front again, although I figure that would result in many of my tomatoes walking off. If I remember I will pull the picture of my camera and post it.
The house itself is in desparate need of painting. I mentioned earlier about how the finish was coming off as we powerwashed earlier in the year. The house has not been painted/sided/had much done with it in 20+ years. When mom moved in almost 20 years ago the only thing that has been done is the inside was painted and that was about it. Even then my grandparents had not done much for 5 or so years before that. In fact the last things done was the siding put on & the house insulated.
The inside itself is presenting me with all kinds of fits. The walls in all the rooms need painted. Carpet is needed all over. Junk needs to move out of my life. I probably need a new stove (the current one is of unknown age) and fridge (about 20 years old). Sinks need replaced, the kitchen has not been touched in 50 years (outside of paint & flooring and a sink). Why do I flash back to The Money Pit? Of course I am not arguing with no house payment. Hopefully the bulk of the big ticket items are done for awhile (knock wood, praise Murphy). The inside stuff is not horrible - paint on the inside is no big deal. Some of the rooms have hardwood floors that I should be able to just recondition (however one does that). Flooring for the bathroom & kitchen will be the biggest problem. The cabinets need some inside updating as well as new doors. Everything works fine, but dated looking. Maybe if I stopped running all over the country I could save the money for some of this ;).
The health front is pretty good. My leg still wants to swell more when I eat salty junk food, but if I keep moving it is not too bad. This month is when I try to step up my workout routine by adding some weight lifting again. The Natatorium where I work out has a fitness circuit, which from what I have heard is similar to Curves, only allowing men to work out as well. I am somewhat "old school" in how I handle the circuit - I do a single (once around the circuit) and then follow that with 100 crunches using an ab roller. Well, I do as many as I can right now. Back when I was doing the circuit regularly I did 100. I may never 6-pack abs, but stronger abs helps with back problems which is what I am more interested in. After my trip to VA Beach in October I will probably add my once a week yoga class back in as well.
One of my goals is to get ready for the Victoria Blossom Walk and the Vancouver Discover Walks next April. This involves 2 20K or so walks back to back on back to back weekends. It's a regular blister fest! Since I will be in the area I want to do additional walks between the weekends. Just the walks, over a 6 day period, is about 100 K (62 miles for the metric-impaired) and yours truly is far from ready right now. I have plenty of time, just need to get some miles on the old feet.
I'm still hacking away at the local hiking programs. I just about have the required trails for the local one. Once I get the manditory trails done I will be looking to get some of the outer lying programs.
My roof is done! There was some problems doing the last bit that was unexpected by everyone. We have had a nasty rainstorm since and no water anywhere. Bonus! Now to take out some trees that are in the hedges right on the property line. Technically they are the neighbor's trees, but frankly they don't keep up the hedges (the last owners put up a fence so they don't have to see the hedges) so I don't imagine they will care. These are some small (10 ft or so) trees that are starting to become a problem for pulling up shingles. Unfortunately there will probably be a chemical war involved with getting the stumps out, or at least not sprout new stuff. I still have a basement window that needs to be replaced, but I am going to use a piece of wood on that for now. Next year's big task is replacing the steps to the basement. Oh happy day!
I am still not sure what to do with the front of my house. I do not know if I want to try and put in a raised bed or if I just leave it. My guess is I will just to make it look cleaner. Of course that is going to mean getting some kind of flower, ground cover, whatever to put in. I would love to put in a veggie garden, but there is too much shade for 90% of veggies. I may try some tomatoes up front again, although I figure that would result in many of my tomatoes walking off. If I remember I will pull the picture of my camera and post it.
The house itself is in desparate need of painting. I mentioned earlier about how the finish was coming off as we powerwashed earlier in the year. The house has not been painted/sided/had much done with it in 20+ years. When mom moved in almost 20 years ago the only thing that has been done is the inside was painted and that was about it. Even then my grandparents had not done much for 5 or so years before that. In fact the last things done was the siding put on & the house insulated.
The inside itself is presenting me with all kinds of fits. The walls in all the rooms need painted. Carpet is needed all over. Junk needs to move out of my life. I probably need a new stove (the current one is of unknown age) and fridge (about 20 years old). Sinks need replaced, the kitchen has not been touched in 50 years (outside of paint & flooring and a sink). Why do I flash back to The Money Pit? Of course I am not arguing with no house payment. Hopefully the bulk of the big ticket items are done for awhile (knock wood, praise Murphy). The inside stuff is not horrible - paint on the inside is no big deal. Some of the rooms have hardwood floors that I should be able to just recondition (however one does that). Flooring for the bathroom & kitchen will be the biggest problem. The cabinets need some inside updating as well as new doors. Everything works fine, but dated looking. Maybe if I stopped running all over the country I could save the money for some of this ;).
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | Akron may nab speeders on film
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | Akron may nab speeders on film
Big Brother is at it again. I am all for protecting children, but this is an emotional response to something, and council has been seeing $$ for awhile on this anyways.
The problem I have with these types of systems, especially in school zones, is what is "restricted hours"? Every time I pass a flashing school sign they turn on & off at different times, and if there is a camera with no flashing sign there will be a lot of complaints when a school is closed because of no water (why should people be doing 20 then) or, as I have seen, some idiot forgets to shut things down over the summer.
Not to mention I see a lot of people slamming on the brakes to get to 10 or 15 MPH (you can never be certain just how accurate your speedometer is) and causing accidents. Save a kid, kill all the adults.
Can you say nightmare? I knew that you could.
Big Brother is at it again. I am all for protecting children, but this is an emotional response to something, and council has been seeing $$ for awhile on this anyways.
The problem I have with these types of systems, especially in school zones, is what is "restricted hours"? Every time I pass a flashing school sign they turn on & off at different times, and if there is a camera with no flashing sign there will be a lot of complaints when a school is closed because of no water (why should people be doing 20 then) or, as I have seen, some idiot forgets to shut things down over the summer.
Not to mention I see a lot of people slamming on the brakes to get to 10 or 15 MPH (you can never be certain just how accurate your speedometer is) and causing accidents. Save a kid, kill all the adults.
Can you say nightmare? I knew that you could.
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | Schools kill contract with Mich. company
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | Schools kill contract with Mich. company
More fun & joy in the nightmare that is becoming the rebuilding of the Akron Public Schools. We have already been lied to about all the schools keeping open, now they will probably get sued for canceling a contract. Maybe the school board & the city officials should be talking closer. Just a thought.
Interestingly they awarded another contract to a Cuyahoga Falls group. I wonder if the city is going to get all pissy about that one since it went to someone outside of Akron (although within the state).
More fun & joy in the nightmare that is becoming the rebuilding of the Akron Public Schools. We have already been lied to about all the schools keeping open, now they will probably get sued for canceling a contract. Maybe the school board & the city officials should be talking closer. Just a thought.
Interestingly they awarded another contract to a Cuyahoga Falls group. I wonder if the city is going to get all pissy about that one since it went to someone outside of Akron (although within the state).
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | 11 children found in cages in Huron County
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | 11 children found in cages in Huron County
Such a fun day for child welfare in the state of Ohio. A few years back we had a case like this in Akron, only it was the biological mother locking the kids in a closet. Again, they wonder why people are moving away from Ohio.
You have to wonder where our priorities have gotten when the organizations in place to protect children who have already gotten some kind of bad shake in life get dumped on like this. It is one thing when biological parents can get away with locking kids in closets, but locking foster kids in cages? Come on people. America is supposed to be a great place, yet time and time again we seem to miss some basic, fundamentals of life.
Such a fun day for child welfare in the state of Ohio. A few years back we had a case like this in Akron, only it was the biological mother locking the kids in a closet. Again, they wonder why people are moving away from Ohio.
You have to wonder where our priorities have gotten when the organizations in place to protect children who have already gotten some kind of bad shake in life get dumped on like this. It is one thing when biological parents can get away with locking kids in closets, but locking foster kids in cages? Come on people. America is supposed to be a great place, yet time and time again we seem to miss some basic, fundamentals of life.
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | Father gets eight years in assault of baby boy
Beacon Journal | 09/13/2005 | Father gets eight years in assault of baby boy
This has been a truly bizzare case, with the grandmother ending up with custody after the state had it for awhile and wanted to pull the plug. Matthew Stein is in a coma, will eventually die and the father cannot be prosecuted for the death.
The prosecutors held out as long as they could and finally had to do something or not charge him with any crime. I would be surprised if this guy makes it out of prison - this has been a high profile case and no doubt someone on the inside will make his life a living hell.
This has been a truly bizzare case, with the grandmother ending up with custody after the state had it for awhile and wanted to pull the plug. Matthew Stein is in a coma, will eventually die and the father cannot be prosecuted for the death.
The prosecutors held out as long as they could and finally had to do something or not charge him with any crime. I would be surprised if this guy makes it out of prison - this has been a high profile case and no doubt someone on the inside will make his life a living hell.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Delocator
Delocator
Tired of Starbucks, or any other big coffee house? Stick it to the man and venture beyond the green & white logo!
Personally, I don't drink coffee however I do love chai and sometimes hanging out at a coffee shop. I am not sure how many of the independent establishments would encourage hanging out and working (as does places like Starbucks & Borders), but it is worth checking out.
Tired of Starbucks, or any other big coffee house? Stick it to the man and venture beyond the green & white logo!
Personally, I don't drink coffee however I do love chai and sometimes hanging out at a coffee shop. I am not sure how many of the independent establishments would encourage hanging out and working (as does places like Starbucks & Borders), but it is worth checking out.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Beacon Journal | 09/10/2005 | Abortion ruling delayed
Beacon Journal | 09/10/2005 | Abortion ruling delayed
And they wonder why young people are staying away from Ohio.
And they wonder why young people are staying away from Ohio.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Killing some time - TV on DVD
I'm killing some time at work, which officially for me is done for the day but I am going somewhere nearby so I am waiting a bit before heading out.
I have been watching a lot of old TV shows on DVD lately. In fact, I just picked up Charmed season 2 this week. So far I hit 2 shows I had not seen before. I am also in the process of watching, through NetFlix, Angel Season 4 and the entire Monty Python collection.
For me there are two main reasons I watch these shows. Either I missed the earlier seasons (such as I am doing with Charmed) or I really liked the show (such as Monty Python & Angel).
With this I have noticed a lot of difference in how different shows have been handled. With that in mind, here is my IDEAL way to handle TV shows on DVDS:
1) I want to be able to skip the opening theme song. I might listen to one a disc if I really like the song, but lets face it - if I am watching 22 episodes of a show in a short time frame I can do without the opening credit sequence that is the same for every show.
2) I want to skip the ending credits. This is particularly important when using Play All. I realize the crew deserves credit, but like with the opening theme I don't want to sit through the same thing over & over.
3) I want a play all. Those fancy animated menus wear thin after the second disc. Since most DVD players will start up where they were left off at when you turn them off, it is easy to pop in a disc, play all, and turn the player off when you are done and then pick up where you left off. See item 1 & 2 for further usefulness. Submenus are nice for commentary on episodes, but personally I like to play through all the episodes and then go back and pick up commentary.
4) Fill the damn discs. Farscape had 2 episodes per disc. When the first released the original Star Trek the discs mimiced the VHS release. Take advantage of the medium.
5) Balance the discs. I have gotten crammed discs and then a final disc with 1 or 2 episodes on it - not even bonus material. Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel do this well - disc 3 & 6 have 1 less episode but have the bonus material. Charmed Season one dumped the extras at the end, which is not bad either (the disc had 2 episodes).
6) Make it clear that these are the original, as aired episodes. As I understand the Rosanne set is the syndicated, and shorter, episodes. Keen Eddie did not ship with its original music. If we are shelling out money (and even more valuable, time), we should know what we are getting.
7) Give me an easy way to get to the episodes. Maybe a relatively recent development, but Charmed Season one came out in thin DVD cases, much like the thin CD cases. You got a cardboard box with 6 little cases. Season 2 took it even further with 3 thin cases (2 discs per case). Earlier series have this weird foldy thing going on which reduced the amount of shelf space but made it difficult to get to discs. When I wanted to get a disc from Angel or Buffy I have to lay the thing down and unfold it like a road map. Actually, I would like to suggest the use of the thin DVD case for all DVDs, not just in used in sets.
I have been watching a lot of old TV shows on DVD lately. In fact, I just picked up Charmed season 2 this week. So far I hit 2 shows I had not seen before. I am also in the process of watching, through NetFlix, Angel Season 4 and the entire Monty Python collection.
For me there are two main reasons I watch these shows. Either I missed the earlier seasons (such as I am doing with Charmed) or I really liked the show (such as Monty Python & Angel).
With this I have noticed a lot of difference in how different shows have been handled. With that in mind, here is my IDEAL way to handle TV shows on DVDS:
1) I want to be able to skip the opening theme song. I might listen to one a disc if I really like the song, but lets face it - if I am watching 22 episodes of a show in a short time frame I can do without the opening credit sequence that is the same for every show.
2) I want to skip the ending credits. This is particularly important when using Play All. I realize the crew deserves credit, but like with the opening theme I don't want to sit through the same thing over & over.
3) I want a play all. Those fancy animated menus wear thin after the second disc. Since most DVD players will start up where they were left off at when you turn them off, it is easy to pop in a disc, play all, and turn the player off when you are done and then pick up where you left off. See item 1 & 2 for further usefulness. Submenus are nice for commentary on episodes, but personally I like to play through all the episodes and then go back and pick up commentary.
4) Fill the damn discs. Farscape had 2 episodes per disc. When the first released the original Star Trek the discs mimiced the VHS release. Take advantage of the medium.
5) Balance the discs. I have gotten crammed discs and then a final disc with 1 or 2 episodes on it - not even bonus material. Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel do this well - disc 3 & 6 have 1 less episode but have the bonus material. Charmed Season one dumped the extras at the end, which is not bad either (the disc had 2 episodes).
6) Make it clear that these are the original, as aired episodes. As I understand the Rosanne set is the syndicated, and shorter, episodes. Keen Eddie did not ship with its original music. If we are shelling out money (and even more valuable, time), we should know what we are getting.
7) Give me an easy way to get to the episodes. Maybe a relatively recent development, but Charmed Season one came out in thin DVD cases, much like the thin CD cases. You got a cardboard box with 6 little cases. Season 2 took it even further with 3 thin cases (2 discs per case). Earlier series have this weird foldy thing going on which reduced the amount of shelf space but made it difficult to get to discs. When I wanted to get a disc from Angel or Buffy I have to lay the thing down and unfold it like a road map. Actually, I would like to suggest the use of the thin DVD case for all DVDs, not just in used in sets.
Comment spam? Me??
With the huge number of readers reader I have I was very surprised today to see 3 pieces of comment spam on my system. In a way I am both honored & pissed at the same time. Granted spammers are not picky, but still I figured high enough somewhere for someone to post a bit of spam.
EFF: The Customer Is Always Wrong: A User's Guide to DRM in Online Music
EFF: The Customer Is Always Wrong: A User's Guide to DRM in Online Music
A good article for anyone who buys music through many of the popular online services.
One problem I have, as I have said before, digital rights need to make more sense. We need to be able to EASILY move things to a new machine when we buy them, upgrade software, etc. Plus, and this is important especially for iPod Shuffle users, you need to be able to copy it to a device multiple times. In fact it should be able to handle several devices.
A good article for anyone who buys music through many of the popular online services.
One problem I have, as I have said before, digital rights need to make more sense. We need to be able to EASILY move things to a new machine when we buy them, upgrade software, etc. Plus, and this is important especially for iPod Shuffle users, you need to be able to copy it to a device multiple times. In fact it should be able to handle several devices.
Lean & Hungry Fitness: The Netflix Workout (The First Twenty Pounds)
Lean & Hungry Fitness: The Netflix Workout (The First Twenty Pounds)
I have seen this idea before. The place I work out at has the "cardio theater" where there are 6 TVs setup, and some radio channels, where you can watch while working on your favorite machine. Of course you are stuck to 6 TV channels.
If you want to kick it up a notch, at least exercise wise, try this:
1) Load TWO series into your queue - one an hour long and one a half hour long.
2) Alternate the series in your queue
3) Get some dumbbells.
4) Do your aerobics during the hour long episode.
5) Do dumbbells during the half hour long episode.
If you are feeling adventurous, Netflix carries DVDs on yoga and other aerobic exercise, such as belly dancing & stripping which could be mixed into the rotation.
via Hacking NetFlix
I have seen this idea before. The place I work out at has the "cardio theater" where there are 6 TVs setup, and some radio channels, where you can watch while working on your favorite machine. Of course you are stuck to 6 TV channels.
If you want to kick it up a notch, at least exercise wise, try this:
1) Load TWO series into your queue - one an hour long and one a half hour long.
2) Alternate the series in your queue
3) Get some dumbbells.
4) Do your aerobics during the hour long episode.
5) Do dumbbells during the half hour long episode.
If you are feeling adventurous, Netflix carries DVDs on yoga and other aerobic exercise, such as belly dancing & stripping which could be mixed into the rotation.
via Hacking NetFlix
Column by PC Magazine: Podcasting: The Next Big Thing
Column by PC Magazine: Podcasting: The Next Big Thing
Dvorak mostly gets podcasting, although I think he is a bit behind on the scene - many businesses are realizing that it might be good to pay a poscaster with a narrow audience if that audience is concentrated into your demographic. Now advertisers need to realize that such a narrow audience could be worth as much as what they pay to some of the magazines & radio shots. As he points out, if one podcast could demonstrate 1 million, or I would even say 100 thousand, unique listeners bigger companies will "get it".
I do have to agree though - podcasting is like having 50,000 stations and nothing on. It is tough to find new stuff. There are some podcasts about podcasts, but with only so many hours in the day it is tough to squeeze them in as well as work, reading, etc. Word of mouth is probably the biggest "advertisement" that a podcast can get.
Now let's hope that with the "professionals" getting into the game that they don't try to shut up the people who started the game.
Dvorak mostly gets podcasting, although I think he is a bit behind on the scene - many businesses are realizing that it might be good to pay a poscaster with a narrow audience if that audience is concentrated into your demographic. Now advertisers need to realize that such a narrow audience could be worth as much as what they pay to some of the magazines & radio shots. As he points out, if one podcast could demonstrate 1 million, or I would even say 100 thousand, unique listeners bigger companies will "get it".
I do have to agree though - podcasting is like having 50,000 stations and nothing on. It is tough to find new stuff. There are some podcasts about podcasts, but with only so many hours in the day it is tough to squeeze them in as well as work, reading, etc. Word of mouth is probably the biggest "advertisement" that a podcast can get.
Now let's hope that with the "professionals" getting into the game that they don't try to shut up the people who started the game.
Embryo May Be Created From Two Women - Yahoo! News
Embryo May Be Created From Two Women - Yahoo! News
Ok, so if this works I guess women really will not need men.
Ok, so if this works I guess women really will not need men.
Beacon Journal | 09/09/2005 | Families need emergency plan
Beacon Journal | 09/09/2005 | Families need emergency plan
These are all great ideas. A long time ago in a city right here when your's truly was a Boy Scout slogging his way toward Eagle (which I made) we all had to earn a merit badge called Emergency Preparedness. I have gotten lax in my preperations of late.
One thing about water though - remember that water weighs 8 pounds per gallon (roughly), so you are talking 24 pounds you may need to slog around if you need to evacuate. A water filter is a better idea. If you go that route though remember most water filters sold on the market only remove foul odors and the like. To remove the nasties in water you need a filter that is something along the lines of 2 microns AND I would recommend a carbon filter for flavor as well. These are not cheap (last I checked $200), but that particular one is rated at 13,000 gallons and should last a lifetime. Even with a filter don't forget a canteen or some other way to store filtered water.
One other piece of advice - if you keep clothes in your kit remember to swap them out seasonally. This is true especially if you have children.
These are all great ideas. A long time ago in a city right here when your's truly was a Boy Scout slogging his way toward Eagle (which I made) we all had to earn a merit badge called Emergency Preparedness. I have gotten lax in my preperations of late.
One thing about water though - remember that water weighs 8 pounds per gallon (roughly), so you are talking 24 pounds you may need to slog around if you need to evacuate. A water filter is a better idea. If you go that route though remember most water filters sold on the market only remove foul odors and the like. To remove the nasties in water you need a filter that is something along the lines of 2 microns AND I would recommend a carbon filter for flavor as well. These are not cheap (last I checked $200), but that particular one is rated at 13,000 gallons and should last a lifetime. Even with a filter don't forget a canteen or some other way to store filtered water.
One other piece of advice - if you keep clothes in your kit remember to swap them out seasonally. This is true especially if you have children.
Woot : One Day, One Deal
Woot : One Day, One Deal
Cool idea, right price point, but only supports AOL Instant Messenger. If it supported Yahoo IM, or maybe mulitple formats I might have picked one up to play with.
Actually they point out a problem in many households - one computer. What I think most houses need is one big, honking server and several cheapy laptops with WiFi. That way everyone could store their MP3, DVR, etc files in one spot and yet everyone has mobile connection to all their files. Plus people could use things like calander programs. Hey, I know someone who uses Paypal to send money to his son that lives in his house instead of say giving him $10 for mowing the lawn.
Cool idea, right price point, but only supports AOL Instant Messenger. If it supported Yahoo IM, or maybe mulitple formats I might have picked one up to play with.
Actually they point out a problem in many households - one computer. What I think most houses need is one big, honking server and several cheapy laptops with WiFi. That way everyone could store their MP3, DVR, etc files in one spot and yet everyone has mobile connection to all their files. Plus people could use things like calander programs. Hey, I know someone who uses Paypal to send money to his son that lives in his house instead of say giving him $10 for mowing the lawn.
Oliver Willis � Team Hate America
Oliver Willis � Team Hate America
I hope the peopel that the people who elected these people will remember this come the next election get these yahoos out of office.
I hope the peopel that the people who elected these people will remember this come the next election get these yahoos out of office.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
"High Speed" rail?
There is talk of putting in a High Speed regional rail that will hit Cleveland, and no doubt Akron as well that will run from Toronto, Pittsburgh and eventually Chicago. The talk is it will go anywhere from 80 to 110 MPH. Wow. Given Emmanuel Goldstein talked about the Japanese Bullet Trains (not a reference from Mr. Goldstein) have a average speed of 120 MPH, and a recorded average speed of 168 MPH. He also talked about a maglev train in Shanghai That hit 267 MPH! Let me say that again, 267 MPH. If China & Japan can have speeds like that, why can't we here?
Now the big question is - if we get transportation between these cities, can we get around within the cities once we get there? I am not sure about Columbus, but Akron & Cleveland do not necessarily have the best public transportation system.
Now the big question is - if we get transportation between these cities, can we get around within the cities once we get there? I am not sure about Columbus, but Akron & Cleveland do not necessarily have the best public transportation system.
KAMP | straight out of the 18th ward
KAMP | straight out of the 18th ward
Why does this sound like some kind of "it was not our idea so you can't help" type of thing? Given the huge fuck up that was the reponse to Katrina FEMA should be willing to take any help that is offered. Some people really need to get their heads out of their asses and acknowledge a good idea when it is presented.
Ham radio operators have been good about helping when disaster strikes. Maybe in this time of "ownership society" that the Republicans seem to want us to do such help is a good thing.
Why does this sound like some kind of "it was not our idea so you can't help" type of thing? Given the huge fuck up that was the reponse to Katrina FEMA should be willing to take any help that is offered. Some people really need to get their heads out of their asses and acknowledge a good idea when it is presented.
Ham radio operators have been good about helping when disaster strikes. Maybe in this time of "ownership society" that the Republicans seem to want us to do such help is a good thing.
BMW Joins GM, DaimlerChrysler on Engines - Yahoo! News
BMW Joins GM, DaimlerChrysler on Engines - Yahoo! News
This is interesting news. BMW is probably one of the better auto engineering companies in the world.
Unless a completely electric engine is created, some form of hybrid technology will be used, and even some of the hybrid technology could be used in an all electric engine. Now we just need to get off of fossil fuels...
This is interesting news. BMW is probably one of the better auto engineering companies in the world.
Unless a completely electric engine is created, some form of hybrid technology will be used, and even some of the hybrid technology could be used in an all electric engine. Now we just need to get off of fossil fuels...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Style-conscious city flags down bald cabbies - Yahoo! News
Style-conscious city flags down bald cabbies - Yahoo! News
Instead of worrying about a cabbie being bald or have too long hair, maybe you need to work on their personalities.
Instead of worrying about a cabbie being bald or have too long hair, maybe you need to work on their personalities.
Stars to Sing in 'Emmy Idol' Contest - Yahoo! News
Stars to Sing in 'Emmy Idol' Contest - Yahoo! News
This is one good reason to skip the Emmy's. We all know William Shatner is not a singer. I doubt Trump is much of a singer. Gary Dourdan & Kristen Bell are anybody's guess as to how good they will do.
This is one good reason to skip the Emmy's. We all know William Shatner is not a singer. I doubt Trump is much of a singer. Gary Dourdan & Kristen Bell are anybody's guess as to how good they will do.
Housing Slowdown Could Spell Trouble - Yahoo! News
Housing Slowdown Could Spell Trouble - Yahoo! News: "And none other than Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently said that 'the housing boom will inevitably simmer down' with prices slowing and possibly even falling."
I like this part in particular:
Well, duh.
I like this part in particular:
And none other than Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently said that "the housing boom will inevitably simmer down" with prices slowing and possibly even falling.
Well, duh.
Beacon Journal | 09/06/2005 | Towpath Trail growing in Summit
Beacon Journal | 09/06/2005 | Towpath Trail growing in Summit
I love the Towpath, and to see more segments of it finished is great. I know originally PPG was thought to be one of the sticking points to completing the trail.
Although it is currently designated for Cleveland to New Philadelphia, I recently saw a map that showed it extending a little further to Zoar. It would be cool if we could get the corridor to extend from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, just like the canal itself.
I love the Towpath, and to see more segments of it finished is great. I know originally PPG was thought to be one of the sticking points to completing the trail.
Although it is currently designated for Cleveland to New Philadelphia, I recently saw a map that showed it extending a little further to Zoar. It would be cool if we could get the corridor to extend from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, just like the canal itself.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Why I have not blogged about Katrina
I scored some power at Borders, and I thought about this while on my walk so I thought before I dug into the meat of what I need to do today I would put out some thoughts.
Really most of what I could say has already been said: The response from organizations like FEMA was horrible, the president seemed to treat the whole affair rather lightly, and really there is no excuse for that kind of response. Yes my prayers go out to everyone affected by this - especially to those who survived. Yes, I will make a donation to the Red Cross. I have yet to know exactly how much - I always set aside some money out of every pay to give to various charitable organizations and I don't know how much, off the top of my head, is in the kitty right now. I decided that all that is there is going to the Red Cross (who is on my short list of regular donations anyways), and I will definately get that matched by my company.
One thing that pissed me off is before the relief effort had really gotten underway the finger pointing started. Everything from bureacratic red tape to we did not expect this to happen. FEMA was a good organization who was nimble. Standard emergency preparedness coming out of FEMA was each person should plan for 3 days of food & water to tide themselves over until FEMA can get setup. And by and large they usually get there in that time frame. However this was the first real test of FEMA as a part of the Department of Homeland Security. Things did not work out well.
What surprised me is the people who claimed "we had no idea this was coming." Aside from the fact we knew where the hurricane was going, the flooding of New Orleans just as what happened was anticipated. Hey, even I could tell you that the levees would be a great target for terrorists. The problem caused by Katrina is not a far stretch from some yoyo with a bomb. I also like the "we did not know how bad it was" comments. Apparently getting someone to watch CNN or just about any other news network/program is not done anymore.
Now I am not sure how the response was in other areas affected. Most of the news coverage is over the mess that was known as New Orleans. I would hope that other affected areas had a better response. Even the Red Cross seemed to move slowly, but then again they can only go in once an area is reasonably safe for the workers.
However I hope that some of the bloggers and others start a discussion on what we can learn from this. I can point fingers and shift blame as much as the next guy. However I think it would be a better use of time and energy to learn from this fiasco, and the sooner the better before everyone forgets about how bad it was.
First off I hope that some of the "looters" - people who were stealing food, water, needed medicine since they could not get that help from the government sources that were supposed to provide it will not be prosecuted. Then again I hope that those who were raping, killing, and stealing stuff get maximum sentences. In fact personally I would like to see these people have to serve large chunks of community service helping to rebuild the damaged areas. The worst case I heard of is a kid who took a school bus and was moving people to shelters and they are talking about jailing him for looting. Get a clue! He was doing what the cops, National Guard, and FEMA should have been doing.
One thing that has come out of this is the need to evacuate people without a way to evacuate. How many poor people died becuase when the evacuation order was given they had no way to get out? Telling people to get out and having a way to get out are two different things. Again, to me this is a huge flash of the obvious, but I have been told I was alloted a lot of common sense somewhere in my life. Maybe the coastal areas of Florida that normally get hammered by hurricanes have this under control. Maybe someone should share this info?
Next we definately need to look at the slow response from FEMA. Again, I do not know how they did in other areas, but if that was anything close to how they handled New Orleans they need to be a bit quicker. Red tape? Maybe we need to move FEMA back to an independent organization. Could they not get in quick enough because of the roads? Maybe we need to build up some infrastructure. Obviously we need to do something about the levees in New Orleans, if the city is going to be rebuilt. If FEMA tries to use the "we did not know how bad it was" defense the person who said that should be taken out and sacked, and that will involve a baseball bat and some dangly bits. It is your job to know how bad it is. Personally I always follow the addage "plan for the worst, hope for the best." Not hard. You may over react sometimes, but frankly I would think it would be better to have too much ready to go than to get caught with your pants down.
The security of the area was obviously a problem. There were a lot of cops walking off the job, the National Guard did not respond timely, or at least they did not seem to. Again, I have no real idea when they were called in. I know a group from Ohio has been sent down. The National Guard, like a large part of the rest of the military, is stretched a bit thin. There is no short term answer for this. An obvious answer would be to keep our noses out of other country's business. I would not want to see a draft get implimented, especially since I might get sucked in on that, but it may come to that. It would be interesting to see how the National Guard was deployed before Katrina to see if part of the problem may have been just getting the units into the area from other areas.
Lastly it was very distrubing how New Orleans degenerated into Lord of the Flies in only 2 or 3 days. Could be just the media coverage, although usually they love to suck up to stories of man helping man in these situations. I have not heard of a lot of these stories.
It really looks like we are one step short of total anarchy in this country, and we are holding ourselves out as an example to the rest of the world. In the past the Republicans liked to say that we all need to take responsibility for things. Even now the current adminstration wants to move us to a more owner based society. However no one in the adminstration wants to, like in basketball, put up their hand and say "my foul." No one person is responsible for this, but there should be some accountability in this. I only hope that people remember this at the next election.
Really most of what I could say has already been said: The response from organizations like FEMA was horrible, the president seemed to treat the whole affair rather lightly, and really there is no excuse for that kind of response. Yes my prayers go out to everyone affected by this - especially to those who survived. Yes, I will make a donation to the Red Cross. I have yet to know exactly how much - I always set aside some money out of every pay to give to various charitable organizations and I don't know how much, off the top of my head, is in the kitty right now. I decided that all that is there is going to the Red Cross (who is on my short list of regular donations anyways), and I will definately get that matched by my company.
One thing that pissed me off is before the relief effort had really gotten underway the finger pointing started. Everything from bureacratic red tape to we did not expect this to happen. FEMA was a good organization who was nimble. Standard emergency preparedness coming out of FEMA was each person should plan for 3 days of food & water to tide themselves over until FEMA can get setup. And by and large they usually get there in that time frame. However this was the first real test of FEMA as a part of the Department of Homeland Security. Things did not work out well.
What surprised me is the people who claimed "we had no idea this was coming." Aside from the fact we knew where the hurricane was going, the flooding of New Orleans just as what happened was anticipated. Hey, even I could tell you that the levees would be a great target for terrorists. The problem caused by Katrina is not a far stretch from some yoyo with a bomb. I also like the "we did not know how bad it was" comments. Apparently getting someone to watch CNN or just about any other news network/program is not done anymore.
Now I am not sure how the response was in other areas affected. Most of the news coverage is over the mess that was known as New Orleans. I would hope that other affected areas had a better response. Even the Red Cross seemed to move slowly, but then again they can only go in once an area is reasonably safe for the workers.
However I hope that some of the bloggers and others start a discussion on what we can learn from this. I can point fingers and shift blame as much as the next guy. However I think it would be a better use of time and energy to learn from this fiasco, and the sooner the better before everyone forgets about how bad it was.
First off I hope that some of the "looters" - people who were stealing food, water, needed medicine since they could not get that help from the government sources that were supposed to provide it will not be prosecuted. Then again I hope that those who were raping, killing, and stealing stuff get maximum sentences. In fact personally I would like to see these people have to serve large chunks of community service helping to rebuild the damaged areas. The worst case I heard of is a kid who took a school bus and was moving people to shelters and they are talking about jailing him for looting. Get a clue! He was doing what the cops, National Guard, and FEMA should have been doing.
One thing that has come out of this is the need to evacuate people without a way to evacuate. How many poor people died becuase when the evacuation order was given they had no way to get out? Telling people to get out and having a way to get out are two different things. Again, to me this is a huge flash of the obvious, but I have been told I was alloted a lot of common sense somewhere in my life. Maybe the coastal areas of Florida that normally get hammered by hurricanes have this under control. Maybe someone should share this info?
Next we definately need to look at the slow response from FEMA. Again, I do not know how they did in other areas, but if that was anything close to how they handled New Orleans they need to be a bit quicker. Red tape? Maybe we need to move FEMA back to an independent organization. Could they not get in quick enough because of the roads? Maybe we need to build up some infrastructure. Obviously we need to do something about the levees in New Orleans, if the city is going to be rebuilt. If FEMA tries to use the "we did not know how bad it was" defense the person who said that should be taken out and sacked, and that will involve a baseball bat and some dangly bits. It is your job to know how bad it is. Personally I always follow the addage "plan for the worst, hope for the best." Not hard. You may over react sometimes, but frankly I would think it would be better to have too much ready to go than to get caught with your pants down.
The security of the area was obviously a problem. There were a lot of cops walking off the job, the National Guard did not respond timely, or at least they did not seem to. Again, I have no real idea when they were called in. I know a group from Ohio has been sent down. The National Guard, like a large part of the rest of the military, is stretched a bit thin. There is no short term answer for this. An obvious answer would be to keep our noses out of other country's business. I would not want to see a draft get implimented, especially since I might get sucked in on that, but it may come to that. It would be interesting to see how the National Guard was deployed before Katrina to see if part of the problem may have been just getting the units into the area from other areas.
Lastly it was very distrubing how New Orleans degenerated into Lord of the Flies in only 2 or 3 days. Could be just the media coverage, although usually they love to suck up to stories of man helping man in these situations. I have not heard of a lot of these stories.
It really looks like we are one step short of total anarchy in this country, and we are holding ourselves out as an example to the rest of the world. In the past the Republicans liked to say that we all need to take responsibility for things. Even now the current adminstration wants to move us to a more owner based society. However no one in the adminstration wants to, like in basketball, put up their hand and say "my foul." No one person is responsible for this, but there should be some accountability in this. I only hope that people remember this at the next election.
Loving being disconnected in a connected world
Over the last week I have been working here and there and many times without any internet. I am cheap frugal and do not want to pay for the small amount of time that I want to connect at Borders, McDonalds, whereever.
I really would like to get back to some old school programs that do not require the internet to work. Back in the old days when we had to pay per hour for internet connectivity, and even further back when you paid long distance to direct dial BBSs (and only had maybe an hour of time on them a day) we had a lot of programs that would allow us to jump on line, grab what we needed, send our new stuff up, and get off.
However now a days it seems that everything depends on a constant internet connection. Sure you can snag/send email offline, you can even grab some pages to read later sometimes. Even now this entry is being done offline and will be uploaded when I get home.
My gypsy ways over the last week has showed me that there are a lot of stuff that could be done offline but is not. One of the first things is Netflix queue management. Now I just started working with a program called FlixQueue that does work with the Netflix queue locally and then sends the changes up to Netflx. It is easier to use than the Netflix site, but it still grabs the queue everytime you start it up. I was hoping that it would keep my copy of the queue that was already on my machine and allow me to delete some movies that I wateched over the weekend.
I have yet to try Feeddemon to see if it works offline for XML feeds. I know there are aggregators that work on mobile devices, so it is doable on the PC as well. That would have been great this week had I thought about it so that I could snag the feeds in the morning and then sit at Borders or wherever and read them.
eBay has some offline management tools for sellers. I have not checked to see if it has anything for buyers, mostly because I do not use eBay that much.
To me though, the ability to work offline has really hit home. Given I have used a Palm or other palmtop device for over 10 years I have seen how synching technology is finally maturing. I even have a few items that synch with the internet if the internet is one. What I miss on the PC is the ability to hit a button and have all the things that I want to synch to synch. It could run out and send/receive email, update my Netflix queue, update my eBay information, get info on my shipping/packages, etc. Maybe if we had some kind of scripting this would be doable.
I really would like to get back to some old school programs that do not require the internet to work. Back in the old days when we had to pay per hour for internet connectivity, and even further back when you paid long distance to direct dial BBSs (and only had maybe an hour of time on them a day) we had a lot of programs that would allow us to jump on line, grab what we needed, send our new stuff up, and get off.
However now a days it seems that everything depends on a constant internet connection. Sure you can snag/send email offline, you can even grab some pages to read later sometimes. Even now this entry is being done offline and will be uploaded when I get home.
My gypsy ways over the last week has showed me that there are a lot of stuff that could be done offline but is not. One of the first things is Netflix queue management. Now I just started working with a program called FlixQueue that does work with the Netflix queue locally and then sends the changes up to Netflx. It is easier to use than the Netflix site, but it still grabs the queue everytime you start it up. I was hoping that it would keep my copy of the queue that was already on my machine and allow me to delete some movies that I wateched over the weekend.
I have yet to try Feeddemon to see if it works offline for XML feeds. I know there are aggregators that work on mobile devices, so it is doable on the PC as well. That would have been great this week had I thought about it so that I could snag the feeds in the morning and then sit at Borders or wherever and read them.
eBay has some offline management tools for sellers. I have not checked to see if it has anything for buyers, mostly because I do not use eBay that much.
To me though, the ability to work offline has really hit home. Given I have used a Palm or other palmtop device for over 10 years I have seen how synching technology is finally maturing. I even have a few items that synch with the internet if the internet is one. What I miss on the PC is the ability to hit a button and have all the things that I want to synch to synch. It could run out and send/receive email, update my Netflix queue, update my eBay information, get info on my shipping/packages, etc. Maybe if we had some kind of scripting this would be doable.
In gypsy mode again
I am in gypsy mode again. The roof is going to be finished up today at least.
I am a bit pissed since I thought McDonalds was offering free wifi. At least mine is not. I guess I could check out and see how much for an hour or so of access. Of course it is an unsecured network and they want me to transmit my credit card number. Oh yea, that is smart. Maybe I can get some offline work done.
I got a new MP3 player, a SanDisk 512 meg memory player. I like the memory players for podcasts since I can never get through a lot of them. I want to play around with getting this to auto-synch so that my played podcasts will be removed and add new stuff.
I finished the Wilderness Center's Hiking extravaganza on Friday, and today I will complete two trails in the Fall Hiking Spree and be half done with the required trails and about 1/3 done with all the trails.
I am a bit pissed since I thought McDonalds was offering free wifi. At least mine is not. I guess I could check out and see how much for an hour or so of access. Of course it is an unsecured network and they want me to transmit my credit card number. Oh yea, that is smart. Maybe I can get some offline work done.
I got a new MP3 player, a SanDisk 512 meg memory player. I like the memory players for podcasts since I can never get through a lot of them. I want to play around with getting this to auto-synch so that my played podcasts will be removed and add new stuff.
I finished the Wilderness Center's Hiking extravaganza on Friday, and today I will complete two trails in the Fall Hiking Spree and be half done with the required trails and about 1/3 done with all the trails.
Hacking NetFlix : Netflix and Katrina Victims
Hacking NetFlix : Netflix and Katrina Victims
This is a nice reaction from a company. I hope that other companies are willing to work with survivors.
This is a nice reaction from a company. I hope that other companies are willing to work with survivors.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Katrina has passed, a w.blogger test
I just got w.blogger up and running on my system and I wanted to do a quick test just to make sure everything was setup right.
Katrina has passed through this area. It is odd to talk about a hurricane going through Akron, Ohio but the last 24 hours or so of rain were a result of Katrina moving on up. Looks like a nice weekend, which is good with all the hiking programs starting up.
Katrina has passed through this area. It is odd to talk about a hurricane going through Akron, Ohio but the last 24 hours or so of rain were a result of Katrina moving on up. Looks like a nice weekend, which is good with all the hiking programs starting up.
Beacon Journal | 08/30/2005 | Watering hole's demise deserves a solemn toast
Beacon Journal | 08/30/2005 | Watering hole's demise deserves a solemn toast
A lot of these little neighborhood bars are disappearing all over America. The one that left my neighborhood many years ago was called The Normandy. Now a WalGreens stands there.
I never went to The Normandy. It was for people who were serious drinkers. No pool, no darts. Just a bar & jukebox. It was unassuming, but a neighborhood instituion just like the pizza place next door that had the BEST pepperoni ever made. It went the way of The Normandy. I miss the pizza place much more.
However what is old is new again. I'm sure once the Baby Boomers are no more and the Gen Xers are theold farts elders the little neighborhood bars will once again be around.
A lot of these little neighborhood bars are disappearing all over America. The one that left my neighborhood many years ago was called The Normandy. Now a WalGreens stands there.
I never went to The Normandy. It was for people who were serious drinkers. No pool, no darts. Just a bar & jukebox. It was unassuming, but a neighborhood instituion just like the pizza place next door that had the BEST pepperoni ever made. It went the way of The Normandy. I miss the pizza place much more.
However what is old is new again. I'm sure once the Baby Boomers are no more and the Gen Xers are the
Beacon Journal | 08/30/2005 | `Pass-out' game may have killed Stark teen
Beacon Journal | 08/30/2005 | `Pass-out' game may have killed Stark teen
I meant to comment on this yesterday. This is just plain dumb. Ranks up there with sniffing glue.
Interstingly last night there was an episode of House where the patient had a similar sexual fetish about strangulation.
I'm fairly open minded about things, but this is just plain dumb and super dangerous. Where's my clue bat? ;)
I meant to comment on this yesterday. This is just plain dumb. Ranks up there with sniffing glue.
Interstingly last night there was an episode of House where the patient had a similar sexual fetish about strangulation.
I'm fairly open minded about things, but this is just plain dumb and super dangerous. Where's my clue bat? ;)
Beacon Journal | 08/31/2005 | Other groups also have hikes
Beacon Journal | 08/31/2005 | Other groups also have hikes
Right after I complain, on the next screen, is the sidebar for the above column. Damn.
Right after I complain, on the next screen, is the sidebar for the above column. Damn.
Beacon Journal | 08/31/2005 | Strap on boots and hit the trail
Beacon Journal | 08/31/2005 | Strap on boots and hit the trail
Yes, it is that time of year again. The annual Fall Hiking Spree. This is, unquestionably, the biggest event in Ohio that has spawned other copy-cat events (like in Stark County that is mentioned) and even the local National Park has gotten in on the action over the summer.
There was a side bar not mentioned in the article (why do they doshit things like that) that the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is doing their Towpath Trek and the Wilderness Center is also having its Hiking Extravaganza. It does not look like any double ups this year on the Towpath Trek. The Wilderness Center only has 6 or 7 miles worth of trails, and it has a Volksmarch through it which covers 3 or 4 of the 6 trails. I usually do it in two days.
This year, especially given the $3/gallon for gas they are predicting, I probably will not do the Stark County program. The Fall Hiking Spree is usually easily done by trips home or otherwise around town so it will be no problem. Three of the four Towpath Trek trails are either on the way home or close to home and I should be able to do them as well.
As for ongoing programs, I did finish up the already mentioned CVNP Challenge program, and I already have enough walking in for Akron General Medial Center's Healthy Steps program. Granted the Healthy Steps program is aimed at someone who walks a little less than I do, but this was far from a typical summer for me. This was only a marathon, and given that I try to walk at least 15 miles a week when I am healthy this should have been a no brainer. Oh well it will be interesting to see what they give for completing the program.
I just found out that the Cleveland Metroparks was running the Walking Works program all summer as well. Many of these trails are on my way home. Since it runs through the end of October I may try to get these trails in as well. Time will tell.
Maybe later today I will talk about some programs I am working on through the American Volksport Association.
Yes, it is that time of year again. The annual Fall Hiking Spree. This is, unquestionably, the biggest event in Ohio that has spawned other copy-cat events (like in Stark County that is mentioned) and even the local National Park has gotten in on the action over the summer.
There was a side bar not mentioned in the article (why do they do
This year, especially given the $3/gallon for gas they are predicting, I probably will not do the Stark County program. The Fall Hiking Spree is usually easily done by trips home or otherwise around town so it will be no problem. Three of the four Towpath Trek trails are either on the way home or close to home and I should be able to do them as well.
As for ongoing programs, I did finish up the already mentioned CVNP Challenge program, and I already have enough walking in for Akron General Medial Center's Healthy Steps program. Granted the Healthy Steps program is aimed at someone who walks a little less than I do, but this was far from a typical summer for me. This was only a marathon, and given that I try to walk at least 15 miles a week when I am healthy this should have been a no brainer. Oh well it will be interesting to see what they give for completing the program.
I just found out that the Cleveland Metroparks was running the Walking Works program all summer as well. Many of these trails are on my way home. Since it runs through the end of October I may try to get these trails in as well. Time will tell.
Maybe later today I will talk about some programs I am working on through the American Volksport Association.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Playing Gypsy Today
I took this week off of work. I did not plan on going anywhere per say, just getting away from work since my vacation earlier in the year was canceled due to sickenss.
Since they are still working on my roof, and I did not want to stick around and listen to them bang around up on the roof, I decided to head out at about my normal time and wonder around.
Now my original plan was to do a few Volksmarches, which would eat up a fair amount of time and the one was in New York which would have at least allowed me to sort of go somewhere for the day, even if it was just one day. However last night I did not sleep well – at 12:20 I was still wide awake staring at the ceiling. I dug up Striptease and fell asleep about half way through, but I was still very tired today and did not feel like driving to Cleveland today (New York was to be tomorrow). Good thing since it looks like we are starting to get some affects from Hurricane Katrina with scattered sprinkles. We did get something a little harder, but I have walked in even light sprinkles before and it is no fun when you are walking 6.2 miles (10 K to those metric people). The rest of the week looks like a wash as well. I'm not driving 4 hours to walk in the rain. Today I would not even drive an hour to walk in the rain. There is always another day for this.
So I started my day at 6:30 AM with a trip to McDonalds. Maybe not the best food, but frankly their breakfast is no worse than anyone else, and they have the advantage of not having waitresses that work on tips so I don't feel guilty hanging out there for awhile. I did some reading & writing while there, and listened to the final podcast of Earthcore. I still have the Q&A podcast to listen to. It was a great way to kill a couple of hours though.
Target looked open, but Home Depot was definitely open so I stopped in and picked up a handle for my broken storm door and a motion sensor light for over said door. The handle broke over the winter, and the middle of February is not the time to go fixing a door handle if you can avoid it. The current motion sensor light has not worked in years, but this was put in mostly for my mom after she got on the walker.
After that the weather was kind of crappy, and it was starting to sprinkle so I headed over to the Natitorium to do my walking. I confirmed they still have WiFi so I may stop in tomorrow to get hooked up.
I then headed across town to pick up some lunch that I hand some Entertainment Book coupons for. Since my original plan included going to Cleveland for a walk in the morning, pick up lunch and have a picnic in the park and then burn up the rest of the day had been dumped on I did decide to at least proceed with the lunch plans, although lunch in the park was lunch in the parking lot in the car in case it started to rain again, but at least I was in a park. I went to Heavenly Ham for a sandwich and Robek's for a smoothie. I like Heavenly Ham, although they are a bit price and completely out of the way. It was my first time to Robek's, but it was good. If there was one closer I would probably go there more often.
After that it was back across town to pick up some art supplies for a project I have to do by October at Michaels. Actually Michaels would not have been my first choice, but they were in the area that I wanted to be in. Then it was over to Target to check the price of something (and to see if it would work for what I wanted to do), to PetSmart for some cat food and then to Borders to do some work. My original plan was to do some things on my computer that did not require the Internet since Borders does not have free WiFi and to work on my talk for October. However in my rush to get going this morning there were two things I forgot – my 3 x 5 cards to write my notes for my talk and my Borders cup. I don't mind paying full price for my chai, but I hate doing it when I have a cup that would get me a discount. Grrr! On the upside I did score a power outlet!
Also being a bright individual I left my thumb drive at home, which had a copy of the w.blogger install on it. So this was written in Open Office and then copied, not my idea of productive.
Tomorrow the weather looks like a lot of the same so I will probably be doing something similar since it looks like the guys are working between the sprinkles. Wednesday it looks like we are getting the full monty from Katrina so I will probably get setup to watch movies.
Speaking of movies, over the weekend I watched Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah. The movie was better than I expected. Queen Latifah is really coming into her own as an actress, and she had a great supporting cast. Kevin Bacon played the “bad guy,” although the character was not very good at it. I have noticed that it seems that Kevin is switching from A list pretty boy to playing the bad guy, and sometimes a really bad guy. Everyone may like the hero, but usually it is the bad guy who gets to do the most as far as the actor is concerned. My one complaint: All the white people had southern accents (they were in Atlanta) yet none of the black people did (save one, but his accent was not southern). I would think that your color would not affect your accent if you were born & raised in a given area. Just me.
Since they are still working on my roof, and I did not want to stick around and listen to them bang around up on the roof, I decided to head out at about my normal time and wonder around.
Now my original plan was to do a few Volksmarches, which would eat up a fair amount of time and the one was in New York which would have at least allowed me to sort of go somewhere for the day, even if it was just one day. However last night I did not sleep well – at 12:20 I was still wide awake staring at the ceiling. I dug up Striptease and fell asleep about half way through, but I was still very tired today and did not feel like driving to Cleveland today (New York was to be tomorrow). Good thing since it looks like we are starting to get some affects from Hurricane Katrina with scattered sprinkles. We did get something a little harder, but I have walked in even light sprinkles before and it is no fun when you are walking 6.2 miles (10 K to those metric people). The rest of the week looks like a wash as well. I'm not driving 4 hours to walk in the rain. Today I would not even drive an hour to walk in the rain. There is always another day for this.
So I started my day at 6:30 AM with a trip to McDonalds. Maybe not the best food, but frankly their breakfast is no worse than anyone else, and they have the advantage of not having waitresses that work on tips so I don't feel guilty hanging out there for awhile. I did some reading & writing while there, and listened to the final podcast of Earthcore. I still have the Q&A podcast to listen to. It was a great way to kill a couple of hours though.
Target looked open, but Home Depot was definitely open so I stopped in and picked up a handle for my broken storm door and a motion sensor light for over said door. The handle broke over the winter, and the middle of February is not the time to go fixing a door handle if you can avoid it. The current motion sensor light has not worked in years, but this was put in mostly for my mom after she got on the walker.
After that the weather was kind of crappy, and it was starting to sprinkle so I headed over to the Natitorium to do my walking. I confirmed they still have WiFi so I may stop in tomorrow to get hooked up.
I then headed across town to pick up some lunch that I hand some Entertainment Book coupons for. Since my original plan included going to Cleveland for a walk in the morning, pick up lunch and have a picnic in the park and then burn up the rest of the day had been dumped on I did decide to at least proceed with the lunch plans, although lunch in the park was lunch in the parking lot in the car in case it started to rain again, but at least I was in a park. I went to Heavenly Ham for a sandwich and Robek's for a smoothie. I like Heavenly Ham, although they are a bit price and completely out of the way. It was my first time to Robek's, but it was good. If there was one closer I would probably go there more often.
After that it was back across town to pick up some art supplies for a project I have to do by October at Michaels. Actually Michaels would not have been my first choice, but they were in the area that I wanted to be in. Then it was over to Target to check the price of something (and to see if it would work for what I wanted to do), to PetSmart for some cat food and then to Borders to do some work. My original plan was to do some things on my computer that did not require the Internet since Borders does not have free WiFi and to work on my talk for October. However in my rush to get going this morning there were two things I forgot – my 3 x 5 cards to write my notes for my talk and my Borders cup. I don't mind paying full price for my chai, but I hate doing it when I have a cup that would get me a discount. Grrr! On the upside I did score a power outlet!
Also being a bright individual I left my thumb drive at home, which had a copy of the w.blogger install on it. So this was written in Open Office and then copied, not my idea of productive.
Tomorrow the weather looks like a lot of the same so I will probably be doing something similar since it looks like the guys are working between the sprinkles. Wednesday it looks like we are getting the full monty from Katrina so I will probably get setup to watch movies.
Speaking of movies, over the weekend I watched Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah. The movie was better than I expected. Queen Latifah is really coming into her own as an actress, and she had a great supporting cast. Kevin Bacon played the “bad guy,” although the character was not very good at it. I have noticed that it seems that Kevin is switching from A list pretty boy to playing the bad guy, and sometimes a really bad guy. Everyone may like the hero, but usually it is the bad guy who gets to do the most as far as the actor is concerned. My one complaint: All the white people had southern accents (they were in Atlanta) yet none of the black people did (save one, but his accent was not southern). I would think that your color would not affect your accent if you were born & raised in a given area. Just me.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Beacon Journal | 08/25/2005 | New angles on plugging brain drain
Beacon Journal | 08/25/2005 | New angles on plugging brain drain
David Giffels and I are about the same age and have about the same experience of living in Akron our whole lives.
His take on the report is interesting, and I would agree that our Lock 3 could use some development although given all the competition in the area for interesting groups for both Lock 3 and Canal Park (our minor league ball field which could be used for concerts as well) with Cleveland and its various venues will be a tough road.
I would recommend that if we do come up with 1 website for all the Akron happenings that it come with an RSS feed. Gen Xers are notorious bloggers and RSS is the way to manage that. RSS is becoming the way to handle a lot of information (as it should be).
I did disagree on outfitting the buses. I would agree that this needs to be a lower priority until we can get some bike lanes and bus routes to some of the biking trails that actually run on weekends or later at night on the weekends. I know a lot of Gen Xers who love to bike, and given they are looking to try and lure former Akronites back many may like to use public transportation. Our public transportation sucks around here, and that may also be a problem for luring big city folk who have gotten use to 24/7 public transport.
David Giffels and I are about the same age and have about the same experience of living in Akron our whole lives.
His take on the report is interesting, and I would agree that our Lock 3 could use some development although given all the competition in the area for interesting groups for both Lock 3 and Canal Park (our minor league ball field which could be used for concerts as well) with Cleveland and its various venues will be a tough road.
I would recommend that if we do come up with 1 website for all the Akron happenings that it come with an RSS feed. Gen Xers are notorious bloggers and RSS is the way to manage that. RSS is becoming the way to handle a lot of information (as it should be).
I did disagree on outfitting the buses. I would agree that this needs to be a lower priority until we can get some bike lanes and bus routes to some of the biking trails that actually run on weekends or later at night on the weekends. I know a lot of Gen Xers who love to bike, and given they are looking to try and lure former Akronites back many may like to use public transportation. Our public transportation sucks around here, and that may also be a problem for luring big city folk who have gotten use to 24/7 public transport.
the random show
the random show
A neat little video I just got around to watching at home. It is work friendly, but has sound so you have been warned.
I am not much into video blogging, or even audio blogging/podcasting but I could see where some people would feel more comfortable with this kind of media and with today's bandwidth it is easy to do. I had mentions Star Wars: Revelations in the past which I thought was well done. Although not as cheap to do as podcasting, I could see some kind of video content that will be downloadable to your various electronci devices on a regular basis. Could this be the future of PBS?
Thanks to Geek News Central for the link.
A neat little video I just got around to watching at home. It is work friendly, but has sound so you have been warned.
I am not much into video blogging, or even audio blogging/podcasting but I could see where some people would feel more comfortable with this kind of media and with today's bandwidth it is easy to do. I had mentions Star Wars: Revelations in the past which I thought was well done. Although not as cheap to do as podcasting, I could see some kind of video content that will be downloadable to your various electronci devices on a regular basis. Could this be the future of PBS?
Thanks to Geek News Central for the link.
O'Reilly Radar > Where 2.0: Google Maps API
O'Reilly Radar > Where 2.0: Google Maps API
Another link clear out. The API looked interesting, but lacking hooks into routing is a big thing. At about the same time Yahoo released their mapping API. Yet another pissing contest in the brewing. I have yet to look at Yahoo's API, but it does not sound as robust from what I have read.
There is one thing I would like to see - the ability to get a route and send in a number of miles and have the number of miles follow along the route as say a highlighter. That way you could do something silly like track your running in reference to say a trip across the United States.
Another link clear out. The API looked interesting, but lacking hooks into routing is a big thing. At about the same time Yahoo released their mapping API. Yet another pissing contest in the brewing. I have yet to look at Yahoo's API, but it does not sound as robust from what I have read.
There is one thing I would like to see - the ability to get a route and send in a number of miles and have the number of miles follow along the route as say a highlighter. That way you could do something silly like track your running in reference to say a trip across the United States.
O'Reilly Radar > Google Talk Released
O'Reilly Radar > Google Talk Released
Kind of old news, and everything I have heard about it it sounds like a big yawn. Looks like Google is trying to build up a community like Yahoo. Extra big yawn.
Now, if they can get it to work with MSN, Yahoo & AOL they will have something. However this seems like they are trying to take move into the community area that MSN, Yahoo & AOL already have. Just one more person to add to the pissing contest :(.
Kind of old news, and everything I have heard about it it sounds like a big yawn. Looks like Google is trying to build up a community like Yahoo. Extra big yawn.
Now, if they can get it to work with MSN, Yahoo & AOL they will have something. However this seems like they are trying to take move into the community area that MSN, Yahoo & AOL already have. Just one more person to add to the pissing contest :(.
Overcoming Procrastination Through the Pull Method
Overcoming Procrastination Through the Pull Method
More saved site clear out. I can be a HUGE (and I'm not just talking about my size here) procrastinator on many things, such as cleaning my house. Sometimes it just seems that I need a gun to my head (figuratively speaking of course) to get something done. Now some people work well that way, I normally don't.
Thanks to 43 Folders for the link.
More saved site clear out. I can be a HUGE (and I'm not just talking about my size here) procrastinator on many things, such as cleaning my house. Sometimes it just seems that I need a gun to my head (figuratively speaking of course) to get something done. Now some people work well that way, I normally don't.
Thanks to 43 Folders for the link.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Upcoming Metaphysical Expo
Just sitting around waiting on a search and I thought I would post a quick entry about The Journey Expo. I went last year as something of a last minute thing but it was still nice to hang out with some like minded people and pick up some books and other things that I cannot easily pick up locally. If you are in NE Ohio you might want to checkit out.
More w.blogger fun
Last night I watched Ella Enchanted and it hit me that Anne Hathaway reminds me of Julia Roberts, especially when she smiles. Maybe it is just me. The movie itself was ok, kind of reminded me of The Princess Bride or Shrek, although a little closer to Shrek than The Princess Bride. Nice story for kids that adults may find not annoying.
This is a test to see how posting multiple saved entries work as well. I'm sure no one particularly cares about my watching of Ella Enchanted.
This is a test to see how posting multiple saved entries work as well. I'm sure no one particularly cares about my watching of Ella Enchanted.
Beacon Journal | 08/25/2005 | Shaken child trial to begin
Beacon Journal | 08/25/2005 | Shaken child trial to begin
This case has been a sad story from the get go. It was sad enough to hear about this child who had been shaken so hard as to be put into a coma, but the legal wrangling that went on around the aftermath of this event was almost as bad as the Terry Shivo case.
This case has been a sad story from the get go. It was sad enough to hear about this child who had been shaken so hard as to be put into a coma, but the legal wrangling that went on around the aftermath of this event was almost as bad as the Terry Shivo case.
Mind Hacks: changing diet might allow you to see infrared
Mind Hacks: changing diet might allow you to see infrared
An interesting bit of research, although the long term affects would probably not be good.
An interesting bit of research, although the long term affects would probably not be good.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Steve�s Tech Journal � Blog Archive � New Asterisk-based personal communication approach
Steve�s Tech Journal � Blog Archive � New Asterisk-based personal communication approach
Catching up on some saved blog entries. This is a neat idea for the geek on the go. I do not use my cell but this is such a cool idea to help people reduce the number of numbers they have PLUS it will help the phone companies.
I have seen this type of thing proposed for years from the geek community. If they could have a way to allow two lines in (at a reduced cost) so you could be receiving a fax and getting a call at the same time I think many people would switch to some kind of setup like this.
Catching up on some saved blog entries. This is a neat idea for the geek on the go. I do not use my cell but this is such a cool idea to help people reduce the number of numbers they have PLUS it will help the phone companies.
I have seen this type of thing proposed for years from the geek community. If they could have a way to allow two lines in (at a reduced cost) so you could be receiving a fax and getting a call at the same time I think many people would switch to some kind of setup like this.
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Years ago I read an article by Negroponte proposing this. I'm glad to see he is getting somewhere with it.
Years ago I read an article by Negroponte proposing this. I'm glad to see he is getting somewhere with it.
Panel Overrules Feds on New England Bases - Yahoo! News
Panel Overrules Feds on New England Bases - Yahoo! News
Wouldn't the various branches of the armed services have the best idea of what they need to close & keep open?
I have been wanting to do a walk at Fort Monroe for a couple of years now but I have not gotten around to it yet. Looks like this year is the year.
Wouldn't the various branches of the armed services have the best idea of what they need to close & keep open?
I have been wanting to do a walk at Fort Monroe for a couple of years now but I have not gotten around to it yet. Looks like this year is the year.
Bush: Pullout Would Hurt Iraq's Democracy - Yahoo! News
Bush: Pullout Would Hurt Iraq's Democracy - Yahoo! News
Why does this sound a lot like the rhetoric around Vietnam?
Why does this sound a lot like the rhetoric around Vietnam?
Journeys in JavaScript
Over the last couple of weeks I have been in and out of JavaScript trying to squeek some performance on a webpage. There are a few problems with this:
1) Whatever I do has to be faster than what it was. JavaScript is not well known [UPDATE: JS is not well known in house.] so if it is not faster there is no benefit in using JavaScript.
2) What I am writing has to play well with the exisitng JavaScript (JS). The few alert boxes and calcs I have done in the past did not really need the existing JS stuff.
3) I don't grok JS.
Know I have worked in various types of BASIC for years, and I have done some C programming in college so JS is not completely foriegn to me. But JS is definately a different beast. As such this has been a slow process. The logic I am replacing is not tough but lacking even good working knowledge and working with existing JS that is not documented makes for a slow go. Some problems:
1) There are few big, obvious messages. The error messages have been subtle which has not made for easy debugging.
2) JS is case senstive. The C I worked in before was not. This is annoying for those of us used to case insensitivity. I spent an hour tracking down where I had screwed up a camel case (that is mixed case for the non-programmers) function call.
3) I have to keep digging through reference books for syntax. Now the book I am using is great, but having to refer to it all the time is a pain in the butt. I would have knocked a lot of this out much faster in Visual Basic (VB) since I grok it.
4) Since I don't do this often I do not have a good debugger setup. This leaves me doing old school debugging with message boxes and printing. I've done this before but I have definately gotten spoiled with the VB environment. I could have cut some time off with a half descent program to let me know I have some undefined variables or bad function calls because of messed up letter case.
One of the reasons for this post is to try out w.blogger. When I go to VA Beach in October I will probably not have internet hookup for a large part of the trip but I want to do some entries on what is going on and post them when I get the chance. I tried the last version but it did not have a way to do the title which I found annoying. Version 4.00 seems nice and a good alternative for those of us who do not use Word. I am surprised they have not come out with something similar for Open Office. I am even playing with the title property on links since w.blogger exposes that ;).
1) Whatever I do has to be faster than what it was. JavaScript is not well known [UPDATE: JS is not well known in house.] so if it is not faster there is no benefit in using JavaScript.
2) What I am writing has to play well with the exisitng JavaScript (JS). The few alert boxes and calcs I have done in the past did not really need the existing JS stuff.
3) I don't grok JS.
Know I have worked in various types of BASIC for years, and I have done some C programming in college so JS is not completely foriegn to me. But JS is definately a different beast. As such this has been a slow process. The logic I am replacing is not tough but lacking even good working knowledge and working with existing JS that is not documented makes for a slow go. Some problems:
1) There are few big, obvious messages. The error messages have been subtle which has not made for easy debugging.
2) JS is case senstive. The C I worked in before was not. This is annoying for those of us used to case insensitivity. I spent an hour tracking down where I had screwed up a camel case (that is mixed case for the non-programmers) function call.
3) I have to keep digging through reference books for syntax. Now the book I am using is great, but having to refer to it all the time is a pain in the butt. I would have knocked a lot of this out much faster in Visual Basic (VB) since I grok it.
4) Since I don't do this often I do not have a good debugger setup. This leaves me doing old school debugging with message boxes and printing. I've done this before but I have definately gotten spoiled with the VB environment. I could have cut some time off with a half descent program to let me know I have some undefined variables or bad function calls because of messed up letter case.
One of the reasons for this post is to try out w.blogger. When I go to VA Beach in October I will probably not have internet hookup for a large part of the trip but I want to do some entries on what is going on and post them when I get the chance. I tried the last version but it did not have a way to do the title which I found annoying. Version 4.00 seems nice and a good alternative for those of us who do not use Word. I am surprised they have not come out with something similar for Open Office. I am even playing with the title property on links since w.blogger exposes that ;).
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Robertson Calls for Chavez Assassination - Yahoo! News
Robertson Calls for Chavez Assassination - Yahoo! News
Robertson has never exactly had middle of the road views, but of late he is falling off the flat Earth he believes in. You have to wonder about his mental state given some of what he has said of late.
Robertson has never exactly had middle of the road views, but of late he is falling off the flat Earth he believes in. You have to wonder about his mental state given some of what he has said of late.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Wow, a real post
It has been awhile since I actually wrote something here, so I thought I would give it a try.
The walking is getting back on track, finally. Still need to get some consistency, but it is coming. The leg that had the infection feels fine, although there is still some discoloration. The heel on the other foot is acting up again, but it did that before all the problems with the infection. September is coming which introduces a bunch of local hiking programs. I should be ready to hit them hard come Sept. 1st. More on those programs when the official annoucements are made.
I am getting the roof replaced on my house this week. The guys told me tonight after I got home that there were 5 layers of shingle on the roof. Current city code calls for 2 max. If the weather holds they should be done by Friday.
Along with the roof my brother and I cut down some bushes in the front of my house. I have been considering doing that for awhile - the bushes had overgrown badly before I moved in and cutting them back left only little sticks that were not getting any bushier. Now I will probably put in some kind of garden in that space. I don't want to do much since when my current steps give out I am thinking of having a deck put in. I wish I had a before picture of the house, but I do have an after picture to post, maybe tomorrow since I want to zap my address from the picture.
Over the weekend I did something I have not done in years - I went to a drive in. There are still 3 listed in the local paper. My brother & his family was going so I tagged along. This one charged $15 for a car so it really is a good deal for 7 people for 2 movies. (Yes, DVDs from Blockbuster or a similar place would be cheaper.) We saw "Sky High" and "The Dukes of Hazard". "Sky High" was ok, although I figured out pretty early who the bad guy was, although there was a twist I did not anticipate. It was typical Disney stuff so it is good for families.
"The Dukes of Hazard" was alright. I was never a fan of the TV series so I have little to compare it to. I will admit they made the two Duke boys seem pretty stupid and they were more lucky then skillful in getting through the trials of the film. Ironically they made Daisy seem rather clever and given how smart Jessica Simpson has shown herself in public.... Anyways that may have been how the original series was. One of the best things I heard was parody song called "These Boobs Were Made For Watching" to the tune of "These Boots Were Made For Walking" that Simpson did for the soundtrack.
The walking is getting back on track, finally. Still need to get some consistency, but it is coming. The leg that had the infection feels fine, although there is still some discoloration. The heel on the other foot is acting up again, but it did that before all the problems with the infection. September is coming which introduces a bunch of local hiking programs. I should be ready to hit them hard come Sept. 1st. More on those programs when the official annoucements are made.
I am getting the roof replaced on my house this week. The guys told me tonight after I got home that there were 5 layers of shingle on the roof. Current city code calls for 2 max. If the weather holds they should be done by Friday.
Along with the roof my brother and I cut down some bushes in the front of my house. I have been considering doing that for awhile - the bushes had overgrown badly before I moved in and cutting them back left only little sticks that were not getting any bushier. Now I will probably put in some kind of garden in that space. I don't want to do much since when my current steps give out I am thinking of having a deck put in. I wish I had a before picture of the house, but I do have an after picture to post, maybe tomorrow since I want to zap my address from the picture.
Over the weekend I did something I have not done in years - I went to a drive in. There are still 3 listed in the local paper. My brother & his family was going so I tagged along. This one charged $15 for a car so it really is a good deal for 7 people for 2 movies. (Yes, DVDs from Blockbuster or a similar place would be cheaper.) We saw "Sky High" and "The Dukes of Hazard". "Sky High" was ok, although I figured out pretty early who the bad guy was, although there was a twist I did not anticipate. It was typical Disney stuff so it is good for families.
"The Dukes of Hazard" was alright. I was never a fan of the TV series so I have little to compare it to. I will admit they made the two Duke boys seem pretty stupid and they were more lucky then skillful in getting through the trials of the film. Ironically they made Daisy seem rather clever and given how smart Jessica Simpson has shown herself in public.... Anyways that may have been how the original series was. One of the best things I heard was parody song called "These Boobs Were Made For Watching" to the tune of "These Boots Were Made For Walking" that Simpson did for the soundtrack.
Google Revamps Desktop Search Program - Yahoo! News
Google Revamps Desktop Search Program - Yahoo! News
This worries me somewhat - in an effort to make the web a "better experience" what else will that informaiton be used for?
This worries me somewhat - in an effort to make the web a "better experience" what else will that informaiton be used for?
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Beacon Journal | 08/20/2005 | Proposed watershed tax angers residents
Beacon Journal | 08/20/2005 | Proposed watershed tax angers residents
Now $12/year is not much, but I have to agree that these things are getting out of control. The one problem I have with this is that by and large the problem is man made when people started building on the flood planes. I have little pitty for those people, but the people who are not on the old flood planes and will be charged this fee it is not fair at all.
Now $12/year is not much, but I have to agree that these things are getting out of control. The one problem I have with this is that by and large the problem is man made when people started building on the flood planes. I have little pitty for those people, but the people who are not on the old flood planes and will be charged this fee it is not fair at all.
Friday, August 19, 2005
More Hawaiians Practicing Native Healing - Yahoo! News
More Hawaiians Practicing Native Healing - Yahoo! News
Western medicine is good for some things, traditional practices are good for others. It is in the integration of the two that we will find a way to reduce health care.
For Purpose that I am involved with is also involved with alternative healing methods.
Western medicine is good for some things, traditional practices are good for others. It is in the integration of the two that we will find a way to reduce health care.
For Purpose that I am involved with is also involved with alternative healing methods.
Beacon Journal | 08/19/2005 | Devo still knows how to whip it good
Beacon Journal | 08/19/2005 | Devo still knows how to whip it good: "Mark Mothersbaugh "
Devo was an Akron based band. Growing up I was more into Michael Stanley than Devo, but since they were from Akron they always had a small place in my tape (yep, tape) rotation. Besides how can you not like Whip It.
Anyone with younger kids have probably seen Mark Mothersbaugh's name since he is responsible (for better or worse) for the music on Rug Rats, and I think the further incarnation of that series. Plus he did the music for Mystery Men, and even had a small part in it. Actually a few years ago they did a "where are they now" type story and the Mothersbaugh brothers and one or two of the original Devo lineup are doing music for TV & movies now. Mostly writing, but they get out the old flower pot hats from time to time and do a short tour.
Devo was an Akron based band. Growing up I was more into Michael Stanley than Devo, but since they were from Akron they always had a small place in my tape (yep, tape) rotation. Besides how can you not like Whip It.
Anyone with younger kids have probably seen Mark Mothersbaugh's name since he is responsible (for better or worse) for the music on Rug Rats, and I think the further incarnation of that series. Plus he did the music for Mystery Men, and even had a small part in it. Actually a few years ago they did a "where are they now" type story and the Mothersbaugh brothers and one or two of the original Devo lineup are doing music for TV & movies now. Mostly writing, but they get out the old flower pot hats from time to time and do a short tour.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Home prices 'extremely overvalued' in 53 cities - Yahoo! News
Home prices 'extremely overvalued' in 53 cities - Yahoo! News
I was a little surprised that Akron was only 3% estimated overvalued. I would have thought closer to 10%, especially given the decline in population.
A lot of baby boomers have a lot of equity tied up in their house and are depending upon a good sale price as part of their retirement.The problem is - once the last person who wants a house has a house, what happens to housing prices? To me a house is a place to live, not an investment.
I was a little surprised that Akron was only 3% estimated overvalued. I would have thought closer to 10%, especially given the decline in population.
A lot of baby boomers have a lot of equity tied up in their house and are depending upon a good sale price as part of their retirement.The problem is - once the last person who wants a house has a house, what happens to housing prices? To me a house is a place to live, not an investment.
Beacon Journal | 08/18/2005 | Who's in line for governor?
Beacon Journal | 08/18/2005 | Who's in line for governor?
I hate to admit this, but I did not know the name of our Lt. Governor as well.
There was a comedian a few years back who had a bit: "Who is the Secretary of State? Who is the black girl on 'Facts of Life'? Now I'm not passing any judgement..."
It is sad. Half the time I cannot come up with the name of my city councilman. In part half the time I don't know what district I am in since my neighborhood is something of a bastard child and gets shifted around every few years between two districts and ignored by everyone.
I hate to admit this, but I did not know the name of our Lt. Governor as well.
There was a comedian a few years back who had a bit: "Who is the Secretary of State?
It is sad. Half the time I cannot come up with the name of my city councilman. In part half the time I don't know what district I am in since my neighborhood is something of a bastard child and gets shifted around every few years between two districts and ignored by everyone.
Beacon Journal | 08/18/2005 | German market to return to Akron
Beacon Journal | 08/18/2005 | German market to return to Akron
I did not get down there last year for this, but it sounds interesting.
Akron has a strong German heritage population. Many of the baby boomers are first generation American from Germany. Ohio overall has a strong history of German immigration - Ohio was 1 vote short of making German the official language of Ohio in the day.
I did not get down there last year for this, but it sounds interesting.
Akron has a strong German heritage population. Many of the baby boomers are first generation American from Germany. Ohio overall has a strong history of German immigration - Ohio was 1 vote short of making German the official language of Ohio in the day.
Beacon Journal | 08/18/2005 | Governor charged with crime
Beacon Journal | 08/18/2005 | Governor charged with crime
Taft is the first governor to get caught.
I had a politician tell me once that if you needed to get something done kind of underwraps, people would come to Ohio to do it - at least politically speaking. Apparently we are well known for our sneakiness here in the Buckeye state. That or people just overlook us.
Personally I think Taft should resign. He has made a huge stink about ethics in the past. It is not like he forgot one or two events - 52 different things (that he is being charged with mind you) for a total of $6,000 (give or take). One or two things I could say "Yea, I could see forgetting that" but 52 is clearly covering something up.
Taft is the first governor to get caught.
I had a politician tell me once that if you needed to get something done kind of underwraps, people would come to Ohio to do it - at least politically speaking. Apparently we are well known for our sneakiness here in the Buckeye state. That or people just overlook us.
Personally I think Taft should resign. He has made a huge stink about ethics in the past. It is not like he forgot one or two events - 52 different things (that he is being charged with mind you) for a total of $6,000 (give or take). One or two things I could say "Yea, I could see forgetting that" but 52 is clearly covering something up.
Phishing without a clue
This should be punishable by a few swift smacks upside the head. I got this email today that is a phishing scam. I am not even a customer of this bank so I knew this was a problem, but I think someone forgot something, what do you think?
Dear Bank of the West customer,
Fraudulent activity has been registered on your account. Please
visit the following webpage %CUSTOM URLS
Once you have confirmed your account records you will be able
to continue using your Bank of the West Internet Banking account.
Copyright © 2005 Bank of the West. All Rights Reserved
Bank of the West, Member FDIC.
Dear Bank of the West customer,
Fraudulent activity has been registered on your account. Please
visit the following webpage %CUSTOM URLS
Once you have confirmed your account records you will be able
to continue using your Bank of the West Internet Banking account.
Copyright © 2005 Bank of the West. All Rights Reserved
Bank of the West, Member FDIC.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Pierce Brosnan Out As James Bond, 007 - Yahoo! News
Pierce Brosnan Out As James Bond, 007 - Yahoo! News
This is a shame since I think he made a great Bond. It should prove interesting who they get to replace him.
This is a shame since I think he made a great Bond. It should prove interesting who they get to replace him.
Stopping Meth Labs Hasn't Prevented Trade - Yahoo! News
Stopping Meth Labs Hasn't Prevented Trade - Yahoo! News
If you want to stop drug trafficing you need to cut down the demand, not the supply. If there is money to be made, people will find a way to do it. Instead of such concentration on cutting off supply (which is like fighting a hydra - close one lab and two more spring up) you need to cut down on the demand for the drugs. Why do so many people feel the need to take these drugs? Answer that and maybe you can make some progress.
If you want to stop drug trafficing you need to cut down the demand, not the supply. If there is money to be made, people will find a way to do it. Instead of such concentration on cutting off supply (which is like fighting a hydra - close one lab and two more spring up) you need to cut down on the demand for the drugs. Why do so many people feel the need to take these drugs? Answer that and maybe you can make some progress.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Farrakhan: Fox Was Right on Blacks, Jobs - Yahoo! News
Farrakhan: Fox Was Right on Blacks, Jobs - Yahoo! News
YES!! Someone who actually is willing to speak the truth. This reminds me of Bill Cosby's comments a few months back - everyone is getting all bent out of shape when someone speaks their mind and tells the truth as they see it.
YES!! Someone who actually is willing to speak the truth. This reminds me of Bill Cosby's comments a few months back - everyone is getting all bent out of shape when someone speaks their mind and tells the truth as they see it.
Roberts Once Wrote of 'Abortion Tragedy' - Yahoo! News
Roberts Once Wrote of 'Abortion Tragedy' - Yahoo! News
Stop the presses - Bush's nominee leans pro-life. (Did I get enough sarcasm in that?)
Stop the presses - Bush's nominee leans pro-life. (Did I get enough sarcasm in that?)
43 Folders: David Allen: Handy lists to maintain
43 Folders: David Allen: Handy lists to maintain
One of my favorite sites point to something from David Allen, who is the author of Getting Things Done. I have some of these lists already, since to me they seem to be an extension of what David Allen recommends in his book.
BTW I have just begun Allen's Ready For Anything, which is bringing together many of his articles and tips from the newsletters over the last 2 years and expanding on some of the ideas.
For those who have not worked with Getting Things Done (GTD), Allen takes a more bottom up approach to productivity vs. Stephen Covey who takes a more top down approach. In reality you need to work both ways. You can't concentrate on the higher level items when you are hip deep in email and crap in your mind (lower level stuff), but you can do a lot but not get much done (higher level stuff). Neither person advocates ignoring the opposite end of their concentration, but then again neither does much to help out on how to deal with those ends. It is like somehow we magically know how to deal with these things. Many people I have run into through GTD still do Covey to help them frame their "50,000 feet" stuff (in GTD speak).
One of my favorite sites point to something from David Allen, who is the author of Getting Things Done. I have some of these lists already, since to me they seem to be an extension of what David Allen recommends in his book.
BTW I have just begun Allen's Ready For Anything, which is bringing together many of his articles and tips from the newsletters over the last 2 years and expanding on some of the ideas.
For those who have not worked with Getting Things Done (GTD), Allen takes a more bottom up approach to productivity vs. Stephen Covey who takes a more top down approach. In reality you need to work both ways. You can't concentrate on the higher level items when you are hip deep in email and crap in your mind (lower level stuff), but you can do a lot but not get much done (higher level stuff). Neither person advocates ignoring the opposite end of their concentration, but then again neither does much to help out on how to deal with those ends. It is like somehow we magically know how to deal with these things. Many people I have run into through GTD still do Covey to help them frame their "50,000 feet" stuff (in GTD speak).
the Mail online | Mail - news, sport, showbiz, health and more | The 50 films you should see by the age of 14
the Mail online | Mail - news, sport, showbiz, health and more | The 50 films you should see by the age of 14
An interesting list. I have only seen 2 of the top 10, and I don't do real good on the remaining 40. Some I will never see - such as E.T.
Via Hacking Netflix
An interesting list. I have only seen 2 of the top 10, and I don't do real good on the remaining 40. Some I will never see - such as E.T.
Via Hacking Netflix
CURRY.COM: Adam Curry's Weblog
CURRY.COM: Adam Curry's Weblog
Check out the Flickr feed just above the notes. The desk looks like a cool idea if you like to stand a lot. I have been eyeballing one of those "laptop desks" with a small side table to hold my printer and scanner. Of course both of these items suck up so much space right now I can have 1 or the other but not both out at the same time.
I knew that Adam Curry was tall, I just did not realize how tall until I saw this set.
Check out the Flickr feed just above the notes. The desk looks like a cool idea if you like to stand a lot. I have been eyeballing one of those "laptop desks" with a small side table to hold my printer and scanner. Of course both of these items suck up so much space right now I can have 1 or the other but not both out at the same time.
I knew that Adam Curry was tall, I just did not realize how tall until I saw this set.
Beacon Journal | 08/16/2005 | Hydrogen car wins fast approval
Beacon Journal | 08/16/2005 | Hydrogen car wins fast approval
Not a bad little car, although they need to get the number of expected miles up to be useful. Oh yea, and we need to have hydrogen refuelling stations.
Not a bad little car, although they need to get the number of expected miles up to be useful. Oh yea, and we need to have hydrogen refuelling stations.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Music Industry Worried About CD Burning - Yahoo! News
Music Industry Worried About CD Burning - Yahoo! News
Well, at least they are starting to get it. Living with DRM is not necessarily bad, but it absolutely MUST play well with portable devices of all types (including jukeboxes and memory based devices), be able to be copied from computer to computer as we get new machines.
Now the problem is many people, including myself, create favorite CDs, and we burn individual songs several times. That should be allowed as well.
Of course, with more and more CD players handling MP3 CDs, is this even important anymore?
Well, at least they are starting to get it. Living with DRM is not necessarily bad, but it absolutely MUST play well with portable devices of all types (including jukeboxes and memory based devices), be able to be copied from computer to computer as we get new machines.
Now the problem is many people, including myself, create favorite CDs, and we burn individual songs several times. That should be allowed as well.
Of course, with more and more CD players handling MP3 CDs, is this even important anymore?
Experimental Hybrid Cars Get Up to 250 Mpg - Yahoo! News
Experimental Hybrid Cars Get Up to 250 Mpg - Yahoo! News
If they ever get the soft solar panels down in price, we could get rid of the whole plug in idea. Face it - my car could be generating a ton of electric just sitting in the parking lot right now. And you could generate power even while driving that way. You may not be able to generate enough to completely run the car on solar power, but it would be better than finding a free outlet.
If they ever get the soft solar panels down in price, we could get rid of the whole plug in idea. Face it - my car could be generating a ton of electric just sitting in the parking lot right now. And you could generate power even while driving that way. You may not be able to generate enough to completely run the car on solar power, but it would be better than finding a free outlet.
McCain: Iran Military Option Must Be Kept - Yahoo! News
McCain: Iran Military Option Must Be Kept - Yahoo! News
Why does it feel like the current administration is softening up the public for going into Iran? This has a familiar feeling to it. Oh yea, Iraq.
Why does it feel like the current administration is softening up the public for going into Iran? This has a familiar feeling to it. Oh yea, Iraq.
Thousands Blacked Out Across Northeast - Yahoo! News
Thousands Blacked Out Across Northeast - Yahoo! News
Between this blackout and the current prices for gas we need to make some changes in our current thinking on energy. More thoughts later, but between the growing number of outages and the biggie a few years back I would say we need to get a distributive power grid up and going. Can you say solar power? I knew that you could.
Between this blackout and the current prices for gas we need to make some changes in our current thinking on energy. More thoughts later, but between the growing number of outages and the biggie a few years back I would say we need to get a distributive power grid up and going. Can you say solar power? I knew that you could.
Lifestyle May Be Key to Slowing Brain's Aging - Yahoo! News
Lifestyle May Be Key to Slowing Brain's Aging - Yahoo! News
I can say that when I am watching a lot of TV or doing a lot of the same thing it feels like I am stupid, yet when I do different things my brain seems to work better. It will prove interest to see where this research goes.
I can say that when I am watching a lot of TV or doing a lot of the same thing it feels like I am stupid, yet when I do different things my brain seems to work better. It will prove interest to see where this research goes.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Beacon Journal | 08/11/2005 | Plusquellic docks self day's pay for cursing
Beacon Journal | 08/11/2005 | Plusquellic docks self day's pay for cursing
Now Plusquellic has done a lot of good for the city, but he has annoyed a lot of people - he still don't get it is about the neighborhoods and you can't put ALL the money into downtown development.
Frankly the whole story is stupid, and guy lost his job over it. Both sides needed to get some perspective - it was an empty lot and given the mayor's needs (he could not be blocked in just in case he neeeded to respond to an emergency) the car could have been put anywhere. Most of the lots in Akron are self-parking anyways, which means they have little lines painted on the ground to show where the cars should be parked. It ain't tough.
Now Plusquellic has done a lot of good for the city, but he has annoyed a lot of people - he still don't get it is about the neighborhoods and you can't put ALL the money into downtown development.
Frankly the whole story is stupid, and guy lost his job over it. Both sides needed to get some perspective - it was an empty lot and given the mayor's needs (he could not be blocked in just in case he neeeded to respond to an emergency) the car could have been put anywhere. Most of the lots in Akron are self-parking anyways, which means they have little lines painted on the ground to show where the cars should be parked. It ain't tough.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Falwell's 'Vote Christian' Criticized - Yahoo! News
Falwell's 'Vote Christian' Criticized - Yahoo! News
This is definately coming close to crossing the line. In order to maintain a tax free status not for profits and religious organizations must watch their political activities, many times to the detrimite of the organization.
This is definately coming close to crossing the line. In order to maintain a tax free status not for profits and religious organizations must watch their political activities, many times to the detrimite of the organization.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
One Bag: The Packing List
One Bag: The Packing List
A pretty cool site, even if you don't impliment all of his ideas. My problem with his list is if you are traveling where you may need two distinct wardrobes - such as a skiing trip or when I go walking.
A pretty cool site, even if you don't impliment all of his ideas. My problem with his list is if you are traveling where you may need two distinct wardrobes - such as a skiing trip or when I go walking.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Friday, August 05, 2005
Another Day in Paradise
Today was a pretty good day. The weather started out shitty rainy but it all cleared up when I left. Low humidity and not too bad temperature made for a nice walk in the park. I hiked The Ledges trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Not a bad trail, but because it is along some, well, ledges the trail is a bit rocky. I wish I would have remembered to take my camera - there is an absolutely wonderful view from the top of the trail over the valley. Oh well, the batteries are dead anyways and I need to get them all juiced up for tomorrow.
Work was not even that bad. I actually got a few things done today. The problem with programming, at least at times, is that you can go weeks without actually completing something. Sure you make progress (or at least you SHOULD make progress), but there is just nothing to pass along to the nextpoor slob person in the process. Actually knocking off a couple of things in a day is something of thrill after what seems like a lifetime of nothing.
Tomorrow I am going up to Lakewood to do a Volksmarch. The weather looks good, and I am only doing 5K (3.1 miles for the metricly challenged). I did 2.5 today and a couple of times this week, so I am hoping that the 5K will not be a problem. Sunday is the last day of the Corporate Challenge up in Cleveland and I agreed to participate in the 1 mile fun walk. There are no points, but it will look good with a bunch of us out on the course in our supplied tshirts. I am always up for a free tshirt!
One thing about the programmer psyche. Somewhere along the line I had readsome whining a complaint about how programmers tend to always wear tshirts. There are two reasons for this. First is it simplifies wardrobe selections - drawer full of tshirts, drawer full of jeans. All things match. Grab one from each drawer and you are ready to go. The second is that we tend to get a lot of free tshirts from various sources - tshirts are the swag of choice for the descriminating software/hardware/computer service company. Mouse pads, mugs, pens, etc. are so mundane, hats have limited usefulness (except for all us balding guys, but that is another story). But a tshirt - oh baby the motherload of swag! Some places are even upping the ante and have hoodies! People who want to stand out give tshirts.
Ahh, enough of the geek insight. It is Friday night, so Monk is on. I did watch that new Kathy Griffin show on Wednesday night. It was not bad for a reality show. When I first saw her in "Suddenly Susan" I was a bit put off by her voice. Having seen some of her comedy specials though she started to grow on me. She has some good stuff, she does not need to swear as much as she does in her act. I'm not a big prude or anything, but as I have gotten older I have a greater appreciation for people like Bill Cosby or even Tim Conway who can tell a great story/joke without the need of swearing. Granted there are times when a shit or fuck make the joke, but too often it seems that comedians go for the quick hit by swearing instead of building the joke. Then again that is probably a side effect of the modern audience.
Work was not even that bad. I actually got a few things done today. The problem with programming, at least at times, is that you can go weeks without actually completing something. Sure you make progress (or at least you SHOULD make progress), but there is just nothing to pass along to the next
Tomorrow I am going up to Lakewood to do a Volksmarch. The weather looks good, and I am only doing 5K (3.1 miles for the metricly challenged). I did 2.5 today and a couple of times this week, so I am hoping that the 5K will not be a problem. Sunday is the last day of the Corporate Challenge up in Cleveland and I agreed to participate in the 1 mile fun walk. There are no points, but it will look good with a bunch of us out on the course in our supplied tshirts. I am always up for a free tshirt!
One thing about the programmer psyche. Somewhere along the line I had read
Ahh, enough of the geek insight. It is Friday night, so Monk is on. I did watch that new Kathy Griffin show on Wednesday night. It was not bad for a reality show. When I first saw her in "Suddenly Susan" I was a bit put off by her voice. Having seen some of her comedy specials though she started to grow on me. She has some good stuff, she does not need to swear as much as she does in her act. I'm not a big prude or anything, but as I have gotten older I have a greater appreciation for people like Bill Cosby or even Tim Conway who can tell a great story/joke without the need of swearing. Granted there are times when a shit or fuck make the joke, but too often it seems that comedians go for the quick hit by swearing instead of building the joke. Then again that is probably a side effect of the modern audience.
Innobec Technologies Inc.
Innobec Technologies Inc.
This is a cool idea for all you Pocket PC users. It is not a good alternative for true multi monitor use, but why have a perfectly good screen just sit there all day unused. If I used Pocket PC I would definately have this in use both at home and at work. Not user if it works when you have multi monitor in use, but I would guess that it would.
This is a cool idea for all you Pocket PC users. It is not a good alternative for true multi monitor use, but why have a perfectly good screen just sit there all day unused. If I used Pocket PC I would definately have this in use both at home and at work. Not user if it works when you have multi monitor in use, but I would guess that it would.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Some fun catchup
Just a quick post to kind of catch up on some things.
The leg is still recovering. I'm almost back to 3 miles at a shot. The weather is not helping - it seems odd to walk on an indoor track (which is not that much cooler than outside) when it is sunny and 92 out. Ok, the 92 degrees and 80 or so % humidity is a GREAT reason.
When I got home yesterday there was a bunch of blue jays going nuts in the pine tree by my driveway. Not necessarily a big deal - they scream alot when anyone disturbs them. I then say some movemnt under the tree and there was one of the peregrine falcons from downtown. When he (she?) took off it looks like he had something in his talons. I have seen the falcons from time to time circling, but I was maybe 6 foot, max, from this one. I wish I would have realized he was there sooner.
My creativity workshop had its last meeting. I did not get my project finished, a few too many things popped up. I did get an idea for the type of paint to get though, so tomorrow I am going to pick up the supplies. This is one of those things I must wrap up and move on from.
The leg is still recovering. I'm almost back to 3 miles at a shot. The weather is not helping - it seems odd to walk on an indoor track (which is not that much cooler than outside) when it is sunny and 92 out. Ok, the 92 degrees and 80 or so % humidity is a GREAT reason.
When I got home yesterday there was a bunch of blue jays going nuts in the pine tree by my driveway. Not necessarily a big deal - they scream alot when anyone disturbs them. I then say some movemnt under the tree and there was one of the peregrine falcons from downtown. When he (she?) took off it looks like he had something in his talons. I have seen the falcons from time to time circling, but I was maybe 6 foot, max, from this one. I wish I would have realized he was there sooner.
My creativity workshop had its last meeting. I did not get my project finished, a few too many things popped up. I did get an idea for the type of paint to get though, so tomorrow I am going to pick up the supplies. This is one of those things I must wrap up and move on from.
Blast from the past & a cheap shot
I was reading the Akron Beacon Journal yesterday about how the San Francisco Giants are retiring his number. Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News added "When his statue goes up, it'll be in his spitting image."
For those who forgot, Gaylord Perry was well known for his "foreign substance pitches", the enhanced version of the spitball. Everyone knew he was doing it, but no one could ever catch him. Closest they ever got was one ump ejected him because he found something, and I don't remember what, on the ball but they could not find anything on Perry.
Many years ago in a city not that far away when I went to my first baseball game Gaylord Perry was the pitcher for Cleveland. The game was, at least for an 8 year old boy, a snooze fest 1-0 12 inning game.
For those who forgot, Gaylord Perry was well known for his "foreign substance pitches", the enhanced version of the spitball. Everyone knew he was doing it, but no one could ever catch him. Closest they ever got was one ump ejected him because he found something, and I don't remember what, on the ball but they could not find anything on Perry.
Many years ago in a city not that far away when I went to my first baseball game Gaylord Perry was the pitcher for Cleveland. The game was, at least for an 8 year old boy, a snooze fest 1-0 12 inning game.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Santana Performs Concert in Hiroshima - Yahoo! News
Santana Performs Concert in Hiroshima - Yahoo! News
I am seeing more and more of these types of concerts. A great idea.
I am seeing more and more of these types of concerts. A great idea.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Another debate over Auto Link
The Trademark Blog
I just got around to listening to this (I normally do not listen to IT Conversations, so this just hit my consciousness).
I was a bit upset that Cory Doctorow, who is representing the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), actually said "tough shit" to content creators who do not want people to use AutoLink on their created pages. (Note to Scoble - we are content creators, not providers. Providers makes it sound like a service much like our ISPs. What we put out is just like a painting or a book.) The EFF has a long history of protecting both consumers and creators and such language only pisses off the people they will be looking to for support of future endevors.
Now let me backup a step and say that the latest version of AutoLink sounds better - the user must intentionally turn in on (versus already on by default), they get a message to let the user know AutoLink has been turned on, the hover over for the link is a different icon, and it will not override existing links. If they went 1 step further and made the added links look different from the get go that would even be better.
Personally, as long as my links do not get jacked, I could care less about AutoLink on my pages. If the one or two of you who read this actually get some utility out of AutoLink, have at it. But I could see why people would not want AutoLink on specific pages (an AutoLink to Amazon in a rant about how piss poor Amazon is would not be good) or from specific AutoLink sources. For example, when Microsoft puts inSmart Tags AutoLink (and yes, it is when, not if) you can bet places like SlashDot are not going to want Microsoft AutoLinking their pages.
As a user though one part that, at least from what I have seen, is missing is the ability for me to choose where I AutoLink to. "There's gold in them thar hills" of AutoLink. Think of what Amazon is paying for the right to have all ISBNs directed to them from Google AutoLink. You can be damn sure that both Google & Amazon are monitoring the click through rate closely. To use Cory's arguement against opt in/out, there is no business case for allowing the user to select WHERE they AutoLink to. This causes me some concern since, as a user I no longer have control of where the AutoLink takes me. That goes against Cory's arguement that AutoLink is good because of user experience. If I feel Amazon is evil incarnate and I want to shop through Barnes & Noble, then I should be able to control where my ISBNs take me. Given that the business case works against that model, I doubt there is anyway to control that.
What worries me more is the future of this. Right now the model that Google has started is very opt in on the user part, and does a good job of indicating an AutoLink vs. a creator's link (it could be a bit better though). It does not override existing links. But when (not if) the version of this comes out that automatically starts doing this with no input from the user or not being as nice about showing the added links, or worse yet it starts jacking the creator's links (particularly to affiliate programs, which is stealing to me) then we have a problem. Google may not be the company to do this, but the technology is there and not everyone plays as nice as Google (or even Microsoft).
Microsoft got ripped a new asshole when they tried this before, but for some reason because it is Google all is ok. Google may continue to be our friends (and I do believe they will), but they do have shareholders to answer to but more importantly, once the technology is out there anyone can start to play with it and do things that are not as nice. Remember that the Microsoft monopoly was not built overnight.
I just got around to listening to this (I normally do not listen to IT Conversations, so this just hit my consciousness).
I was a bit upset that Cory Doctorow, who is representing the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), actually said "tough shit" to content creators who do not want people to use AutoLink on their created pages. (Note to Scoble - we are content creators, not providers. Providers makes it sound like a service much like our ISPs. What we put out is just like a painting or a book.) The EFF has a long history of protecting both consumers and creators and such language only pisses off the people they will be looking to for support of future endevors.
Now let me backup a step and say that the latest version of AutoLink sounds better - the user must intentionally turn in on (versus already on by default), they get a message to let the user know AutoLink has been turned on, the hover over for the link is a different icon, and it will not override existing links. If they went 1 step further and made the added links look different from the get go that would even be better.
Personally, as long as my links do not get jacked, I could care less about AutoLink on my pages. If the one or two of you who read this actually get some utility out of AutoLink, have at it. But I could see why people would not want AutoLink on specific pages (an AutoLink to Amazon in a rant about how piss poor Amazon is would not be good) or from specific AutoLink sources. For example, when Microsoft puts in
As a user though one part that, at least from what I have seen, is missing is the ability for me to choose where I AutoLink to. "There's gold in them thar hills" of AutoLink. Think of what Amazon is paying for the right to have all ISBNs directed to them from Google AutoLink. You can be damn sure that both Google & Amazon are monitoring the click through rate closely. To use Cory's arguement against opt in/out, there is no business case for allowing the user to select WHERE they AutoLink to. This causes me some concern since, as a user I no longer have control of where the AutoLink takes me. That goes against Cory's arguement that AutoLink is good because of user experience. If I feel Amazon is evil incarnate and I want to shop through Barnes & Noble, then I should be able to control where my ISBNs take me. Given that the business case works against that model, I doubt there is anyway to control that.
What worries me more is the future of this. Right now the model that Google has started is very opt in on the user part, and does a good job of indicating an AutoLink vs. a creator's link (it could be a bit better though). It does not override existing links. But when (not if) the version of this comes out that automatically starts doing this with no input from the user or not being as nice about showing the added links, or worse yet it starts jacking the creator's links (particularly to affiliate programs, which is stealing to me) then we have a problem. Google may not be the company to do this, but the technology is there and not everyone plays as nice as Google (or even Microsoft).
Microsoft got ripped a new asshole when they tried this before, but for some reason because it is Google all is ok. Google may continue to be our friends (and I do believe they will), but they do have shareholders to answer to but more importantly, once the technology is out there anyone can start to play with it and do things that are not as nice. Remember that the Microsoft monopoly was not built overnight.
The Eerie Sounds of Saturn's Radio Emissions
The Eerie Sounds of Saturn's Radio Emissions
I first heard about this from The Geek over at Geek News Central. Eerie. It would be cool if they had this kind of thing for other planets (they mention Earth on the page) so we could get a comparison.
I first heard about this from The Geek over at Geek News Central. Eerie. It would be cool if they had this kind of thing for other planets (they mention Earth on the page) so we could get a comparison.
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