Beacon Journal | 11/14/2005 | Route 8 to be streamlined
Driving this route for the last 10+ years I can only say this is a long time coming. This is different that what I have seen in the past, so it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
Of course during the construction I will probably end up on an alternate route since the traffic here is alreayd pretty bad.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
BOFH: Hi Honey I'm home | The Register
BOFH: Hi Honey I'm home | The Register
BOFH is sporadic, but it is usually pretty funny. For anyone who has worked in any aspect of the tech industry you can no doubt relate and have possibly comtemplated some of the things he does. Well worth the read.
BOFH is sporadic, but it is usually pretty funny. For anyone who has worked in any aspect of the tech industry you can no doubt relate and have possibly comtemplated some of the things he does. Well worth the read.
Read/Write Web: Portals 2.0 flesh out their product lines
Read/Write Web: Portals 2.0 flesh out their product lines:
I have to agree - they are all building portals in an effort to lure eyeballs. Google has the best advertising mechanisms in place (and great search), Yahoo has the best media tie ins. I have not played much with MSN, but with my knowledge of Microsoft they are probably pretty good at acting as glue between existing services.
If I had to pick one that is in the best position, I would say Yahoo. They are willing to partner with people (something Google is not), not viewed as an evil empire (like Microsoft, and slowly Google), and have been working on the whole portal thing for a long time. There is nothing saying the Yahoo will not go down the roads of either of these companies in the future, but right now that is my take.
"My take is that of course the Big 3 (I think we can discount AOL from this level of competition) have a very similar product line - because they're all building 'portals'. It may not be currently fashionable to call them portals, but basically Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft are all trying to integrate products and services into one-stop shops for their millions of users."
I have to agree - they are all building portals in an effort to lure eyeballs. Google has the best advertising mechanisms in place (and great search), Yahoo has the best media tie ins. I have not played much with MSN, but with my knowledge of Microsoft they are probably pretty good at acting as glue between existing services.
If I had to pick one that is in the best position, I would say Yahoo. They are willing to partner with people (something Google is not), not viewed as an evil empire (like Microsoft, and slowly Google), and have been working on the whole portal thing for a long time. There is nothing saying the Yahoo will not go down the roads of either of these companies in the future, but right now that is my take.
Johnny Depp Defends Kate Moss - Yahoo! News
Johnny Depp Defends Kate Moss - Yahoo! News
I have to agree to a point with Depp - she is just human. Why do we feel the need to dig up every last piece of dirty on celebrities and then vilify them when they don't live up to our expectation? I do not condone the drug use, but she is a super model. If she was only doing cocaine I would be shocked.
I have to agree to a point with Depp - she is just human. Why do we feel the need to dig up every last piece of dirty on celebrities and then vilify them when they don't live up to our expectation? I do not condone the drug use, but she is a super model. If she was only doing cocaine I would be shocked.
Viruses Exploit Sony CD Copy-Protection - Yahoo! News
Viruses Exploit Sony CD Copy-Protection - Yahoo! News:
Hmmmm...sounds like a trojan horse to me.
It has been suggested to start bocotting all of Sony's products until they admit they screwed up on this one. Given that this only targets Windows users is even more annoying.
The music industry as it stands today is becoming more and more irrelevant. Why annoy your dwindling number of customers? One more nail in the coffin.
"'You can't uninstall it, you can't find it, and it's vastly more invasive in terms of privacy and personal property than any other (digital rights management) program to date,' he said."
Hmmmm...sounds like a trojan horse to me.
It has been suggested to start bocotting all of Sony's products until they admit they screwed up on this one. Given that this only targets Windows users is even more annoying.
The music industry as it stands today is becoming more and more irrelevant. Why annoy your dwindling number of customers? One more nail in the coffin.
Finding Said to Boost Proof of Goliath - Yahoo! News
Finding Said to Boost Proof of Goliath - Yahoo! News
It will be interesting to see what the religious conservatives will do with this bit of info. Truth is not clear proof that the story of Goliath is true, but it shows it MAY be true. Knowing how some of these people work, there will be a jump to "the whole Bible is true". Never mind the fact that these types of people poo-poo science when it goes against what they believe.
It will be interesting to see what the religious conservatives will do with this bit of info. Truth is not clear proof that the story of Goliath is true, but it shows it MAY be true. Knowing how some of these people work, there will be a jump to "the whole Bible is true". Never mind the fact that these types of people poo-poo science when it goes against what they believe.
Beacon Journal | 11/11/2005 | Intelligent design decried
Beacon Journal | 11/11/2005 | Intelligent design decried:
This is the most logical arguement I have heard about this. Keep in mind we are talking about science class. Unless they are going to teach all possible religious explainations, which I can guarantee they are not, no one can talk about it in school. Even if someone is willing to go to all the trouble of running through all the religious explainations it has no place in a science class.
"This debate ``is not science vs. religion -- it's religion vs. religion,'' she said. ``Different religions take different views on science. The goal is to educate apart from those wars.''"
This is the most logical arguement I have heard about this. Keep in mind we are talking about science class. Unless they are going to teach all possible religious explainations, which I can guarantee they are not, no one can talk about it in school. Even if someone is willing to go to all the trouble of running through all the religious explainations it has no place in a science class.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Beacon Journal | 11/09/2005 | Akron schools suffer defeat
Beacon Journal | 11/09/2005 | Akron schools suffer defeat
Note to the Akron Public Schools - I voted against issue 78.
Normally I am one to vote to help the schools. I do believe that the children are our future, and one way to help draw people to the city are to have good schools. I also have two nieces who are in the Akron Public Schools right now.
However, you guys lost a lot of cred with my after the problems with the school building plan. When the original plan was proposed, and the plan that we all signed on for when we voted for the tax, was that all the current schools would remain open. After the plan was presented to the state, all of sudden we have to close a bunch of the schools, including upwards of half the high schools.
I felt like you intentionally deceived us, or are blindingly incompetent. When I read that the state would only support rebuilding/renovating schools with a total enrollment of 350 or more I was not happy. Don't get me wrong - there have been talk about closing some of these schools since I was in the Akron schools 20+ years ago. There was talk of Akron U buying Central Hower when I was in college 15+ years ago. With some of the grade schools having less than 150 students in K-4 (or is it 5?) it is hard to justify keeping a building running.
But why couldn't you be upfront about it all? Even if my alma mater was on the chopping block (which, in the state plan, it was) I would have voted for the tax. Why? Some state money is better than no money.
I realize that operating & captial monies pay for different things, but how do I know you are not lying to me now about the short fall in money? Yes, I know you have kept your word and held the line on expenses and are making progress toward improving test scores. But keeping your word and lying are different things.
There is one other thing:
To the Ohio legislature -
Last I heard the method that the state uses to fund schools is still unconstitutional according to the Ohio Supreme Court. You are working at your 5, 6th or more time through this process. You seemed more concerned with making sure gay marriage is a no-no (and then wonder why we have trouble getting people to move to Ohio), yet you cannot find a good way to constitutionally fund our public schools.
It maybe time to draw a line in the sand - no new taxes until the state can get its collective act together and at least find something that is constitutional. And maybe we all need to start voting against renewals as well.
Note to the Akron Public Schools - I voted against issue 78.
Normally I am one to vote to help the schools. I do believe that the children are our future, and one way to help draw people to the city are to have good schools. I also have two nieces who are in the Akron Public Schools right now.
However, you guys lost a lot of cred with my after the problems with the school building plan. When the original plan was proposed, and the plan that we all signed on for when we voted for the tax, was that all the current schools would remain open. After the plan was presented to the state, all of sudden we have to close a bunch of the schools, including upwards of half the high schools.
I felt like you intentionally deceived us, or are blindingly incompetent. When I read that the state would only support rebuilding/renovating schools with a total enrollment of 350 or more I was not happy. Don't get me wrong - there have been talk about closing some of these schools since I was in the Akron schools 20+ years ago. There was talk of Akron U buying Central Hower when I was in college 15+ years ago. With some of the grade schools having less than 150 students in K-4 (or is it 5?) it is hard to justify keeping a building running.
But why couldn't you be upfront about it all? Even if my alma mater was on the chopping block (which, in the state plan, it was) I would have voted for the tax. Why? Some state money is better than no money.
I realize that operating & captial monies pay for different things, but how do I know you are not lying to me now about the short fall in money? Yes, I know you have kept your word and held the line on expenses and are making progress toward improving test scores. But keeping your word and lying are different things.
There is one other thing:
To the Ohio legislature -
Last I heard the method that the state uses to fund schools is still unconstitutional according to the Ohio Supreme Court. You are working at your 5, 6th or more time through this process. You seemed more concerned with making sure gay marriage is a no-no (and then wonder why we have trouble getting people to move to Ohio), yet you cannot find a good way to constitutionally fund our public schools.
It maybe time to draw a line in the sand - no new taxes until the state can get its collective act together and at least find something that is constitutional. And maybe we all need to start voting against renewals as well.
Microsoft, AP Team on Online Video Venture - Yahoo! News
Microsoft, AP Team on Online Video Venture - Yahoo! News
This is an interesting volley across Apple's bow. Microsoft is not much of a hardware company, but with the video iPod I could see this as a step toward teaming up with a company to offer some kind of iTunes/Disney thing.
As I said before, the video iPod makes video on demand (VOD) a new game. We not only need to shift time but location as well. Streaming is only 1 way in which we are going to want to get videos. In the future if you want to remain competitive you are going to have to offer some way to make things mobile, and on a variety of devices. Digital rights management (DRM) is going to have to get used to that as well.
This is an interesting volley across Apple's bow. Microsoft is not much of a hardware company, but with the video iPod I could see this as a step toward teaming up with a company to offer some kind of iTunes/Disney thing.
As I said before, the video iPod makes video on demand (VOD) a new game. We not only need to shift time but location as well. Streaming is only 1 way in which we are going to want to get videos. In the future if you want to remain competitive you are going to have to offer some way to make things mobile, and on a variety of devices. Digital rights management (DRM) is going to have to get used to that as well.
Evolution Critics Score Win in Kansas - Yahoo! News
Evolution Critics Score Win in Kansas - Yahoo! News
Even the Catholic church admits that you must consider theories when backed by some evidence. The next step backwards is to go back to the idea of the universe revolving around the Earth.
Even the Catholic church admits that you must consider theories when backed by some evidence. The next step backwards is to go back to the idea of the universe revolving around the Earth.
Senators, oil execs to debate profits - Yahoo! News
Senators, oil execs to debate profits - Yahoo! News
Unfortunately it will turn into a dog & pony show with no real results. Senators will talk tough but in the end do nothing.
Unfortunately it will turn into a dog & pony show with no real results. Senators will talk tough but in the end do nothing.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
NBC, CBS to offer shows on demand for 99 cents - Yahoo! News
NBC, CBS to offer shows on demand for 99 cents - Yahoo! News
Not sure how much sense this makes. I like the idea of $.99 episodes, but the limited nature of who can get these shows does not make sense to me.
I think the video iPod takes video on demand to a whole new level. We need to be able not only time shift, but device shift as well.
Not sure how much sense this makes. I like the idea of $.99 episodes, but the limited nature of who can get these shows does not make sense to me.
I think the video iPod takes video on demand to a whole new level. We need to be able not only time shift, but device shift as well.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Some thoughts on aggregation
I have been a thinking about aggregation of late. In part because I have been working with Flickr and in part because I have been working with some people who are not overly tech savvy.
I am a big user of Bloglines. It is not necessarily that I find them any better than any other service, but they are web based and free. The web basis makes it easy for me to synch my reads between home & work. There are many feeds that I are techie enough that I may read them at work or at home.
Dave Winer has talked about the idea of a river of news. Instead of the email-ish UI where each feed shows if it has new items, all the new items are displayed in a way to show the stories directly. The Google Reader approximates this approach.
I find the Google reader pretty cool, and if they would use actual arrow keys for navigation it would be great. If you really want to rip through your unread entries in the order in which they were posted this is great.
However there are times I want to do both kinds of reading. At work I want to see my feeds and select individual feeds to read. At home I would prefer the river of news approach.
Feed Demon by Nick Bradbury can, or will be, able to handle both types of reading. I got Feed Demon 1.5 and it is an interesting piece of software. The problem is synching feeds between multiple computers. When version 1.6 comes out and it is integrated with NewsGator it will solve a big problem. I like that you can group your feeds, which would be nice so that I could group my techie feeds and, presumably, do the river of news with that group. It would even be better if the groups could at least note there is at least 1 new item to read. I may have some option setup wrong to get this though. Feed Demon is feature rich and if you are looking for a desktop reader and have some money to spend it is well worth it. Feed Demon works right now with NewsGator, but with 1.6 it will be one fee instead of 2.
The one thing I have not tried yet is off line reading in FeedDemon. This would be useful when I am on the road and need to snag my feeds where I am paying for connectivity by the hour.
Of course now that I have looked at it, NewsGator is free and offers some of the same features as BlogLines.
What else would I like to see? More scripting abilities to keep things open for future stuff. Many handle enclosures with no problem, some do not do auto downloads, some will not shot the enclosure to another program, etc.
I am a big user of Bloglines. It is not necessarily that I find them any better than any other service, but they are web based and free. The web basis makes it easy for me to synch my reads between home & work. There are many feeds that I are techie enough that I may read them at work or at home.
Dave Winer has talked about the idea of a river of news. Instead of the email-ish UI where each feed shows if it has new items, all the new items are displayed in a way to show the stories directly. The Google Reader approximates this approach.
I find the Google reader pretty cool, and if they would use actual arrow keys for navigation it would be great. If you really want to rip through your unread entries in the order in which they were posted this is great.
However there are times I want to do both kinds of reading. At work I want to see my feeds and select individual feeds to read. At home I would prefer the river of news approach.
Feed Demon by Nick Bradbury can, or will be, able to handle both types of reading. I got Feed Demon 1.5 and it is an interesting piece of software. The problem is synching feeds between multiple computers. When version 1.6 comes out and it is integrated with NewsGator it will solve a big problem. I like that you can group your feeds, which would be nice so that I could group my techie feeds and, presumably, do the river of news with that group. It would even be better if the groups could at least note there is at least 1 new item to read. I may have some option setup wrong to get this though. Feed Demon is feature rich and if you are looking for a desktop reader and have some money to spend it is well worth it. Feed Demon works right now with NewsGator, but with 1.6 it will be one fee instead of 2.
The one thing I have not tried yet is off line reading in FeedDemon. This would be useful when I am on the road and need to snag my feeds where I am paying for connectivity by the hour.
Of course now that I have looked at it, NewsGator is free and offers some of the same features as BlogLines.
What else would I like to see? More scripting abilities to keep things open for future stuff. Many handle enclosures with no problem, some do not do auto downloads, some will not shot the enclosure to another program, etc.
Phil Collins Says Genesis Reunion Possible - Yahoo! News
Phil Collins Says Genesis Reunion Possible - Yahoo! News
This would be cool. I think I saw them during the "We Can't Dance" tour at Cleveland's old Municipal stadium. This is when both the Indians & Browns played at the same stadium. I never saw them with Peter Gabriel singing, but I have listened to some of their CDs from that time frame and like it.
This would be cool. I think I saw them during the "We Can't Dance" tour at Cleveland's old Municipal stadium. This is when both the Indians & Browns played at the same stadium. I never saw them with Peter Gabriel singing, but I have listened to some of their CDs from that time frame and like it.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
What does your birth date mean
| Your Birthdate: December 20 |
 You are a virtual roller coaster of emotions, and most people enjoy the ride. Your mood tends to set the tone of the room, and when you're happy, this is a good thing. When you get in a dark mood, watch out - it's very hard to get you out of it. It's sometimes hard for you to cheer up, and your gloom can be contagious. Your strength: Your warm heart Your weakness: Trouble controlling your emotions Your power color: Black Your power symbol: Musical note Your power month: February |
A catchup meme
Since Katherine said she had no one to tag with this meme, I thought I would go ahead and do it.
Three names I go by:
Howard
Woody
Hey you (for some reason people have trouble with my name so I tend to resond to just about any name)
Three screen names I have had:
hhill
hhilliii
MysticOne (back in the old BBS days)
Three physical things I like about myself:
My eyes
My hands
My legs
Three physical things I don't like about myself:
The settling around the waist
My nose
My hair
Three parts of my heritage:
Irish
German
Scottish
Three things that scare me:
Religous fanatics
Modern business practices
Never finding love
Three of my everyday essentials:
Tea or hot chocolate
The Internet
A walk
Three of my favorite musical artists:
Styx
Phil Collins
Meatloaf
Three of my favorite songs:
Come Sail Away - Styx
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
Three things I want in a relationship:
Trust
Understanding
Respect
Three LIES:
I know what I want to be when I grow up
I have a kick-ass car
I love brussel sprouts
Three TRUTHS:
I was extremely extroverted, but then became introverted
I hate watching football on TV
I believe magic exists
Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeal to me:
Eyes
Legs
Hair
Three of my favorite hobbies:
Walking
Reading
Genealogy
Three things I want to do really badly now:
Get my dinner started
Get my house completely cleaned up
Fix my back door
Three careers I've considered:
History Teacher
Botanist
Accountant
Three places I want to go on vacation:
Sedona, AZ
Mexico
Scottland
Three kid's names I like:
Heather
Abigail
Alexander
Three things I want to do before I die:
Travel extensively
Visit the pyramids in Egypt
Learn to play guitar
Three ways that I am stereotypically a boy:
My slobbish house cleaning
My clothes
My love of fart humor
Three ways that I am stereotypically a girl:
I am in touch with my feelings
I am a pretty good listener
I am a sucker for a good romantic comedy
Three celebrity crushes:
Nicole Kidman
Sandra Bullock
Mare Winningham
Three names I go by:
Howard
Woody
Hey you (for some reason people have trouble with my name so I tend to resond to just about any name)
Three screen names I have had:
hhill
hhilliii
MysticOne (back in the old BBS days)
Three physical things I like about myself:
My eyes
My hands
My legs
Three physical things I don't like about myself:
The settling around the waist
My nose
My hair
Three parts of my heritage:
Irish
German
Scottish
Three things that scare me:
Religous fanatics
Modern business practices
Never finding love
Three of my everyday essentials:
Tea or hot chocolate
The Internet
A walk
Three of my favorite musical artists:
Styx
Phil Collins
Meatloaf
Three of my favorite songs:
Come Sail Away - Styx
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
Beautiful - Christina Aguilera
Three things I want in a relationship:
Trust
Understanding
Respect
Three LIES:
I know what I want to be when I grow up
I have a kick-ass car
I love brussel sprouts
Three TRUTHS:
I was extremely extroverted, but then became introverted
I hate watching football on TV
I believe magic exists
Three physical things about the opposite sex that appeal to me:
Eyes
Legs
Hair
Three of my favorite hobbies:
Walking
Reading
Genealogy
Three things I want to do really badly now:
Get my dinner started
Get my house completely cleaned up
Fix my back door
Three careers I've considered:
History Teacher
Botanist
Accountant
Three places I want to go on vacation:
Sedona, AZ
Mexico
Scottland
Three kid's names I like:
Heather
Abigail
Alexander
Three things I want to do before I die:
Travel extensively
Visit the pyramids in Egypt
Learn to play guitar
Three ways that I am stereotypically a boy:
My slobbish house cleaning
My clothes
My love of fart humor
Three ways that I am stereotypically a girl:
I am in touch with my feelings
I am a pretty good listener
I am a sucker for a good romantic comedy
Three celebrity crushes:
Nicole Kidman
Sandra Bullock
Mare Winningham
Beacon Journal | 11/06/2005 | New trail is way to get more places
Beacon Journal | 11/06/2005 | New trail is way to get more places
This is great news! Our area has some great parks, and some good trails but few of the trails hook together.
Now we need to get some more inter-city trails. We have a number of abandoned-looking rail beds that would make great bike trails. Even here in NE Ohio I don't think we can overlook the need to encourage people to use bikes for transportation. Problem us our roads are pretty crappy for bikers, and a few dedicated cut throughs might help draw in some people. If they can get some hook ups from neighborhoods to both the Bike & Hike trail or the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath then you have the best of both worlds.
This is great news! Our area has some great parks, and some good trails but few of the trails hook together.
Now we need to get some more inter-city trails. We have a number of abandoned-looking rail beds that would make great bike trails. Even here in NE Ohio I don't think we can overlook the need to encourage people to use bikes for transportation. Problem us our roads are pretty crappy for bikers, and a few dedicated cut throughs might help draw in some people. If they can get some hook ups from neighborhoods to both the Bike & Hike trail or the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath then you have the best of both worlds.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Becky's T*blog: What Flickr clusters say about you
Becky's T*blog: What Flickr clusters say about you
An interesting little meme, and I learned something about Flikr.
So what does Howard "mean"?
"bush, blair, streetart"
"politics, john, dean"
"chicago, train, redline"
"soma, sanfrancisco"
"england, castle"
Apparently Howards are pretty politically involved, leaning either right or left, enjoys street art, and travels a lot, many times by train.
Becky said it hit about 40%, for me even less. I will say I am sort of middle of the road politically, but I have not been to Chicago, San Francisco or England.
An interesting little meme, and I learned something about Flikr.
So what does Howard "mean"?
"bush, blair, streetart"
"politics, john, dean"
"chicago, train, redline"
"soma, sanfrancisco"
"england, castle"
Apparently Howards are pretty politically involved, leaning either right or left, enjoys street art, and travels a lot, many times by train.
Becky said it hit about 40%, for me even less. I will say I am sort of middle of the road politically, but I have not been to Chicago, San Francisco or England.
CommonMedia Launches DRM-Free Music and Video Stores - CommonMedia.org
CommonMedia Launches DRM-Free Music and Video Stores - CommonMedia.org
An intesting idea. BitTorrent is a great way to disribute large files, but only really works when there are lots of people downloading the same file. I grabbed a file from CommonFlix that was free just to see how it worked, but only 1 other person had downloaded the file so it was painfully slow. It will be interesting to see what people do with this with TV shows.
Via Geek News Central
An intesting idea. BitTorrent is a great way to disribute large files, but only really works when there are lots of people downloading the same file. I grabbed a file from CommonFlix that was free just to see how it worked, but only 1 other person had downloaded the file so it was painfully slow. It will be interesting to see what people do with this with TV shows.
Via Geek News Central
Scripting News: 10/29/2005
Scripting News: 10/29/2005:
I find the name Old Farts Genius Network. Not sure about the genius part, but at work I am an old fart.
Hey we're having a Old Farts Genius Network breakfast at Denny's in Palo Alto, tomorow at 9:30AM. You don't have to be a club member to join the party. Permanent link to this item in the archive.
I find the name Old Farts Genius Network. Not sure about the genius part, but at work I am an old fart.
Tarot quiz results: The Moon
You are the Moon card. Entering the Moon we enter
the intuitive and psychic realms. This is the
stuff dreams are made on. And like dreams the
imagery we find here may inspire us or torment
us. Understanding the moon requires looking
within. Our own bodily rhythms are echoed in
this luminary that circles the earth every
month and reflects the sun in its progress.
Listening to those rhythms may produce visions
and lead you towards insight. The Moon is a
force that has legends attached to it. It
carries with it both romance and insanity.
Moonlight reveals itself as an illusion and it
is only those willing to work with the force of
dreams that are able to withstand this
reflective light. Image from: Stevee Postman.
http://www.stevee.com/
Which Tarot Card Are You?
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Friday, November 04, 2005
Been awhile
I have been AWOL for awhile here. Things usually get out of control around the For Purpose Conference, and it just completely throws off my schedule.
The conference itself was great. The speakers were great, even the one's whom I did not necessarily connect with what they were saying. One thing I have learned to appreciate is that a speaker can do a great job but you may not connect with their particular symbology. Sometimes it is important to look for themes and to see if you can translate the speaker's symbology to your own.
The real pleasure for me though was participating in the Saturday healing ceremony. This is an energetic healing with Reiki or similar techniques. I was a "catcher". Catchers have two basic jobs. The first is to escort people to a healers tables, kind of keeping the process moving. The second, and more important, is to help people after they are done on the table. People can get stiff from being on the table, plus sometimes they need some grounding. There are others who help with the grounding, but the extra hands (and muscle) is usually appreciated.
I drove to VA Beach, which I always like as a nice bugger between the regular world and the coccoon we put ourselves in while in VA Beach. It is about a 10 hour drive, but it is worth it to me.
Bloglines is showing I have over 70 saved posts for me to do something with. A fair chunk of that is a book that is being released through RSS that I am 20+ chapters beind in. I am going to go through those tomorrow so I will probably be doing a lot of posts tomorrow.
One other thing that came out of the Conference was I somehow got tagged as the eBay guy. I have an eBay credit card that I applied for while fulfilling some online offer. I have not been a huge user of eBay. Sure I have picked up a few items here and there, but checking eBay has never been my first inclination. I have been doing some searching on eBay and finding a variety of things. The biggest surprise was finding clothes in my size. I normally shop in a big & tall shop, which is never cheap. I actually found a pair of jeans that will fit. When I loose the weight I will probably keep going back. Unfortunately I am between inseam sizes and a 32 inseam (which is really too long) is not something most stores carry. Even if I get down to a "normal" size I will still be getting my pants in the big & tall shop. At least eBay might get me some cheaper clothes!
The conference itself was great. The speakers were great, even the one's whom I did not necessarily connect with what they were saying. One thing I have learned to appreciate is that a speaker can do a great job but you may not connect with their particular symbology. Sometimes it is important to look for themes and to see if you can translate the speaker's symbology to your own.
The real pleasure for me though was participating in the Saturday healing ceremony. This is an energetic healing with Reiki or similar techniques. I was a "catcher". Catchers have two basic jobs. The first is to escort people to a healers tables, kind of keeping the process moving. The second, and more important, is to help people after they are done on the table. People can get stiff from being on the table, plus sometimes they need some grounding. There are others who help with the grounding, but the extra hands (and muscle) is usually appreciated.
I drove to VA Beach, which I always like as a nice bugger between the regular world and the coccoon we put ourselves in while in VA Beach. It is about a 10 hour drive, but it is worth it to me.
Bloglines is showing I have over 70 saved posts for me to do something with. A fair chunk of that is a book that is being released through RSS that I am 20+ chapters beind in. I am going to go through those tomorrow so I will probably be doing a lot of posts tomorrow.
One other thing that came out of the Conference was I somehow got tagged as the eBay guy. I have an eBay credit card that I applied for while fulfilling some online offer. I have not been a huge user of eBay. Sure I have picked up a few items here and there, but checking eBay has never been my first inclination. I have been doing some searching on eBay and finding a variety of things. The biggest surprise was finding clothes in my size. I normally shop in a big & tall shop, which is never cheap. I actually found a pair of jeans that will fit. When I loose the weight I will probably keep going back. Unfortunately I am between inseam sizes and a 32 inseam (which is really too long) is not something most stores carry. Even if I get down to a "normal" size I will still be getting my pants in the big & tall shop. At least eBay might get me some cheaper clothes!
Vatican: Faithful Should Listen to Science - Yahoo! News
Vatican: Faithful Should Listen to Science - Yahoo! News
This is a big deal, at least in my view. It always seemed like the Catholic church puts on its blinders, sticks its fingers in its ears and screams "LALALALA" at lound as possible. I think they are realizing they are not the only game in town.
This is a big deal, at least in my view. It always seemed like the Catholic church puts on its blinders, sticks its fingers in its ears and screams "LALALALA" at lound as possible. I think they are realizing they are not the only game in town.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Google Offers Index of Public Domain Works - Yahoo! News
Google Offers Index of Public Domain Works - Yahoo! News
This is nothing new. Project Gutenberg has been around for years.
This is nothing new. Project Gutenberg has been around for years.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Hollywood Studios Fair Use Public Enemy Number One
The truth is no matter what the MPAA does, people will find a way around it. DVDs are, buy and large, cheap and probably not worth pirating.
I know that Hollywood has been complaining about the drop off of box office sales. There are two parts to that. By and large a lot of what is coming out lately flat out sucks. It is not worth even the $6 (roughly) matinee price. It MIGHT be worth a $3.50 rental. This year seemed to be the year of remakes: Longest Yard, Bewitched, Herbie, etc. Where are the original ideas??
The second problem is the movie going experience. My brother, nephew and I went to see Star Wars III. It was $8.25 for my ticket (my brother had passes), $19.75 for pop, popcorn and candy and THAT was with a special they were running that day. Without the passes, it would have been around $42 for 3 of us to see a film, sharing a tub of popcorn and two drinks between us. My brother's family of 6 could not afford a night at the movies at a first-run theater, and even has trouble getting everyone in at the local second-run theater. At least it is only $18 for everyone there.
Given that many people have big screen TVs, DVD players, surround sound watching a video at home is almost as good as being in the theater. You can buy the same snacks for a fraction of the cost at a store. Unless you enjoy sticky floors (and just about every theater I have been in has them) and people's cell phones going off, why not save a few bucks?
If Hollywood is really worried, maybe if they gave us a product worth our time we would spend the money. I still go to the theater for select films - some things just look good on the big screen. But there is so much out there that I am willing to wait for it to come out on DVD, if I want to spend the time at all.
The truth is no matter what the MPAA does, people will find a way around it. DVDs are, buy and large, cheap and probably not worth pirating.
I know that Hollywood has been complaining about the drop off of box office sales. There are two parts to that. By and large a lot of what is coming out lately flat out sucks. It is not worth even the $6 (roughly) matinee price. It MIGHT be worth a $3.50 rental. This year seemed to be the year of remakes: Longest Yard, Bewitched, Herbie, etc. Where are the original ideas??
The second problem is the movie going experience. My brother, nephew and I went to see Star Wars III. It was $8.25 for my ticket (my brother had passes), $19.75 for pop, popcorn and candy and THAT was with a special they were running that day. Without the passes, it would have been around $42 for 3 of us to see a film, sharing a tub of popcorn and two drinks between us. My brother's family of 6 could not afford a night at the movies at a first-run theater, and even has trouble getting everyone in at the local second-run theater. At least it is only $18 for everyone there.
Given that many people have big screen TVs, DVD players, surround sound watching a video at home is almost as good as being in the theater. You can buy the same snacks for a fraction of the cost at a store. Unless you enjoy sticky floors (and just about every theater I have been in has them) and people's cell phones going off, why not save a few bucks?
If Hollywood is really worried, maybe if they gave us a product worth our time we would spend the money. I still go to the theater for select films - some things just look good on the big screen. But there is so much out there that I am willing to wait for it to come out on DVD, if I want to spend the time at all.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Boing Boing: Principal says students can't keep blogs or MySpace profiles
Via Geek News Central
Boing Boing: Principal says students can't keep blogs or MySpace profiles
The given reason is to safegaurd the children from predators. Given the problems that the Catholic church has had of late it comes of as sounding like the schools want to save the children for themselves. Maybe I am just being pessamistic on that.
I do believe that parents should take some responsiblity teaching their kids how to behave on line, just like they tell children to not talk to strangers they likewise need to teach them to be leary of anyone on line. Cyber space is no different than meat space. In fact cyber space is worse since people can track people easier online and from anywhere. I would hope that parents would keep some tabs on what their kids do online, at least in the home.
Boing Boing: Principal says students can't keep blogs or MySpace profiles
The given reason is to safegaurd the children from predators. Given the problems that the Catholic church has had of late it comes of as sounding like the schools want to save the children for themselves. Maybe I am just being pessamistic on that.
I do believe that parents should take some responsiblity teaching their kids how to behave on line, just like they tell children to not talk to strangers they likewise need to teach them to be leary of anyone on line. Cyber space is no different than meat space. In fact cyber space is worse since people can track people easier online and from anywhere. I would hope that parents would keep some tabs on what their kids do online, at least in the home.
My blog is not worth much
Thanks to John I found out how much my blog is worth. Good thing I do this for love and not money ;).
My blog is worth $2,822.70.
How much is your blog worth?
Beacon Journal | 11/01/2005 | Smoking debate lights up Summit
Beacon Journal | 11/01/2005 | Smoking debate lights up Summit
As a non-smoker I support this ban whole heartedly. Having just come from VA Beach where smoking is allowed everywhere I hate trying to enjoy a meal while people around you smoke. I might get out more and go to places to enjoy live music if I did not have to put up with smokers everywhere there is live music.
As a non-smoker I support this ban whole heartedly. Having just come from VA Beach where smoking is allowed everywhere I hate trying to enjoy a meal while people around you smoke. I might get out more and go to places to enjoy live music if I did not have to put up with smokers everywhere there is live music.
Monday, October 31, 2005
iPod Vending Machine - Gizmodo
iPod Vending Machine - Gizmodo
I have to agree that an iPod vending machine does not make much sense, unless the iPods are charged and have some music on them. It would be interesting if they did.
I have to agree that an iPod vending machine does not make much sense, unless the iPods are charged and have some music on them. It would be interesting if they did.
Favorite Candy Bar (Saturday, October 22, 2005)
Another catchup meme:
From Top 5 Friday via
Gary
Snickers - Peanuts - good! Nougat - good! Carmel - GOOD!
M & Ms - Small, convenient, comes with lots of varieties and pretty colors.
Almond Joy - Coconut & almonds.......Forgive me while I wipe up the drull.
Sugar Babies - Can't find them often, and are often stale (ie - hard) when I do find them. Leave them in your pocket for awhile so as not to break teeth. They last better in heat than Milk Duds
Mike & Ikes - I love them at the movies.
From Top 5 Friday via
Gary
Snickers - Peanuts - good! Nougat - good! Carmel - GOOD!
M & Ms - Small, convenient, comes with lots of varieties and pretty colors.
Almond Joy - Coconut & almonds.......Forgive me while I wipe up the drull.
Sugar Babies - Can't find them often, and are often stale (ie - hard) when I do find them. Leave them in your pocket for awhile so as not to break teeth. They last better in heat than Milk Duds
Mike & Ikes - I love them at the movies.
Top 5, all time favorite movies? (Friday, October 14, 2005)
I am cleaning up some stuff from when I was on vacation, and I really liked this meme.
From Top 5 Friday Via Gary
My top 5 all time favorite movies:
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The Eigth Dimension. A great cast and a quirky movie. If you watch it on DVD watch it with the original opening with Jamie Lee Curtis playing Buckaroo's mother.
Kissing Jessica Stein. I'm a sucker for a romatic comedy, and this is one I will go back to. Small, independent film.
Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi. The best of the series in my opinion.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Khan is probably my favorite villian from the original Star Trek, and he seemed to be the one villian to REALLY push Kirk.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. If it was not so long I would watch it regularly. All three were good, but this is my favorite.
From Top 5 Friday Via Gary
My top 5 all time favorite movies:
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The Eigth Dimension. A great cast and a quirky movie. If you watch it on DVD watch it with the original opening with Jamie Lee Curtis playing Buckaroo's mother.
Kissing Jessica Stein. I'm a sucker for a romatic comedy, and this is one I will go back to. Small, independent film.
Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi. The best of the series in my opinion.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Khan is probably my favorite villian from the original Star Trek, and he seemed to be the one villian to REALLY push Kirk.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. If it was not so long I would watch it regularly. All three were good, but this is my favorite.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Column from PC Magazine: Apple iPod's Amazing Video Feat
Column from PC Magazine: Apple iPod's Amazing Video Feat
Portable media players have been trying to take off for awhile now. With Apple packing this it has a better chance of hitting main stream.
The biggest problem I see is the cost per episode through iTunes. $2/episode pushes the cost of the episodes on DVD. Hopefully half-hour shows will will be less than the shows I have seen. Granted you get the shows commericial free without having to skip through them!
What will really break this open is being able to transfer shows from your DVR (like TiVo) onto the players. It would be great if you could have it automatically load on a show that you did not get a chance to watch. With gas prices going up more and more people will be commuting and that time would be great to catch last night's show(s). The device would then also have to talk to your DVR to relay back what has been watched. That two way communication seems to be missing on some of the MP3 players.
I figure as people start replacing machines they are going to start getting Media Center systems, which eliminates the needs for TiVo. People are not looking to pirate films, just be able to play them back when they get a chance to watch them. TiVo has shown that time shifting shows is desired. PMPs take that to another level.
This is getting to to reevaluate my position on multi function units. Based on what I have seen on Apple's & Creative Lab's sites, a 30 gig unit will hold up to 15,000 songs, 120 hours of video or 25,000 pictures. If you divide that into thirds you could easily fit 5,000 songs, 40 hours of video. Let's throw in an eBook reader (the screens are getting bigger and easier to read) and some PDA capabilities and the system really begins to take on some serious shape. Let's say we set 3 gig aside for eBooks and PDA info. Given that many PDAs now are in the 128 meg range it seems more than generous. And keep in mind that some functions of the PDA would be taken by functions of the PMP. That would still leave plenty of room for music, videos & photos.
The problem is still one of cost. Most multi function units I have seen to date tend to cost almost as much as the combined cost of all the replacement units. Why? The bulk of the cost is in the memory. Given that most PDAs already do most (actually all) of what PMPs do, we should be able to combine these fairly easily and, more importantly, cheaply.
I still think that cell phones should remain separate. I hate to say it, but combining PDAs and cell phones result in too many compromises in form on one or the other. Cell phone MP3 or video players may make sense, but if you are going to try and combine PDA functionality you really need two units to have good form & functionality between the two.
Portable media players have been trying to take off for awhile now. With Apple packing this it has a better chance of hitting main stream.
The biggest problem I see is the cost per episode through iTunes. $2/episode pushes the cost of the episodes on DVD. Hopefully half-hour shows will will be less than the shows I have seen. Granted you get the shows commericial free without having to skip through them!
What will really break this open is being able to transfer shows from your DVR (like TiVo) onto the players. It would be great if you could have it automatically load on a show that you did not get a chance to watch. With gas prices going up more and more people will be commuting and that time would be great to catch last night's show(s). The device would then also have to talk to your DVR to relay back what has been watched. That two way communication seems to be missing on some of the MP3 players.
I figure as people start replacing machines they are going to start getting Media Center systems, which eliminates the needs for TiVo. People are not looking to pirate films, just be able to play them back when they get a chance to watch them. TiVo has shown that time shifting shows is desired. PMPs take that to another level.
This is getting to to reevaluate my position on multi function units. Based on what I have seen on Apple's & Creative Lab's sites, a 30 gig unit will hold up to 15,000 songs, 120 hours of video or 25,000 pictures. If you divide that into thirds you could easily fit 5,000 songs, 40 hours of video. Let's throw in an eBook reader (the screens are getting bigger and easier to read) and some PDA capabilities and the system really begins to take on some serious shape. Let's say we set 3 gig aside for eBooks and PDA info. Given that many PDAs now are in the 128 meg range it seems more than generous. And keep in mind that some functions of the PDA would be taken by functions of the PMP. That would still leave plenty of room for music, videos & photos.
The problem is still one of cost. Most multi function units I have seen to date tend to cost almost as much as the combined cost of all the replacement units. Why? The bulk of the cost is in the memory. Given that most PDAs already do most (actually all) of what PMPs do, we should be able to combine these fairly easily and, more importantly, cheaply.
I still think that cell phones should remain separate. I hate to say it, but combining PDAs and cell phones result in too many compromises in form on one or the other. Cell phone MP3 or video players may make sense, but if you are going to try and combine PDA functionality you really need two units to have good form & functionality between the two.
'Star Trek' Actor George Takei Comes Out - Yahoo! News
'Star Trek' Actor George Takei Comes Out - Yahoo! News
It is cool that Takei can finally be himself. As he stated he had issues around being gay and Japanese, neither of which should be an issue. It will be interesting to see what he does now given his activist tendancies.
It is cool that Takei can finally be himself. As he stated he had issues around being gay and Japanese, neither of which should be an issue. It will be interesting to see what he does now given his activist tendancies.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Review: iPod Nano, 2GB | 43 Folders
Review: iPod Nano, 2GB | 43 Folders
I like the idea, but to me I like to have entry capability. For those who want one small device and are not too concerned with data entry it would be great.
To me though, if we can get 2 gig into that small a piece of equipment, then I can see 2 gig in the Palm/Pocket PC environment. Granted I got 40 meg of 52 meg free on my current Palm, but if we can squeeze out some additional battery life maybe I consider moving to one device.
I like the idea, but to me I like to have entry capability. For those who want one small device and are not too concerned with data entry it would be great.
To me though, if we can get 2 gig into that small a piece of equipment, then I can see 2 gig in the Palm/Pocket PC environment. Granted I got 40 meg of 52 meg free on my current Palm, but if we can squeeze out some additional battery life maybe I consider moving to one device.
Google meme
From Katherine:
Type "[yourname] needs" into Google and see what comes out.
1) Howard needs Clark for Solomons venture - smh.com.au
Ok, I'll buy that. Whenever I enter into a venture I want as much help as I can get.
2) Workers Online : Letters to the Editor : 2005 - Issue 253 : Howard ...
Howard Needs To Know.
Maybe Clark has the answer??
3) CFMEU: Construction & General Division: Hard Hat: November 2001 ...
Private Howard needs you!
Is "you" Clark? Seriously though I always figured I would be an officer, not a private.
4) Howard Needs Homeland Security - The Hilltop - Perspectives Howard Needs Homeland Security
Does that mean I need to go out and get a gun & dog?
5) Barclay Howard needs treatment for leukaemia
Leukaemia? Pass!
6) Graham Young argues that John Howard needs to lead the Liberal ...
Sounds like a plan. Maybe I can get Clark to help out!
7) Ambit Gambit: John Howard needs to learn to say sorry.
"I'm Sorry." Now that was not hard.
8) Michael Howard speech: Your reaction Howard needs to attack, attack, attack and don't be nice.
But I just learned to say I was sorry...
9) The Muslim News - Howard needs to allay concerns of British Muslims
Not sure what I can do here. Maybe if I can lead the liberals we can allay the concerns of the British Muslims...
10) The Talent Show: Howard Needs A Joke
I have a joke: What is the difference between a catfish & a lawyer?
A: One is a mud-sucking bottom dweller and the other is a fish.
Ok, maybe I need a BETTER joke.
Type "[yourname] needs" into Google and see what comes out.
1) Howard needs Clark for Solomons venture - smh.com.au
Ok, I'll buy that. Whenever I enter into a venture I want as much help as I can get.
2) Workers Online : Letters to the Editor : 2005 - Issue 253 : Howard ...
Howard Needs To Know.
Maybe Clark has the answer??
3) CFMEU: Construction & General Division: Hard Hat: November 2001 ...
Private Howard needs you!
Is "you" Clark? Seriously though I always figured I would be an officer, not a private.
4) Howard Needs Homeland Security - The Hilltop - Perspectives Howard Needs Homeland Security
Does that mean I need to go out and get a gun & dog?
5) Barclay Howard needs treatment for leukaemia
Leukaemia? Pass!
6) Graham Young argues that John Howard needs to lead the Liberal ...
Sounds like a plan. Maybe I can get Clark to help out!
7) Ambit Gambit: John Howard needs to learn to say sorry.
"I'm Sorry." Now that was not hard.
8) Michael Howard speech: Your reaction Howard needs to attack, attack, attack and don't be nice.
But I just learned to say I was sorry...
9) The Muslim News - Howard needs to allay concerns of British Muslims
Not sure what I can do here. Maybe if I can lead the liberals we can allay the concerns of the British Muslims...
10) The Talent Show: Howard Needs A Joke
I have a joke: What is the difference between a catfish & a lawyer?
A: One is a mud-sucking bottom dweller and the other is a fish.
Ok, maybe I need a BETTER joke.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Beacon Journal | 10/25/2005 | State goes to all-electronic support payments
Beacon Journal | 10/25/2005 | State goes to all-electronic support payments
To me this is a good/bad thing. It is good that they are finally doing something that is electronic based. The USA, in general, is so far behind the times when it comes to banking. We are about the last country in the world to still make large use of checks. In fact I heard that Germany completely eliminated paper checks, although I would find that hard to believe. If nothing else companies that do business with Americans would need to have checks.
My concern would be with the Ohio e-QuickPay debit card. Aside from the problems of using debit cards at some places, how much access does the state have over where you spent that money? Granted they are taking into account people who don't have some kind of bank account (which typically is the poorest of society), but do the same rules apply to the debit card as to people getting the money direct deposited into an account? It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
To me this is a good/bad thing. It is good that they are finally doing something that is electronic based. The USA, in general, is so far behind the times when it comes to banking. We are about the last country in the world to still make large use of checks. In fact I heard that Germany completely eliminated paper checks, although I would find that hard to believe. If nothing else companies that do business with Americans would need to have checks.
My concern would be with the Ohio e-QuickPay debit card. Aside from the problems of using debit cards at some places, how much access does the state have over where you spent that money? Granted they are taking into account people who don't have some kind of bank account (which typically is the poorest of society), but do the same rules apply to the debit card as to people getting the money direct deposited into an account? It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Disasters May Cut Into Sept. 11 Donations - Yahoo! News
Disasters May Cut Into Sept. 11 Donations - Yahoo! News
When I first read this I thought "good god someone is whining about not being able to raise money while severe real problems are going on". At least they did have enough care to suspend efforts during the fund raising for the various Hurricane efforts.
When I first read this I thought "good god someone is whining about not being able to raise money while severe real problems are going on". At least they did have enough care to suspend efforts during the fund raising for the various Hurricane efforts.
Which Magical Order Are You In?
You are a Spiritualist. Your magic flows from the
primal forces of the cosmos. You could be a
gentle Healer, a miraculous Prophet or a
spirit-summoning War-mage with the strong link
your soul provides to the realms beyond
reality. You have preternatural abilities,
intutively sensing the personality of people
you meet and discerning events yet to happen.
You enhance your aura with meditative pursuits.
You are a good judge of character but your
idealism or morality can confuse others.
Which Magical Order Are You In?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
I'm off to see the wizard
I am in my final preparations to go to VA Beach for the For Purpose Conference. I leave in the wee hours of the morning, before the butt crack of dawn. Right now I am killing a little time before I go and meet Nancy to pick up some stuff to take down for her since she is flying, plus I need to run over to my brother's house to drop off some money and make sure they know what is going on. Plus some last minute mail to drop off, video rentals to return, gas to buy, and I just got a call to pick up a gallon of milk for my sister in law so she does not have to haul the kids out. Oy!
I am taking my laptop with me, but I will probably not be online until a week from Thursday when I can get to Panera to score some free WiFi. I have w.Blogger and I will try to do entries every day and post them all later.
Just about everything is charged and ready to go. Just waiting for some clothes to get through the washer & dryer to complete everything. Hopefully I will have everything loaded up so I only have to grab my MP3 player & laptop and away I go.
RANT MODE=ON
One last thing I needed to get was a foam pad for my hands free set for my cell phone. You would think I was looking for some gold, or plutonium, or maybe a gay Republican. I will grant you we are not talking a big sale here, but 3 stores lost out on my $7 today (I bought two sets) and could have lost future sales. Now I will admit OfficeMax was a long shot, but I would have thought Best Buy would have stocked these things. No, instead they would want me to spend another $20 or so dollars on a hands free set instead of $3 on a set of headphone pads. Where's my clue bat?!?
RANT MODE=OFF
My .5 gig SanDisk MP3 player is fully loaded, and I have a few things I want to move to my Zen Xtra MP3 player. I think I will have enoughcrap quality programming on my SanDisk for the whole drive, but I had a couple of podcasts that would not fit. I want them handy. I also got all my podcast download history from work so that I can, hopefully, load up again for the trip home.
I am taking my laptop with me, but I will probably not be online until a week from Thursday when I can get to Panera to score some free WiFi. I have w.Blogger and I will try to do entries every day and post them all later.
Just about everything is charged and ready to go. Just waiting for some clothes to get through the washer & dryer to complete everything. Hopefully I will have everything loaded up so I only have to grab my MP3 player & laptop and away I go.
RANT MODE=ON
One last thing I needed to get was a foam pad for my hands free set for my cell phone. You would think I was looking for some gold, or plutonium, or maybe a gay Republican. I will grant you we are not talking a big sale here, but 3 stores lost out on my $7 today (I bought two sets) and could have lost future sales. Now I will admit OfficeMax was a long shot, but I would have thought Best Buy would have stocked these things. No, instead they would want me to spend another $20 or so dollars on a hands free set instead of $3 on a set of headphone pads. Where's my clue bat?!?
RANT MODE=OFF
My .5 gig SanDisk MP3 player is fully loaded, and I have a few things I want to move to my Zen Xtra MP3 player. I think I will have enough
University students show off solar-powered homes - Yahoo! News
University students show off solar-powered homes - Yahoo! News
Cool idea. If you go to the pictures of the houses they all have a trailer-ish look, although the New York Institute of Technology's house looks the best in my opinion.
Cool idea. If you go to the pictures of the houses they all have a trailer-ish look, although the New York Institute of Technology's house looks the best in my opinion.
Palm drops Zire, Tungsten names | CNET News.com
Palm drops Zire, Tungsten names | CNET News.com
This does not come as much of a shock, although as a Tungsten user I am a little miffed.
What worries me more is the reference to looking at switching to the Windows CE/Mobile/whatever-the-hell-Bill-is-calling-it-today. My favorite program on the Palm is Life Balance. It is a great way of keeping your Next Action (To Dos for non-GTDers) list, and works in an outline format, which is how I like to organize things. There has never been any indication that they will move the program to Windows CE/Mobile platform.
The next Palm OS also sounds like a big leap from the current OS (operating system). Switching to a Linux kernal will not be easy, although I would love to see it. However this does not sould like it is going to be an easy shift for the developers.
My hope is that the Palm OS finds a good home and does not completely cheese off all the current developers. I like the Palm OS - it seems to be less resource intensive. Windows CE's primarly selling point has been seamless (sort of) integration with desktop apps. That, of course, only works if you only use IE, Outlook (or Outlook Express), MS Office, etc. For those of us who use Firefox, Thunderbird, Sunbird (a calendar program), OpenOffice, etc. we are where we are right now.
This does not come as much of a shock, although as a Tungsten user I am a little miffed.
What worries me more is the reference to looking at switching to the Windows CE/Mobile/whatever-the-hell-Bill-is-calling-it-today. My favorite program on the Palm is Life Balance. It is a great way of keeping your Next Action (To Dos for non-GTDers) list, and works in an outline format, which is how I like to organize things. There has never been any indication that they will move the program to Windows CE/Mobile platform.
The next Palm OS also sounds like a big leap from the current OS (operating system). Switching to a Linux kernal will not be easy, although I would love to see it. However this does not sould like it is going to be an easy shift for the developers.
My hope is that the Palm OS finds a good home and does not completely cheese off all the current developers. I like the Palm OS - it seems to be less resource intensive. Windows CE's primarly selling point has been seamless (sort of) integration with desktop apps. That, of course, only works if you only use IE, Outlook (or Outlook Express), MS Office, etc. For those of us who use Firefox, Thunderbird, Sunbird (a calendar program), OpenOffice, etc. we are where we are right now.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Christian's and Scott's Interactive Top Ten List
Christian's and Scott's Interactive Top Ten List
Chistian's & Scott's Interactive Top Ten List is a pretty neat site to visit, even if you have to actually visit the site. I always go in on Tuesday & Friday to check out the new list. I particularly like this one, which was #4 on the Top Ten Reasons to go to the Multiplex Theater:
"Because nothing takes your mind off $3 gas like eating $7 popcorn, drinking $5 soda and watching a $10.50 movie. (Tri$tan)"
Chistian's & Scott's Interactive Top Ten List is a pretty neat site to visit, even if you have to actually visit the site. I always go in on Tuesday & Friday to check out the new list. I particularly like this one, which was #4 on the Top Ten Reasons to go to the Multiplex Theater:
"Because nothing takes your mind off $3 gas like eating $7 popcorn, drinking $5 soda and watching a $10.50 movie. (Tri$tan)"
Monday, October 10, 2005
Get Real: Just Say "No" To Email
Get Real: Just Say "No" To Email
Email may suck, but at least I only need 1 button. When we get to the point to where we can have 1 IM client & ID, this idea may work. Of course enough people do it the spammers will figure out a way (if they have not already) to spam your IM.
Via 43 Folders
Email may suck, but at least I only need 1 button. When we get to the point to where we can have 1 IM client & ID, this idea may work. Of course enough people do it the spammers will figure out a way (if they have not already) to spam your IM.
Via 43 Folders
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Everything but the kitchen sink
The last week or so has been a whirlwind of trying to get some things wrapped up for my vacation next week. Next Thursday I leave for VA Beach and For Purpose Conference. I always have a good time there, but I also try to wrap up as much as possible before going on vacation.
First and foremost was my car. I always like to take it out and get it looked at before a long trip like this. Turns out my rear springs & 1 ball joint (which still sounds slightly obscene) needed replaced. There were some other routine maintenance type things and all toll about $1,000 worth of repairs. Can you say ouch? I knew that you could! That money could have been used toward a new-to-me car (I never buy a new car), but I need to get through the winter with my current one. Plus a 1300 or so mile trip is not when I want to try and figure out all the weirdness of a new car.
I am also trying to get some technical documenation organized for the group. We use try to use Yahoo Groups to keep in contact throughout the year, but very few people have actually joined. In part, I think, because this group of people are not overly technically inclinded. So I tried to organize some step-by-step instructions to help people get into the group. I know it is easy, but I also try to remember that easy for me on the computer can be hell for others. I am also trying to organize a group over on Flickr. I am not sure who would be using it, but I know of a couple of us who definately would.
One thing I have realized is that the web is great for connecting people, and blogs and sites like Flickr have made it easy for us to share. The biggest problem is getting people to also feel that what we are doing is easy.
I still need to do a little shopping for the gathering, mostly I need some white clothes for the one night. A lot of what I want/need to take with me is already together just requiring me to throw it all in the car. Ideally I want to just shower, feed the cats and go on Thursday morning. I have some alternate directions that will, hopefully cut down on the time it takes me to get to VA Beach. The guy at work says it can cut as much as 1 hour off the usual route I take. My usual route would be 77S to 64E. It actually takes about as much time as the route that Mapquest comes up with for going to VA Beach if you factor in the traffic in DC. It has the advantage of going through some absolutely beautiful country, but if I can cut some time (and milage) off the trip it is worth it. I still need to get some directions together for getting to what looks like the closest free hotspot. I will definately stop by there at the end of the week to load up on podcasts.
First and foremost was my car. I always like to take it out and get it looked at before a long trip like this. Turns out my rear springs & 1 ball joint (which still sounds slightly obscene) needed replaced. There were some other routine maintenance type things and all toll about $1,000 worth of repairs. Can you say ouch? I knew that you could! That money could have been used toward a new-to-me car (I never buy a new car), but I need to get through the winter with my current one. Plus a 1300 or so mile trip is not when I want to try and figure out all the weirdness of a new car.
I am also trying to get some technical documenation organized for the group. We use try to use Yahoo Groups to keep in contact throughout the year, but very few people have actually joined. In part, I think, because this group of people are not overly technically inclinded. So I tried to organize some step-by-step instructions to help people get into the group. I know it is easy, but I also try to remember that easy for me on the computer can be hell for others. I am also trying to organize a group over on Flickr. I am not sure who would be using it, but I know of a couple of us who definately would.
One thing I have realized is that the web is great for connecting people, and blogs and sites like Flickr have made it easy for us to share. The biggest problem is getting people to also feel that what we are doing is easy.
I still need to do a little shopping for the gathering, mostly I need some white clothes for the one night. A lot of what I want/need to take with me is already together just requiring me to throw it all in the car. Ideally I want to just shower, feed the cats and go on Thursday morning. I have some alternate directions that will, hopefully cut down on the time it takes me to get to VA Beach. The guy at work says it can cut as much as 1 hour off the usual route I take. My usual route would be 77S to 64E. It actually takes about as much time as the route that Mapquest comes up with for going to VA Beach if you factor in the traffic in DC. It has the advantage of going through some absolutely beautiful country, but if I can cut some time (and milage) off the trip it is worth it. I still need to get some directions together for getting to what looks like the closest free hotspot. I will definately stop by there at the end of the week to load up on podcasts.
Gas Prices - MSN Autos
Gas Prices - MSN Autos
If you are interested in finding the lowest gas prices in your zip code. Neat idea, and one of the first I have seen with MSN maps.
If you are interested in finding the lowest gas prices in your zip code. Neat idea, and one of the first I have seen with MSN maps.
On the lighter side
A joke I received through email:
A woman in her 40's bought a new BMW and was out on the interstate for a
nice evening drive. The top was down, the breeze was blowing through her
hair and she decided to open her up.
As the needle jumped up to 80 mph, she suddenly saw flashing red and
blue lights behind her.
"There's no way they can catch a BMW," she thought to herself and
opened her up further. The needle hit 90, 100.... Then the reality of
the situation hit her. "What the hell am I doing?" she thought and
pulled over.
The cop came up to her, took her license without a word and examined it
and the car.
"It's been a long day, this is the end of my shift and it's Friday the
13th. I don't feel like more paperwork, so if you can give me an excuse
for your driving that I haven't heard before, you can go."
The woman thinks for a second and says, "Last week my husband ran off
with a cop. I was afraid you were trying to give him back."
"Have a nice weekend," said the officer.
A woman in her 40's bought a new BMW and was out on the interstate for a
nice evening drive. The top was down, the breeze was blowing through her
hair and she decided to open her up.
As the needle jumped up to 80 mph, she suddenly saw flashing red and
blue lights behind her.
"There's no way they can catch a BMW," she thought to herself and
opened her up further. The needle hit 90, 100.... Then the reality of
the situation hit her. "What the hell am I doing?" she thought and
pulled over.
The cop came up to her, took her license without a word and examined it
and the car.
"It's been a long day, this is the end of my shift and it's Friday the
13th. I don't feel like more paperwork, so if you can give me an excuse
for your driving that I haven't heard before, you can go."
The woman thinks for a second and says, "Last week my husband ran off
with a cop. I was afraid you were trying to give him back."
"Have a nice weekend," said the officer.
The Indigo Evolution
The Indigo Evolution
The movie looks interesting, but I recommend watching the interview with Akiane. Her artwork looks wonderful.
The Indigo Children are an interesting group. If the can harnass their energies they will be radically shifting society.
The movie looks interesting, but I recommend watching the interview with Akiane. Her artwork looks wonderful.
The Indigo Children are an interesting group. If the can harnass their energies they will be radically shifting society.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Democrats Attack Bill to Boost Refineries - Yahoo! News
Democrats Attack Bill to Boost Refineries - Yahoo! News
They still don't get it - we need to ramp up public transportation and alternative fuels. Nothing is getting done to organize a long term solution, just put a bandaid on the current problem.
They still don't get it - we need to ramp up public transportation and alternative fuels. Nothing is getting done to organize a long term solution, just put a bandaid on the current problem.
White House denies Bush claimed divine inspiration - Yahoo! News
White House denies Bush claimed divine inspiration - Yahoo! News
Without any tape evidence it boils down to "he said/she said", or more he said/he said in this case. It sounds enough like something Bush might say to be believable.
Without any tape evidence it boils down to "he said/she said", or more he said/he said in this case. It sounds enough like something Bush might say to be believable.
The Winner Is... Fake Dog Testicle Creator - Yahoo! News
The Winner Is... Fake Dog Testicle Creator - Yahoo! News
Ok, replacement dog testicals are not exactly the greatest invention of all time. Humans can get them as well.
The Ig Nobels are always a fun read. I had heard about the pitch drop experiment before. Really bizzare, which is the reason for the Ig Nobels to start with.
Ok, replacement dog testicals are not exactly the greatest invention of all time. Humans can get them as well.
The Ig Nobels are always a fun read. I had heard about the pitch drop experiment before. Really bizzare, which is the reason for the Ig Nobels to start with.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
The Word Spy
The Word Spy
A cool site, and useful. It would be really great if they offered a word-of-the-day type thing via RSS.
via 43 Folders
A cool site, and useful. It would be really great if they offered a word-of-the-day type thing via RSS.
via 43 Folders
Beacon Journal | 10/05/2005 | Tax hike proposal
Beacon Journal | 10/05/2005 | Tax hike proposal:
This is what happens when a newspaper pulls stuff directly from the paper and dumps it into an RSS feed - incoherent crap. One small question - which city? I know it is not Akron since we recently had a tax increase for the schools.
"Tax hike proposal
On the ballot: A 0.5 percentage point income tax increase (which will bring the total tax to 2.5 percent), to raise $2.4 million annually.
History: The last 0.5 percentage point tax increase was passed in the early 1980s.
If it passes: More road paving and snow removal.
If it fails: Potential layoffs of city workers, reduction of services."
This is what happens when a newspaper pulls stuff directly from the paper and dumps it into an RSS feed - incoherent crap. One small question - which city? I know it is not Akron since we recently had a tax increase for the schools.
"Tax hike proposal
On the ballot: A 0.5 percentage point income tax increase (which will bring the total tax to 2.5 percent), to raise $2.4 million annually.
History: The last 0.5 percentage point tax increase was passed in the early 1980s.
If it passes: More road paving and snow removal.
If it fails: Potential layoffs of city workers, reduction of services."
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
High-Tech Homes Debut in Utah - Yahoo! News
High-Tech Homes Debut in Utah - Yahoo! News
Neat idea, although most of what they talk about has been around for years. The really futuristic part of this is if they have fiber optic cabe right up to the house. One of the reasons the US has been lagging behind many industrial countries in high speed internet is the lack of fiber right up to the house. Speed can go WAY up.
Neat idea, although most of what they talk about has been around for years. The really futuristic part of this is if they have fiber optic cabe right up to the house. One of the reasons the US has been lagging behind many industrial countries in high speed internet is the lack of fiber right up to the house. Speed can go WAY up.
Ousted Ala. Justice to Run for Governor - Yahoo! News
Ousted Ala. Justice to Run for Governor - Yahoo! News
Ok, no problem, as long as you are willing to let EVERY religion participate. That means that anyone, regardless of their religion, that wanted to offer up a prayer at a game, to post the laws of their religion on government property, etc. As the bumper sticker says, freedom of religion means all religions.
"But I'll tell you what I will do. I will defend the right of every citizen of this state — including judges, coaches, teachers, city, county and state officials — to acknowledge God as the sovereign source of law, liberty and government," he said.
Ok, no problem, as long as you are willing to let EVERY religion participate. That means that anyone, regardless of their religion, that wanted to offer up a prayer at a game, to post the laws of their religion on government property, etc. As the bumper sticker says, freedom of religion means all religions.
Bush: Miers Qualified to Be on Top Court - Yahoo! News
Bush: Miers Qualified to Be on Top Court - Yahoo! News:
This really irks me. Although I agree the those in the armed services need support, there are plenty of other, non-Iraq projects going on that can be cut as well as non-military spending. The first politician that offers up their pet project for sacrifice will get my vote .
"On Katrina, Bush said he would work with Congress to 'make real cuts' in non-security spending to help in rebuilding the Gulf Coast. 'The private sector will be the engine that drives the recovery of the Gulf Coast,' he said. But he said the nation will continue to spend whatever it takes to support U.S. troops in Iraq."
This really irks me. Although I agree the those in the armed services need support, there are plenty of other, non-Iraq projects going on that can be cut as well as non-military spending. The first politician that offers up their pet project for sacrifice will get my vote .
Harvey Danger - Why We're Releasing Our New Album for Free on the Internet
Harvey Danger - Why We're Releasing Our New Album for Free on the Internet
This is someone who gets it.
Making a CD, or even a tape back in the day, is usually a financial lose to the independent artist. It is tough to get your music into stores, so usually people ended up selling them at clubs where they perform.
However they recognize that buying physical medium is a very different experience from downloading music. I love to walk through a music store (or a music section of a store) and just look around for something that maybe interesting. This is why Borders and the like still going strong even though Amazon has a much larger selection and sometimes better prices.
I hope this works out for them. I have not downloaded the music yet, waiting until I am home to make use of their BitTorrent download and save them some bandwidth costs. I am not sure what it takes to get listed on iTunes or other online music stores as an independent artist. However I do know one thing, if I find a song or two I would like to add to my permanent collection I like the idea of all the money I would normally spend at iTunes going to the group instead of a small portion of it.
This is someone who gets it.
Making a CD, or even a tape back in the day, is usually a financial lose to the independent artist. It is tough to get your music into stores, so usually people ended up selling them at clubs where they perform.
However they recognize that buying physical medium is a very different experience from downloading music. I love to walk through a music store (or a music section of a store) and just look around for something that maybe interesting. This is why Borders and the like still going strong even though Amazon has a much larger selection and sometimes better prices.
I hope this works out for them. I have not downloaded the music yet, waiting until I am home to make use of their BitTorrent download and save them some bandwidth costs. I am not sure what it takes to get listed on iTunes or other online music stores as an independent artist. However I do know one thing, if I find a song or two I would like to add to my permanent collection I like the idea of all the money I would normally spend at iTunes going to the group instead of a small portion of it.
A Prairie Home Companion from American Public Media
A Prairie Home Companion from American Public Media
When I saw this link on 43 Folders I was amazed. I have never been a fan of Garrison Keillor, but I know enough that all the legal stuff seems out of place with his show and the persona he has on that show.
Granted he is, fundamentally, an actor and how he is on A Prairie Home Companion may not be how he really is in real life. However I have found that when people put that much of themselves into a show, especially over a long time, that chunks of their real personality (if not the whole damn thing) get poured into that role. It just seems like he would be a little more laid back about these things.
When I saw this link on 43 Folders I was amazed. I have never been a fan of Garrison Keillor, but I know enough that all the legal stuff seems out of place with his show and the persona he has on that show.
Granted he is, fundamentally, an actor and how he is on A Prairie Home Companion may not be how he really is in real life. However I have found that when people put that much of themselves into a show, especially over a long time, that chunks of their real personality (if not the whole damn thing) get poured into that role. It just seems like he would be a little more laid back about these things.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Sales of Digital Music Triple - Yahoo! News
Sales of Digital Music Triple - Yahoo! News
This is why the RIAA segment of the industry wants iTunes to up their prices and try to impliment variable pricing. Apple has done the research - much over $1/song and people will go back to file swapping and ignore the legal music. Why won't the music industry listen?
This is why the RIAA segment of the industry wants iTunes to up their prices and try to impliment variable pricing. Apple has done the research - much over $1/song and people will go back to file swapping and ignore the legal music. Why won't the music industry listen?
Bush Taps Harriet Miers for High Court - Yahoo! News
Bush Taps Harriet Miers for High Court - Yahoo! News
If anyone has any doubts about this woman's leanings they need their head examined. All the conservatives like her and she has NO judicial record. This court is too important to appoint someone who has never been a judge. I would not vote for anyone to be president who had only been a city councilman, why would anyone agree to this woman being a Supreme Court judge?
If anyone has any doubts about this woman's leanings they need their head examined. All the conservatives like her and she has NO judicial record. This court is too important to appoint someone who has never been a judge. I would not vote for anyone to be president who had only been a city councilman, why would anyone agree to this woman being a Supreme Court judge?
Beacon Journal | 10/03/2005 | Taft's approval rating plummets
Beacon Journal | 10/03/2005 | Taft's approval rating plummets:
There were calls for his resignation when the whole unreported gift scandal broke. A 15% approval rating, I feel, will rub off on the party as well. Taft is not willing to "take one for the team" though, which I hope works well for the Democrates.
There were calls for his resignation when the whole unreported gift scandal broke. A 15% approval rating, I feel, will rub off on the party as well. Taft is not willing to "take one for the team" though, which I hope works well for the Democrates.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Beacon Journal | 10/02/2005 | Chief fan drums up spirit for Tribe
Beacon Journal | 10/02/2005 | Chief fan drums up spirit for Tribe
Cleveland sports teams may suck out loud, but even at their worst they still have some pretty kick ass fans. John Adams being one of them. I have been there and heard his drum load when there were 1,000 fans in the 60,000 fan old stadium and in the packed new stadium. This is real devotion since he must pay not only for his own ticket but one for his drum as well.
The Browns, of course, have Big Dog. If you have ever seen a Browns game on TV you have, no doubt, seen Big Dog. Granted these days Big Dog is slimer, but he is still pretty tall and the dog mask makes him stick out.
Even the indoor soccer team had their dancing guy for awhile. The Cavs don't seem to have that one die hard fan, at least none that have made the success of John Adams or Big Dog.
Cleveland sports teams may suck out loud, but even at their worst they still have some pretty kick ass fans. John Adams being one of them. I have been there and heard his drum load when there were 1,000 fans in the 60,000 fan old stadium and in the packed new stadium. This is real devotion since he must pay not only for his own ticket but one for his drum as well.
The Browns, of course, have Big Dog. If you have ever seen a Browns game on TV you have, no doubt, seen Big Dog. Granted these days Big Dog is slimer, but he is still pretty tall and the dog mask makes him stick out.
Even the indoor soccer team had their dancing guy for awhile. The Cavs don't seem to have that one die hard fan, at least none that have made the success of John Adams or Big Dog.
Abundance Checks
I do not write the often of some of my metaphysical work, mostly because I just forget to post.
I know a lot of people who follow this practice monthly and find it works well for them. I prefer to work with the Lunar cycle, and this is a sample of a ritual that works with the New Moon. I have seen similar rituals to this one that was forwarded to me. I need to get back into more regular practices and this is simple and quick to do.
What are Abundance Checks?
Abundance checks are a tool we can use to create more abundance in our lives. They are written within 24 hours after a New Moon.
Surprisingly, you really don´t even need to believe that the check will work when you write it. You will however be amazed at the results, as you will see increased abundance in your life, in some life area. It is not always financial, but certainly in an area that you need.
There is a traditional manner, which has been handed down, that must be followed. If you do not have a checking account you can draw a check on a piece of paper and fill it out the same way- the results will be the same, more abundance for you.
Here´s how to do them:
When: Each new moon in 2005: February 8, March 10, April 8, May 8, June 6, July 6, August 4, Sept. 3, Oct. 3, Nov. 1, Dec. 1, Dec. 30.
1.) Within 24 hours after a New Moon, take a check from your check book. Where it says "Pay to," write your name.
2.) In the little box on the same line where you would fill in a dollar amount write "Paid in full."
3.) On the line underneath your name, where you would write out a dollar amount, write "Paid in full."
4.) Sign the check: "The Law of Abundance."
Do not put a date on the check. Do not write a specific dollar amount in the check. Put it in a safe place and forget about it. The Universe will take it from there.
Many people are skeptical about trying this until they do it. After the first time they realize the power of these checks and do them routinely every month! Try it yourself and see!
***Bless your heart. And bless your abundance! Bless your acknowledgement! Bless your acceptance! And so it is...
I know a lot of people who follow this practice monthly and find it works well for them. I prefer to work with the Lunar cycle, and this is a sample of a ritual that works with the New Moon. I have seen similar rituals to this one that was forwarded to me. I need to get back into more regular practices and this is simple and quick to do.
What are Abundance Checks?
Abundance checks are a tool we can use to create more abundance in our lives. They are written within 24 hours after a New Moon.
Surprisingly, you really don´t even need to believe that the check will work when you write it. You will however be amazed at the results, as you will see increased abundance in your life, in some life area. It is not always financial, but certainly in an area that you need.
There is a traditional manner, which has been handed down, that must be followed. If you do not have a checking account you can draw a check on a piece of paper and fill it out the same way- the results will be the same, more abundance for you.
Here´s how to do them:
When: Each new moon in 2005: February 8, March 10, April 8, May 8, June 6, July 6, August 4, Sept. 3, Oct. 3, Nov. 1, Dec. 1, Dec. 30.
1.) Within 24 hours after a New Moon, take a check from your check book. Where it says "Pay to," write your name.
2.) In the little box on the same line where you would fill in a dollar amount write "Paid in full."
3.) On the line underneath your name, where you would write out a dollar amount, write "Paid in full."
4.) Sign the check: "The Law of Abundance."
Do not put a date on the check. Do not write a specific dollar amount in the check. Put it in a safe place and forget about it. The Universe will take it from there.
Many people are skeptical about trying this until they do it. After the first time they realize the power of these checks and do them routinely every month! Try it yourself and see!
***Bless your heart. And bless your abundance! Bless your acknowledgement! Bless your acceptance! And so it is...
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Must Post Something Meaningful
I have noticed of late I have been bad about posting meaningful entries. Either some random bits of my life or, more importantly, some things that have meaning to me. I have a few bits & pieces floating around the back of my head and I should really be getting them out. One of the things I heard Dave Winer say about podcasting & blogging is that both are a way throw out ideas. Some ideas can be easily written. Some need to be spoken. Either way if I am not getting my thoughts out then I am not really using the medium that well.
I was actually looking at my blog earlier. It has been awhile since I actually LOOKED at my blog. Since I have no need to read my posts I do not go over there that often. I also imagine that myreaders reader use an aggregator to read my blog and only see the blog the first time they come across it or when leaving comments.
I know my blog is very minimalistic. My mind is still back in the days of 2400 baud modems sometimes so instead of "springing" for a few graphics here and there I tend to use plain white with black print (which is my prefered reading colors) and a minimal of graphics. I even have tried to keep the number of links to external sites & services to a minimum so that everything loads quickly. Plus I have never been much about fiddling with the layout of the page itself. What is there is more important to me than how it is presented.
I am probably going to be on the lookout for a new template. Maybe a few new buttons to take the place of some of my links. I might even try my hand at some HTML stuff. I have thought about turning my archive links into a dropdown list. I might even do some JavaScript stuff. Hey, I am a programmer and I have picked up enough JavaScript to be dangerous!
I was actually looking at my blog earlier. It has been awhile since I actually LOOKED at my blog. Since I have no need to read my posts I do not go over there that often. I also imagine that my
I know my blog is very minimalistic. My mind is still back in the days of 2400 baud modems sometimes so instead of "springing" for a few graphics here and there I tend to use plain white with black print (which is my prefered reading colors) and a minimal of graphics. I even have tried to keep the number of links to external sites & services to a minimum so that everything loads quickly. Plus I have never been much about fiddling with the layout of the page itself. What is there is more important to me than how it is presented.
I am probably going to be on the lookout for a new template. Maybe a few new buttons to take the place of some of my links. I might even try my hand at some HTML stuff. I have thought about turning my archive links into a dropdown list. I might even do some JavaScript stuff. Hey, I am a programmer and I have picked up enough JavaScript to be dangerous!
I can't believe I ate the whole thing
White House Chicken is one of my guilty pleasures. I limit the number of times I go there. The cheapest adult dinner is $6.49, which is not really bad but I prefer the mixed dinner which is more. They do include 3 sides so really it is not bad for the price, but if I am looking for something fast foodish I can get out cheaper at Taco Bell. Plus I do prefer to keep my cholesterol in the 3 digit range.
Make no mistake, this is not good for you food. But it tastes so good. Instead of using some Southern (US Southern that is) recipe for the breading on their fried chicken they use breading. Plus they cut the chicken into some really weird looking pieces and it is fun to guess what they are, although after a lifetime of eating this chicken I pretty much know what everything is.
Since I missed lunch I decided to get a large meal tonight. The large includes one of every cut of chicken listed plus the 3 sides. I got the "classic" sides of french fries, cole slaw & hot sauce. Guess who forgot how much food that was? Guess who is remember now how much food that was?
Make no mistake, this is not good for you food. But it tastes so good. Instead of using some Southern (US Southern that is) recipe for the breading on their fried chicken they use breading. Plus they cut the chicken into some really weird looking pieces and it is fun to guess what they are, although after a lifetime of eating this chicken I pretty much know what everything is.
Since I missed lunch I decided to get a large meal tonight. The large includes one of every cut of chicken listed plus the 3 sides. I got the "classic" sides of french fries, cole slaw & hot sauce. Guess who forgot how much food that was? Guess who is remember now how much food that was?
Friday, September 30, 2005
Random Cruft
I have to say that I am getting tired of being too busy.
Work has been dull the last few days. There have been a variety of meetings that I have been in that although important to my future are, fundamentally, dull. There is just some info that you just can't make exciting. I like what is being talked about, but having seen the same half hour presentation 4 times in 3 days can put you to sleep. The problem was there was 4 different sessions and invariablely someone had not been to one of the other ones so we had to go through the first half hour. Zzzzzzz! At least the last hour of each session was different (and more exciting).
Whenever I am in meetings like this I always feel like I am not "working." I know intellectually this is part of my job, but emotionally I feel like if I am not cutting code then I am not doing anything. Too much old school programming I guess.
Outside of work I am trying to get ready for the 2005 For Purpose Conference. This is a gathering I have been to for the last 4 years or so. It is great to get together and "talk shop" with a bunch of like minded individuals. If you poke around you can even see some pictures of me on the site. The cycles work is not for everyone, but I have found it to work for me. That is probably the most important part - finding things that work for me. Finger crossed when I leave in 1.5 weeks I will have everything at work wrapped up.
In the midst of all of this I have been working to celebrate two birthdays in the family and try to keep my sanity. Nancy is giving a workshop tomorrow on the American Indian medicine wheel. At least one of them. This is also a part of the cycles work that I am going to be working with at the For Purpose Conference. I know quite a bit already, but Nancy has worked with it longer than I have. Plus I try to support here whenever I can when she has workshops. It is helpful when setting one to have a couple of people there that know what is going on. Or at least that can fake it!
Nancy also organized our tai chi demo for this weekend. Just another one of those too much to do weekends. The demo this year is more of a chance for the students from her different classes to get together than a full on public demo. It is always fun plus I can catch up with some of the students who have switched classes. She has classes 3 different days of the week and at 3 different locations so many of the students have moved around as she has offered more classes.
I think that is it for now. I need to pack up my drum, rattles & crystals for the seminar tomorrow. Plus there is a rock I want to take with me tomorrow and to the conference that I have yet to locate. It is really pissing me off because the rock is important to me yet the think always seems to wander away from where I last put it. Very frustrating!
Work has been dull the last few days. There have been a variety of meetings that I have been in that although important to my future are, fundamentally, dull. There is just some info that you just can't make exciting. I like what is being talked about, but having seen the same half hour presentation 4 times in 3 days can put you to sleep. The problem was there was 4 different sessions and invariablely someone had not been to one of the other ones so we had to go through the first half hour. Zzzzzzz! At least the last hour of each session was different (and more exciting).
Whenever I am in meetings like this I always feel like I am not "working." I know intellectually this is part of my job, but emotionally I feel like if I am not cutting code then I am not doing anything. Too much old school programming I guess.
Outside of work I am trying to get ready for the 2005 For Purpose Conference. This is a gathering I have been to for the last 4 years or so. It is great to get together and "talk shop" with a bunch of like minded individuals. If you poke around you can even see some pictures of me on the site. The cycles work is not for everyone, but I have found it to work for me. That is probably the most important part - finding things that work for me. Finger crossed when I leave in 1.5 weeks I will have everything at work wrapped up.
In the midst of all of this I have been working to celebrate two birthdays in the family and try to keep my sanity. Nancy is giving a workshop tomorrow on the American Indian medicine wheel. At least one of them. This is also a part of the cycles work that I am going to be working with at the For Purpose Conference. I know quite a bit already, but Nancy has worked with it longer than I have. Plus I try to support here whenever I can when she has workshops. It is helpful when setting one to have a couple of people there that know what is going on. Or at least that can fake it!
Nancy also organized our tai chi demo for this weekend. Just another one of those too much to do weekends. The demo this year is more of a chance for the students from her different classes to get together than a full on public demo. It is always fun plus I can catch up with some of the students who have switched classes. She has classes 3 different days of the week and at 3 different locations so many of the students have moved around as she has offered more classes.
I think that is it for now. I need to pack up my drum, rattles & crystals for the seminar tomorrow. Plus there is a rock I want to take with me tomorrow and to the conference that I have yet to locate. It is really pissing me off because the rock is important to me yet the think always seems to wander away from where I last put it. Very frustrating!
Beacon Journal | 09/30/2005 | Akron bridge ready to open
Beacon Journal | 09/30/2005 | Akron bridge ready to open
Happy dance!
This has been a major problem for me since the the closed portion of this, Home Ave., is a major route for me personally.
Happy dance!
This has been a major problem for me since the the closed portion of this, Home Ave., is a major route for me personally.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
� Move over Microsoft, Dell. The $100 PC cometh. From MIT. | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com
� Move over Microsoft, Dell. The $100 PC cometh. From MIT. | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com
I've blogged about the $100 computer before. I remember reading Negroponte talking about this back when he had a regular column in the back of Wired magazine (the only reason I even go most issues).
I said that $100 is a key point for handhelds. If we can get the cost to $100 or less, people would keep multiple Palm/Pocket PC/Blackberry type devices. Think Star Trek with their little Padds where they would have multiple of them loaded with different projects they were working with.
If we could get a $100 tablet style computer I could see electronic books really taking off. Handhelds are a little too small for really lots of reading, and laptops are not convenient. Tablets though have the right form factor for electronic books.
I've blogged about the $100 computer before. I remember reading Negroponte talking about this back when he had a regular column in the back of Wired magazine (the only reason I even go most issues).
I said that $100 is a key point for handhelds. If we can get the cost to $100 or less, people would keep multiple Palm/Pocket PC/Blackberry type devices. Think Star Trek with their little Padds where they would have multiple of them loaded with different projects they were working with.
If we could get a $100 tablet style computer I could see electronic books really taking off. Handhelds are a little too small for really lots of reading, and laptops are not convenient. Tablets though have the right form factor for electronic books.
Arctic Ice Melts Faster As It Gets Warmer - Yahoo! News
Arctic Ice Melts Faster As It Gets Warmer - Yahoo! News
Hmmmm.....Ice melts as it gets warmer. I never would have guessed that! (too bad we don't have a sarcasm flag)
Hmmmm.....Ice melts as it gets warmer. I never would have guessed that! (too bad we don't have a sarcasm flag)
Senate Confirms Roberts As Chief Justice - Yahoo! News
Senate Confirms Roberts As Chief Justice - Yahoo! News
I have to agree - too many unanswered questions. I can guarantee the first abortion ruling will overturn Row v. Wade. Call it a hunch.
I have to agree - too many unanswered questions. I can guarantee the first abortion ruling will overturn Row v. Wade. Call it a hunch.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Conscious Citizenship: Senator Dayton introduces Department of Peace legislation in the Senate!
Conscious Citizenship: Senator Dayton introduces Department of Peace legislation in the Senate!
Those who have read (or listened to) Marianne Williamson know she has talked about the Department of Peace in the past. It would be nice to create a department that could create friendships instead of blowing shit up.
Those who have read (or listened to) Marianne Williamson know she has talked about the Department of Peace in the past. It would be nice to create a department that could create friendships instead of blowing shit up.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Wikipedia Meme
From Becky
Here's an idea I just invented. Go to Wikipedia, click on the "Random Article" button, and write about how that thing relates to you, skipping stub articles and anything that doesn't resonate at all. Do this five times.
1) Fuelladder - I have a friend who is a firefighter in the Columbus area. Both our schedules are too busy to get together much anymore, but we do email each other from time to time.
2) Stencil Shadow Volume was not one of the techniques I learned in my Computer Graphics class in college. I grant you we were one step above pong, but still not something I learned.
3) Fudge - Aside from a favorite snack food, particularly peanut butter fudge, they missed something on this page. Fudge as a euphemism for manure (or poop, or shit). Used in the film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai in the line "I am barely holding my fudge right now."
4) Combustion - Although yours truly made it all the way through Boy Scouts to Eagle, my fire starting skills usually involved a fair amount of "Boy Scout Water", AKA kerosene.
5) SBC Communications - My current local telephone company. Overall I don't mind them, although I am pissed that they still don't provide DSL to my house. I would be willing to take the speed hit to get $15/month for DSL. Hey I would settle for the $25/month for about half the speed I get on my cable modem.
Neat meme. I have to say I skipped a lot of articles about various Englishfootball soccer teams. Really weird the number of soccer articles that came up.
Here's an idea I just invented. Go to Wikipedia, click on the "Random Article" button, and write about how that thing relates to you, skipping stub articles and anything that doesn't resonate at all. Do this five times.
1) Fuelladder - I have a friend who is a firefighter in the Columbus area. Both our schedules are too busy to get together much anymore, but we do email each other from time to time.
2) Stencil Shadow Volume was not one of the techniques I learned in my Computer Graphics class in college. I grant you we were one step above pong, but still not something I learned.
3) Fudge - Aside from a favorite snack food, particularly peanut butter fudge, they missed something on this page. Fudge as a euphemism for manure (or poop, or shit). Used in the film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai in the line "I am barely holding my fudge right now."
4) Combustion - Although yours truly made it all the way through Boy Scouts to Eagle, my fire starting skills usually involved a fair amount of "Boy Scout Water", AKA kerosene.
5) SBC Communications - My current local telephone company. Overall I don't mind them, although I am pissed that they still don't provide DSL to my house. I would be willing to take the speed hit to get $15/month for DSL. Hey I would settle for the $25/month for about half the speed I get on my cable modem.
Neat meme. I have to say I skipped a lot of articles about various English
Mind Hacks: Is the internet making us more intelligent?
Mind Hacks: Is the internet making us more intelligent?
I did not read the whole series, but it was interesting. A show from All in the Mind that I just got around to listening to talked about how memory seems to work and the whole hemisphere model is a bit wrong. It seems the right side is more concerned with learning new things, the left side with retaining and recalling things. Still a speculative, but interesting. The bottom line in both cases, though, was that we need to keep trying new things to keep the brain engaged.
I did not read the whole series, but it was interesting. A show from All in the Mind that I just got around to listening to talked about how memory seems to work and the whole hemisphere model is a bit wrong. It seems the right side is more concerned with learning new things, the left side with retaining and recalling things. Still a speculative, but interesting. The bottom line in both cases, though, was that we need to keep trying new things to keep the brain engaged.
43 Folders | GTD-style email in Thunderbird
43 Folders | GTD-style email in Thunderbird
This is something I have been sitting on for awhile. I finally started using this and it is a really cool way to handle your email if you are into Getting Things Done. The problem I have always had with GTD email is remembering to routinely scan the folders of email for Next Actions or Waiting. plus the shuffling between folders is a pain. This way everything is in the same folder, I can pull up the unhandled inbox items (all unlabeled) or just the waiting for, just the Next Actions, etc. Also, as mentioned, you can create a filter to include multiple labels so you can see all Next Actions and waiting.
The only down side, at least from my work, is that if you are color blind it would be tough to tell what is in what category an email is in since they color the email in the inbox to tell you what the category is. Also you still need to train the spam filter so unless you automatically delete email that is manually marked as spam (as I do) you need to mark the spam and then label it for delete.
I have found it useful to flip the delete filter on, cntrl-A to select all email, and delete. It is a quick way to move through the email.
This is something I have been sitting on for awhile. I finally started using this and it is a really cool way to handle your email if you are into Getting Things Done. The problem I have always had with GTD email is remembering to routinely scan the folders of email for Next Actions or Waiting. plus the shuffling between folders is a pain. This way everything is in the same folder, I can pull up the unhandled inbox items (all unlabeled) or just the waiting for, just the Next Actions, etc. Also, as mentioned, you can create a filter to include multiple labels so you can see all Next Actions and waiting.
The only down side, at least from my work, is that if you are color blind it would be tough to tell what is in what category an email is in since they color the email in the inbox to tell you what the category is. Also you still need to train the spam filter so unless you automatically delete email that is manually marked as spam (as I do) you need to mark the spam and then label it for delete.
I have found it useful to flip the delete filter on, cntrl-A to select all email, and delete. It is a quick way to move through the email.
43 Folders | Writing sensible email messages
43 Folders | Writing sensible email messages
I have run into my share of bad email. I may not be perfect, but I am better than the average bear at this. My two biggest pet peeves are people who use no subject and massively forwarded emails without any kind of clean up. I have waded through 4 and 5 levels of nested enclosed emails, usually out of curiosity to see how far down the rabbit hole I need to go. Typically I just kill off email that is not readily available to me.
There were a few ideas that I liked. I particuarly liked the EOM at the end of the subject so you know there is nothing in the body of the message. I get a number of subject only messages at work, and it is slightly annoying to open an email to find nothing there.
Note that normally I am against the "I agree" types of emails, but I find at work that you need to do them sometimes. I avoid them at home unless I have soemthing meaningful to add, but at work many times someone is just asking a question or walking through a process and need some kind of feedback, if only "yep, that's right".
I have run into my share of bad email. I may not be perfect, but I am better than the average bear at this. My two biggest pet peeves are people who use no subject and massively forwarded emails without any kind of clean up. I have waded through 4 and 5 levels of nested enclosed emails, usually out of curiosity to see how far down the rabbit hole I need to go. Typically I just kill off email that is not readily available to me.
There were a few ideas that I liked. I particuarly liked the EOM at the end of the subject so you know there is nothing in the body of the message. I get a number of subject only messages at work, and it is slightly annoying to open an email to find nothing there.
Note that normally I am against the "I agree" types of emails, but I find at work that you need to do them sometimes. I avoid them at home unless I have soemthing meaningful to add, but at work many times someone is just asking a question or walking through a process and need some kind of feedback, if only "yep, that's right".
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
It would be nice if we could combine Google's search capabilities with print on demand. Get the author some funds without the publishing comany middleman (oops, maybe I just let on to the REAL source of this lawsuit).
As anyone who has done research in college can tell you, researching books is a pain. At least the old fashion way. This could help you to quickly cut down on reserach time by seeing the parts you want. If it is relevant to your research you can look to get the book (library or purcahse). Google never said they were going to make the entire text available to read, just to search.
It would be nice if we could combine Google's search capabilities with print on demand. Get the author some funds without the publishing comany middleman (oops, maybe I just let on to the REAL source of this lawsuit).
As anyone who has done research in college can tell you, researching books is a pain. At least the old fashion way. This could help you to quickly cut down on reserach time by seeing the parts you want. If it is relevant to your research you can look to get the book (library or purcahse). Google never said they were going to make the entire text available to read, just to search.
Two strange bedfellows, one new smart phone - Wireless World - MSNBC.com
Two strange bedfellows, one new smart phone - Wireless World - MSNBC.com
I have mixed feelings on this. As someone who works exclusively programming Windows this is a cool move (ooops, my Microsoft-borg implant just kicked in). However I am an avid Palm user and the one tool I use extensively on my Palm has no Windows Mobile equivilant. At this point you can only get my Palm by prying it from my cold, dead hand. Frankly I have never found much of a need to run mulitple apps on my Palm at the same time, I hate working on documents on my Palm, and even email can be a pain in the butt. Your handheld is not supposed to be a small notebook, or have everything from your desktop. It is supposed to be a replacement for your old Daytimer paper organizer.
I have mixed feelings on this. As someone who works exclusively programming Windows this is a cool move (ooops, my Microsoft-borg implant just kicked in). However I am an avid Palm user and the one tool I use extensively on my Palm has no Windows Mobile equivilant. At this point you can only get my Palm by prying it from my cold, dead hand. Frankly I have never found much of a need to run mulitple apps on my Palm at the same time, I hate working on documents on my Palm, and even email can be a pain in the butt. Your handheld is not supposed to be a small notebook, or have everything from your desktop. It is supposed to be a replacement for your old Daytimer paper organizer.
Vinny Testaverde Set to Rejoin N.Y. Jets - Yahoo! News
Vinny Testaverde Set to Rejoin N.Y. Jets - Yahoo! News
Ooo doggie! I hope Testaverde can make it through the physical. It is cool to see "old farts" keep going.
Ooo doggie! I hope Testaverde can make it through the physical. It is cool to see "old farts" keep going.
Brown Blames 'Dysfunctional' Louisiana - Yahoo! News
Brown Blames 'Dysfunctional' Louisiana - Yahoo! News
FEMA's role may not be to do the evacuation, but they should be coordinating efforts for different agencies. That is communication! They should also be after cities & states in areas that will regularly interface (such as hurricane areas) with FEMA to make sure to make sure there are plans in place to do evacuations and establish lines of communication to stop problems like this.
Plus, I feel it is very bad form to open up comments by blaming someone else for your mistakes. Bottom line is you made an assumption, for right or wrong. That is why you were removed from your job.
FEMA's role may not be to do the evacuation, but they should be coordinating efforts for different agencies. That is communication! They should also be after cities & states in areas that will regularly interface (such as hurricane areas) with FEMA to make sure to make sure there are plans in place to do evacuations and establish lines of communication to stop problems like this.
Plus, I feel it is very bad form to open up comments by blaming someone else for your mistakes. Bottom line is you made an assumption, for right or wrong. That is why you were removed from your job.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Archive meme
Sarah said:
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
"Now I have been following podcasting for all of a week now, but I can already see where there are a number of problems."
This was from 13 Dec 2004.
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.
"Now I have been following podcasting for all of a week now, but I can already see where there are a number of problems."
This was from 13 Dec 2004.
Cable's Digital Drive Irks Basic Customers - Yahoo! News
Cable's Digital Drive Irks Basic Customers - Yahoo! News
Boy, if I could get digital cable for $45/month I would switch since it would be $5/month cheaper than what I am currently paying. I have been considering dropping my "extended basic" cost $40/month above the "lifeline basic". Every time I see my cable bill I remember that line from Pink Floyd "13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from." Well now we get 70+ channels of shit to choose from. At least I can cut down on the shit and save some money.
Boy, if I could get digital cable for $45/month I would switch since it would be $5/month cheaper than what I am currently paying. I have been considering dropping my "extended basic" cost $40/month above the "lifeline basic". Every time I see my cable bill I remember that line from Pink Floyd "13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from." Well now we get 70+ channels of shit to choose from. At least I can cut down on the shit and save some money.
Bloglines Dumping Ground
I was just going through my Bloglines feeds and found 57 stored links sitting there. I use Bloglines so that I can keep tabs on my read feeds from multiple computers. Some of these saved posts are things I need to do on one or another computer. Some are long posts that I want to read later. Some are podcast show notes that I have saved until I listen to the episode. Still I have 45-50 podcasts that I need to do something with other than listen to a podcast.
Someone, possibly 43 Folders, had mentioned using your blog as a dumping ground of information you want keep. You have access from any computer to bits of info. Cool idea, although obviously you would want to skip any sensitive info. Given I have a PDA that I tote along with me just about everywhere I have very little need for this. In fact I wwould like to pull some of my information OFF of the web and put on my PDA in a much easier method. 43 Folders has a guide on printing out your Amazon Wish List, but I want to get that on my PDA. Same with my NetFlix queue and maybe a Flikr feed or two. I know I can get RSS feeds onto my Palm, but I do like 43 Folder's idea of using the Amazon Wish List as a dumping ground for what I want to pick up and tend to forget. Unfortunately I don't always get things on my Palm, plus then I easily order things off of Amazon when I am ready to purchase them.
Someone, possibly 43 Folders, had mentioned using your blog as a dumping ground of information you want keep. You have access from any computer to bits of info. Cool idea, although obviously you would want to skip any sensitive info. Given I have a PDA that I tote along with me just about everywhere I have very little need for this. In fact I wwould like to pull some of my information OFF of the web and put on my PDA in a much easier method. 43 Folders has a guide on printing out your Amazon Wish List, but I want to get that on my PDA. Same with my NetFlix queue and maybe a Flikr feed or two. I know I can get RSS feeds onto my Palm, but I do like 43 Folder's idea of using the Amazon Wish List as a dumping ground for what I want to pick up and tend to forget. Unfortunately I don't always get things on my Palm, plus then I easily order things off of Amazon when I am ready to purchase them.
Grumpy Blogger Day
Today did not start out great. Apparently everyone has forgotten how to drive on wet pavement making me a half hour late for work. Well, we have flex time so I was not so much late as later than usual. Grrr!
Beacon Journal | 09/26/2005 | Komodo Kingdom slithers into Akron
Beacon Journal | 09/26/2005 | Komodo Kingdom slithers into Akron
The Akron Zoo has always had its problems. Being we are 30 odd miles from the Cleveland Zoo, and a couple hour ride from the Columbus Zoo people do not really flock to it. Plus the zoo itself is somewhat land locked limiting expansion potential without a lot of eminate domain issues.
I remember when the zoo was a really bad place to go, but we would go a couple times a year because it was cheap. Don't get me wrong, at 6 and 7 I enjoyed it immensely, but I know that the zoo was not the best maintained at that time.
The zoo has come a long way in the last 30 odd years. I try to get out there once a year or so, although the zoo is another one of those places where as a single guy visiting people look at you funny sometimes. I did not make it out there this year, maybe over the winter.
The Akron Zoo has always had its problems. Being we are 30 odd miles from the Cleveland Zoo, and a couple hour ride from the Columbus Zoo people do not really flock to it. Plus the zoo itself is somewhat land locked limiting expansion potential without a lot of eminate domain issues.
I remember when the zoo was a really bad place to go, but we would go a couple times a year because it was cheap. Don't get me wrong, at 6 and 7 I enjoyed it immensely, but I know that the zoo was not the best maintained at that time.
The zoo has come a long way in the last 30 odd years. I try to get out there once a year or so, although the zoo is another one of those places where as a single guy visiting people look at you funny sometimes. I did not make it out there this year, maybe over the winter.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Beacon Journal | 09/25/2005 | Readers upset at OSU sports burying news of Aeros, Zips
Beacon Journal | 09/25/2005 | Readers upset at OSU sports burying news of Aeros, Zips
I have to agree with much of this sentiment. I do not follow sports very closely, but I do like to keep an eye on the University of Akron's football & basketball teams just to see how they are doing. Sometimes you cannot even find their score on Sunday because of all the other sports coverage. The only thing that local newspapers have going for them now is that they cover local events. The University of Akron will never be some powerhouse football or basketball team, but they still deserve more coverage than a box score.
I have to agree with much of this sentiment. I do not follow sports very closely, but I do like to keep an eye on the University of Akron's football & basketball teams just to see how they are doing. Sometimes you cannot even find their score on Sunday because of all the other sports coverage. The only thing that local newspapers have going for them now is that they cover local events. The University of Akron will never be some powerhouse football or basketball team, but they still deserve more coverage than a box score.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
A little old, but this is what happens when I get busy. I like the name splogs to describe spam blogs.
A little old, but this is what happens when I get busy. I like the name splogs to describe spam blogs.
Luke Skywalker is a Design Pattern
Luke Skywalker is a Design Pattern
Very geeky, but also very true. I have said, without the benefit of reading Joseph Campbell, that the Star Wars movies have been about the hero's journey. Episodes 4-6 is Luke's journey, and all the episodes show Anakin's journey.
Very geeky, but also very true. I have said, without the benefit of reading Joseph Campbell, that the Star Wars movies have been about the hero's journey. Episodes 4-6 is Luke's journey, and all the episodes show Anakin's journey.
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Google is becoming the next Microsoft. Google is going to start running into the same problems as MS soon. Although with Microsoft buying part/all of AOL this could work for them.
Google is becoming the next Microsoft. Google is going to start running into the same problems as MS soon. Although with Microsoft buying part/all of AOL this could work for them.
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
Geek News Central Revealing Links & Useful Technical Information
With Katrina & Rita, plus my own hard drive failure over the summer, data recovery has been a key interest. Maybe a bit overkill, but really it is very through way to handle disaster recovery.
With Katrina & Rita, plus my own hard drive failure over the summer, data recovery has been a key interest. Maybe a bit overkill, but really it is very through way to handle disaster recovery.
White Sox Inch Toward Historic Collapse - Yahoo! News
White Sox Inch Toward Historic Collapse - Yahoo! News
For us in the Cleveland area, this is a flashback to the 95-96 time frame when the Indians were kicking butt and taking names.
For us in the Cleveland area, this is a flashback to the 95-96 time frame when the Indians were kicking butt and taking names.
Fox legal drama is first victim of new TV season - Yahoo! News
Fox legal drama is first victim of new TV season - Yahoo! News
No one gives a show a chance to develop an audience any more. Two episodes and whack! I saw part of an episode and it looked interesting. Maybe it can find life on one of the cable networks.
No one gives a show a chance to develop an audience any more. Two episodes and whack! I saw part of an episode and it looked interesting. Maybe it can find life on one of the cable networks.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Political Bloggers Demand Speech Freedoms - Yahoo! News
Political Bloggers Demand Speech Freedoms - Yahoo! News
Concerns over internet ads and blogs are different. Now anyone who PAYS a blogger should include that as part of their advertising. But if someone runs a political blog and accepts no money there should not any rules put to these people.
Concerns over internet ads and blogs are different. Now anyone who PAYS a blogger should include that as part of their advertising. But if someone runs a political blog and accepts no money there should not any rules put to these people.
Consumer Sentiment Erodes Key Index - Yahoo! News
Consumer Sentiment Erodes Key Index - Yahoo! News
Given the current state of gas prices, hurricanes withstanding, it is no shock that there is some consumer doubts. I know I have them.
Given the current state of gas prices, hurricanes withstanding, it is no shock that there is some consumer doubts. I know I have them.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
43 Folders | Kendall Clark: AlphaSmart Neo's interesting for what it's not
43 Folders | Kendall Clark: AlphaSmart Neo's interesting for what it's not
I have seen something similar, and decidedly lower tech, in use. Awhile back I saw a one of these in use by a journalist at a football game. I have since read that journalist love these things because they had a 300 baud modem built in but, more importantly, they could take a beating and still run. Siome guy in California was still refurbishing them 6 or so years ago! If these are just as tough they could be worth every penny.
I flip between having one, all encompassing device and a lot of small, specialized devices. Overall I prefer the specialized devices - easier upgrades and if one breaks all the functions are not out of service. However there are times I would like to setup a server and have it function as a lot of the little things around the house: Music server, PVR, answering machine, etc.
I have seen something similar, and decidedly lower tech, in use. Awhile back I saw a one of these in use by a journalist at a football game. I have since read that journalist love these things because they had a 300 baud modem built in but, more importantly, they could take a beating and still run. Siome guy in California was still refurbishing them 6 or so years ago! If these are just as tough they could be worth every penny.
I flip between having one, all encompassing device and a lot of small, specialized devices. Overall I prefer the specialized devices - easier upgrades and if one breaks all the functions are not out of service. However there are times I would like to setup a server and have it function as a lot of the little things around the house: Music server, PVR, answering machine, etc.
43 Folders | How do you get creative with your phonecam?
43 Folders | How do you get creative with your phonecam?
Given I don't have a phonecam I can't take advantage of this, but is a pretty cool idea. I have my PDA at hand just about all the time so some of these would not work. There are some times I wish I had a phonecam just to grab the occassional photo that you just can't get later. Given my current plan the mailing of photos would kill me, but I would love a phone I could snag the photos off of from my PC.
Given I don't have a phonecam I can't take advantage of this, but is a pretty cool idea. I have my PDA at hand just about all the time so some of these would not work. There are some times I wish I had a phonecam just to grab the occassional photo that you just can't get later. Given my current plan the mailing of photos would kill me, but I would love a phone I could snag the photos off of from my PC.
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