Beacon Journal | 03/14/2006 | Schools double teacher job cuts
I'm tired of the scare tactics, and frankly they will not work. Two words - charter schools. Akron Public Schools are making themselves irrelevant.
The School Board flat out lied to us about no schools getting shut down to get us to sign onto the reconstruction plan. You are talking about even further school closing, some regardless of the passing of the levy. Frankly if you are shutting schools down you don't need as many teachers anyways.
I can't afford any more, and frankly until the State legislator gets off its ass to fix school funding in a way that is constitutional according to the Ohio Supreme Court I am not voting for any more taxes for schools. I think we all should do that, maybe then instead of debating the state amphibian we can get our state representatives to do something constructive like fund public schools.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Amabassador Blasts Bruce Willis' Comments - Yahoo! News
Amabassador Blasts Bruce Willis' Comments - Yahoo! News
Instead of focusing on closing down the suppliers, maybe we need to concentrate on WHY so many people feel the need to take drugs. Cut on the demand, supply dries up.
Instead of focusing on closing down the suppliers, maybe we need to concentrate on WHY so many people feel the need to take drugs. Cut on the demand, supply dries up.
Beacon Journal | 03/13/2006 | Buzzards' arrival a big to-do in Hinckley
Beacon Journal | 03/13/2006 | Buzzards' arrival a big to-do in Hinckley
You have to love it. I'm sure the Buzzard watch has already begun.
You have to love it. I'm sure the Buzzard watch has already begun.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Bush: Port Deal Collapse Sends Bad Message - Yahoo! News
Bush: Port Deal Collapse Sends Bad Message - Yahoo! News
As a general rule of thumb, I think it is a bad idea to outsource security of our ports to any country, Middle Eastern, China, England, even Canada. We don't outsource our national defense, why outsource port security?
As a general rule of thumb, I think it is a bad idea to outsource security of our ports to any country, Middle Eastern, China, England, even Canada. We don't outsource our national defense, why outsource port security?
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Tribble or Hairball?
There are times I doubt the intelligence of my cat Fuzzbutt. However he has learned that, pretty much, if I am reaching for him from my chair he is either going to a) to get petted b) get wet with flea stuff or c) get combed out, which usually hurts. Fuzzbutt likes to roll around on his back and he ends up with matted hair around his shoulders along his spine where he can't reach while cleaning.
Today he jumped up beside me while I was sitting on my bed. I keep a comb for my cats near by for just such an emergency. The above tribble-like clump of hair was from the combing. If he would just settle down beside me more often we would not have to go through all this hair pulling.
Here he is after all the combing:
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
RIP Doms
Beacon Journal | 03/08/2006 | Patella remembered for character, integrity
I never played for Patella, but I did have him for gym class in his last year of teaching. He was a great guy, and one of the best (if not THE best) coaches at Akron East High. Everyone I know who did play for him had great things to say about him.
I never played for Patella, but I did have him for gym class in his last year of teaching. He was a great guy, and one of the best (if not THE best) coaches at Akron East High. Everyone I know who did play for him had great things to say about him.
WWdN: In Exile: how about a wwdnbot for aim?
WWdN: In Exile: how about a wwdnbot for aim?
Wil had the right idea, but the wrong format. Think SMS, aka text messages. Instant messages still suffer from inter operability problems, however AIM is better than nothing.
RSS is great for pushing out info, but there is a time sensitivity issue. If, using Wil's example, you had an appearance you would need to make sure to get it in your feed far enough ahead to a) allow people to see it in their feed and b) allow people to make plans. B obviously needs a bigger time lead than A, however you still would need at least 1 or 2 days to have a reasonable chance of letting everyone at least know.
However, what if you were asked to do a last minute fill in on Letterman? What if you need to cancel a meeting at the last minute with a group? Not everyone has their IM client open 24/7. Could you drop a quick text message to list and get near instantaneous notification? Not a new idea, but not one done here in the States. Mostly because US cell companies see text messaging as another way togouge their customers get revenue. The rest of the world GETS how to use text messaging - from using it to how to charge for it.
However the flip side to this was a somewhat recent article on 43 Folders. RSS is great, but some of its uses have left us spending too much time managing our feeds sometimes. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way for readers to detect and let you know "we see your delivery of yak hair has arrived. Do you want to remove feed foobar?" or maybe "You have not received something on the foo feed for 30 days. Remove it?" I would not want to automatically whack a feed - some of mine intentionally receive little traffic but I want that traffic when it comes.
I guess there is just a matter of how we get info (there is a timeliness issue as well, but Merlin touches on that at 43 Folders). Think about it - many of us probably have an IM client or two, an email program, maybe a couple of web email accounts checked on the web, and an aggregator (or two). This does not include multiple devices many of us have (cell, PDA, multiple computers, god knows what else) or services we use to keep some of our local data synched amongst the different machines (think NewsGator & Feedburner). For some eliminating one piece of the puzzle is a great help.
Wil had the right idea, but the wrong format. Think SMS, aka text messages. Instant messages still suffer from inter operability problems, however AIM is better than nothing.
RSS is great for pushing out info, but there is a time sensitivity issue. If, using Wil's example, you had an appearance you would need to make sure to get it in your feed far enough ahead to a) allow people to see it in their feed and b) allow people to make plans. B obviously needs a bigger time lead than A, however you still would need at least 1 or 2 days to have a reasonable chance of letting everyone at least know.
However, what if you were asked to do a last minute fill in on Letterman? What if you need to cancel a meeting at the last minute with a group? Not everyone has their IM client open 24/7. Could you drop a quick text message to list and get near instantaneous notification? Not a new idea, but not one done here in the States. Mostly because US cell companies see text messaging as another way to
However the flip side to this was a somewhat recent article on 43 Folders. RSS is great, but some of its uses have left us spending too much time managing our feeds sometimes. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way for readers to detect and let you know "we see your delivery of yak hair has arrived. Do you want to remove feed foobar?" or maybe "You have not received something on the foo feed for 30 days. Remove it?" I would not want to automatically whack a feed - some of mine intentionally receive little traffic but I want that traffic when it comes.
I guess there is just a matter of how we get info (there is a timeliness issue as well, but Merlin touches on that at 43 Folders). Think about it - many of us probably have an IM client or two, an email program, maybe a couple of web email accounts checked on the web, and an aggregator (or two). This does not include multiple devices many of us have (cell, PDA, multiple computers, god knows what else) or services we use to keep some of our local data synched amongst the different machines (think NewsGator & Feedburner). For some eliminating one piece of the puzzle is a great help.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett Dies at 45 - Yahoo! News
Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett Dies at 45 - Yahoo! News
I am not a huge baseball fan, but having someone so close to me age-wise die of a stroke is weird. Granted at 41 I could easily be a grandfather. My old neighbors were, and great grandparents by 60.
About the only time you hear of a stroke in someone this young is in child birth (which I think would have been a bigger story) or some kind of gentic thing. Such a death though makes you re evaluate how you are handling your own health. Time to cut back on the nachos and get back in the walking shoes.
I am not a huge baseball fan, but having someone so close to me age-wise die of a stroke is weird. Granted at 41 I could easily be a grandfather. My old neighbors were, and great grandparents by 60.
About the only time you hear of a stroke in someone this young is in child birth (which I think would have been a bigger story) or some kind of gentic thing. Such a death though makes you re evaluate how you are handling your own health. Time to cut back on the nachos and get back in the walking shoes.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Oscars Ratings Drop 10 Percent From 2005 - Yahoo! News
Oscars Ratings Drop 10 Percent From 2005 - Yahoo! News
Nothing personal guys, but who has 3+ hours to devote to this kind of show anymore? I think the awards are important, but I do not think the show itself is important.
Nothing personal guys, but who has 3+ hours to devote to this kind of show anymore? I think the awards are important, but I do not think the show itself is important.
Joint AT&T-BellSouth Might Cut 10,000 Jobs - Yahoo! News
Joint AT&T-BellSouth Might Cut 10,000 Jobs - Yahoo! News
One question over this merger - didn't the government break up AT&T over anti-trust issues before? Isn't AT&T pretty much back to where they were before the break up? We have accomplished what?
One question over this merger - didn't the government break up AT&T over anti-trust issues before? Isn't AT&T pretty much back to where they were before the break up? We have accomplished what?
Monday, February 27, 2006
Late post
I have been a bad blogger. Almost a week ago I received a package from my secret pal in Spoil A Blogger. I got a copy of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I did not have a copy this. I saw it in the theaters and loved it. I thought it was much better than the version done by the BBC back in the 8o's. I know some people were upset because they included some things from the BBC radio show as well, but I still liked it.
I have to remember to keep my Amazon wish list up to date. Merlin over at 43 Folders recommends using your Amazon Wish List as a parking place for books, CDs, etc. you are looking to buy. I like the idea, although I have yet to take the time to figure out how to get the Amazon Wish List onto my Palm. Two way communication between my Palm and Amazon wish list would even be better.
I have to remember to keep my Amazon wish list up to date. Merlin over at 43 Folders recommends using your Amazon Wish List as a parking place for books, CDs, etc. you are looking to buy. I like the idea, although I have yet to take the time to figure out how to get the Amazon Wish List onto my Palm. Two way communication between my Palm and Amazon wish list would even be better.
Microsoft Plans New Windows Products - Yahoo! News
Microsoft Plans New Windows Products - Yahoo! News
There are too many versions of Windows Vista. Users will be confused. They need 2 versions: Home & work.
There are too many versions of Windows Vista. Users will be confused. They need 2 versions: Home & work.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Checking in
I have not been feeling the need to post here on personal things for awhile, so I figured I should check in. Weather is still weird here, and I am feeling it a little still.
Mostly tonight I wanted to clear out some things from my personal to do list. An important project has washed up on my desk at work and I want to get some things cleared up here at home just in case the shit hits the fan on this and a bad time for me. I definately have mixed feelings on the project. I've been told it is simple, but I have heard THAT all too many times before. My intent is to whip it out quickly and easily, but that pain in the butt Murphy tends to have other things to say about my intent.
Actually I just looked at the time and realized I have not had dinner. A group of us at work go out once a month for lunch. We work in different departments but we like to get together and catch up. Today we went to a Chinese buffet so I am feeling a little full.
Mostly tonight I wanted to clear out some things from my personal to do list. An important project has washed up on my desk at work and I want to get some things cleared up here at home just in case the shit hits the fan on this and a bad time for me. I definately have mixed feelings on the project. I've been told it is simple, but I have heard THAT all too many times before. My intent is to whip it out quickly and easily, but that pain in the butt Murphy tends to have other things to say about my intent.
Actually I just looked at the time and realized I have not had dinner. A group of us at work go out once a month for lunch. We work in different departments but we like to get together and catch up. Today we went to a Chinese buffet so I am feeling a little full.
Beacon Journal | 02/21/2006 | Blackwell hurls series of attack ads
Beacon Journal | 02/21/2006 | Blackwell hurls series of attack ads
Down and dirty during the primary. Just remind us all of all the crap currently going on with the Republican controlled Ohio government. I have one thing to say:
Thank you Ken Blackwell.
Truth be told, I would not vote for you anyways. I saw one of your early ads, one that was not an attack ad. I do not agree with your views. Period. I also feel your views, as presented in that ad, will do nothing but harm Ohio.
If you want to attact smart, creative, young people to this state you don't concern yourself with taxes. You concern yourself with making the state a place where someone who is different feels comfortable. Has anyone listened to the reports put out by consultants for cities here in Ohio? Young creative people choose where to live, then worry about getting a job. Countries that have opened their borders (and wallets) to gay researchers are, surprise, getting gay researchers to flock to those countries. Worry about the environment, the parks, public transportation, and yes getting industry to come here. But more and more people do not have to go to their jobs, their jobs can come to them. Build a state that supports that, people will come, and then industry will follow.
Down and dirty during the primary. Just remind us all of all the crap currently going on with the Republican controlled Ohio government. I have one thing to say:
Thank you Ken Blackwell.
Truth be told, I would not vote for you anyways. I saw one of your early ads, one that was not an attack ad. I do not agree with your views. Period. I also feel your views, as presented in that ad, will do nothing but harm Ohio.
If you want to attact smart, creative, young people to this state you don't concern yourself with taxes. You concern yourself with making the state a place where someone who is different feels comfortable. Has anyone listened to the reports put out by consultants for cities here in Ohio? Young creative people choose where to live, then worry about getting a job. Countries that have opened their borders (and wallets) to gay researchers are, surprise, getting gay researchers to flock to those countries. Worry about the environment, the parks, public transportation, and yes getting industry to come here. But more and more people do not have to go to their jobs, their jobs can come to them. Build a state that supports that, people will come, and then industry will follow.
Beacon Journal | 02/21/2006 | Prayer request puts Hartville in holy battle
Beacon Journal | 02/21/2006 | Prayer request puts Hartville in holy battle:
This is the only reason I am against prayer at governmetn meetings. If you are going to start the meeting with a prayer, and invite in ministers, then you also need to allow for any other religion within city bounds in this case. That also means that the ACLU or other group cannot trot in a ringer to test the law.
From the mayor:
You cannot because people do not get that freedom of religion means all religions. If you are opening up a public forum with prayer then you need to allow all religions to participate or no religion to participate. Otherwise you are giving preferential treatment to some religions, which is a way of endorsing it, which violates the separation of church and state.
Sometimes people are stupid. Personally if a satanist was to do the opening prayer/blessing (a reasonable request to keep this to the spoken word of X number of minutes) I would not think that the council, mayor, or anyone involved in the process was necessarily a satanist.
RANT MODE ON
There are times I want to ship off all the whiny people who complain about how their relgion is shit on to a situation where they are truly not allowed to practice the religion. Maybe a year living in a predominately Muslim country would teach them a thing or two about persecution and let them appreciate how good they have it here in America.
RANT MODE OFF
They want to invite pastors or rabbis from Hartville churches or churches where village residents worship to say the prayer. Hough said he would like it limited to Judeo-Christian religions.
This is the only reason I am against prayer at governmetn meetings. If you are going to start the meeting with a prayer, and invite in ministers, then you also need to allow for any other religion within city bounds in this case. That also means that the ACLU or other group cannot trot in a ringer to test the law.
From the mayor:
``My luck is I'll have someone coming in doing satanic things and then I'm the anti-Christ and a devil worshipper,'' she said. ``I don't see how I can"
You cannot because people do not get that freedom of religion means all religions. If you are opening up a public forum with prayer then you need to allow all religions to participate or no religion to participate. Otherwise you are giving preferential treatment to some religions, which is a way of endorsing it, which violates the separation of church and state.
Sometimes people are stupid. Personally if a satanist was to do the opening prayer/blessing (a reasonable request to keep this to the spoken word of X number of minutes) I would not think that the council, mayor, or anyone involved in the process was necessarily a satanist.
RANT MODE ON
There are times I want to ship off all the whiny people who complain about how their relgion is shit on to a situation where they are truly not allowed to practice the religion. Maybe a year living in a predominately Muslim country would teach them a thing or two about persecution and let them appreciate how good they have it here in America.
RANT MODE OFF
Monday, February 20, 2006
Beacon Journal | 02/19/2006 | Hypothermia? B-b-b-bring it on!
Beacon Journal | 02/19/2006 | Hypothermia? B-b-b-bring it on!
I have yet to see the interest in joining the polar bear club by jumping into a near frozen lake. They're nuts I say. Nuts!
I have yet to see the interest in joining the polar bear club by jumping into a near frozen lake. They're nuts I say. Nuts!
Beacon Journal | 02/19/2006 | Hypothermia? B-b-b-bring it on!
Beacon Journal | 02/19/2006 | Hypothermia? B-b-b-bring it on!
I have yet to see the interest in joining the polar bear club by jumping into a near frozen lake. They're nuts I say. Nuts!
I have yet to see the interest in joining the polar bear club by jumping into a near frozen lake. They're nuts I say. Nuts!
Dems: Public Won't Like Medicare Plan - Yahoo! News
Dems: Public Won't Like Medicare Plan - Yahoo! News
One of the worst things about this, based upon this and other articles, is that some people who were getting free drugs from individual drug companies now have to pay. At least one of the drug companies, and I don't remember which one, WANTED to help out but the way the legislation was written they were not.
One of the worst things about this, based upon this and other articles, is that some people who were getting free drugs from individual drug companies now have to pay. At least one of the drug companies, and I don't remember which one, WANTED to help out but the way the legislation was written they were not.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Berry Can't Escape 'Catwoman' During Award - Yahoo! News
Berry Can't Escape 'Catwoman' During Award - Yahoo! News:
Congratulations to Halle Berry. It is nice to see a fellow Ohioian (even if she does not live here anymore) do well.
Congratulations to Halle Berry. It is nice to see a fellow Ohioian (even if she does not live here anymore) do well.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Houston, we have wifi!
I'm back!! Woo hoo!
Apparently my old wireless router went coasters up (or, more appropriately, rubber feet up). We had blinky lights, could connect to it, but it was not allowing the internet through. Kind of defeats the purpose of the router. Granted I have not swapped the antennas for my high-gain antennas that gives me some kick-ass coverage. Right now I am sitting right next to the router, about 12 inches from the antenna so I am getting excellent reception. The setup program provided did not work, but if I skipped the setup everything worked great.
Now, of course, having cleared out space to put my laptop in my office (also know as the dumping ground) I found the comfort of sitting in my comfy office chair with my computer on a desk where I can easily move my legs under the table. Normally I work with a folding table in the living room.
Just double checking to see if w.Blogger works. So far all my internet apps have worked great. Now I just need to swap antennas.
Apparently my old wireless router went coasters up (or, more appropriately, rubber feet up). We had blinky lights, could connect to it, but it was not allowing the internet through. Kind of defeats the purpose of the router. Granted I have not swapped the antennas for my high-gain antennas that gives me some kick-ass coverage. Right now I am sitting right next to the router, about 12 inches from the antenna so I am getting excellent reception. The setup program provided did not work, but if I skipped the setup everything worked great.
Now, of course, having cleared out space to put my laptop in my office (also know as the dumping ground) I found the comfort of sitting in my comfy office chair with my computer on a desk where I can easily move my legs under the table. Normally I work with a folding table in the living room.
Just double checking to see if w.Blogger works. So far all my internet apps have worked great. Now I just need to swap antennas.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Star Trek New Voyages
Star Trek New Voyages
Another all-volunteer labor of love project that is free. Much like Star Wars: Revelations this is a project of the fans.
This takes the original Star Trek to a new frontier - season 4. There are new actors playing our favorite roles. They do capture the idea of the character, but bring in a different twist.
I downloaded the pilot & episode 1 and I have to say they are pretty good. The effects were not as good in episode 1 as the pilot, in my opinion, but still pretty good. The acting reminded me of a local theater group - good but not great. Overall though it was well worth the time to download and watch. Best part - it is free of comercials!
Looks like they do one or two episodes a year, which I think is pretty good given it is all volunteers. Revelations took 2+ years for a 45 minute (roughly) film.
Another all-volunteer labor of love project that is free. Much like Star Wars: Revelations this is a project of the fans.
This takes the original Star Trek to a new frontier - season 4. There are new actors playing our favorite roles. They do capture the idea of the character, but bring in a different twist.
I downloaded the pilot & episode 1 and I have to say they are pretty good. The effects were not as good in episode 1 as the pilot, in my opinion, but still pretty good. The acting reminded me of a local theater group - good but not great. Overall though it was well worth the time to download and watch. Best part - it is free of comercials!
Looks like they do one or two episodes a year, which I think is pretty good given it is all volunteers. Revelations took 2+ years for a 45 minute (roughly) film.
Beacon Journal | 02/14/2006 | Smoking ban may wait year
Beacon Journal | 02/14/2006 | Smoking ban may wait year
So, we pass a law that kinda, sort-of bans smoking in Summit county (except Akron & Cuyahoga Falls who already have laws), and then we back off and say "just kidding"? Grow a pair and leave the law as is! You can always change to the state-wide law later.
So, we pass a law that kinda, sort-of bans smoking in Summit county (except Akron & Cuyahoga Falls who already have laws), and then we back off and say "just kidding"? Grow a pair and leave the law as is! You can always change to the state-wide law later.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Not been myself
I have not been myself lately, and who I have been pretty much sucks. The big problem is I have been having "senior moments". The worst being I took a can soup to work for lunch, but forgot that in our new building (where we have been at for almost a year) does not have a can opener.
Things are getting better. I am feeling better, which is tied to the weather settling down some here. Up & down weather just zaps my energy. I have a few blog ideas that I need to work on over the next few days. I also need to do an episode of "This Old Blog" to rework some of my blog.
I lost my internet connection over the weekend, so I am heading directly home after work to deal with that. Tough to have ideas floating through you head I should still be writing these things up and have them ready, but I was being lazy over the weekend.
Hopefully my ISP will be back up and I can do some stuff this evening. It really sucked being without the internet for the last 2, almost 3 days.
Things are getting better. I am feeling better, which is tied to the weather settling down some here. Up & down weather just zaps my energy. I have a few blog ideas that I need to work on over the next few days. I also need to do an episode of "This Old Blog" to rework some of my blog.
I lost my internet connection over the weekend, so I am heading directly home after work to deal with that. Tough to have ideas floating through you head I should still be writing these things up and have them ready, but I was being lazy over the weekend.
Hopefully my ISP will be back up and I can do some stuff this evening. It really sucked being without the internet for the last 2, almost 3 days.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
CURRY.COM: Adam Curry's Weblog
CURRY.COM: Adam Curry's Weblog
Looks like a new model. Anyone who listens to Adam's Daily Source Code (or Delta Sierra Charly as it is usually referred to) know he has been talking about this. Getting advertisers to bid to put ads on your show. Kinda cool!
Looks like a new model. Anyone who listens to Adam's Daily Source Code (or Delta Sierra Charly as it is usually referred to) know he has been talking about this. Getting advertisers to bid to put ads on your show. Kinda cool!
Hezbollah Leader to Bush: 'Shut Up' - Yahoo! News
Hezbollah Leader to Bush: 'Shut Up' - Yahoo! News:
I wonder if people actually pay attention to what they say, and take a look around at the world and see if what they say lines up with it.
To me, hate is hate. Rioting & burning down buildings is hate to me. I can see NO justification for such a reaction to cartoons. A right to be angry? Yes. A right to destroy things? No. To me the response is way out of line.
Mmmmm...no. You can ask, but we are not going to do it. Strict Islamic nations are asked to treat women better, but they usually do not.
This one in particular I thought was funny:
For some reason I don't see Jews rioting or burning down embassies over a cartoon. I don't see Israel taking on the world unless we conform to their ideals. Granted at one point I heard they did want to right to have rulership on any Jew anywhere in the world, but that memory is a bit fuzzy so I don't put a lot of stock in it.
Organized religion of any type is not much on freedom, but this is getting out of hand.
I wonder if people actually pay attention to what they say, and take a look around at the world and see if what they say lines up with it.
"'Nobody should blame the Muslims if they are unhappy about the images of the Prophet Muhammad,' Sherif said. 'It's forbidden to create a hate program to show that the prophet is a terrorist while he's not. Don't ask us to try to make people understand that this is not a campaign of hate.'
To me, hate is hate. Rioting & burning down buildings is hate to me. I can see NO justification for such a reaction to cartoons. A right to be angry? Yes. A right to destroy things? No. To me the response is way out of line.
Nasrallah, a black-turbaned, bearded cleric, demanded an apology for the cartoons and laws to prevent a repetition.
'There can be no settlement before an apology and there can be no settlement before laws are legislated by the European Parliament and the parliaments of European countries,' he said.
Islamic nations should demand 'a law committing the press and the media in the West that proscribes insulting our prophet. If this matter cannot be achieved that means they (West) insist on continuing this,' he added. "
Mmmmm...no. You can ask, but we are not going to do it. Strict Islamic nations are asked to treat women better, but they usually do not.
This one in particular I thought was funny:
Nasrallah said that if the controversy touched on Jews or Israel the West would have reacted differently and quickly.
For some reason I don't see Jews rioting or burning down embassies over a cartoon. I don't see Israel taking on the world unless we conform to their ideals. Granted at one point I heard they did want to right to have rulership on any Jew anywhere in the world, but that memory is a bit fuzzy so I don't put a lot of stock in it.
Organized religion of any type is not much on freedom, but this is getting out of hand.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Google Battles Broadband Provider Fee - Yahoo! News
Google Battles Broadband Provider Fee - Yahoo! News
Now I think we need to make 2 things clear:
1) As pointed out, as a consumer we pay for broadband.
2) Although NOT pointed out, companies like Google, Yahoo, etc. also pay for connectivity. AT&T, Verizon, etc do not let them hook up for free. I'm not sure about Vonage or Skype.
However, the problem is that broadband is changing how people do business. Skype and Vonage make it cheaper (and in some cases free) than having long distance even on your cell plan. In fact I just heard one guy on a podcast say his roaming in India was something like $4/minute for his cell. Skype was something like $.05/minute. Phone cards even have trouble at those prices.
DVD, iTunes, and Netflix (and similar companies) are changing the way we use cable. I recently cut back on my cable because it is cheaper for me to buy the shows I watched on a regular basis through iTunes or on DVD than to pay the amount they were asking for those channels.
Much like the music industry and now the movie industry, phone & cable companies are going to have to learn to change. Time Warner, at least here in Akron, offer bundles of cable, broadband & internet phone. They are adapting. AT&T needs to adapt also. DSL needs to get faster, cheaper, or ideally both. Can you beat the cost of Time Warner when bundling phone & internet service? Can you even cover all of Akron so *I* could even have the choice of AT&T?
I was listening to a podcast on the way in that made a good point - the lines between computer & TV are blurring. That has been true for music for some time, and is becoming true for phone service. "Old-timers" in these industries are going to have to learn to adapt or go the way of the dinosaurs.
Now I think we need to make 2 things clear:
1) As pointed out, as a consumer we pay for broadband.
2) Although NOT pointed out, companies like Google, Yahoo, etc. also pay for connectivity. AT&T, Verizon, etc do not let them hook up for free. I'm not sure about Vonage or Skype.
However, the problem is that broadband is changing how people do business. Skype and Vonage make it cheaper (and in some cases free) than having long distance even on your cell plan. In fact I just heard one guy on a podcast say his roaming in India was something like $4/minute for his cell. Skype was something like $.05/minute. Phone cards even have trouble at those prices.
DVD, iTunes, and Netflix (and similar companies) are changing the way we use cable. I recently cut back on my cable because it is cheaper for me to buy the shows I watched on a regular basis through iTunes or on DVD than to pay the amount they were asking for those channels.
Much like the music industry and now the movie industry, phone & cable companies are going to have to learn to change. Time Warner, at least here in Akron, offer bundles of cable, broadband & internet phone. They are adapting. AT&T needs to adapt also. DSL needs to get faster, cheaper, or ideally both. Can you beat the cost of Time Warner when bundling phone & internet service? Can you even cover all of Akron so *I* could even have the choice of AT&T?
I was listening to a podcast on the way in that made a good point - the lines between computer & TV are blurring. That has been true for music for some time, and is becoming true for phone service. "Old-timers" in these industries are going to have to learn to adapt or go the way of the dinosaurs.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Spoil-A-Blogger: Round 3 Questions
Spoil-A-Blogger: Round 3 Questions
I am trying something a little different and participating in Spoil-A-Blogger. Here are the answers:
Round 3 Questions
1. What is your favorite color?
Blue, but I also like green.
2. What is your favorite scent?
Pine, citrus
3. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
I like cities where I can walk and see interesting things. The only place I have been multiple times is VA Beach.
4. Do you collect anything?
No.
5. Do you have a favorite tv show?
Monk, CSI, House
6. Are you crafty? If so, how?
Not really. I have a collection of gel pens I use for mind mapping/brain storming but that is about it.
7. Do you have kids?
no
8. Do you have pets?
Yes - 2 cats Bright Eyes & Fuzzbutt.
9. What kind of movies do you like?
Comedies, romantic comedies especially. Action/adventures and sci fi are also high on my list.
10. What kind of music do you listen to?
Most anything except rap & older country music. Some modern country music like Faith Hill is ok. (It sounds more like pop to me.) The bulk of my CD collection is late 70s/early 80s pop/rock.
11. What kind of books do you like to read?
Mysteries, sci fi, books on astrology.
12. Do you have a favorite magazine?
Utne Reader
13. What is your favorite weekend activity?
Volksmarches (walking - more). Just started Geocaching which is fun as well. Also enjoy watching movies.
14. What kind of work do you do?
Computer programming.
15. What do you do for fun?
Walking, reading, watching movies.
I am trying something a little different and participating in Spoil-A-Blogger. Here are the answers:
Round 3 Questions
1. What is your favorite color?
Blue, but I also like green.
2. What is your favorite scent?
Pine, citrus
3. Where is your favorite place to vacation?
I like cities where I can walk and see interesting things. The only place I have been multiple times is VA Beach.
4. Do you collect anything?
No.
5. Do you have a favorite tv show?
Monk, CSI, House
6. Are you crafty? If so, how?
Not really. I have a collection of gel pens I use for mind mapping/brain storming but that is about it.
7. Do you have kids?
no
8. Do you have pets?
Yes - 2 cats Bright Eyes & Fuzzbutt.
9. What kind of movies do you like?
Comedies, romantic comedies especially. Action/adventures and sci fi are also high on my list.
10. What kind of music do you listen to?
Most anything except rap & older country music. Some modern country music like Faith Hill is ok. (It sounds more like pop to me.) The bulk of my CD collection is late 70s/early 80s pop/rock.
11. What kind of books do you like to read?
Mysteries, sci fi, books on astrology.
12. Do you have a favorite magazine?
Utne Reader
13. What is your favorite weekend activity?
Volksmarches (walking - more). Just started Geocaching which is fun as well. Also enjoy watching movies.
14. What kind of work do you do?
Computer programming.
15. What do you do for fun?
Walking, reading, watching movies.
Google to Unveil New Chat Feature - Yahoo! News
Google to Unveil New Chat Feature - Yahoo! News
I have had a post kicking around my head, but this announcement leads me to believe Google is becoming like the Borg. I need to get this post out.
I have had a post kicking around my head, but this announcement leads me to believe Google is becoming like the Borg. I need to get this post out.
NASA Focuses on Developing New Moon Craft - Yahoo! News
NASA Focuses on Developing New Moon Craft - Yahoo! News
Now I don't want to sound stupid, but why does it take 12 years to develop a new craft to go to the Moon? If you look at the history from NASA attempts to do some manned or unmanned missions to the Moon date back to 1958, about 11 years before the first manned landing.
Thirty or so years ago we had a craft capable of landing on the Moon. It is not like they need to go back to the drawing board on this. Why so long?
As a side note - NASA's research will, eventually, affect the private sector much like how research in the military industry ripples out. It gives the economy a boost. I would rather see NASA getting the research money than the military.
Now I don't want to sound stupid, but why does it take 12 years to develop a new craft to go to the Moon? If you look at the history from NASA attempts to do some manned or unmanned missions to the Moon date back to 1958, about 11 years before the first manned landing.
Thirty or so years ago we had a craft capable of landing on the Moon. It is not like they need to go back to the drawing board on this. Why so long?
As a side note - NASA's research will, eventually, affect the private sector much like how research in the military industry ripples out. It gives the economy a boost. I would rather see NASA getting the research money than the military.
Protests Over Drawings a 'Global Crisis' - Yahoo! News
Protests Over Drawings a 'Global Crisis' - Yahoo! News: "Fogh Rasmussen "
Now having seen the comics I have to agree that Muslims have a reason to be offended. However I do not see a reason for the rioting and other destructive actions taken.
If situation was reversed: If an Iranian (Iraqi, etc.) paper made similarly offending cartoons about Christians and the Christians reacted like the Muslims did no doubt there would be cries of us keeping the Muslims down.
Might I add the Muslim reaction (which, no doubt, is from a small number of people) does nothing to make the case for Islam being a religion of peace.
Now having seen the comics I have to agree that Muslims have a reason to be offended. However I do not see a reason for the rioting and other destructive actions taken.
If situation was reversed: If an Iranian (Iraqi, etc.) paper made similarly offending cartoons about Christians and the Christians reacted like the Muslims did no doubt there would be cries of us keeping the Muslims down.
Might I add the Muslim reaction (which, no doubt, is from a small number of people) does nothing to make the case for Islam being a religion of peace.
Beacon Journal | 02/07/2006 | Facts about chickenpox
Beacon Journal | 02/07/2006 | Facts about chickenpox
Ok, looks like 100 people nation wide. Pretty low number.
Ok, looks like 100 people nation wide. Pretty low number.
Beacon Journal | 02/07/2006 | Heading off Chickenpox
Beacon Journal | 02/07/2006 | Heading off Chickenpox
This is a disease I'm not sure we really need a vaccine for. Granted I had an extremely light case of chicken pox. My brother probably would have killed for the vaccine with the case he got from me. Same with my one niece who was the last of the 3 (at the time) to get them (over Christmas to boot). They say there was 100 children a year who died from chicken pox (not sure what the population size is). Even if this is just Akron (and I think more like Ohio-wide), it still seems like a pretty low number to pad the drug companies already swelled bottom lines.
This is a disease I'm not sure we really need a vaccine for. Granted I had an extremely light case of chicken pox. My brother probably would have killed for the vaccine with the case he got from me. Same with my one niece who was the last of the 3 (at the time) to get them (over Christmas to boot). They say there was 100 children a year who died from chicken pox (not sure what the population size is). Even if this is just Akron (and I think more like Ohio-wide), it still seems like a pretty low number to pad the drug companies already swelled bottom lines.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Beacon Journal | 02/06/2006 | Akron could get new garbage trucks, bins
Beacon Journal | 02/06/2006 | Akron could get new garbage trucks, bins
Although forcing me to spend $50 for trash pick up pisses me off, I am glad to see they will at least give me a discount for doing what I already do - recycling. I like it even more that they are going to punish those who do not recycle with higher trash rates.
Although forcing me to spend $50 for trash pick up pisses me off, I am glad to see they will at least give me a discount for doing what I already do - recycling. I like it even more that they are going to punish those who do not recycle with higher trash rates.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Warm Winter Weather Not Likely to Last - Yahoo! News
Warm Winter Weather Not Likely to Last - Yahoo! News
This may sound weird, but I am happy the colder weather is coming. The last month or so has been right around one of those temperature borders, for me, makes it tough to not only dress but adjust to the weather. I prefer it to get cold and stay cold.
This may sound weird, but I am happy the colder weather is coming. The last month or so has been right around one of those temperature borders, for me, makes it tough to not only dress but adjust to the weather. I prefer it to get cold and stay cold.
Fifth Harry Potter Movie to Start Filming - Yahoo! News
Fifth Harry Potter Movie to Start Filming - Yahoo! News
I have mixed feelings about this. I love that the filming has started on the fifth movie, but at the same time the fifth book was my least favorite to date.
To me not only did the story feel rushed but some of the things done to Harry, in particular, was flat out abusive and I felt the teenage rebelion thing was overplayed.
I have mixed feelings about this. I love that the filming has started on the fifth movie, but at the same time the fifth book was my least favorite to date.
To me not only did the story feel rushed but some of the things done to Harry, in particular, was flat out abusive and I felt the teenage rebelion thing was overplayed.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Beacon Journal | 01/31/2006 | Akron quaked, rattled, rolled
Beacon Journal | 01/31/2006 | Akron quaked, rattled, rolled
Ohio, earthquake central? Hard to beleive but apparently we are fairly active EAST of the Mississippi.
I do remember the quake in 1986 - I was actually in a class at the University of Akron. It was an economics class so it woke us all up ;).
Ohio, earthquake central? Hard to beleive but apparently we are fairly active EAST of the Mississippi.
I do remember the quake in 1986 - I was actually in a class at the University of Akron. It was an economics class so it woke us all up ;).
Monday, January 30, 2006
The truth is free
Random Meanderings: I'm not weird. I'm gifted.
I am clearing out some old saved items in Bloglines and thought I would throw this out there. I do not have much time to dig into this site, but maybe someone might find it interesting.
I am clearing out some old saved items in Bloglines and thought I would throw this out there. I do not have much time to dig into this site, but maybe someone might find it interesting.
Hacking NetFlix : Networks Make $1.44 on iTunes Video Downloads
Hacking NetFlix : Networks Make $1.44 on iTunes Video Downloads
Interesting info about how some of this works for those of us not in the industry. I found this from the Hollywood Reporter article interesting as well
The down side of this is that the content owner can make the same amount of money without any real work. Assuming all the costs for the media (art work, etc) and bonus material. This could mean that future DVD releases will have less materials, or they will jack up the costs with the bonus material being an excuse.
Interesting info about how some of this works for those of us not in the industry. I found this from the Hollywood Reporter article interesting as well
The content owners take from downloading is nearly the same that a commercial-fee TV series episode generates from a DVD boxed set, according to Nielsen Entertainment analyst Larry Gerbrandt, who has done the most exhaustive analysis of on-demand program economics to date.
The down side of this is that the content owner can make the same amount of money without any real work. Assuming all the costs for the media (art work, etc) and bonus material. This could mean that future DVD releases will have less materials, or they will jack up the costs with the bonus material being an excuse.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Beacon Journal | 01/29/2006 | Summit's warning system in place
Beacon Journal | 01/29/2006 | Summit's warning system in place
In interesting warning system. Instead of trying to get TV & Radio stations to broadcast warnings you instead get a phone call. Sounds like a realization - with satelitte options you no longer have to watch local stations. The Beacon Journal has also had a falling in subscribers as well - making it tougher to get out local news.
Also, as the article pointed out, during THE blackout in 2003 there was limited ways to keep people notified as to what was going on.
In interesting warning system. Instead of trying to get TV & Radio stations to broadcast warnings you instead get a phone call. Sounds like a realization - with satelitte options you no longer have to watch local stations. The Beacon Journal has also had a falling in subscribers as well - making it tougher to get out local news.
Also, as the article pointed out, during THE blackout in 2003 there was limited ways to keep people notified as to what was going on.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Coulter Jokes About Poisoning Justice - Yahoo! News
Coulter Jokes About Poisoning Justice - Yahoo! News
If Al Franken or some other liberal person had made a similar comment I bet they would be hanging by their toes outside the White House now. Bet no one even pays attention to this comment by Coulter.
Of course the line "She drew more boos when she said the crack cocaine problem "has pretty much gone away."" shows how out of touch she is.
If Al Franken or some other liberal person had made a similar comment I bet they would be hanging by their toes outside the White House now. Bet no one even pays attention to this comment by Coulter.
Of course the line "She drew more boos when she said the crack cocaine problem "has pretty much gone away."" shows how out of touch she is.
RII & �What would Descartes subscribe to?� | 43 Folders
RII & �What would Descartes subscribe to?� | 43 Folders
I have seen myself in this loop all too often. I really like the quote:
I have seen myself in this loop all too often. I really like the quote:
But sometimes I’m just procrastinating with lightning efficiency.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Family Of Five Found Alive In Suburbs | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Family Of Five Found Alive In Suburbs | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
Definately a funny read and well worth it. My thanks to John Andersen for the link. John's site is a great read as well.
It was funny for me to read the article and realize how little I take advantage of my city dwelling. Granted our art museum is currently working out of temporary digs, but they are still showing some stuff. Plus there are still plenty of theater productions, concerts, etc. Granted the Akron Symphony is not internationally known, but 20 odd years ago they were pretty good.
Time to leverage my butt of the couch and get out in the world.
Definately a funny read and well worth it. My thanks to John Andersen for the link. John's site is a great read as well.
It was funny for me to read the article and realize how little I take advantage of my city dwelling. Granted our art museum is currently working out of temporary digs, but they are still showing some stuff. Plus there are still plenty of theater productions, concerts, etc. Granted the Akron Symphony is not internationally known, but 20 odd years ago they were pretty good.
Time to leverage my butt of the couch and get out in the world.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
RSS feeds | Congress votes database | washingtonpost.com
RSS feeds | Congress votes database | washingtonpost.com
I was cleaning out some saved entries from Bloglines and came across this from Dave Winer. This page is a MUST have page for anyone who is in any way interested in what is going on in D. C.
The next step would be to have similar feeds for state government. City/county government would be nice, but this is where the local newspaper comes into play.
I was cleaning out some saved entries from Bloglines and came across this from Dave Winer. This page is a MUST have page for anyone who is in any way interested in what is going on in D. C.
The next step would be to have similar feeds for state government. City/county government would be nice, but this is where the local newspaper comes into play.
Beacon Journal | 01/25/2006 | Old mill in park coming down
Beacon Journal | 01/25/2006 | Old mill in park coming down
Having seen this factory I have to agree it is a hazard and needs to come down. I do find it ironic that a building with asbestos burned down.
Having seen this factory I have to agree it is a hazard and needs to come down. I do find it ironic that a building with asbestos burned down.
Techdirt:Music Execs Confuse "Choice" With Making You Pay Over And Over Again
Techdirt:Music Execs Confuse "Choice" With Making You Pay Over And Over Again:
This is the most telling sign that main stream media (MSM) don't get it:
Later, a quote from the same guy:
Ummmm, yea, right. I know of few (ok, none) in the tech industry who would argue that we should NOT be able to copy music around our various devices legally. The only reason iTunes has been able to survive without lawsuits is to slap some pretty tight digital rights management (DRM) onto the system that does not allow for this kind of sharing. Trust me - DRM-free downloads would have been much easier for Apple to impliment. MSM insisted on it.
My guess - 75% of us are people who only want to get the music we want and make sure the artist gets fairly compensated. We do NOT want to have to pay for that music over and over again. In the movie Men In Black K (Tommy Lee Jones) talkes about having to by the White album again. All we want to do is avoid having to keep doing that!
BTW I think there are about 15% of people, mostly kids, who would pay for music if they could afford it and 10% who would never pay for music and will always get it illegally. iTunes and other services allow for getting that one song that 15% wants. The other 10% you are stuck with. You will never turn a profit with them anyways. No doubt some of that 10% would be willing to pay an artist directly for their work, so maybe the internet works for them.
This is the most telling sign that main stream media (MSM) don't get it:
"'Without DRM, the explosion in the availability of music via digital channels would not have been possible. The purpose of DRM is not to alienate music fans, it is actually to improve your access to music. There are now at least 10 ways in which you can legally enjoy music - the list includes: ringtone, master ringtone, phone download, phone stream, a-la-carte download, disc, subscription, online stream, UMD music for PlayStation, kiosk and video. Without DRM, these options simply wouldn't be possible.' "
Later, a quote from the same guy:
"I agree with you we'd like nothing more than for you to be able to download or transfer music securely between your phone, your home and work PC, a couple of your players and your home Hi-Fi system, for example. But we don't make the technology, we create the music. It's the technology companies that hold the key to achieving this
Ummmm, yea, right. I know of few (ok, none) in the tech industry who would argue that we should NOT be able to copy music around our various devices legally. The only reason iTunes has been able to survive without lawsuits is to slap some pretty tight digital rights management (DRM) onto the system that does not allow for this kind of sharing. Trust me - DRM-free downloads would have been much easier for Apple to impliment. MSM insisted on it.
My guess - 75% of us are people who only want to get the music we want and make sure the artist gets fairly compensated. We do NOT want to have to pay for that music over and over again. In the movie Men In Black K (Tommy Lee Jones) talkes about having to by the White album again. All we want to do is avoid having to keep doing that!
BTW I think there are about 15% of people, mostly kids, who would pay for music if they could afford it and 10% who would never pay for music and will always get it illegally. iTunes and other services allow for getting that one song that 15% wants. The other 10% you are stuck with. You will never turn a profit with them anyways. No doubt some of that 10% would be willing to pay an artist directly for their work, so maybe the internet works for them.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
UPN, WB to Combine to Form New Network - Yahoo! News
UPN, WB to Combine to Form New Network - Yahoo! News
This is semi-worrisome. 20% of what I watch is on these channels. I hate to see more consolidation in media.
This is semi-worrisome. 20% of what I watch is on these channels. I hate to see more consolidation in media.
Google Base
Google Base
I have checked on this from time to time to see if anything really sticks out on this.
Google Base seems to be a way to put content on the web if a) you don't have a website and/or b) you want to wrap some meta-data around it.
Option a seems silly to me. You can get a blog site for free which requires NO knowledge to setup and run. Hey, Google has such a site itself. Anyone tech-savvy enough to surf the net can use Blogger.
Option b also seems a little silly. Microformats provide a way to add some meta data. For some of the things, like recipes or want ads, why not create a microformat to facilitate searching?
Looking through some of there posted items you see things like Events & Activities (similar to Upcoming and classifieds like Craigslist.
Now the classified idea is not bad since Craigslist does not cover all cities, but this feels like a "me too" type of service. Google, much like Microsoft or Yahoo, wants to provide ALL your data services. Many of the guys at Off The Hook agree that having that much data concentrated at one spot is not a good idea. I have to agree. Google maybe good about security, but as we have seen recently in the news even some of the best can be compromised. Think about what would happen if someone took your computer. Think about what would happen if someone broke into Google (or any of the others) and got all your personal data.
I have checked on this from time to time to see if anything really sticks out on this.
Google Base seems to be a way to put content on the web if a) you don't have a website and/or b) you want to wrap some meta-data around it.
Option a seems silly to me. You can get a blog site for free which requires NO knowledge to setup and run. Hey, Google has such a site itself. Anyone tech-savvy enough to surf the net can use Blogger.
Option b also seems a little silly. Microformats provide a way to add some meta data. For some of the things, like recipes or want ads, why not create a microformat to facilitate searching?
Looking through some of there posted items you see things like Events & Activities (similar to Upcoming and classifieds like Craigslist.
Now the classified idea is not bad since Craigslist does not cover all cities, but this feels like a "me too" type of service. Google, much like Microsoft or Yahoo, wants to provide ALL your data services. Many of the guys at Off The Hook agree that having that much data concentrated at one spot is not a good idea. I have to agree. Google maybe good about security, but as we have seen recently in the news even some of the best can be compromised. Think about what would happen if someone took your computer. Think about what would happen if someone broke into Google (or any of the others) and got all your personal data.
Beacon Journal | 01/24/2006 | Smoking foes test air in bars
Beacon Journal | 01/24/2006 | Smoking foes test air in bars
An interesting article about the readings of the air in bars, and one reason I hate going to them or anywhere the allows smoking.
I have my 53K wrist band as a reminder about the 53,000 people who die from second hand smoke each year. We know this to be a preventable problem so why not prevent it?
An interesting article about the readings of the air in bars, and one reason I hate going to them or anywhere the allows smoking.
I have my 53K wrist band as a reminder about the 53,000 people who die from second hand smoke each year. We know this to be a preventable problem so why not prevent it?
Monday, January 23, 2006
EFF: New Senate Broadcast Flag Bill Would Freeze Fair Use
EFF: DeepLinks
Big media screams "the sky is falling" and tries to legislate the future.
It is interesting when other industries cry "we're loosing profits" they are told "oh well", but when big media is loosing profits it becomes a need to pass bad legislation. Let me give you a hint - if there is a need to change how media is handled someone will invent it. Just because we pass stupid laws in America does not mean other countries will follow suit. And trust me no amount of trade agreements will smooth this over. We keep this up and people will pull out of those agreements.
Take a look around people - the economy sucks. Gas is estimated to go over $3/gallon again. Guess what happens when gas is that much? People don't spend as much on stuff like CDs or DVDs. We don't go to movie theaters and wait for it on DVD. Many people are not BUYING CDs but instead are RENTING their music through legitimate services like Napster. As has been pointed out many times - why pay $15-$20 for 1 CD when that same amount will let you load up an MP3 player full of different music, and you can keep getting different music all through the month.
We pay $30, $40, $50 or more for cable/satellite TV. Now instead of "13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from" (to quote Pink Floyd) we have 70, 80, 200, or even more channels of shit. With all these choices we do not have to even rent movies or music sometimes - so much stuff is available to the consumer without even having to leave the house.
The problem is with so much spectrum to fill, you tend to get a lot of "lowest common denominator" stuff to fill the gaping void. Problem is - we are tired of it. How many more Britney Spears clones are you going to send our way (who, to me at least, is a clone of Madonna, but I digress)? How many more "reality" shows? I really paid attention to what I want to watch weekly - about 9.5 hours of TV that I REALLY want to watch. Given that 2 of those hours are reruns of shows that I really like that leaves 7.5 hours of original programming a week. One of those shows is Monk (which I download from iTunes now) that is only on 16 weeks a year. The 3 hours that I would consider "prime" TV (8-11) is 21 hours a week. I have 22 stations (including some shop-at-home stuff), which means I have the potential of 462 hours of entertainment a week. If you have one of the local satellite's 150 channel package that is 3150 hours of entertainment. I think I had 65 channels which was 1,365 hours. Of that I found 9.5 hours of entertainment, which is why I am now on the cheaper cable package.
Then there is Netflix. Last I heard they had some 50,000 titles. You local video store may have, what, 5000 titles? 10,000 titles? Netflix can get those little rented titles, like the entire Sundance Film Festival line up, that your local Blockbuster cannot. Yet more choices...
Now enter the internet. Aside from the music services above, ANY musician, video producer, or other content provider can make stuff available to the public. This makes places like CD Baby possible. This opens up the flood gates. You no longer need to go to a big label to get your music/video out - you can market directly to your fans.
And maybe that is the problem. Not only are the middlemen being squeezed out but also the top of the food chain, so to speak. We can find great music (or at least music like what we already have) that is completely independent of the RIAA. We can get movies that are as good as anything put out by MPAA members. We can get radio shows that are as good as anything on the air - terrestrial or satellite. Some for free, some for money, but all not controlled by the powers that be. Face it, every time we spend money on an independent artist we take money out of the pockets of the RIAA/MPAA members. It is all legal, but non-RIAA/MPAA.
Blogging started the wedge to break up main stream media, podcasting got the crack formed, and I think the powers the be see video podcasting (or whatever you want to call it) as splitting the dam wide open. Face it - we don't need "them" any more. So instead of trying to learn the new game they want to make the new game illegal.
Thanks to Todd (I think) over at Geek News Central
Big media screams "the sky is falling" and tries to legislate the future.
It is interesting when other industries cry "we're loosing profits" they are told "oh well", but when big media is loosing profits it becomes a need to pass bad legislation. Let me give you a hint - if there is a need to change how media is handled someone will invent it. Just because we pass stupid laws in America does not mean other countries will follow suit. And trust me no amount of trade agreements will smooth this over. We keep this up and people will pull out of those agreements.
Take a look around people - the economy sucks. Gas is estimated to go over $3/gallon again. Guess what happens when gas is that much? People don't spend as much on stuff like CDs or DVDs. We don't go to movie theaters and wait for it on DVD. Many people are not BUYING CDs but instead are RENTING their music through legitimate services like Napster. As has been pointed out many times - why pay $15-$20 for 1 CD when that same amount will let you load up an MP3 player full of different music, and you can keep getting different music all through the month.
We pay $30, $40, $50 or more for cable/satellite TV. Now instead of "13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from" (to quote Pink Floyd) we have 70, 80, 200, or even more channels of shit. With all these choices we do not have to even rent movies or music sometimes - so much stuff is available to the consumer without even having to leave the house.
The problem is with so much spectrum to fill, you tend to get a lot of "lowest common denominator" stuff to fill the gaping void. Problem is - we are tired of it. How many more Britney Spears clones are you going to send our way (who, to me at least, is a clone of Madonna, but I digress)? How many more "reality" shows? I really paid attention to what I want to watch weekly - about 9.5 hours of TV that I REALLY want to watch. Given that 2 of those hours are reruns of shows that I really like that leaves 7.5 hours of original programming a week. One of those shows is Monk (which I download from iTunes now) that is only on 16 weeks a year. The 3 hours that I would consider "prime" TV (8-11) is 21 hours a week. I have 22 stations (including some shop-at-home stuff), which means I have the potential of 462 hours of entertainment a week. If you have one of the local satellite's 150 channel package that is 3150 hours of entertainment. I think I had 65 channels which was 1,365 hours. Of that I found 9.5 hours of entertainment, which is why I am now on the cheaper cable package.
Then there is Netflix. Last I heard they had some 50,000 titles. You local video store may have, what, 5000 titles? 10,000 titles? Netflix can get those little rented titles, like the entire Sundance Film Festival line up, that your local Blockbuster cannot. Yet more choices...
Now enter the internet. Aside from the music services above, ANY musician, video producer, or other content provider can make stuff available to the public. This makes places like CD Baby possible. This opens up the flood gates. You no longer need to go to a big label to get your music/video out - you can market directly to your fans.
And maybe that is the problem. Not only are the middlemen being squeezed out but also the top of the food chain, so to speak. We can find great music (or at least music like what we already have) that is completely independent of the RIAA. We can get movies that are as good as anything put out by MPAA members. We can get radio shows that are as good as anything on the air - terrestrial or satellite. Some for free, some for money, but all not controlled by the powers that be. Face it, every time we spend money on an independent artist we take money out of the pockets of the RIAA/MPAA members. It is all legal, but non-RIAA/MPAA.
Blogging started the wedge to break up main stream media, podcasting got the crack formed, and I think the powers the be see video podcasting (or whatever you want to call it) as splitting the dam wide open. Face it - we don't need "them" any more. So instead of trying to learn the new game they want to make the new game illegal.
Thanks to Todd (I think) over at Geek News Central
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Overly geeky story
Mondays is a group of geeks talking about all kinds of things, usually geeky.
A while back Richard Campbell had related a story about Goliath, an old HD. It reminded me of The Story of Mel.
For this episode the broke out the story of Goliath (click on the Story of Goliath link on the page) for anyone who does not want to wade through an hour episode to listen to the story. The story is geeky, but for anyone who wants to hear a description of an early (and I do mean EARLY) hard drive it is worth the 11 minutes the whole story takes. The language is at least PG-13, and I think R so use caution around young kids.
A while back Richard Campbell had related a story about Goliath, an old HD. It reminded me of The Story of Mel.
For this episode the broke out the story of Goliath (click on the Story of Goliath link on the page) for anyone who does not want to wade through an hour episode to listen to the story. The story is geeky, but for anyone who wants to hear a description of an early (and I do mean EARLY) hard drive it is worth the 11 minutes the whole story takes. The language is at least PG-13, and I think R so use caution around young kids.
Beacon Journal | 01/18/2006 | Strickland's wins national attention
Beacon Journal | 01/18/2006 | Strickland's wins national attention
As a long time Strickland's customer this is cool. I live 10 minutes or so from their original location, which is still the best in my opinion.
As a long time Strickland's customer this is cool. I live 10 minutes or so from their original location, which is still the best in my opinion.
Rice: Countries United in Mistrust of Iran - Yahoo! News
Rice: Countries United in Mistrust of Iran - Yahoo! News
Sniff, sniff. Hmmmm... smells like the lead up to Iraq.
Iran may not be the best country to have anything nuclear, but a lot of the rhetoric just reminds me a lot of what lead up to going into Iraq.
Sniff, sniff. Hmmmm... smells like the lead up to Iraq.
Iran may not be the best country to have anything nuclear, but a lot of the rhetoric just reminds me a lot of what lead up to going into Iraq.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
New Technology Boosts Hard Drive Capacity - Yahoo! News
New Technology Boosts Hard Drive Capacity - Yahoo! News
I hate to say it, but is this a good thing? People already do not manage their hard drive space because space is so cheap it is easier to leave crap on the machine and add a new drive than to really clear out the stuff you are not using.
The Feb 7th issue of PC Magazine talked about 1 terabyte (1024 gigs) drives affordable by the unwashed masses by the end of the year. I realize with music, video, scads of digital pics, email, and eBooks (they have not really caught on but with electronic ink they may) we need more space than in the past. But 1 terabyte? Home servers, OK. High end home systems for people shuffling large amounts of video? Ok. Mom & dad who browse, do email and keep digital photos? Over kill.
Just like when we have to clear out our physical space, we also need to clear out our electronic space periodically.
I hate to say it, but is this a good thing? People already do not manage their hard drive space because space is so cheap it is easier to leave crap on the machine and add a new drive than to really clear out the stuff you are not using.
The Feb 7th issue of PC Magazine talked about 1 terabyte (1024 gigs) drives affordable by the unwashed masses by the end of the year. I realize with music, video, scads of digital pics, email, and eBooks (they have not really caught on but with electronic ink they may) we need more space than in the past. But 1 terabyte? Home servers, OK. High end home systems for people shuffling large amounts of video? Ok. Mom & dad who browse, do email and keep digital photos? Over kill.
Just like when we have to clear out our physical space, we also need to clear out our electronic space periodically.
Google to Buy Radio Ad Company - Yahoo! News
Google to Buy Radio Ad Company - Yahoo! News
An interesting connection. It will be interesting to see how Google's adsense would work on hooking up ads with radio stations.
An interesting connection. It will be interesting to see how Google's adsense would work on hooking up ads with radio stations.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
More useless laws?
Council listens, then votes for quiet
Let's see, my property is 150 x 50'. If it is more than 80' from my property then it is a violation. Most of my neighbors live withing that stretch. Oh, and by the way, Akron already has an ordinance on the books so this does not apply to you.
After seeing the fiasco of the smoking ban, which did not apply to Akron also, county government is becoming more and more useless by the day. Why do they bother with this kind of crap?
Let's see, my property is 150 x 50'. If it is more than 80' from my property then it is a violation. Most of my neighbors live withing that stretch. Oh, and by the way, Akron already has an ordinance on the books so this does not apply to you.
After seeing the fiasco of the smoking ban, which did not apply to Akron also, county government is becoming more and more useless by the day. Why do they bother with this kind of crap?
I hate MP3 juke boxes
I have decided that I hate my Creative Labs Zen Extra. Ok, normally I LOVE the thing - nice interface, big buttons for fat fingers, and great price. I can even suffer with the lack of a play count on the thing (which would make syncing podcasts a TON simplier).
However I just reloaded a chunk of my music after doing a firmware upgrade. This thing holds 40 gig. I had about 10-12 gig on it, and I have a fair chunk of it to go. Unfortunately I lost a chunk of my ripped music with my hard drive failure last year, which means instead of copying it to my external HD (a Western Digital Passprot USB 40 gig drive) from the Zen I have to re-rip about 50 CDs.
Granted I was warned before hand, and I should have waited to make sure I had everything on my Passport. But given the size of jukeboxes (and they are getting bigger) there should be a way to upgrade the firmware without wiping the drive. Especially for those of us who still have USB 1.1 on our machines.
On a semi-related note - if you have a Creative Labs MP3 player, pick up Notmad Explorer. Yea it costs $25, but I just zipped all my music over quickly, and when you add a directory(ies) it will ask you if you want to create a playlist. Without a playcount this is a great way to get the latest stuff you just added, and makes working with your MP3 player as easy as working with a Windows app. Best $25 I spent on software in a long time.
Technorati Tags: Creative Labs, Music, Notmad Explorer,Toys
However I just reloaded a chunk of my music after doing a firmware upgrade. This thing holds 40 gig. I had about 10-12 gig on it, and I have a fair chunk of it to go. Unfortunately I lost a chunk of my ripped music with my hard drive failure last year, which means instead of copying it to my external HD (a Western Digital Passprot USB 40 gig drive) from the Zen I have to re-rip about 50 CDs.
Granted I was warned before hand, and I should have waited to make sure I had everything on my Passport. But given the size of jukeboxes (and they are getting bigger) there should be a way to upgrade the firmware without wiping the drive. Especially for those of us who still have USB 1.1 on our machines.
On a semi-related note - if you have a Creative Labs MP3 player, pick up Notmad Explorer. Yea it costs $25, but I just zipped all my music over quickly, and when you add a directory(ies) it will ask you if you want to create a playlist. Without a playcount this is a great way to get the latest stuff you just added, and makes working with your MP3 player as easy as working with a Windows app. Best $25 I spent on software in a long time.
Technorati Tags: Creative Labs, Music, Notmad Explorer,Toys
Old Records = Customer Good Will?
NPR : Copyright Laws Severely Limit Availability of Music
That is a telling number. This is why people share music. Here is another quote from the article:
Here is what sucks - there is no LEGAL way to get this music. How many of the people who are trading these old albums would be willing to pay if the music were made available? If people are manually recording these albums into MP3, why couldn't some of these record labels do the same thing (no need to digitally remaster them) and make them available through iTunes or some similar means? I have heard similar problems with stuff released as late as the 80s. No money = no CD and definately to reissue to iTunes.
The record companies complain about piracy, lost sales, blah blah yet they treat their customers like criminals and do not respond to customers' needs. Want to earn some good will? Release some back catalog to MP3. Why not just release some of these old (the pre-1965) recordings to the public domain or creative commons? How much would it cost to have an intern record some of the old records to some kind of loss less format and then convert to MP3? Show your customers you care a little about them.
Technorati: RIAA, MP3
[UPDATE: Fixed the Technorati links]
Over 70% of music recorded before 1965 cannot be purchased legally in the US
That is a telling number. This is why people share music. Here is another quote from the article:
Sound recordings made after 1972 are protected by federal law. Recordings made before that were covered by state and common law copyright. These laws do not have expiration dates. The Library of Congress study found that 84 percent of recordings from before 1965 cannot be reissued without permission from the copyright holder, which is usually the original record label.
Here is what sucks - there is no LEGAL way to get this music. How many of the people who are trading these old albums would be willing to pay if the music were made available? If people are manually recording these albums into MP3, why couldn't some of these record labels do the same thing (no need to digitally remaster them) and make them available through iTunes or some similar means? I have heard similar problems with stuff released as late as the 80s. No money = no CD and definately to reissue to iTunes.
The record companies complain about piracy, lost sales, blah blah yet they treat their customers like criminals and do not respond to customers' needs. Want to earn some good will? Release some back catalog to MP3. Why not just release some of these old (the pre-1965) recordings to the public domain or creative commons? How much would it cost to have an intern record some of the old records to some kind of loss less format and then convert to MP3? Show your customers you care a little about them.
Technorati: RIAA, MP3
[UPDATE: Fixed the Technorati links]
Thursday, January 05, 2006
LibriVox
LibriVox
LibriVox takes Project Gutenberg to audio. A great idea. I have not listened to anything yet, but I have my eye on a few short stories & poems.
LibriVox takes Project Gutenberg to audio. A great idea. I have not listened to anything yet, but I have my eye on a few short stories & poems.
Explaining RSS to the Unwashed Masses
Teen Mag Attenuation
By nat
The original blog entry I found interesting only because it highlights what Nat said in the post, "...magazines are often only 10% relevant to you...". RSS can help you to get the most relevant stuff, and get it quickly.
By nat
The original blog entry I found interesting only because it highlights what Nat said in the post, "...magazines are often only 10% relevant to you...". RSS can help you to get the most relevant stuff, and get it quickly.
Smells like old gym socks
Akron officials unsure how to fix water problems
Now the water problem has gotten a little better, or maybe I am just used to it. Fortunately I run my water through a Britta Filter so at least I do not get the taste.
Now the water problem has gotten a little better, or maybe I am just used to it. Fortunately I run my water through a Britta Filter so at least I do not get the taste.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Board Rescinds 'Intelligent Design' Policy - Yahoo! News
Board Rescinds 'Intelligent Design' Policy - Yahoo! News
Overall I have no problem with Intelligent Design - except when you try to pass it off as science. Intelligent Design belongs in a philosophy class, not a science class.
Overall I have no problem with Intelligent Design - except when you try to pass it off as science. Intelligent Design belongs in a philosophy class, not a science class.
"Old School's" Blue Dies - Yahoo! News
"Old School's" Blue Dies - Yahoo!
News
The second recognizable character actor. Quite the resume of parts.
You're my boy, Blue!
News
The second recognizable character actor. Quite the resume of parts.
You're my boy, Blue!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Video iPod + Short Run Series = Happy Customers
I was watching i TV which was running both Mysterious Ways and Body & Soul. Mysterious Ways ran for 44 episodes and Body & Soul only aired 8 (a ninth was never aired). I loved both of these series - both were shows I would go out of my way to watch.
Given these shows originally aired on Pax TV (which I think is now i TV based upon the shows on i), and they were some of the worst rated original shows on Pax, I doubt these shows will ever be put out on DVD. Not enough "perceived market" for these shows, based upon their ratings when on the air. Two other shows that I like, and would buy if available, are Tremors: The Series & The Others.
Truth be told, only Tremors: The Series probably has the numbers to warrent a full, proper DVD release. Tremors has a built in cult following. Mysterious Ways could pick up some viewers in DVD release, in my opinion. The other two are more "add to my NetFlix queue" type of series.
However, with the new video iPod and iTunes having TV series, could some of these old series get new life? I know some of the hang up has been music rights, but only 1 of these series might have had expensive music. This would allow for the fans to get the series at a reasonable cost, the owner of the rights would make a little more money with minimal (or no) outlay on their part. I am not an iTunes fan, but I would use it and maybe even buy a video iPod if that would let me have these series.
Given these shows originally aired on Pax TV (which I think is now i TV based upon the shows on i), and they were some of the worst rated original shows on Pax, I doubt these shows will ever be put out on DVD. Not enough "perceived market" for these shows, based upon their ratings when on the air. Two other shows that I like, and would buy if available, are Tremors: The Series & The Others.
Truth be told, only Tremors: The Series probably has the numbers to warrent a full, proper DVD release. Tremors has a built in cult following. Mysterious Ways could pick up some viewers in DVD release, in my opinion. The other two are more "add to my NetFlix queue" type of series.
However, with the new video iPod and iTunes having TV series, could some of these old series get new life? I know some of the hang up has been music rights, but only 1 of these series might have had expensive music. This would allow for the fans to get the series at a reasonable cost, the owner of the rights would make a little more money with minimal (or no) outlay on their part. I am not an iTunes fan, but I would use it and maybe even buy a video iPod if that would let me have these series.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/29/2005 | Judge orders Demjanjuk deported
Beacon Journal | 12/29/2005 | Judge orders Demjanjuk deported
This has gotten ridiculous. The man is 85 years old, why not just let him die here in America? I guess if you were a scientist you can stay, but if you are just a factory worker we need to make an example out of you.
This has gotten ridiculous. The man is 85 years old, why not just let him die here in America? I guess if you were a scientist you can stay, but if you are just a factory worker we need to make an example out of you.
Identity Theft (GnomeREPORT)
Identity Theft (GnomeREPORT)
Ok, I figure this true, or at least true enough. I could see someone doing this, particularly a kid. Could this be an argument against evolution?
Ok, I figure this true, or at least true enough. I could see someone doing this, particularly a kid. Could this be an argument against evolution?
UserFriendly 12/29/05
UserFriendly Strip Comments
As a Star Trek fan I found this funny. User Friendly is usually funny anyways, as long as you are something of a geek or involved with the computer industry.
As a Star Trek fan I found this funny. User Friendly is usually funny anyways, as long as you are something of a geek or involved with the computer industry.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Spending the day in upgrade hell
The last two days have been spent in upgrade hell at work. I needed to upgrade to Windows XP Pro so I could work from home when needed.
Yesterday was mostly waiting for the IT guys to come and pick up my machine. Instead of just upgrading the OS they have an image of the OS and just copy that over. Some of my stuff got copied over, some did not. The biggest thing that did not get copied over are all the development tools. Over the years we have streamlined the process, but it is still a process.
So after the development environments, servers, obscure Windows bits, various programmer tools, mulitple versions of our own software, 8,000 service pack updates and about 1,000 reboots I am now almost back to where I was. I still have a couple of utilities to get installed, plus I lost some of my drive mappings that I still need to be setup.
Yesterday was mostly waiting for the IT guys to come and pick up my machine. Instead of just upgrading the OS they have an image of the OS and just copy that over. Some of my stuff got copied over, some did not. The biggest thing that did not get copied over are all the development tools. Over the years we have streamlined the process, but it is still a process.
So after the development environments, servers, obscure Windows bits, various programmer tools, mulitple versions of our own software, 8,000 service pack updates and about 1,000 reboots I am now almost back to where I was. I still have a couple of utilities to get installed, plus I lost some of my drive mappings that I still need to be setup.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Character Actor Vincent Schiavelli Dies - Yahoo! News
Character Actor Vincent Schiavelli Dies - Yahoo! News
Schiavelli was a the guy I could never remember his name and I took to refering to him as "the 'This is my train' guy from Ghost'. Everyone has probably seen him in something. He protrayed some interesting characters over the years and has provided me with a lot of entertainment.
Schiavelli was a the guy I could never remember his name and I took to refering to him as "the 'This is my train' guy from Ghost'. Everyone has probably seen him in something. He protrayed some interesting characters over the years and has provided me with a lot of entertainment.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Happy Holidays!
Just to do my bit to annoy a few people out there ;). The last few days I have been involved in holiday festivities.
Christmas Eve was spent wrapping up my holiday shopping. Saturday is my usual grocery shopping day, so I made the final food buy for our Christmas dinner. Brian got a ham from work, I brought sides and we had a the fixings for a good meal. If it was not for the ham we probably would have just had left overs on Christmas day from Christmas Eve. I also had to get 2 last minute gifts and some food for Christmas Eve. I did my wrapping while watching an disc from Farscape Season 3.
Christmas Eve is when my sister-in-law's family gets together. It is only her and 2 sisters and their kids, which is 2 teenage boys. I get invited since I am alone and my meal would be Taco Bell or McDonalds otherwise. The boys usually go off and play video games, the girls wander between watching videos and listening to the adults, and the adults get to catch up and have some conversation with other adults.
I was having some fun with my one niece - I told her that the plan was I was going to come over about 3, cook dinner, we would eat and THEN we would open gifts. I did not think I human's jaw could hang open that far. I think I even saw a tear in the corner of her eye before I told her I was kidding.
Christmas is spent over at my brother's house. We do the gifts in the morning, let the kids go off and play while the adults sleep in front of the TV. Usually one or more of us get a DVD so we watch it to make sure it is good, especially since we sometimes get used from the local Blockbuster. I picked one up for my brother off of eBay so we really wanted to check it out. We even watched a little football, mostly because it was on. My brother is usually getting ready for work, I'm usually watching DVDs and my sister-in-law was busy with stuff so none of us knew what was on.
So what did I get? An electric griddle & waffle iron. Yea, I know it sounds exciting, but it is something I needed. None of us were exactly flush with cash this year, and I would rather my brother spend his money on the kids than me however I know the kids like to make sure I have something to open on Christmas day. I try to have a list of cheap DVDs or other things that they can get me for either my birthday or Christmas. At least this way I get something I can use and not something I will probably end up getting rid of a year or two down the road.
Christmas Eve was spent wrapping up my holiday shopping. Saturday is my usual grocery shopping day, so I made the final food buy for our Christmas dinner. Brian got a ham from work, I brought sides and we had a the fixings for a good meal. If it was not for the ham we probably would have just had left overs on Christmas day from Christmas Eve. I also had to get 2 last minute gifts and some food for Christmas Eve. I did my wrapping while watching an disc from Farscape Season 3.
Christmas Eve is when my sister-in-law's family gets together. It is only her and 2 sisters and their kids, which is 2 teenage boys. I get invited since I am alone and my meal would be Taco Bell or McDonalds otherwise. The boys usually go off and play video games, the girls wander between watching videos and listening to the adults, and the adults get to catch up and have some conversation with other adults.
I was having some fun with my one niece - I told her that the plan was I was going to come over about 3, cook dinner, we would eat and THEN we would open gifts. I did not think I human's jaw could hang open that far. I think I even saw a tear in the corner of her eye before I told her I was kidding.
Christmas is spent over at my brother's house. We do the gifts in the morning, let the kids go off and play while the adults sleep in front of the TV. Usually one or more of us get a DVD so we watch it to make sure it is good, especially since we sometimes get used from the local Blockbuster. I picked one up for my brother off of eBay so we really wanted to check it out. We even watched a little football, mostly because it was on. My brother is usually getting ready for work, I'm usually watching DVDs and my sister-in-law was busy with stuff so none of us knew what was on.
So what did I get? An electric griddle & waffle iron. Yea, I know it sounds exciting, but it is something I needed. None of us were exactly flush with cash this year, and I would rather my brother spend his money on the kids than me however I know the kids like to make sure I have something to open on Christmas day. I try to have a list of cheap DVDs or other things that they can get me for either my birthday or Christmas. At least this way I get something I can use and not something I will probably end up getting rid of a year or two down the road.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/23/2005 | Magical ride puts icing on career
Beacon Journal | 12/23/2005 | Magical ride puts icing on career
What is it about the Zamboni? People cheer for it a hockey games, and as Dyer points out many men want to drive one. An interesting read.
What is it about the Zamboni? People cheer for it a hockey games, and as Dyer points out many men want to drive one. An interesting read.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Technology Helps People Weather NYC Strike - Yahoo! News
Technology Helps People Weather NYC Strike - Yahoo! News
Every year telecommuting gets easier. I would imagine most modern office phone systems would let you setup to automatically forward calls to any number automatically. Blocking your home number while calling a client makes that easy.
Every year telecommuting gets easier. I would imagine most modern office phone systems would let you setup to automatically forward calls to any number automatically. Blocking your home number while calling a client makes that easy.
College Launches Cell Phone Film Contest - Yahoo! News
College Launches Cell Phone Film Contest - Yahoo! News
A cool idea, and possibly even more important with the video iPod coming out.
A cool idea, and possibly even more important with the video iPod coming out.
Double-Mouthed Fish Pulled From Neb. Lake - Yahoo! News
Double-Mouthed Fish Pulled From Neb. Lake - Yahoo! News
Why am I reminded of Blinky, the 3-eyed fish from The Simpsons?
Why am I reminded of Blinky, the 3-eyed fish from The Simpsons?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Interesting tidbits from the paper
Mickey Porter in the Akron Beacon Journal gathers random bits of info from many sources for his daily column. Today there were two bits of info that hit me as interesting.
Today Peter Criss of Kiss turned 60. 60. Man. This was just about as bad when I found out a guy from church that was 4 or 5 years older than myself became a grandfather.
However, in a semi-related story, Julio Iglesias Sr. is going to become a father again, at 90! Julio Sr., father of Julio Jr. & grandfather of Enrique, and his wife Ronna Kneit (age 43 BTW) are expecting their second child. For those who may want to keep score, that means Enrique is getting an uncle who is 31 years younger than he is and Julio Jr. is getting a brother who is 63 years younger. I wonder if they are going to share pudding?
Today Peter Criss of Kiss turned 60. 60. Man. This was just about as bad when I found out a guy from church that was 4 or 5 years older than myself became a grandfather.
However, in a semi-related story, Julio Iglesias Sr. is going to become a father again, at 90! Julio Sr., father of Julio Jr. & grandfather of Enrique, and his wife Ronna Kneit (age 43 BTW) are expecting their second child. For those who may want to keep score, that means Enrique is getting an uncle who is 31 years younger than he is and Julio Jr. is getting a brother who is 63 years younger. I wonder if they are going to share pudding?
FDA Warns Maker of Blood-Sugar Monitors - Yahoo! News
FDA Warns Maker of Blood-Sugar Monitors - Yahoo! News
As a programmer I have read extensively on what companies go through to make sure that all the hardware/software is perfect and error free when life is on the line. I find it odd that any company that works in this industry, especially Johnson & Johnson, would not investigate any reports fully because of the potential of law suits.
As a programmer I have read extensively on what companies go through to make sure that all the hardware/software is perfect and error free when life is on the line. I find it odd that any company that works in this industry, especially Johnson & Johnson, would not investigate any reports fully because of the potential of law suits.
Judge Resigns Over Secret Surveillance - Yahoo! News
Judge Resigns Over Secret Surveillance - Yahoo! News
Wow, someone who is really sticking up for what he believes. It is unfortunate that the judge has not come out and just said that is exactly why he quit. Maybe he will clarify this in the coming days.
Wow, someone who is really sticking up for what he believes. It is unfortunate that the judge has not come out and just said that is exactly why he quit. Maybe he will clarify this in the coming days.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to me!
Now a lot of people always feel bad for me because I have a birthday so close to Christmas. Now I have to admit it does, to a point, suck. By now people are either partied out OR so swamped they have no real time for one more thing. On the plus side though not everyone gets the whole house decorated for their birthday, plus at least my family tried to make my birthday special so it did not get lost in the rest of the holiday season.
I have to say things were not looking good at the beginning of the day - bad traffic jam, things exploding at work, more bad traffic on the way home.
However in the end, it all worked out. I got my gift from the Secret Santa (and Jill Hoff, if you are reading this, thank you). Since it was my birthday I opened it and got No Plot? No Problem! I think everyone, at some point or another, feels the urge to write a book. Aside from the time, my biggest problem has been coming up with a good idea that would go for the 50,000-60,000 words they recommend for a novel. This will give me an idea on how to get one of my ideas some legs.
Although I got a few cards, this card really stood out. I don't know how JR finds these cards, but they are works of art. Even the card is great.
Now a lot of people always feel bad for me because I have a birthday so close to Christmas. Now I have to admit it does, to a point, suck. By now people are either partied out OR so swamped they have no real time for one more thing. On the plus side though not everyone gets the whole house decorated for their birthday, plus at least my family tried to make my birthday special so it did not get lost in the rest of the holiday season.
I have to say things were not looking good at the beginning of the day - bad traffic jam, things exploding at work, more bad traffic on the way home.
However in the end, it all worked out. I got my gift from the Secret Santa (and Jill Hoff, if you are reading this, thank you). Since it was my birthday I opened it and got No Plot? No Problem! I think everyone, at some point or another, feels the urge to write a book. Aside from the time, my biggest problem has been coming up with a good idea that would go for the 50,000-60,000 words they recommend for a novel. This will give me an idea on how to get one of my ideas some legs.
Although I got a few cards, this card really stood out. I don't know how JR finds these cards, but they are works of art. Even the card is great.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Where has the time gone?
It just seems like yesterday it was summer, now Christmas is next week. I have yet to put up anything that even remotely resembles a decoration. I did get my annual fruit cake bar, which so far has been my one nod to the holiday season it seems. Seems I am well on my way to becoming a Grinch & a Scrooge.
I am going to try a tree this year. I have a small artificial one from my mom. In the past I have not set one up because of my one cat, who seemed to think the tree made a good target for her to practice her jumping. After setting the tree up everyday, sometimes twice a day, I quit setting one up. However the last few years I have not even put lights around the inside of the windows.
However she has mellowed a bit in the last year or two, so maybe I can get by with a tree. We will see. After this I am going to throw a load of laundry in and then go drag down the tree and some ornaments. I have no idea what is left up there from mom. Most of my ornaments have been broken over the years (damn cat), but I had a few soft ones. I do know I have about 1 billion icicles from mom that I know I cannot use. I have yet to see a cat not eat any icicle it can get its mouth on. Not good for the cat, and not good for your sanity to see an icicle hanging out of your cat's butt.
I am going to try a tree this year. I have a small artificial one from my mom. In the past I have not set one up because of my one cat, who seemed to think the tree made a good target for her to practice her jumping. After setting the tree up everyday, sometimes twice a day, I quit setting one up. However the last few years I have not even put lights around the inside of the windows.
However she has mellowed a bit in the last year or two, so maybe I can get by with a tree. We will see. After this I am going to throw a load of laundry in and then go drag down the tree and some ornaments. I have no idea what is left up there from mom. Most of my ornaments have been broken over the years (damn cat), but I had a few soft ones. I do know I have about 1 billion icicles from mom that I know I cannot use. I have yet to see a cat not eat any icicle it can get its mouth on. Not good for the cat, and not good for your sanity to see an icicle hanging out of your cat's butt.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | Goodyear Band gets new life
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | Goodyear Band gets new life
It is cool the band got some new sponsorship, in fact there were 23 offers!
This is the type of thing I would go out to listen to if I knew where they were playing. As a former bandgeek member I like to listen to marches and "old" music sometimes.
The problem, all too often, is finding out about this. Tracking down when certain events are in the Beacon Journal can be tough - should it be with the community events that are done throughout the week? Health events are listed on Tuesday in the Health section. Music is usually in Thursday, but that is mostly clubs and trying to pick through multiple pages of classified-ad sized postings of upcoming events it tough. I found an RSS feed of events, maybe that will help me out some.
It is cool the band got some new sponsorship, in fact there were 23 offers!
This is the type of thing I would go out to listen to if I knew where they were playing. As a former band
The problem, all too often, is finding out about this. Tracking down when certain events are in the Beacon Journal can be tough - should it be with the community events that are done throughout the week? Health events are listed on Tuesday in the Health section. Music is usually in Thursday, but that is mostly clubs and trying to pick through multiple pages of classified-ad sized postings of upcoming events it tough. I found an RSS feed of events, maybe that will help me out some.
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | E-Check stays, but it will be free
Beacon Journal | 12/15/2005 | E-Check stays, but it will be free
No one has liked E Check for various reasons. My biggest problem has been the cost - I would think similar tests could be run that are cheaper. I find it unfortunate that they are using money from the tobacco settlement for this.
Interestingly I was just at E-Check today. I totally brain farted though since I am not due to have a check until NEXT year. Yet again thinking got me in trouble.
No one has liked E Check for various reasons. My biggest problem has been the cost - I would think similar tests could be run that are cheaper. I find it unfortunate that they are using money from the tobacco settlement for this.
Interestingly I was just at E-Check today. I totally brain farted though since I am not due to have a check until NEXT year. Yet again thinking got me in trouble.
An answer to your question SBC
Dear Yahoo SBC,
I heard an ad today that asked "Why would anyone spend over $150 more for Time-Warner Internet?" Well - because you will not provide me with DSL. (I could mention that Time-Warner is faster as well, but that is not my concern here.)
I have been listening for months it seems about how much cheaper you are. And you are - your $16.99/month price is well over half that of what I pay to Earthlink/Time-Warner. I would LOVE to switch. Even switching to the advertised professional price on your website would save me about $240/year.
Even better - I would love to take advantage of your package deal of local (which you already service), long distance (that I do not use), satelitte TV & DSL for $85/month. Right now I pay more to Time Warner for my cable & internet alone. I would not even be too concerned over the mix of channels and the bad reception when there is heavy snow (don't lie to me - I have talked with people who have satelitte and they all say the same thing). I might even consider abandoning Verizon and trying Cinglar to see how much more I could save. Give me the Kool-Aid - I'm ready to drink!
My brother living a block away can get DSL. One block. One stinking block. There is even a school that is a block away that I believe also gets DSL. Wny not me? I would even be willing to pay you to come in and re-wire all the phone lines in my house. Come on, please?
At the very least could you stop teasing me with your ads?
I heard an ad today that asked "Why would anyone spend over $150 more for Time-Warner Internet?" Well - because you will not provide me with DSL. (I could mention that Time-Warner is faster as well, but that is not my concern here.)
I have been listening for months it seems about how much cheaper you are. And you are - your $16.99/month price is well over half that of what I pay to Earthlink/Time-Warner. I would LOVE to switch. Even switching to the advertised professional price on your website would save me about $240/year.
Even better - I would love to take advantage of your package deal of local (which you already service), long distance (that I do not use), satelitte TV & DSL for $85/month. Right now I pay more to Time Warner for my cable & internet alone. I would not even be too concerned over the mix of channels and the bad reception when there is heavy snow (don't lie to me - I have talked with people who have satelitte and they all say the same thing). I might even consider abandoning Verizon and trying Cinglar to see how much more I could save. Give me the Kool-Aid - I'm ready to drink!
My brother living a block away can get DSL. One block. One stinking block. There is even a school that is a block away that I believe also gets DSL. Wny not me? I would even be willing to pay you to come in and re-wire all the phone lines in my house. Come on, please?
At the very least could you stop teasing me with your ads?
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/13/2005 | Speeding fines cut
Beacon Journal | 12/13/2005 | Speeding fines cut
Frankly even $35 will be enough to get people to slow down. Given the problems with the program to date it would be best to just get out of it ASAP. Does it really matter if someone is giong 11 MPH over the speed limit at 3 AM around a school? If they want to continue this program they need to seriously examine the program and work more with the company. Not knowing what they are going to do over Christmas break is bad - especially if they do not adjust their speeds and people are getting tickets for doing the speed limit instead of 20.
Frankly even $35 will be enough to get people to slow down. Given the problems with the program to date it would be best to just get out of it ASAP. Does it really matter if someone is giong 11 MPH over the speed limit at 3 AM around a school? If they want to continue this program they need to seriously examine the program and work more with the company. Not knowing what they are going to do over Christmas break is bad - especially if they do not adjust their speeds and people are getting tickets for doing the speed limit instead of 20.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/12/2005 | It's Jolly to lead tuba show
Beacon Journal | 12/12/2005 | It's Jolly to lead tuba show
I missed it again this year. As a former baritone player (which is part of the tuba family) I have always wanted to play in it, however I have not picked up a horn in 20+ years since graduating high school. Maybe next year.
I missed it again this year. As a former baritone player (which is part of the tuba family) I have always wanted to play in it, however I have not picked up a horn in 20+ years since graduating high school. Maybe next year.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/11/2005 | Tags would mark offenders
Beacon Journal | 12/11/2005 | Tags would mark offenders:
Bullshit. As was pointed out later in the article, there is no such thing as security. Period. Given they are talking about loopholes for company cars and, as was pointed out, the car could be registered in someone elses name, the idea of warning citizens is bull. Why don't they do a similar thing for people who have multiple assault convictions? Released murderer has more rights than a one time rapist in Ohio.
I ask again - why do people want to move away?
"The intent isn't to create a scarlet letter, but to warn residents when they come in contact with dangerous offenders with a high recidivism rate, Coughlin said. "
Bullshit. As was pointed out later in the article, there is no such thing as security. Period. Given they are talking about loopholes for company cars and, as was pointed out, the car could be registered in someone elses name, the idea of warning citizens is bull. Why don't they do a similar thing for people who have multiple assault convictions? Released murderer has more rights than a one time rapist in Ohio.
I ask again - why do people want to move away?
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/10/2005 | Summit orders 148 sex offenders to move
Beacon Journal | 12/10/2005 | Summit orders 148 sex offenders to move
This is one of the problems I have with these kinds of laws. Here is a man who was not even convicted of a crime against a child. Why can't he live within 1000 feet of a school?
This is one of the problems I have with these kinds of laws. Here is a man who was not even convicted of a crime against a child. Why can't he live within 1000 feet of a school?
Friday, December 09, 2005
Watching a blimp get built
Here is a video of them positioning the cockpit on the newest Goodyear blimp. May require a registration to view, but interesting. It does not look like the process has changed that much since the hey day of blimp building.
Having grown up with smelling distance of Goodyear Plant 1 (now the world headquarters) and two grandfathers who worked for Goodyear (at different plants) the Blimp has always been a constant in my life. Even today they use the Wingfoot Lake in Akron to park the Blimps at whenever they are in the area.
Having grown up with smelling distance of Goodyear Plant 1 (now the world headquarters) and two grandfathers who worked for Goodyear (at different plants) the Blimp has always been a constant in my life. Even today they use the Wingfoot Lake in Akron to park the Blimps at whenever they are in the area.
Watch It! Shaq Now Carries a Badge - Yahoo! News
Watch It! Shaq Now Carries a Badge - Yahoo! News
This is an interesting way to give back to the community you live in. I never knew Shaq was a reserve officer before, and he seems to want to help without getting any photo ops. I wonder if the only reason he agreed to the article was to help drum up interest in the reserve officer corp.
I wonder if he will donate his $1/year salary back? It seems odd to pay him that given how much he makes. Reminds me of when Michael Jordan was playing minor league baseball and the coach would give him his per diem for meals. It was something like $20 or $30 dollars.
This is an interesting way to give back to the community you live in. I never knew Shaq was a reserve officer before, and he seems to want to help without getting any photo ops. I wonder if the only reason he agreed to the article was to help drum up interest in the reserve officer corp.
I wonder if he will donate his $1/year salary back? It seems odd to pay him that given how much he makes. Reminds me of when Michael Jordan was playing minor league baseball and the coach would give him his per diem for meals. It was something like $20 or $30 dollars.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/08/2005 | Sheriff's snow alerts in plain words now
Beacon Journal | 12/08/2005 | Sheriff's snow alerts in plain words now
It has been awhile since we had any serious driving advisories, but the only one that was important was 3, which is when the cops would arrest you unless you were going to the hospital. I do not remember a 1 or 2 advisory ever being set, or at least announced to the public.
By and large people know what to do when it snows here anyways.
It has been awhile since we had any serious driving advisories, but the only one that was important was 3, which is when the cops would arrest you unless you were going to the hospital. I do not remember a 1 or 2 advisory ever being set, or at least announced to the public.
By and large people know what to do when it snows here anyways.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Bertinelli Divorcing Rocker Eddie Van Halen - Yahoo! News
Bertinelli Divorcing Rocker Eddie Van Halen - Yahoo! News
It is odd after 20 years (when they separated) to see a marriage break up. It is even weirder given all the crap that Valerie Bertinelli has put up with over the years. Just one more example of why I quit trying to figure out why people do things.
It is odd after 20 years (when they separated) to see a marriage break up. It is even weirder given all the crap that Valerie Bertinelli has put up with over the years. Just one more example of why I quit trying to figure out why people do things.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
NBC joining on-demand iPod playlist - Yahoo! News
NBC joining on-demand iPod playlist - Yahoo! News
This would be interesting, particularly the cable station angle. Right now I am looking at dropping my "extended basic" cable because of lack of interest. I would go from 70 channels of crap to 20 channels of crap. My only complaint is loosing SG-1, Monk & Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Those are the only things I typically watch and I pay over $40/month for that. At $2/episode I could still save money.
Update: This link shows that Monk will be included in the shows on iTunes. No mention of SG-1, and Bravo shows are yet to come which is where Queer Eye is shown.
This would be interesting, particularly the cable station angle. Right now I am looking at dropping my "extended basic" cable because of lack of interest. I would go from 70 channels of crap to 20 channels of crap. My only complaint is loosing SG-1, Monk & Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Those are the only things I typically watch and I pay over $40/month for that. At $2/episode I could still save money.
Update: This link shows that Monk will be included in the shows on iTunes. No mention of SG-1, and Bravo shows are yet to come which is where Queer Eye is shown.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/05/2005 | U.S. cities aim to launch ferries to Canada
Beacon Journal | 12/05/2005 | U.S. cities aim to launch ferries to Canada
I am not sure what is at either of the ports that Cleveland or Painesville would go. I wonder how much time would be trimmed if you wanted to go to Toronto.
I am not sure what is at either of the ports that Cleveland or Painesville would go. I wonder how much time would be trimmed if you wanted to go to Toronto.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Beacon Journal | 12/04/2005 | Zips put bite in new Roo ads
Beacon Journal | 12/04/2005 | Zips put bite in new Roo ads
While going to the University of Akron it was always tough to explain what a kangaroo had to do with Zips. Even harder, and possibly more embarassing, was explaining where they came up with Zips in the first place. (The story was always it was a name of a boot that someone submitted. Sad part was it was the best of the lot.) And of course calling your kangaroo Zippy makes it all the more, well, cuddly for some reason.
About the time I was leaving UA was looking to start updating its look. They had just gotten Buchtel Avenue closed (re-routed officially) - actually making it more like a campus. I still tend to look though when crossing what used to be Buchtel Ave. Old habits die hard. They were introducing the Moving A during my tenure there.
I drive by campus a few times a year, and try to take a walk around once a year or so and the changes are unbelievable. Many of the old buildings have gotten a face lift. Some of the old parking lots are now parking decks. My hope is that the insides have been changed along with the outsides of these buildings. We may have a world class campus here eventually.
While going to the University of Akron it was always tough to explain what a kangaroo had to do with Zips. Even harder, and possibly more embarassing, was explaining where they came up with Zips in the first place. (The story was always it was a name of a boot that someone submitted. Sad part was it was the best of the lot.) And of course calling your kangaroo Zippy makes it all the more, well, cuddly for some reason.
About the time I was leaving UA was looking to start updating its look. They had just gotten Buchtel Avenue closed (re-routed officially) - actually making it more like a campus. I still tend to look though when crossing what used to be Buchtel Ave. Old habits die hard. They were introducing the Moving A during my tenure there.
I drive by campus a few times a year, and try to take a walk around once a year or so and the changes are unbelievable. Many of the old buildings have gotten a face lift. Some of the old parking lots are now parking decks. My hope is that the insides have been changed along with the outsides of these buildings. We may have a world class campus here eventually.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Ohio.com | 12/03/2005 | Audio interview with Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, in China on a trade mission (MP3 format)
Ohio.com | 12/03/2005 | Audio interview with Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, in China on a trade mission (MP3 format)
Newspapers podcasting? I downloaded the file to listen to later. Very interesting to see this on a newspaper site...
Newspapers podcasting? I downloaded the file to listen to later. Very interesting to see this on a newspaper site...
Workbench: Nude Teens and the National Review
Workbench: Nude Teens and the National Review
Aside from the obvious problems of kiddie porn brought up by this article, I have to agree with Dave that women don't really get interesting until after 20.
It seems in a time with rampant cosmetic surgery that a woman (or man) with a few wrinkles or who may sag a little here and there would be not only interesting, but possibly sexy.
I started to loose my hair at 16, before Rogaine and the like hit the market. Since this was rampant in my family my mom told me if I was going to get a rug, get a good one. I decided the hell with it and just let nature take it course. Even after I could have started Rogaine. The way I figure it I will stand out as one of the few bald guys.
Not everyone wants a Barbie or Ken doll.
Aside from the obvious problems of kiddie porn brought up by this article, I have to agree with Dave that women don't really get interesting until after 20.
It seems in a time with rampant cosmetic surgery that a woman (or man) with a few wrinkles or who may sag a little here and there would be not only interesting, but possibly sexy.
I started to loose my hair at 16, before Rogaine and the like hit the market. Since this was rampant in my family my mom told me if I was going to get a rug, get a good one. I decided the hell with it and just let nature take it course. Even after I could have started Rogaine. The way I figure it I will stand out as one of the few bald guys.
Not everyone wants a Barbie or Ken doll.
Friday, December 02, 2005
U.S. to Release New $10 Bills on March 2 - Yahoo! News
U.S. to Release New $10 Bills on March 2 - Yahoo! News
Not having a $20 on me I can't compare the colors. Once complaint I have heard from foriegners is our money all looks the same. If you look at the money from other countries each bill has a different color making it easy to identify them quickly.
I like the mention of the $2 bill, which you rarely see. My brother got one once and ended up taking it to the bank to get two 1s. No one thought it was real money. In my view we should get rid of the $1 & $2 and replace them with coins. No matter what people think, the $1, $2 just like the penny will never be eliminated.
Not having a $20 on me I can't compare the colors. Once complaint I have heard from foriegners is our money all looks the same. If you look at the money from other countries each bill has a different color making it easy to identify them quickly.
I like the mention of the $2 bill, which you rarely see. My brother got one once and ended up taking it to the bank to get two 1s. No one thought it was real money. In my view we should get rid of the $1 & $2 and replace them with coins. No matter what people think, the $1, $2 just like the penny will never be eliminated.
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Facebook new way to connect at school
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Facebook new way to connect at school
Yet another blog community. Once you graduate you will, no doubt, loose all your stuff. To me these people would be better off using MySpace, Yahoo 360 or Blogger. They are free and at least Blogger (which I am using) allows for a lot of customization.
Yet another blog community. Once you graduate you will, no doubt, loose all your stuff. To me these people would be better off using MySpace, Yahoo 360 or Blogger. They are free and at least Blogger (which I am using) allows for a lot of customization.
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Zips earn applause and respect
Beacon Journal | 12/02/2005 | Zips earn applause and respect
Woo hoo! I am not a huge football fan, but I usually follow my alma mater. This is a long way from when we called the team "Gerry's Kids" in the dark days when I went there.
Woo hoo! I am not a huge football fan, but I usually follow my alma mater. This is a long way from when we called the team "Gerry's Kids" in the dark days when I went there.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Meme: What kind of intellectual are you?
You're a political intellectual.
What Sort of Intellectual Are You?
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