I'm not going to make it to 100 posts this year. Maybe I'll do better in 2012.
For Christmas, my girlfriend bought two copies of Star Wars The Old Republic and it has taken up much of my spare time. Thus, the lack of blogging. My youngest daughter saw us playing it and was awe inspired and said she wanted a copy too. So, now, we three have spent our vacation time sitting around the fireplace with laptops tucked snugly on our laps fighting the misguided Separatists or the evil Imperialists. It's been a blast. There's nothing quite like getting your first "real" light saber at level 10. I walk on the dark side while they sleep.
Tomorrow, we're driving to New Orleans and will spend New Year's there. We'll be coming home on the 2nd, I've never been to New Orleans before. I'm kind of looking forward to it.
I had an epiphany regarding Ron Paul and the Libertarian Party. I might have to share it with you after I've worked out the details. It's an epiphany that has lead me to believe that I might need to become a Democrat.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Science
I believe in Astrology. I've discovered through scientific methodology that by talking to people, I can easily and correctly predict their astrological signs 8.3333% of the time.
That was just a setup for this rather dull, but interesting video.
That was just a setup for this rather dull, but interesting video.
Monday, December 19, 2011
American Football News
It's often strange how the government comes up with its "punishments" for crimes.
This weekend's football escapades brought this to the forefront of my thoughts. Chicago Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd was fired (err, cut from the roster) for allegedly purchasing drugs for distribution. Sources say 1,000 pounds of Marijuana along with some cocaine.
Throw your feelings about drugs out the window for a second. I know some people hate drugs for one reason or another and that's okay. But, according to the allegations all he did was attempt to purchase a large quantity of Marijuana and cocaine. He wasn't accused of robbing anyone. He wasn't accused of shooting anyone. He wasn't even accused of being mean to anyone.
If he's found guilty, he'll spend a minimum of 10 years in prison. A minimum. I looked it up here. I don't really feel like doing too much verification, but it seems right. I went here too, but it was like a legal rabbit hole from hell.
Now, let's go back a few years to Michael Vick. He confessed to being a player in dog fighting activities. This is, at a minimum, cruel to animals. He may not have been hurting people, but he was hurting domestic animals. Something capable of feeling pain was being hurt for his entertainment. How much time did he spend? A little less than 2 years.
If my understanding is correct, not hurting someone, but purchasing something the government says you can't purchase (10+ years). Being cruel to animals (up to 24 months). Go figure.
In unrelated news, Romo said something about not trying so hard to correct for his teammate's mistakes. They need to send that boy to leadership training. And send me to reporting school because I didn't write down what he said. It was funny though.
This weekend's football escapades brought this to the forefront of my thoughts. Chicago Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd was fired (err, cut from the roster) for allegedly purchasing drugs for distribution. Sources say 1,000 pounds of Marijuana along with some cocaine.
Throw your feelings about drugs out the window for a second. I know some people hate drugs for one reason or another and that's okay. But, according to the allegations all he did was attempt to purchase a large quantity of Marijuana and cocaine. He wasn't accused of robbing anyone. He wasn't accused of shooting anyone. He wasn't even accused of being mean to anyone.
If he's found guilty, he'll spend a minimum of 10 years in prison. A minimum. I looked it up here. I don't really feel like doing too much verification, but it seems right. I went here too, but it was like a legal rabbit hole from hell.
Now, let's go back a few years to Michael Vick. He confessed to being a player in dog fighting activities. This is, at a minimum, cruel to animals. He may not have been hurting people, but he was hurting domestic animals. Something capable of feeling pain was being hurt for his entertainment. How much time did he spend? A little less than 2 years.
If my understanding is correct, not hurting someone, but purchasing something the government says you can't purchase (10+ years). Being cruel to animals (up to 24 months). Go figure.
In unrelated news, Romo said something about not trying so hard to correct for his teammate's mistakes. They need to send that boy to leadership training. And send me to reporting school because I didn't write down what he said. It was funny though.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The English Language
One of my lovely children the other day was complaining about the English language. I think she may have asked how I was feeling and I said, "With my hands." Then she said, "I hate the English language!"
It was probably more in depth than that, but my mind is drawing a blank at the moment. Is that like getting a blank from the well after throwing the water bucket down or trying to etch what you are thinking on a piece of paper and coming up with nothing? Which analogy is it?
If the English language were to change to have definite pronunciations and meanings for all the words, we'd lose an entire industry of comedy.
I was watching an Eddy Murphy movie in Germany once. It was one that I had already watched in the USA so I kind of knew the dialogue and the funny parts. My favorite part in the English version is when he's walking up to the big doors of the house, looks at his wife and says, "Look at those knockers." Watching it in German, in Germany, with a bunch of Germans and no one even snickered (except me).
My favorite Three Stooges skit is when they are about to be executed, but decide they have to eat something first so they can digest (die just) right.
What lead down this path of fun is after 40 some odd years, I've just discovered that I've been pronouncing groin wrong all my life. I just recently thought I pulled my groin, but have now decided it's a nasty bursitis in my hip.
I've been telling everyone I've met that I pulled my groin. Often this happens after they look at me questioningly during one of my shuffling episodes. After I tell them I've pulled my groin, they laugh at me. "What's so funny?" I query, "My groin really hurts!"
Then, they have to tell me, "It's pronounced gro een, not gro in." Then I have to argue, but it gets nowhere because people come out of the woodwork to laugh at me. I still can't pronounce it right. I can't pronounce it left either. Because it's still there.
Today, I finally went to dictionary.com to hear the correct pronunciation. As you all know everything you learn on the Internet is gospel. I'm still recovering from the truth. You should hear me say bursitis.
It was probably more in depth than that, but my mind is drawing a blank at the moment. Is that like getting a blank from the well after throwing the water bucket down or trying to etch what you are thinking on a piece of paper and coming up with nothing? Which analogy is it?
If the English language were to change to have definite pronunciations and meanings for all the words, we'd lose an entire industry of comedy.
I was watching an Eddy Murphy movie in Germany once. It was one that I had already watched in the USA so I kind of knew the dialogue and the funny parts. My favorite part in the English version is when he's walking up to the big doors of the house, looks at his wife and says, "Look at those knockers." Watching it in German, in Germany, with a bunch of Germans and no one even snickered (except me).
My favorite Three Stooges skit is when they are about to be executed, but decide they have to eat something first so they can digest (die just) right.
What lead down this path of fun is after 40 some odd years, I've just discovered that I've been pronouncing groin wrong all my life. I just recently thought I pulled my groin, but have now decided it's a nasty bursitis in my hip.
I've been telling everyone I've met that I pulled my groin. Often this happens after they look at me questioningly during one of my shuffling episodes. After I tell them I've pulled my groin, they laugh at me. "What's so funny?" I query, "My groin really hurts!"
Then, they have to tell me, "It's pronounced gro een, not gro in." Then I have to argue, but it gets nowhere because people come out of the woodwork to laugh at me. I still can't pronounce it right. I can't pronounce it left either. Because it's still there.
Today, I finally went to dictionary.com to hear the correct pronunciation. As you all know everything you learn on the Internet is gospel. I'm still recovering from the truth. You should hear me say bursitis.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Cynical News Fun
I haven't blogged in weeks and no one has complained! I'm mortified. I'm never going to make it to 100 by the end of the year. My topics are becoming consistently more narrow minded and cynical. Not a good way to end the year.
When I firsted start writing this feeble blog, I'd get bent out of shape around the "political" season which seems to be starting sooner and sooner. It gets to the point that it's so irritating I don't even like thinking about it, much less writing about it.
In case you haven't been paying attention, I don't really care much for American politics. It's like watching a TV evangelist pay for infomercials trying to convince you how honest he is. There's no such thing. It's a waste of time and money.
But, the only thing worse than a bunch of politicians blowing their horns and lying about their indiscretions is the news outlets and America's gullibility. Admittedly, sometimes the news is true or maybe there is a hint of truth, but more often than not, it's not the whole truth and it's always spun in a way to make the most cash and/or do the most damage.
So why do we believe them all the time? You know they make things as dramatic as humanly possible for higher ratings. Think about it.
If I own a television network and I don't want someone to be elected into public office all I have to do is go find someone, pay them some money, and have them say something derogatory about the candidate. It doesn't matter how stupid it is. It doesn't matter how true it is. Just make something up. The more derogatory and exciting the better! Americans trust the news and they love drama.
I'm kind of old fashioned. I trust my instincts. I don't believe anything the news says about Herman Cain. I don't care much except it irks me that people believe it. I was out at a bar and this girl was telling me that he raped four women. Really? Where did you hear that? Have you met Herman Cain personally? Why are we so quick to judge? I'd never believe that about anyone until I was able to sit at a bar with them long enough to get them nice and inebriated. Then, the truth would emerge.
I don't trust anything the news says about anyone. The reason I didn't like Herman Cain was because he was too religious. I won't vote for anyone that mentions the need for more faith, religion or God in our lives. If you think God's going to fix our problems then I won't be voting for you. Moron.
You are correct, I'm not voting for Newt Gingrich either. Nobody is trying to remove "the Creator" from your life Mr. Gingrich, but we don't need the government mandating our relationship or lack of relationship with Him either. Let them tell you who to believe in and next thing you know they'll be telling you who to marry. 'Doh! Well, I guess we're a little late for that.
When I firsted start writing this feeble blog, I'd get bent out of shape around the "political" season which seems to be starting sooner and sooner. It gets to the point that it's so irritating I don't even like thinking about it, much less writing about it.
In case you haven't been paying attention, I don't really care much for American politics. It's like watching a TV evangelist pay for infomercials trying to convince you how honest he is. There's no such thing. It's a waste of time and money.
But, the only thing worse than a bunch of politicians blowing their horns and lying about their indiscretions is the news outlets and America's gullibility. Admittedly, sometimes the news is true or maybe there is a hint of truth, but more often than not, it's not the whole truth and it's always spun in a way to make the most cash and/or do the most damage.
So why do we believe them all the time? You know they make things as dramatic as humanly possible for higher ratings. Think about it.
If I own a television network and I don't want someone to be elected into public office all I have to do is go find someone, pay them some money, and have them say something derogatory about the candidate. It doesn't matter how stupid it is. It doesn't matter how true it is. Just make something up. The more derogatory and exciting the better! Americans trust the news and they love drama.
I'm kind of old fashioned. I trust my instincts. I don't believe anything the news says about Herman Cain. I don't care much except it irks me that people believe it. I was out at a bar and this girl was telling me that he raped four women. Really? Where did you hear that? Have you met Herman Cain personally? Why are we so quick to judge? I'd never believe that about anyone until I was able to sit at a bar with them long enough to get them nice and inebriated. Then, the truth would emerge.
I don't trust anything the news says about anyone. The reason I didn't like Herman Cain was because he was too religious. I won't vote for anyone that mentions the need for more faith, religion or God in our lives. If you think God's going to fix our problems then I won't be voting for you. Moron.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Leaving the Collective
In my previous posting I complained that Lisa is part of the Apple collective. She has (had) an iPhone 3GS. The day after my previous posting, her phone slid off a stack of papers and the screen shattered (I honestly had nothing to do with it). Quality workmanship. If you don't believe me do a video search on repairing iPhone screens. There are a ton of them. I've never broken a phone screen and my phone even fell out of my pocket while running through a paved parking lot once. My daughter has an iPhone 3G (her mom got it for her). She's broken the screen 3 times. It's currently broken again, but I have gotten tired of paying to get it repaired.
The difficulty in leaving "The Apple Collective" is directly related to the amount of money you've spent on electronics that are part of the collective. It seems to me that there should be a whole host of companies producing electronics to help you leave the collective. There aren't. Apple must have a whole team of lawyers writing up patents to prevent people from leaving the collective.
Like that little funky cable that doesn't follow any open standards. I'd like to reverse engineer it and then create adapters allowing people to keep their investments while leaving the collective.
I recently read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. It's a quick read and free to download. One of the things he said, in a round about way, is that he did things to make it easier on his fellow man. He didn't patent anything. It's relatively well known that he invented the Franklin Stove, but afterwards he went overseas on a political mission only to come back home and see that businesses had sprung up manufacturing and selling his stove. But that was okay because he wanted people to use the idea to make their lives more comfortable.
We've become such a capitalistic money loving society that we don't try to help anyone for free any more.
Linux is open source. It's helped tons of people. If you don't want to send Microsoft $100+ for a new OS for your new PC, you can download and install multiple flavors of Linux for free and still be able to surf the Internet, play games, write documents, etc. All the things you expect to do on a PC are available with a free OS.
Android is a mobile OS built around Linux. It's also open to some extent. I've heard that starting with Honeycomb there may be some limitations. But, because of its openness, a variety of manufacturers can take it and modify it to create a unique experience on their devices.
Lisa left the collective in favor of the new Samsung Galaxy S II SkyRocket. They really need to work on creating easier names. Why not just call it the Skyrocket? Anyway, it's a nice phone. Blows away the iPhone in almost (if not) all categories.
However, it doesn't (can't) support that stupid proprietary interface that Apple created and patented. So even though it's a better phone, Lisa still has misgivings because in her joining of the collective she purchased an $800 car stereo which is iCrap friendly. It supports the iCable. I've been kind of looking for adapters for making the transition less painful, but there aren't a whole lot to choose from. The optimum one would be a Bluetooth adapter so that an Android phone could access the iCable wirelessly via Bluetooth.
What I've about decided is that she's going to have to buy an iPod with WiFi to leave hooked up in her car and then use wireless tethering on her new phone so that the iPod can access the Internet and run apps like Pandora. It's like quitting smoking with a nicotine patch.
I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to Apple for creating products that don't work with anything else.
The difficulty in leaving "The Apple Collective" is directly related to the amount of money you've spent on electronics that are part of the collective. It seems to me that there should be a whole host of companies producing electronics to help you leave the collective. There aren't. Apple must have a whole team of lawyers writing up patents to prevent people from leaving the collective.
I recently read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. It's a quick read and free to download. One of the things he said, in a round about way, is that he did things to make it easier on his fellow man. He didn't patent anything. It's relatively well known that he invented the Franklin Stove, but afterwards he went overseas on a political mission only to come back home and see that businesses had sprung up manufacturing and selling his stove. But that was okay because he wanted people to use the idea to make their lives more comfortable.
We've become such a capitalistic money loving society that we don't try to help anyone for free any more.
Linux is open source. It's helped tons of people. If you don't want to send Microsoft $100+ for a new OS for your new PC, you can download and install multiple flavors of Linux for free and still be able to surf the Internet, play games, write documents, etc. All the things you expect to do on a PC are available with a free OS.
Android is a mobile OS built around Linux. It's also open to some extent. I've heard that starting with Honeycomb there may be some limitations. But, because of its openness, a variety of manufacturers can take it and modify it to create a unique experience on their devices.
Lisa left the collective in favor of the new Samsung Galaxy S II SkyRocket. They really need to work on creating easier names. Why not just call it the Skyrocket? Anyway, it's a nice phone. Blows away the iPhone in almost (if not) all categories.
However, it doesn't (can't) support that stupid proprietary interface that Apple created and patented. So even though it's a better phone, Lisa still has misgivings because in her joining of the collective she purchased an $800 car stereo which is iCrap friendly. It supports the iCable. I've been kind of looking for adapters for making the transition less painful, but there aren't a whole lot to choose from. The optimum one would be a Bluetooth adapter so that an Android phone could access the iCable wirelessly via Bluetooth.
What I've about decided is that she's going to have to buy an iPod with WiFi to leave hooked up in her car and then use wireless tethering on her new phone so that the iPod can access the Internet and run apps like Pandora. It's like quitting smoking with a nicotine patch.
I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to Apple for creating products that don't work with anything else.
Friday, November 11, 2011
I Can't Talk to Her Anymore
I think it's no secret that I've never owned anything made by Apple. When I first started programming computers back in the late 70's, I first started programming on an Apple II, but it wasn't mine. I've never owned an Apple.
Apple products, to me, are equivalent to going to a 5 star restaurant where you can get an absolutely flawless four course meal. But, without any substitutions.
When you are spending $100's of dollars on some bit of technology this ends up being the same 4 course meal every day until you upgrade to something else. It's like joining the collective. Suddenly all of your choices are made for you by some guy at Apple Computers. Wait! Maybe that's why Americans vote Republican. That was like a mid-blog epiphany. Sorry about that.
I'm a fan of options. Variety is the spice of life. I build my own computers and I run Microsoft Windows or Unix on all of them. Ironically, the Macintosh Operating System is just a pretty wrapper on top of Unix that prevents options. I wonder what the current break down is of Operating Systems on PC's. What percentage are running some flavor of Unix versus some flavor of MS Windows?
Lisa has an iPhone. It's her only character flaw. When we went on our last cruise, her iPhone gave the dreaded "Connect to iTunes" error which basically meant her phone wasn't going to work until she made it back home to connect it to her laptop. So much for mobility. Now she's upgraded to iOS 5. Her phone battery lasts maybe 4 hours so if I'm going to do any communicating it must be between 9 & 1. After that, it's dead phone. Unless, of course, she manages to keep it plugged in. So much for mobility.
Apple, if you're going to continue to serve up 5 star steak dinners, you better make sure they really satisfy. I hear Android gives you options. They've about perfected the art of running Android on the iPhone.
I have yet to try a Microsoft Phone. I was going to with my last upgrade but there were no 4g options. If you're curious I'm running the Atrix 2. No PC required and I'd like a little shake with my fries.
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