Balance
Seems like there are all sorts of balances we have to maintain, but how thin is the line between preparing for the future and borrowing trouble. We all know hard times will come, but in the exhuberance of mitigating disasters we foresee, are we creating other problems we might otherwise never face?
Completely Random
You would think that if aliens were that intelligent that they'd figure out how to disguise a flying saucer as a 747. No one thinks anything anymore of looking up in the sky and seeing a bunch of flashing lights flying by.
Musing
If someone was born in a state of constant pain, would the cessation of pain be painful because it wasn't what they were used to? Or is pain, by definition, unpleasant and the cessation would be pleasurable?
Musing
Quantum theory would have us consider an infinite number of parallel universes where the results of every decision made or not made are a possibility. So in this universe you had eggs for breakfast, there is another universe where you had oatmeal for breakfast.
Consider instead that the people around you are your quantum alternates - that somewhere on earth is a person who is a result of all the decisions you would have made but didn't?
I'm not serious about this. I know differently. But, hey, I bet someone could make a great story around the idea.
Consider instead that the people around you are your quantum alternates - that somewhere on earth is a person who is a result of all the decisions you would have made but didn't?
I'm not serious about this. I know differently. But, hey, I bet someone could make a great story around the idea.
Coraline
Well, back in my old Seattle stomping grounds. Made me want to revisit an old tradition of mine of taking in a movie with my dinner. Went and saw Coraline and it pleasantly met my expectations. Saw the 3D version which was fun. Artistically stunning, but creeeeepy! Loved it!!
It's neat that someone could make a genuinely creepy film without gore. And what's more they neatly capture the bleak gloom of deep winter in Oregon.
It's nice to have bright spots.
It's neat that someone could make a genuinely creepy film without gore. And what's more they neatly capture the bleak gloom of deep winter in Oregon.
It's nice to have bright spots.
Bright side of travel!
OK, one more thing.
At some point I'm going to get a camera phone again, just so I can throw some pics up here.
Saw a beautiful sunrise this morning. High clouds underlit by the rising sun, glowing gold. Gorgeous.
At some point I'm going to get a camera phone again, just so I can throw some pics up here.
Saw a beautiful sunrise this morning. High clouds underlit by the rising sun, glowing gold. Gorgeous.
Arghhh - travel!
So just when I think I'm getting used to the tedium of travel, along comes another trip that just tries me. Company policy sends me through Dallas instead of the more direct Denver since there are no direct flights from PDX to Oklahoma City. I have nothing against Dallas, but I can't remember the last time I had a flight leave on time from that airport.
So flight out was fine except for the leg out of DFW being delayed for a half hour. Flight back to DFW was fine. Flight home was overbooked. Aren't there laws against selling me a seat if there isn't one? Even though I paid for a seat, after everyone else is on they get me a seat (guess they had to make sure there was a seat to give). The get us on the plane, then we have to wait while they finish maintenance on something in the cockpit. Then they run out of snacks, granted everyone was extra hungry waiting that extra half hour, but me being in one of the last rows was a little miffed. I did get something, then got airsick. Leave it at that. Now I'm riding home on the train, because vandals busted my rear windshield on the car after my last trip. Yippee!
So for those who I haven't had a chance to tell yet - I've got a new job. Sort of. For the last several years I've been an Americas level subject matter expert. Well, now I'm back to my old job, sales engineer, but for everything west of Texas, and a completely new product set. Hopefully, will mean less travel, or at least shorter trips. I'm not complaining, I'm grateful I have a job, and I have a lot of new things to learn.
Ok, enough for now.
So flight out was fine except for the leg out of DFW being delayed for a half hour. Flight back to DFW was fine. Flight home was overbooked. Aren't there laws against selling me a seat if there isn't one? Even though I paid for a seat, after everyone else is on they get me a seat (guess they had to make sure there was a seat to give). The get us on the plane, then we have to wait while they finish maintenance on something in the cockpit. Then they run out of snacks, granted everyone was extra hungry waiting that extra half hour, but me being in one of the last rows was a little miffed. I did get something, then got airsick. Leave it at that. Now I'm riding home on the train, because vandals busted my rear windshield on the car after my last trip. Yippee!
So for those who I haven't had a chance to tell yet - I've got a new job. Sort of. For the last several years I've been an Americas level subject matter expert. Well, now I'm back to my old job, sales engineer, but for everything west of Texas, and a completely new product set. Hopefully, will mean less travel, or at least shorter trips. I'm not complaining, I'm grateful I have a job, and I have a lot of new things to learn.
Ok, enough for now.
Creative Outlets
It's funny. Haven't had a post in a while - just nothing seemed post worthy. That being said, in the meantime, have started into Facebook, am participating in a roleplaying forum with my sons and most recently have started modeling a chess set with one of my sons.
With all of these things, requiring a mote of creative thought each, you would think I would be tapped out. But actually, it seems (and makes sense as I put it into writing) that creativity inspires more creativity.
With all of these things, requiring a mote of creative thought each, you would think I would be tapped out. But actually, it seems (and makes sense as I put it into writing) that creativity inspires more creativity.
Introducing - The Addition
OK, first off this is not meant to be an example of my photographic prowess. These are some snapshots of the new addition. For those of you that have been to the house this section is off our eating area - the little hall that leads to the garage. First the hall -
Next up is the downstairs bathroom - now with a shower!
On to the new laundry room - formerly my office. These were taken before everything was in place, but you get the idea.
Now my Sweetie's new office, so she can be creative and write lots of books to entertain small children. Sorry, door wasn't up yet. It is now ;-)
And finally, my new little hidey-hole (with a view of the back yard still trashed from construction). Loving it!
Next up is the downstairs bathroom - now with a shower!
On to the new laundry room - formerly my office. These were taken before everything was in place, but you get the idea.
Now my Sweetie's new office, so she can be creative and write lots of books to entertain small children. Sorry, door wasn't up yet. It is now ;-)
And finally, my new little hidey-hole (with a view of the back yard still trashed from construction). Loving it!
Done - Almost
Well the addition is almost done. Need to do some touch up in the hall and finish caulking the bathroom, but it's livable. In fact so livable I now work from my new office with my nice big windows to look out. Only problem is in order to get the house ready for Christmas, all the stuff out of this wing has now taken residence in my new room. Pics are taken - soon to be posted.
Stay Tuned ...
Best news story I heard in a long time was how the Senate told the big automakers to go home and come back when they were serious when they showed up in DC asking for financial help - flying in on their individual private jets. Not that it's going to stop the bailout - but at least someone has their eyes open.
Stay tuned for pictures of "The Addition". Hopefully, under a week and I'll be in my new home office. We started adding a new office for me, an office for my Honey to do her writing in, and a downstairs shower - all just before the market crashed. Yes, great timing on our part. Anyway, we're almost done, then I'll get some pics up.
Stay tuned for pictures of "The Addition". Hopefully, under a week and I'll be in my new home office. We started adding a new office for me, an office for my Honey to do her writing in, and a downstairs shower - all just before the market crashed. Yes, great timing on our part. Anyway, we're almost done, then I'll get some pics up.
Rant II
First the banking industry, then Obama wants to bail out the US automakers. Make a better product at an affordable price and be profitable - and you wouldn't need a bail out! If you can't be profitable, you shouldn't be in business.
Enough of that. I know there are jobs on the line, but hopefully I won't have anymore rant topics soon.
Enough of that. I know there are jobs on the line, but hopefully I won't have anymore rant topics soon.
How Small Could/Should It Be?
Since it seems I'm an idea person more than an implementation person - let me throw this out for the world to use (but I wouldn't turn down a consulting fee). How small should a cell phone be? Imagine if you will a cell phone with no keypad and no display screen. The limiting factors would then be the battery, antenna and speaker/mic. So picture something the size of a bluetooth headset with one button - that's it!
Now how would you interact with it? I imagine a bluetooth connection to a computer would allow easy access for setting up a contact list or appointment calendar, but the main interface would be through voice recognition. Many advanced phones already have speaker independent voice recognition, so you could say "Call Home" or "Dial 5 5 5 4 5 6 7" but why not extend the functionality? How about accessing a stored calendar by saying "List Appointments" or "Set Alarm for today 3PM"?
OK, next step beyond, have music stored on the device - but wait, that means we're probably talking about increased size again. What if there were audio only online content? When you're not on a call you could say "Stock Ticker" and have your favorite stock quotes. Say "Headlines" and have current events playing in your ear. Or how about this, online radio stations or music collections? Can you see a bunch of people saying "Next Next Next Play"
The growing number of people plugging in during commutes is ever evident by the headphones. In Boston they have cell repeaters in the subway tunnels so you can actually keep a signal underground although the noise level may cause problems with a voice recognition system. Anyway, just a chance to get an idea out there in black and white.
Now how would you interact with it? I imagine a bluetooth connection to a computer would allow easy access for setting up a contact list or appointment calendar, but the main interface would be through voice recognition. Many advanced phones already have speaker independent voice recognition, so you could say "Call Home" or "Dial 5 5 5 4 5 6 7" but why not extend the functionality? How about accessing a stored calendar by saying "List Appointments" or "Set Alarm for today 3PM"?
OK, next step beyond, have music stored on the device - but wait, that means we're probably talking about increased size again. What if there were audio only online content? When you're not on a call you could say "Stock Ticker" and have your favorite stock quotes. Say "Headlines" and have current events playing in your ear. Or how about this, online radio stations or music collections? Can you see a bunch of people saying "Next Next Next Play"
The growing number of people plugging in during commutes is ever evident by the headphones. In Boston they have cell repeaters in the subway tunnels so you can actually keep a signal underground although the noise level may cause problems with a voice recognition system. Anyway, just a chance to get an idea out there in black and white.
Rant
Generally I'm not a political beast, but since when has the government been appointed to save us from our own stupidity? America is the bastion of capitalism, which means if you make a good product (or make people think you make a good product) you're successful. If not, you don't make it, you close shop, and go do something else. So Wall Street is failing due to deceit and greed. They didn't make it, they should close up shop and go do something else. But the government steps in burdens us with debt so the people on Wall Street can keep their jobs. That's it. The market is still in free fall. The bail out means nothing except that failures keep their jobs at our expense.
Yes, harsh, but that's how I see this whole fiasco. I know the innocent worker bees who still have jobs would argue with me, but couldn't they be worker bees for another company?
Yes, harsh, but that's how I see this whole fiasco. I know the innocent worker bees who still have jobs would argue with me, but couldn't they be worker bees for another company?
A Good Salsa Recipe
At least I think it's good. Have made three batches at last count. Enough kick to make it interesting without making it inedible.
14 1/2 oz Petite Cut Diced Tomato
8 oz Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1/2 Jalepeño, seeds removed, finely chopped
1/2 T Crushed Red Pepper (chile de arbol)
1/4 t Salt
2 dashes Black Pepper
1 clove Garlic, chopped
Combine them all in a bowl or sauce pan. I like to start with the tomatoes and sauce on low heat to combine the flavors. Best if left to sit overnight. I think you could probably mix all the ingredients cold and have it turn out as well. And yes, if you double the batch the measurments are a lot easier.
My neighbor has me pegged. I'm an experimenter. I like to dabble in things and find what my personal favorite mix, method, ingredients are. So far soap and salsa - who knows where it could go.
14 1/2 oz Petite Cut Diced Tomato
8 oz Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 Onion, chopped
1/2 Jalepeño, seeds removed, finely chopped
1/2 T Crushed Red Pepper (chile de arbol)
1/4 t Salt
2 dashes Black Pepper
1 clove Garlic, chopped
Combine them all in a bowl or sauce pan. I like to start with the tomatoes and sauce on low heat to combine the flavors. Best if left to sit overnight. I think you could probably mix all the ingredients cold and have it turn out as well. And yes, if you double the batch the measurments are a lot easier.
My neighbor has me pegged. I'm an experimenter. I like to dabble in things and find what my personal favorite mix, method, ingredients are. So far soap and salsa - who knows where it could go.
Hey, It's a post ...
Well I'm back to the wild world of Linux at work. Yes, things are much easier to do in Windows sometimes, but I'm one of few people on my team who have Linux skills, so I feel obligated to keep them up. Plus, makes me feel good to make things work.
Funny thing happened. Laura was going to New York for a writer's workshop. I dropped her off at the airport, 5 minutes later the transmission on the van went out. Now I dropped her off at around 10PM. Took me an hour to get the van to a lot where I could leave it. Then rode light rail home, got there around 1AM. Sunday Michael got sick, the rest of us fit in the Saturn to go to church. Ian started not feeling well during church, so I took him home. Came back out and the Saturn wouldn't start. After a week and a half, had three kids get sick, towed two cars to shops, got them fixed, and I got lots of sympathy from everyone about how everything happens to me while Laura is out of town. I handled things fine, not that she couldn't have handled them better (and probably would have) but things happen to her many many times when I leave town.
Laura's writer's workshop was a great success. She had a wonderful time, learned a lot, but most importantly got to network with important people in her field (children's writing). She brought us home some nice artwork (which I need to post a pic of) and she had places to submit two of her stories - one with a friend in England who was going to have her publisher look at a story for Laura - and the other with the head of a publishing house. That's it for now. No deep thoughts. No pic or video, but hey, it's a post.
Funny thing happened. Laura was going to New York for a writer's workshop. I dropped her off at the airport, 5 minutes later the transmission on the van went out. Now I dropped her off at around 10PM. Took me an hour to get the van to a lot where I could leave it. Then rode light rail home, got there around 1AM. Sunday Michael got sick, the rest of us fit in the Saturn to go to church. Ian started not feeling well during church, so I took him home. Came back out and the Saturn wouldn't start. After a week and a half, had three kids get sick, towed two cars to shops, got them fixed, and I got lots of sympathy from everyone about how everything happens to me while Laura is out of town. I handled things fine, not that she couldn't have handled them better (and probably would have) but things happen to her many many times when I leave town.
Laura's writer's workshop was a great success. She had a wonderful time, learned a lot, but most importantly got to network with important people in her field (children's writing). She brought us home some nice artwork (which I need to post a pic of) and she had places to submit two of her stories - one with a friend in England who was going to have her publisher look at a story for Laura - and the other with the head of a publishing house. That's it for now. No deep thoughts. No pic or video, but hey, it's a post.
Enjoy the trip
Well, we just got back from Utah. Drive out and drive back took approximately the same amount of time, but they were completely different experiences. We took the same breaks and traveled the same time of day. On the way out I felt fine. On the way back I was sick. The drive out was mostly a pleasant drive, and made me think "Sure, I can do this every other year or so." The trip back made me want to sell my vehicles and stayyyyy home! So moral again, perception determines reality.
But hey, it was one of our best vacations. Got to see many friends and family. Had some good times and lost 10 pounds! Yeah!
But hey, it was one of our best vacations. Got to see many friends and family. Had some good times and lost 10 pounds! Yeah!
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