ok, so hosting and managing my own blog system was awesome. Not only did I love "owning" it, but being able to tweak it and use it as my own design world for code testing was great as well.
So then I updated my OS, and also my web server. It didn't handle some of my conversions very well - so no posts would show. I decided to then redirect my domain to my photo site.
It's about time I bring this back. New hosting brings with it many changes. (I often say everything has pros and cons to it). It will now be much, much faster, with virtually no down time. Awesome. I won't be able to alter it like I use to though. We shall see how this fairs for me, and I'll also try to repost my old stuff - or at least my favorite ones, because I do have backups.
Lost Localhost
Next on the reading list...
I have a realy bad habbit of starting books, but never finishing. It's not that I'm not interested, it's just that I have so many more things to be doing with my time and I don't find the actual act of reading enjoyable. Despite this, I do have an interest in many books, and found one I may get through...The Survivors Club.
David Pitt explains it better than I...
"According to Sherwood, two questions are central to this book. What does it really take to survive a catastrophic event and what kind of survivor are you? You might be surprised at the answers. While there are tactics and strategies to surviving life tragedies, unforeseen accidents, and other catastrophes, many of these are instinctive (some, like exhibiting transitory superhuman strength, are manifested physiologically, without conscious planning). Some of us, Sherwood explains, are better survivors than others—in prisoner-of-war camps, for example, the people most likely to collapse are the eternal optimists who believe rescue is imminent and fail to come to terms with the possibility of long-term imprisonment. The book is a useful, insightful exploration of the nature of survival, the resilience of the human mind and body, and the ways in which we can all use our natural gifts to maximize our chances of coming through catastrophic situations." --David Pitt
Along with the book is a free "survivors test" which will identify your general survivor personality traits.
It was spot on with me - identifying myself as a "realist" with my initial answers, and a "thinker" when I took it a second time with my answers where I could have gone either way. I've been called a realist consistently for most of my life. Except for only a couple occasions I have always tried to look at things how they truely are and consider all outcomes and options. Sometimes because of this, it causes me to get concerned about something because I'm considering all possibilities. There is a running joke that my father and I are alike in that we will always say no to a question first - then give us a day or two to digest it and our opinions may change. I beleive this is because our minds haven't been able to play out all the factors with a situation: i.e.-budget, timing, other possible outcomes that will be introduced from that decision...
I'll let you know how it goes. =)
David Pitt explains it better than I...
"According to Sherwood, two questions are central to this book. What does it really take to survive a catastrophic event and what kind of survivor are you? You might be surprised at the answers. While there are tactics and strategies to surviving life tragedies, unforeseen accidents, and other catastrophes, many of these are instinctive (some, like exhibiting transitory superhuman strength, are manifested physiologically, without conscious planning). Some of us, Sherwood explains, are better survivors than others—in prisoner-of-war camps, for example, the people most likely to collapse are the eternal optimists who believe rescue is imminent and fail to come to terms with the possibility of long-term imprisonment. The book is a useful, insightful exploration of the nature of survival, the resilience of the human mind and body, and the ways in which we can all use our natural gifts to maximize our chances of coming through catastrophic situations." --David Pitt
Along with the book is a free "survivors test" which will identify your general survivor personality traits.
It was spot on with me - identifying myself as a "realist" with my initial answers, and a "thinker" when I took it a second time with my answers where I could have gone either way. I've been called a realist consistently for most of my life. Except for only a couple occasions I have always tried to look at things how they truely are and consider all outcomes and options. Sometimes because of this, it causes me to get concerned about something because I'm considering all possibilities. There is a running joke that my father and I are alike in that we will always say no to a question first - then give us a day or two to digest it and our opinions may change. I beleive this is because our minds haven't been able to play out all the factors with a situation: i.e.-budget, timing, other possible outcomes that will be introduced from that decision...
I'll let you know how it goes. =)
Cameras, Guns, and...well, more guns.
The last couple of weeks I've found a new hobby. Really, my wife will be pissed I say that, because I really hijacked hers. She has wanted to get into photography for a long while now, and I recently bought her a new entry DSLR from Canon that just came out, the T2i. "Entry" probably isn't the best term for it, considering the quality of this thing is amazing. So while she now has the tools to get more involved with photography, I've been reading up a lot on it and getting into it as well. Bottom line: expect more pics to show up here, as I will be updating the images section soon. For now, enjoy some of my favorite shots...
(My Favorite)
Today was also the first day we went shooting for my company's Spring pistol league - which, thanks to the T2i, I got some decent video of.
T2i Test at the gun range... from Brian Smith on Vimeo.
The shooting in that video resulted in this target...
I had a really good shooting day, scoring really well on all my targets, even including out to 25 yards. One other thing that was quite special to me was another gun i got to shoot. When I was about 12 years old my grandfather, who had a very nice array or guns in his collection, bought me my first. When I opened the box I thought it was a BB gun, so I could look like another hunter in the family. My father was quick to point out "um, no son...That's a .22!". The thing is made of laminated wood, probably barely breaks four pounds, and has a metal lined plastic barrel; so it's not worth much money, but it's one of the very few sentimental things I have related to my grandpa. I had never shot it, and it has been in storage for about 15 years. I recently got a hold of it and shot it for the first time today.
It shoots straight as an arrow. I'm looking forward to having it be the first rifle my child someday shoots.
Last note: When I got the range I saw something interesting following me in the isles of the shop. I only got one quick shot of him. I kept thinking to myself that if I were a wild animal, a gun store would be the last place I'd be seen hanging around at.
(My Favorite)
Today was also the first day we went shooting for my company's Spring pistol league - which, thanks to the T2i, I got some decent video of.
The shooting in that video resulted in this target...
I had a really good shooting day, scoring really well on all my targets, even including out to 25 yards. One other thing that was quite special to me was another gun i got to shoot. When I was about 12 years old my grandfather, who had a very nice array or guns in his collection, bought me my first. When I opened the box I thought it was a BB gun, so I could look like another hunter in the family. My father was quick to point out "um, no son...That's a .22!". The thing is made of laminated wood, probably barely breaks four pounds, and has a metal lined plastic barrel; so it's not worth much money, but it's one of the very few sentimental things I have related to my grandpa. I had never shot it, and it has been in storage for about 15 years. I recently got a hold of it and shot it for the first time today.
It shoots straight as an arrow. I'm looking forward to having it be the first rifle my child someday shoots.
Last note: When I got the range I saw something interesting following me in the isles of the shop. I only got one quick shot of him. I kept thinking to myself that if I were a wild animal, a gun store would be the last place I'd be seen hanging around at.
More Debt...*facepalm*
"The federal public debt, which was $6.3 trillion ($56,000 per household) when Mr. Obama entered office amid an economic crisis, totals $8.2 trillion ($72,000 per household) today, and it's headed toward $20.3 trillion (more than $170,000 per household) in 2020, according to CBO's deficit estimates.
That figure would equal 90 percent of the estimated gross domestic product in 2020, up from 40 percent at the end of fiscal 2008. By comparison, America's debt-to-GDP ratio peaked at 109 percent at the end of World War II, while the ratio for economically troubled Greece hit 115 percent last year."
CBO report: Debt will rise to 90% of GDP
That figure would equal 90 percent of the estimated gross domestic product in 2020, up from 40 percent at the end of fiscal 2008. By comparison, America's debt-to-GDP ratio peaked at 109 percent at the end of World War II, while the ratio for economically troubled Greece hit 115 percent last year."
CBO report: Debt will rise to 90% of GDP
So real life example... Say you and your spouse make a combined amount of $100,000 a year. First of all, your in pretty good shape income-wise compared to many. Can you imagine supporting your home while you give $90,000 of that to credit cards and paying bills with $10,000 a year? What advice would you give if you were a financial advisor to this home? Perhaps "stop buying things on credit and spending what you don't have!" Would you explain the concepts of interest and inflation? The country is in the same state as this home, but the morons in congress and our Presidents (yes, that's plural) keep saying "eh, we'll get more credit - we're good for it!" Unfortunately, our "banks", primarily China and Japan, are catching on.
Most people can barely live with the income they keep after the current taxes. I can't imagine living on %10 of my income, so why is it ok for our governmnet to?
Amusing Ways to Save Tax Dollars...
Jay Leno suggested we use a swear jar everytime VP Biden forgets there's a hot mic nearby.
My solution? Instead of having 22 pens for a president to sign his name to a bill, he uses ONE! Perhaps that's not all that funny, but I've always scratched my head on why that happens. It's all done for the sake of having souvenirs to hand out - still kind of stupid, IMO, but it's been a tradition for many years.
Why Did Obama Use So Many Pens to Sign the Health Care Bill?
So what are your favorite, amusing, ways we can save the country some cash?
My solution? Instead of having 22 pens for a president to sign his name to a bill, he uses ONE! Perhaps that's not all that funny, but I've always scratched my head on why that happens. It's all done for the sake of having souvenirs to hand out - still kind of stupid, IMO, but it's been a tradition for many years.
Why Did Obama Use So Many Pens to Sign the Health Care Bill?
So what are your favorite, amusing, ways we can save the country some cash?
These are our leaders... *facepalm*
There are a bunch of stories I haven't brought here yet - but this one makes me *facepalm* yet again.
This story is one I've been expecting to see for a while. Virginia is getting in on it too.
This story is one I've been expecting to see for a while. Virginia is getting in on it too.
Anyone want a LLH domain name? =)
I raise the BS flag on this one, but if anyone wants it, we can talk. =)
51, 60...What's the difference!
Lots of numbers on LLH this week... more to come in the next few days too.
With all this talk about reconciliation I figure I would go straight to the man in charge to see what his feelings about it are. Luckily, someone already did it for me.
WHEW! Glad there are no special rules, exceptinos, illegal alterations of code, or unethical practices being used on this healthcare issue.
Yeah, we really dodged a bullet here...
/sarcasm
With all this talk about reconciliation I figure I would go straight to the man in charge to see what his feelings about it are. Luckily, someone already did it for me.
WHEW! Glad there are no special rules, exceptinos, illegal alterations of code, or unethical practices being used on this healthcare issue.
Yeah, we really dodged a bullet here...
/sarcasm
Who is Nolan anyways?
Took the quick 10 question Nolan quiz today. I'm not surprised by the results - I mean they're accurate for me - but I also don't put much faith in a 10 question quiz to determin your political beleifs that well.
BTW, David Nolan is one of the people responsible for the Libertarian Party popularity and founding in 1971.
So take this quiz and post in the comments where you land!
BTW, David Nolan is one of the people responsible for the Libertarian Party popularity and founding in 1971.
So take this quiz and post in the comments where you land!
Hella Cool...
Today I read a story about how the 10^27 number range doesn't have a name. There is a movement to name this range "Hella", and I think that's Hella Cool.
Official SI prefixes:
10 = deca
100 = hecto
1,000 = kilo
1,000,000 = mega
1,000,000,000 = giga
1,000,000,000,000 = tera
1,000,000,000,000,000 = peta
1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = exa
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = zetta
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = yotta
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = unnamed
I find it interesting that they don't have a SI name for 10^27 through 10^99. I'm not sure why they don't just use the Short Scale names. (Short scale of 10^27 = Octillion, 10^30 = nonillion)
Googol = 1 with 100 zeros
10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
,000,000,000
It's said that there are not even this many atoms in the entire existance of the universe.(It's somewhere in the range of 10^80 to 10^85)
Official SI prefixes:
10 = deca
100 = hecto
1,000 = kilo
1,000,000 = mega
1,000,000,000 = giga
1,000,000,000,000 = tera
1,000,000,000,000,000 = peta
1,000,000,000,000,000,000 = exa
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = zetta
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = yotta
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 = unnamed
I find it interesting that they don't have a SI name for 10^27 through 10^99. I'm not sure why they don't just use the Short Scale names. (Short scale of 10^27 = Octillion, 10^30 = nonillion)
Googol = 1 with 100 zeros
10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
,000,000,000
It's said that there are not even this many atoms in the entire existance of the universe.(It's somewhere in the range of 10^80 to 10^85)
Pa_tisan voting? get _i_ of it...
Today on the radio there was a discussion about partisan voting, and the impact on the party system (mainly Democracts) if there wasn't an "R" or a "D" on the ballot. I have been talking about this for years!
Detroit and Philadelphia were used as examples and he questioned what would happen if the Democrats could not rely on black voters who only vote for the "D". He also questioned what the democrats have done for those black voters, considering these cities are crap-holes despite being Democrat controlled for decades. (Eight decades in Detroits case, and about six in Philadelphias case)
Even something as simple as taking the representation off the ballot would force people to actually learn about the candidates before voting and would be a good thing - unless you promote unpopular things. Unfortunately, I don't think it will ever happen. BTW, this is for all races - not just black voters, but that was the specific example because they have a high rate of leaning left and generally dominate democratic systems and beleifs. Need another example? Scott Brown, who ran on conservative beleifs just voted for the new stimulus Jobs Bill. I think anyone who votes without knowledge is doing a disservice to their neighbors.
Detroit and Philadelphia were used as examples and he questioned what would happen if the Democrats could not rely on black voters who only vote for the "D". He also questioned what the democrats have done for those black voters, considering these cities are crap-holes despite being Democrat controlled for decades. (Eight decades in Detroits case, and about six in Philadelphias case)
Even something as simple as taking the representation off the ballot would force people to actually learn about the candidates before voting and would be a good thing - unless you promote unpopular things. Unfortunately, I don't think it will ever happen. BTW, this is for all races - not just black voters, but that was the specific example because they have a high rate of leaning left and generally dominate democratic systems and beleifs. Need another example? Scott Brown, who ran on conservative beleifs just voted for the new stimulus Jobs Bill. I think anyone who votes without knowledge is doing a disservice to their neighbors.
I'm proven wrong... YEA!
I've mentioned in the past my feeling towards my generation and their general lack of political awareness. (or at least common sense) It seems I may have jumped the gun on that notion though.
CNN reports that at least %60, and possibly up to %80 of attendees of CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) were expected to be under 30. As for actual numbers, I've seens stats say between %48 and %54 of attendees were between 18 and 25. That surprises me. I would have been expecting numbers in the teens, or lower.
CNN reports that at least %60, and possibly up to %80 of attendees of CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) were expected to be under 30. As for actual numbers, I've seens stats say between %48 and %54 of attendees were between 18 and 25. That surprises me. I would have been expecting numbers in the teens, or lower.
How many accidents have YOU had this year?
Vice President Biden's motorcade has been in three accidents in the last three months - one resulting in a death.
When mentioning this to my wife she had the most logical reply...
"Damn, our insurance would drop us like a bad habbit"
yup.
When mentioning this to my wife she had the most logical reply...
"Damn, our insurance would drop us like a bad habbit"
yup.
Super Bowl...
Congratz Saints. I should have bet on it. For my good colt fan friends Bob and Kristi (we call them Bobsti) I offer this image.
Another amusing justification...
Yet again, I see some of the things I write about or reference in other, more reputable, articles...
That particular article is about the economical lies the Big O has spewed, and offers a simple solution to INSTANTLY CUT THE DEFICIT IN HALF!
On another note: I was in the ER yesterday for a bad reaction to some medication. My health insurance seems to be working just fine.
That particular article is about the economical lies the Big O has spewed, and offers a simple solution to INSTANTLY CUT THE DEFICIT IN HALF!
On another note: I was in the ER yesterday for a bad reaction to some medication. My health insurance seems to be working just fine.
Baaaaa!
It seems like most of the political things I'm annoyed with and write about are the same things that others write about. (1|2) My quick posts are just less refined so take less time, hence why it's usually here before on the news or official opinion places.
If I made my writings and opinions based on other people opinions I would feel pretty much like a sheep. With that said, Mr.Gibby (Robert Gibbs, that is) is speaking so time to pay attention for myself!
Well the next big deal is going to be the cockiness of this A-hole. Don't misunderstand me... if he was providing true change and bringing together the country and congress I feel he would be justified in making an off-the-cuff comment like he did. But what collaboration has he shown? What issues has he helped mend between liberals and conservatives? in Gibby's breifing today he even discussed how divided the country is despite the president vowing to fix that.
*ring*ring*
Hello? Leg store? yes, I need something for the Big O to stand on...
If I made my writings and opinions based on other people opinions I would feel pretty much like a sheep. With that said, Mr.Gibby (Robert Gibbs, that is) is speaking so time to pay attention for myself!
Well the next big deal is going to be the cockiness of this A-hole. Don't misunderstand me... if he was providing true change and bringing together the country and congress I feel he would be justified in making an off-the-cuff comment like he did. But what collaboration has he shown? What issues has he helped mend between liberals and conservatives? in Gibby's breifing today he even discussed how divided the country is despite the president vowing to fix that.
*ring*ring*
Hello? Leg store? yes, I need something for the Big O to stand on...
Vgh...
In an interview to ABCs George Stephanpoulos the big O had one specific thing to say about the Scott Brown win that irked me...
Huh? So let me get this straight. People are so pissed at the Bush administration that they voted in a republican who is against most of the big O's beliefs? How delusional is that? THIS IS OUR PRESIDENT? I bet if Coakley was elected he would have said the same exact words. Reread them replacing Browns name with Coakley and see how they can be interchanged. It happens all the time.
My next big gripe with this is that in at least two of his speeches I've specifically heard him say something along the lines of "We need to stop blaming other people for our problems and take responsibility". Yet I've lost count of how many times he has blamed the Bush administration for his bad decisions. Yes, you inherited a crappy economy, but guess what: YOURE BAD DECISIONS ARE MAKING IT WORSE, NOT BETTER!
To quote a great man... "Oh you are nuts. N-V-T-S - nuts!"
"Here's my assessment of not just the vote in Massachusetts, but the mood around the country: the same thing that swept Scott Brown into office swept me into office [...] People are angry and they are frustrated. Not just because of what's happened in the last year or two years, but what's happened over the last eight years."
-President Obama Says Voter Anger, Frustration Key to Republican Victory in Massachusetts Senate
-President Obama Says Voter Anger, Frustration Key to Republican Victory in Massachusetts Senate
Huh? So let me get this straight. People are so pissed at the Bush administration that they voted in a republican who is against most of the big O's beliefs? How delusional is that? THIS IS OUR PRESIDENT? I bet if Coakley was elected he would have said the same exact words. Reread them replacing Browns name with Coakley and see how they can be interchanged. It happens all the time.
My next big gripe with this is that in at least two of his speeches I've specifically heard him say something along the lines of "We need to stop blaming other people for our problems and take responsibility". Yet I've lost count of how many times he has blamed the Bush administration for his bad decisions. Yes, you inherited a crappy economy, but guess what: YOURE BAD DECISIONS ARE MAKING IT WORSE, NOT BETTER!
To quote a great man... "Oh you are nuts. N-V-T-S - nuts!"
Proof of lies...
The heritage foundation has a pretty good article on many of the Big O's promises versus reality. The topics include the individual mandate, not losing your doctor, lower healthcare premiums, a reduced deficit, and tax payer funded abortions. The one that makes me most upset (if I HAD to choose one) would be the lie stating no family making less than $250,000 would see a dime in tax increases. Primarily because it was a huge promise, affects everyone poor or middleclass, and also essentially means he was going to reduce spending. They get around this wording by taxing employers and thinking it won't trickle down to individuals.
As I hope you know, currently democrats from both the House and Senate are deliberating and trying to create a bill that THEY can all agree on to send to the Big O. Oh yeah, and they're hiding while doing it.
Remember all that? Even Pelosi did.
Of course in nearly the same breath as saying that, she says "There has never been a more open process".
How can you deal with people who refuse to answer questions and live in reality? It reminds me of a T-Shirt slogan I've seen sported by Mythbuster Adam Savage: "I reject your reality and substitute my own!"
Kick these people out of office: all of them. *facepalm*
No Tax Hikes for People Making Less than $250,000: On February 24, 2009, President Barack Obama promised the American people: “if your family earns less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: not one single dime.” Speaker Pelosi believes the Senate bill’s excise tax on insurance plans breaks this promise, and she is right. But it is not the only way that Obamacare shatters the President’s no-middle-class-tax-hike pledge. There are a slew of new taxes in the Senate bill, many of which will hit the middle class, including taxes on medical devices, tanning beds, insurance user fees, and brand name drugs (not to mention the individual mandate which is enforced by a tax or the employer mandate which kills jobs and punishes the poor).
-Obama’s Other Broken Health Care Promises
-Obama’s Other Broken Health Care Promises
As I hope you know, currently democrats from both the House and Senate are deliberating and trying to create a bill that THEY can all agree on to send to the Big O. Oh yeah, and they're hiding while doing it.
Remember all that? Even Pelosi did.
Of course in nearly the same breath as saying that, she says "There has never been a more open process".
How can you deal with people who refuse to answer questions and live in reality? It reminds me of a T-Shirt slogan I've seen sported by Mythbuster Adam Savage: "I reject your reality and substitute my own!"
Kick these people out of office: all of them. *facepalm*
Wealth, Google, and a common sense description of corporate competition...
Why is wealth such a bad thing? It seem you are only allowed to want wealth in this nation, but you are not socially allowed to actually acheive it. I still struggle to see what the inherrant problem is with American companies in large scale operations. I'm talking about American oil, insurance, energy, technology, health, and auto companies... The people who complain about these huge industries don't realize that they are AMERICAN! Isn't having a strong AMERICAN company a good thing in this global market? Isn't it a great thing to have a company be able to employ a large amount of AMERICAN workers? Isn't it helpful to the rest of AMERICA to have the taxes that these AMERICAN companies provide? Why drive them away with political and social pressure, regulations, and lack of incetives?
Wealth is not a bad thing - sometimes companies do bad things with it though. Those actions, when left to public opposision will cease. Instead of bailing out a company who fails, you should let them fail, rebuild without the wastefulness that cause their downfalls, and let them be wealthy again. Bad actions are bad - but American wealth is great. People do not seem to separate the two.
Wealth breeds innovation. A great case for that is Google. In it's most recent push, it is getting into the wireless phone hardware industry. Hypothetically speaking, what happens if Google takes over the cell phone market by introducing free/cheap ad-based cell service using VOIP technology(GoogleVoice?) on a Google created, HTC manufactured handset? First of all, everyone would freak out. Customers would shop around for the best deal. Advertisers would participate in an instant. ATT, Verizon, and Sprint would lose such a large base they would have to lower fees to gain or retain customers. This means better devices, new technology, lower fees, and more revenue for the companies responsible and thier employees. GOOD-FOR-THEM! Yes, the other cell carriers may lose some because of this, but that means they will have to compete and come up with either something better or cheaper. This means more innovation, more advances, and cheaper services and good for the end consumer. BTW, unless this Jan 5th announcement is game-changing and will result in more wireless freedom, lower costs, or a huge jump in innovation - I think whatever it is could be a flop, or at least highly over-hyped.
Wealth is not a bad thing - sometimes companies do bad things with it though. Those actions, when left to public opposision will cease. Instead of bailing out a company who fails, you should let them fail, rebuild without the wastefulness that cause their downfalls, and let them be wealthy again. Bad actions are bad - but American wealth is great. People do not seem to separate the two.
Wealth breeds innovation. A great case for that is Google. In it's most recent push, it is getting into the wireless phone hardware industry. Hypothetically speaking, what happens if Google takes over the cell phone market by introducing free/cheap ad-based cell service using VOIP technology(GoogleVoice?) on a Google created, HTC manufactured handset? First of all, everyone would freak out. Customers would shop around for the best deal. Advertisers would participate in an instant. ATT, Verizon, and Sprint would lose such a large base they would have to lower fees to gain or retain customers. This means better devices, new technology, lower fees, and more revenue for the companies responsible and thier employees. GOOD-FOR-THEM! Yes, the other cell carriers may lose some because of this, but that means they will have to compete and come up with either something better or cheaper. This means more innovation, more advances, and cheaper services and good for the end consumer. BTW, unless this Jan 5th announcement is game-changing and will result in more wireless freedom, lower costs, or a huge jump in innovation - I think whatever it is could be a flop, or at least highly over-hyped.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)