Tag: observations-2005

I Hate Headaches/Sundry Observations

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

I hate headaches. I’ve been fighting one all day, with predictable results. Grrrr. I’m still trying to decide if I want to go to the speaker on Urban Archeology from the San Fernando Valley Historical Society tonight.


Two recent memes have gotten me thinking about things: the Unique Things I Have Done meme and the Significant Accomplishments in my Life meme. At least for me, most of the “unique” things were done in high school and college (and I could name more, like celebrating Soylent Green Day). However, most of the Significant Accomplishments have been in my professional career. Is this a demonstration of high school and college preparing you to do the “big things” in real life? I don’t know.


In the news:

  • AP is reporting that an appeals court has said that a man can sue for emotional distress after a women took his sperm, after oral sex, and used it to impregnate herself, and then sprung the pregnancy on him by filing a paternity suit two years later. However, he cannot sue for “theft”. The court noted: “She asserts that when plaintiff ‘delivered’ his sperm, it was a gift — an absolute and irrevocable transfer of title to property from a donor to a donee. There was no agreement that the original deposit would be returned upon request.” Just speaks for itself, doesn’t it.
  • CNN/Money is reporting that Walmart is going to have to look for another venue to build a store in New York City. However, the more telling part of the article is the part that says:

    And Scott [CEO of WalMart] defended buying cheap goods from places like Bangladesh where factory workers earn very little, one of the ways Wal-Mart is able to keep its prices so low. “I’ve been in the factories in Bangladesh,” he said. “It’s not the life you want to lead, it’s not the life I want to lead. But it’s a life that is very much a step up from the life that those people would otherwise lead.”

    This raises an interesting question: Are we so territorial that is it more important to pay workers minimum wage in the US, as opposed to paying significantly lower wages, but significantly improving life in the third-world?


Well, back to my wimpering…

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Lunchtime Observations and Updates

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

Ah, lunchtime. Time to review the electronic news and blog sphere for some pointed observations. But first… an update.

Yesterday was… so-so. The Valentine’s Day part was OK (and everyone should read the V-Day Shabot6000 (shabot6000)). I got some nice shirts, and gf_guruilla got a new watch and some goodies from Bath and Body Works. It was the rest of the day, however, that wasn’t the greatest. A few examples, which I won’t go into in detail, as I don’t believe in needless journal angst: my lower back was out; I had trouble waking up all day; I had an ink bottle leak on me; S&F melted down when we wouldn’t sign a blank permission slip; etc. However, today is going much better: I’m getting a lot more done and am a lot more focused.

On to the observations:

  • There’s a meme going around that asks “If you woke up and I was in bed with you, what would be your first thought?” To me, this meme shows illustrates some common biases: it really only works for singles, and perhaps poly folks. For those of us who are monogamous, would we really respond to such a meme? Would we post it ourselves? Both unlikely. Give me some memes that tell me something about you.

    Update: Since everyone is asking, the stock response (unless, of course, it was gf_guruilla I woke up with) would be: WTF? Oh shit. How much did I have to drink? I’m in trouble now….

  • Microsoft has announced (slashdot coverage) that they will be coming out with an IE7. Reading this, an odd question popped into my head: Why can’t Microsoft just take the Firefox source and rebrand it as IE? After all, it is an open source project, and they don’t charge for IE? It seems to me that such an approach would be win-win for Microsoft, as they could get the added security, while not having to pay to have it developed. Developing it themselves must imply some ulterior motive (mwah-ha-ha… just imagine Bill Gates with a Snidely Whiplash moustache).
  • Did you know that improving the menus at schools is having expensive side effects? The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that the LA Unifried School District is now stuck with 1,540 cases of cake and brownie mix, which is now a no-no under the district’s healthy food initiative to wipe out student obesity. I remember those brownies: I ate one every day in Jr. High School. In any case, LAUSD’s nutritional analysis showed that the brownies, sold in secondary school cafeterias, had too much sugar to meet the standard. Unfortunately, the district had just stockpiled enough mix to make 600 industrial-size Bundt pans of cake and brownies. Officials paid $6,055 for the mix and expect the district to take a hit on today’s sale.
  • For those following Broadway, Playbill is reporting that Ben Vereen will be taking over the Wizard’s role in Wicked.
  • CNN is reporting that John Kerry is still pushing his military proposals that he discussed during the election, noting “I think my security proposals for the country were smack on, dead on. I think that had they started to do the things I proposed on Iraq when I proposed them, we would be far better off today. And they are in fact now trying to do some of the things that I proposed.” Raise your hand folks: How many think Kerry will run again in 2008?
  • The Associated Press is reporting that the White House may make NSA the ‘traffic cop’ over U.S. computer networks. Although this may make a lot of folks paranoid, I do have to say that the non-spook side of NSA appears to have a lot of good smarts in this area. It will be interesting to see what develops here.

Well, lunch is about over, so back to work…

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Observations on the News: February 8, 2005

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

You know, sometimes I’m sure whether this is a comment on the article, or the headline.

  • Iran Tells U.S. Nuclear Sites Cannot Be Destroyed. This is an AFP headline, but it comes from a top cleric in Iran, who said, “Our nuclear centres cannot be destroyed. Our nuclear technology comes from our scientists (and) we can transfer our nuclear workshops under mountains and carry out enrichment where no bomb or missile can be effective.” Sigh. This comes after the Brits declared that Tehran is a state sponsor of terrorism. Double-sigh. Not that Iran is a not a threat, but didn’t anyone learn from the multiple-front wars in WWII? We don’t need Iran going: “C’mon, I dare you. You can’t get my weapons. Nyah-Nyah.” Because even though our president has said he has no plans to attack Iran, he’s also the living embodiment of the main character from Big. Triple-sigh. Why couldn’t Kerry have won? I know, I know… Diebold promised Bushyboy the election.
  • Given we have no control over that type of violation, let’s turn to a different type. Reuters is reporting that the movie Deep Throat is being rereleased in theatres, timed to coincide with a documentary of the making of the mob-financed f— flick. I remember when DT came out in the 1970s: it was talked about in Jr. High School and High School (although I wasn’t old enough to see it, and in fact have never seen it to this day). I do remember the furor over Linda Lovelace’s subsequent real story coming out, and the tragedy of her death. I’m sad to see this rerelease, as you know that her family won’t be seeing any money from it, and it will just be another violation.
  • Violations, violations. Yahoo News is reporting that the TSA is going to try and finesse the searching of people with implants. OK, how many of you out there misread the headline as applying to some other type of implant? Yes, I see you in the back row, slinking away. No, this article is referring more to things like pacemakers and replacement bones. I’m sure that TSA will, ummm, handle this with their usual dosage of tact and decorum.
  • Geeks, you need to beware. AP is reporting that a Florida Man is under arrest after biting the head off a parrot. Yes, it is now a dead parrot. No, it is not just resting. No, it is not pining for the fjords. Why the reference to geeks? Recall the definition of the term: “a carnival performer often billed as a wild man whose act usually includes biting the head off a live chicken or snake”.
  • Pope watch is on. According to Reuters, the Networks are keeping a vigil in Rome waiting for the Pope to croak, to go meet his maker, to start pining for the fjords. I’m sure the College of Bishops is getting their smudge pots ready, so they can release the black or white smoke. How many here are old enough to remember the transition from Pius Paul VI to John Paul I to John Paul II, and the ability to say “Is the Pope Polish?”. I wonder: Now that we are so much more environmentally conscious, will the Italian Vatican City (or perhaps the EU) equivalent of the EPA require an EIR before they can release the smoke?

There’s much more in the news today, but I think this is enough for now.

P.S. The Crockpot is Toast.

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Miscellania: Interstate 9, Paper or Plastic, Buffy, and Planning

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

Birthdays, Birthdays. First, happy birthday to sethcohen, estherchaya‘s hubby. If you haven’t responded to my Favorite Birthday Song Poll, please do so. The results are quite fascinating. It seems no one likes the traditional versions, and I’m the only one channeling Sheriff John!

Interstate 9 in Your Future? According to Andy Field of AAroads, the Master Plan for the California 99 Corridor identifies California 99 from Interstate 5 at Wheeler Ridge north to California 4 at Stockton, along with California 4 between California 99 and Interstate 5 as Future Interstate 9, although this could change. Note that such a designation would force the renumbering of the current Route 9, which runs from Route 1 near Santa Cruz to Route 17 near Los Gatos via Waterman Gap and Saratoga Gap and along the ridge between the San Lorenzo and Pescadero Creeks. Andy noted the likely reason that Route 99 doesn’t continue as I-9 into Sacramento: the remaining portion of Route 99 is supposedly not up to interstate standards. He noted that in order for this designation to happen, a waiver would have to be issued, or else someone would have to pay billions ($5 to $8 billion has been tossed around) to bring California 99 to modern Interstate standards. The biggest issue is bridge height, but there are plenty of other issues with California 99 becoming Interstate 9. My opinion: Don’t bother. It seems like a lot of effort to just bring an interstate to Fresno, and I’m not sure that primary interstate numbers (1 or 2 digit) should be used for solely internal state routes. What’s wrong with California 99?

Paper or Plastic. The Daily News is reporting (but I’ve also seen the story in the Los Angeles Times) that Los Angeles is also considering charging for plastic grocery bags in supermarkets, just like San Francisco. Now, I’m all for encouraging folks for use paper bags. But how would this work, as you don’t know the number of bags used until the order is packed? Does this mean you can’t total the order until bagging is complete? And what about all of those self-service checkouts we’re now seeing in places like Ralphs or Home Depot. Are you trusting the consumer to tell you the number of bags. It would seem to be more feasible to just have a general surcharge for plastic over paper… and charge this to the store, which might make the paper more competitive with the plastic. What do you think?

The Buffy Meme. There’s a meme going around about which Buffy character you are. You won’t see me doing that one, simply because the only time I watched Buffy was for the musical episode, which was great. I think all shows should be mandate to do at least one musical episode. I know that Drew Carey and Gilligan did it. Wouldn’t a CSI musical be great? ER? Law and Order? Enterprise :-) ?

Weekend Planning. This is a theatre weekend: We’re seeing Anna and the Tropics at the Pasadena Playhouse on Saturday, and Pippin on Sunday. So, it should be busy, busy, busy.

Now, to work. I’ve got my focus in my shirt pocket, so I know where it is, unless it falls out when I bend over.

Note: This entry was originally posted on Observations Along The Road (on cahighways.org) as this entry by California Highway Guy. You may comment either here or there (where there are comment(s)).

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Miscellania: Interstate 9, Paper or Plastic, Buffy, and Planning

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

Birthdays, Birthdays. First, happy birthday to sethcohen, estherchaya‘s hubby. If you haven’t responded to my Favorite Birthday Song Poll, please do so. The results are quite fascinating. It seems no one likes the traditional versions, and I’m the only one channeling Sheriff John!

Interstate 9 in Your Future? According to Andy Field of AAroads, the Master Plan for the California 99 Corridor identifies California 99 from Interstate 5 at Wheeler Ridge north to California 4 at Stockton, along with California 4 between California 99 and Interstate 5 as Future Interstate 9, although this could change. Note that such a designation would force the renumbering of the current Route 9, which runs from Route 1 near Santa Cruz to Route 17 near Los Gatos via Waterman Gap and Saratoga Gap and along the ridge between the San Lorenzo and Pescadero Creeks. Andy noted the likely reason that Route 99 doesn’t continue as I-9 into Sacramento: the remaining portion of Route 99 is supposedly not up to interstate standards. He noted that in order for this designation to happen, a waiver would have to be issued, or else someone would have to pay billions ($5 to $8 billion has been tossed around) to bring California 99 to modern Interstate standards. The biggest issue is bridge height, but there are plenty of other issues with California 99 becoming Interstate 9. My opinion: Don’t bother. It seems like a lot of effort to just bring an interstate to Fresno, and I’m not sure that primary interstate numbers (1 or 2 digit) should be used for solely internal state routes. What’s wrong with California 99?

Paper or Plastic. The Daily News is reporting (but I’ve also seen the story in the Los Angeles Times) that Los Angeles is also considering charging for plastic grocery bags in supermarkets, just like San Francisco. Now, I’m all for encouraging folks for use paper bags. But how would this work, as you don’t know the number of bags used until the order is packed? Does this mean you can’t total the order until bagging is complete? And what about all of those self-service checkouts we’re now seeing in places like Ralphs or Home Depot. Are you trusting the consumer to tell you the number of bags. It would seem to be more feasible to just have a general surcharge for plastic over paper… and charge this to the store, which might make the paper more competitive with the plastic. What do you think?

The Buffy Meme. There’s a meme going around about which Buffy character you are. You won’t see me doing that one, simply because the only time I watched Buffy was for the musical episode, which was great. I think all shows should be mandate to do at least one musical episode. I know that Drew Carey and Gilligan did it. Wouldn’t a CSI musical be great? ER? Law and Order? Enterprise :-)?

Weekend Planning. This is a theatre weekend: We’re seeing Anna and the Tropics at the Pasadena Playhouse on Saturday, and Pippin on Sunday. So, it should be busy, busy, busy.

Now, to work. I’ve got my focus in my shirt pocket, so I know where it is, unless it falls out when I bend over.

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Who Writes These Headlines and Copy?

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

Some observations on the news:

Now folks, these are from a “well respected” news organization, CNN. Just imagine what your local newscasters will be screaming out at you during February sweeps. Yes, I know where it all should be swept.

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Dumb Move, Microsoft

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

Now, I’m not a big fan of Micro$oft, but CNN is reporting a really dumb move they are making. According to the article,

Microsoft Corp. will combat piracy of its flagship operating system by requiring Windows users to verify that their copy of the software is genuine in order to receive timely updates and security fixes, the world’s largest software maker said Wednesday.

By mid-2005, the article notes, “authentication will become mandatory in mid-2005 for all users seeking to access software updates, downloads and security fixes for Windows.”

Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

Now, it is one thing to make registration mandatory to get new products, add-ons, games, etc. But security fixes. Imagine the havoc all those security-problem riddled bootleg copies out there will create… and the bad press it will give Microsoft. Better to have the security patch simply make the bootleg copy blue-screen. But to leave them with known vulnerabilities is just poor form.

Does anyone know how to say “Profit before Community” in Latin? Should be Microsoft’s motto.

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Various and Sundry

Posted onAuthorcahwyguy

Hmmm. It’s Tuesday… Never to early to start planning for this weekend :-). So what’s up:

  • Thursday. In the evening, gf_guruilla will use the last part of her anniversary gift certificate at Burke-Williams Spa to get us both massages.
  • Friday. My 45th birthday. I’m taking the day off of work (thanks for the idea, talonvaki), but depending on what’s going on, I may do some work from home. That evening, our family tradition is to let the birthday person pick the restaurant of their choice, so we’re going to In-n-Out. Seriously, we’ll likely go to Alexis Greek Cafe in Northridge. Oh, their food is soooooo good.
  • Saturday. A day of gaming at Southern California Games Day at the Burbank Moose Lodge (yes, I will be bringing a copy of There’s A Moose In The House). I’ll be bringing S&F and her cousin N with me, and gf_guruilla will get a day to herself (actually, I think she’s meeting with a prospective client, as she is exploring getting back into technical writing part time). This should be fun: I can play my new game Tigris and Euphrates (rated Nº 2 on BoardGameGeek), and hopefully my copy of Exxtra will have arrived. Of course, I hope to get in games of Power Grid, Ticket to Ride, Metro, and perhaps even Speed Circuit in, as well as learning some new games. This is always a fun day. If you’re a gamer and in the Los Angeles area, come on out. It’s only $5!
  • Sunday. In the morning, S&F has religious school. In the evening, we’re going to the Temple Beth Hillel potluck Tu B’Shevat Dinner. This will be our first time at this event, although I’ve previously run Tu B’Shevat seders, so it should be interesting.

A very, very full weekend. Should be lots of fun.

***

In other news…

CNN is reporting that a woman fell to her death after doing a handstand on a 2nd floor balcony. According to the article, just before she fell, she had called out to a friend, “Watch to see what I can still do”. Sigh. A pointed commentary on modern intellegence.

Richard Hatch, ye olde winner of Survivor 1, is in hot water that even parading around nude won’t solve. It appears he wasn’t so, umm, open with the IRS in his 2000 tax return, failing to report the $1.01 million he was paid by the production company of Survivor. Tsk, tsk. Didn’t they tell him that lying and cheating can’t get you out of taxes (unless, of course, you’re a major corporation or excessively wealthy).

Pearson Educational, who owns the copyright to “Dick and Jane” (although it’s not in their preschool catalog, so they must use it for college texts), is suing Time Warner for violation of copyright in their book Yiddish with Dick and Jane, which according to the Publishers Week review, presents Dick and Jane as all grown up, living in the real world full of tsuris. Jane is married to Bob and has two perfect children. Dick schmoozes with business people over golf: “Schmooze, Dick. Schmooze….” Their sister, Sally, who teaches a course in “Transgressive Feminist Ceramics,” can see that life is not perfect, even though dear Dick and Jane cannot. Their mother has a stroke (“Oy vey, Jane,” says Dick when he learns the news). Bob’s best friend’s wife is having an affair because the best friend himself is gay (“‘Tom is more than gay, Sally,’ says Dick. ‘He is overjoyed.’… ‘Oy Gotenyu oh, God help us,’ sighs Sally.”) And purse dealers take advantage of the gullible. The book contains an equally funny glossary is a great reference to which readers can return any time they need the right Yiddish word-or whenever they need to determine whether the jerk they just saw is a putz, a schmo or a schmuck. Pearson is claiming the book is not a parody, but an unprotected imitation. Whatever it is, that book is going on my Amazon Wishlist. Now, if I can just find a copy of the game Look at the Schmuck on that Camel.

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