Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Television is a medium of entertainment which permits millions of people to listen to the same joke at the same time, and yet remain lonesome." - T.S. Eliot
Thursday, October 01, 2009
The Hard Truth From Orlando: Shut up and THINK!
I'm glad I did most of my formative years in the era of “low-tech.” I think it has probably made me a little more survivable in the face of catastrophe because I learned that screaming alone isn’t likely to save my life. I remember thinking “how cool” when the mobile phones came out – those big block phones with the fat antennas were state of the art when I was a probation officer. Probation officers then went into the field without communication – unless they took their own personal mobile phones or had a CB radio – and we didn’t get paid enough to afford either.
One day, I thought it would be a good idea to stay in touch with the office while I was out in the community checking on my bad guys and so signed out the office mobile phone.
Imagine my surprise when my boss called me not 15 minutes after I’d left the office to ask me if I’d received a letter pertaining to fees or fines or something on one of my 80-plus cases. I had to tell him I had no idea if the letter had come in; if he needed to know that urgently, he could a) check my inbox, b) pull the file and see if the letter was where it was supposed to be in the file, or c) I could drive back to the office and look for the letter myself and let him know. And all this conversation while I negotiated my standard shift car through heavy traffic in downtown streets and trying to balance that brick of a phone on my shoulder.
No, no, no – it’s not important, was his response, I was just wondering if you got that letter. He then called me four more times in the two hours I was out of the office to ask equally mundane housekeeping questions – things he never would ask me even when I was sitting in my office right across the hall from him. But somehow, knowing I had a phone and could be reached in the field, he felt obliged to call me every time a thought flitted through his head.
Thus endeth my enchantment with mobile phones – but not my frustration with people who seem to operate with the mouth perpetually in motion and the brain in idle.
The thing everyone says is, “you need a phone in case of an emergency.” Seemed to me having a mobile phone tended to manufacture crises – because people, if they know they can just reach out and touch someone, absolutely think they have to do just that – and for no particular reason. The mobile phone was a distraction, not an aid. I was safer without it because I paid attention to what I was doing, where I was going and what kind of situation I was heading into. I made a habit of planning ahead and therefore avoided the kind of emergencies that might have required a mobile phone.
It’s been 15 years since the mobile phone lesson. I finally got a cell phone and let my landline go – and it was money, not “in case of an emergency” that motivated me. I don’t know how to retrieve voicemail – if my friends and family want me, they can call back until I answer. And if I don’t want to answer, I don’t. I don’t take pictures with the camera feature. I don’t play video games or download ringtones or music. And I’m not so dumb as to think that the phone in my pocket makes me any safer by virtue of the fact I can “call someone in an emergency.”
You see, I know that the phone is to report an emergency; it’s not to save me in an emergency. Avoiding the emergency if possible and getting to a position of safety before reporting an emergency is my job – not the phone company’s and not the 911 dispatch operator’s.
I don’t know when people came to believe that their cell phones were tantamount to the proverbial Star Trek communication devices and all you have to say is, “Beam me up, Scotty!” to get out of whatever predicament you’re in. But in recent weeks, we’ve had two spectacular cases of people dying in emergency situations while apparently expecting 911 dispatchers to figure out how to save them.
In one case, the fellow and his family were in a car with a piece of carpeting wedged over the accelerator pedal, racing over 100 mph into a busy intersection and into a fatal collision. In the other, the lady was in her minivan when she drove into floodwaters; the vehicle was picked up by the floods and washed up for several minutes against some trees before it overturned and sank with her inside. Hideous, preventable deaths – a loss to their families and their communities, but their deaths are meaningless if we don’t pay attention to the real lessons that should be learned from these tragedies.
In both cases, the victims, rather than using both hands and all of their brains to attempt to regain control of themselves and their situation – or at least minimize their immediate risk, grabbed their cell phones and quit thinking. I understand that in a panic people are reacting – not thinking. But thinking is what you have to do first if you want to stay alive.
In the jammed gas pedal case, there were several critical seconds the driver had to respond to the rapidly accelerating car – I mean, common sense tells you the car didn’t just SUDDENLY reach 100 miles per hour – it takes time to get to that speed. There were other people in the car who could’ve talked to dispatch while the driver fought to free the accelerator from the upholstery. He could’ve slammed it into neutral – better a ruined transmission than being dead. He could’ve tried to lift the pedal by putting his foot under the pedal itself and lifting or reached down and jerked the floor pad back. He didn’t have long to react, but he had several critical seconds to recognize a problem and respond – and his response was to grab the cell phone, tying up one hand while trying to maneuver an out-of-control vehicle, and talk while attempting to survive an increasingly desperate situation -- a situation beyond the control of anything a 911 operator could have done.
In the minivan case, first, the woman drove into the floodwaters and the vehicle was washed off the road. This woman had over 12 minutes in the floating vehicle to figure out how to open a window or door or the back of the minivan and get into the trees the vehicle was wedged against BEFORE the vehicle filled up, overturned and sank. She spent the entire 12 minutes on the phone, panicked, crying for help until she drowned. Beyond keeping her head in an air pocket and the phone to her ear, there’s no indication she did anything significant to extricate herself.
A cell phone is not going to make you rape-proof, break-proof, abduction-proof, death-proof. It’s a reporting device. The people who answer your call are going to have to take precious minutes to figure out what kind of situation you’re in – and you’re the one who should know best; you’re already facing it. So put the phone down; it’s for reporting emergencies – not extricating you from them. Turn your mouth off, the brain on – and call after you’ve gotten yourself into a sustainable situation, not before.
But I think we all need to break the dependence on cell phones as decision-making devices and make a habit of leaving the things at home a couple times a week while we re-learn self-reliance and cognitive functioning. So my advice -- in an emergency, keep your hands free, shut up and THINK. Odds are you’ll live longer.
Florida Cracker
One day, I thought it would be a good idea to stay in touch with the office while I was out in the community checking on my bad guys and so signed out the office mobile phone.
Imagine my surprise when my boss called me not 15 minutes after I’d left the office to ask me if I’d received a letter pertaining to fees or fines or something on one of my 80-plus cases. I had to tell him I had no idea if the letter had come in; if he needed to know that urgently, he could a) check my inbox, b) pull the file and see if the letter was where it was supposed to be in the file, or c) I could drive back to the office and look for the letter myself and let him know. And all this conversation while I negotiated my standard shift car through heavy traffic in downtown streets and trying to balance that brick of a phone on my shoulder.
No, no, no – it’s not important, was his response, I was just wondering if you got that letter. He then called me four more times in the two hours I was out of the office to ask equally mundane housekeeping questions – things he never would ask me even when I was sitting in my office right across the hall from him. But somehow, knowing I had a phone and could be reached in the field, he felt obliged to call me every time a thought flitted through his head.
Thus endeth my enchantment with mobile phones – but not my frustration with people who seem to operate with the mouth perpetually in motion and the brain in idle.
The thing everyone says is, “you need a phone in case of an emergency.” Seemed to me having a mobile phone tended to manufacture crises – because people, if they know they can just reach out and touch someone, absolutely think they have to do just that – and for no particular reason. The mobile phone was a distraction, not an aid. I was safer without it because I paid attention to what I was doing, where I was going and what kind of situation I was heading into. I made a habit of planning ahead and therefore avoided the kind of emergencies that might have required a mobile phone.
It’s been 15 years since the mobile phone lesson. I finally got a cell phone and let my landline go – and it was money, not “in case of an emergency” that motivated me. I don’t know how to retrieve voicemail – if my friends and family want me, they can call back until I answer. And if I don’t want to answer, I don’t. I don’t take pictures with the camera feature. I don’t play video games or download ringtones or music. And I’m not so dumb as to think that the phone in my pocket makes me any safer by virtue of the fact I can “call someone in an emergency.”
You see, I know that the phone is to report an emergency; it’s not to save me in an emergency. Avoiding the emergency if possible and getting to a position of safety before reporting an emergency is my job – not the phone company’s and not the 911 dispatch operator’s.
I don’t know when people came to believe that their cell phones were tantamount to the proverbial Star Trek communication devices and all you have to say is, “Beam me up, Scotty!” to get out of whatever predicament you’re in. But in recent weeks, we’ve had two spectacular cases of people dying in emergency situations while apparently expecting 911 dispatchers to figure out how to save them.
In one case, the fellow and his family were in a car with a piece of carpeting wedged over the accelerator pedal, racing over 100 mph into a busy intersection and into a fatal collision. In the other, the lady was in her minivan when she drove into floodwaters; the vehicle was picked up by the floods and washed up for several minutes against some trees before it overturned and sank with her inside. Hideous, preventable deaths – a loss to their families and their communities, but their deaths are meaningless if we don’t pay attention to the real lessons that should be learned from these tragedies.
In both cases, the victims, rather than using both hands and all of their brains to attempt to regain control of themselves and their situation – or at least minimize their immediate risk, grabbed their cell phones and quit thinking. I understand that in a panic people are reacting – not thinking. But thinking is what you have to do first if you want to stay alive.
In the jammed gas pedal case, there were several critical seconds the driver had to respond to the rapidly accelerating car – I mean, common sense tells you the car didn’t just SUDDENLY reach 100 miles per hour – it takes time to get to that speed. There were other people in the car who could’ve talked to dispatch while the driver fought to free the accelerator from the upholstery. He could’ve slammed it into neutral – better a ruined transmission than being dead. He could’ve tried to lift the pedal by putting his foot under the pedal itself and lifting or reached down and jerked the floor pad back. He didn’t have long to react, but he had several critical seconds to recognize a problem and respond – and his response was to grab the cell phone, tying up one hand while trying to maneuver an out-of-control vehicle, and talk while attempting to survive an increasingly desperate situation -- a situation beyond the control of anything a 911 operator could have done.
In the minivan case, first, the woman drove into the floodwaters and the vehicle was washed off the road. This woman had over 12 minutes in the floating vehicle to figure out how to open a window or door or the back of the minivan and get into the trees the vehicle was wedged against BEFORE the vehicle filled up, overturned and sank. She spent the entire 12 minutes on the phone, panicked, crying for help until she drowned. Beyond keeping her head in an air pocket and the phone to her ear, there’s no indication she did anything significant to extricate herself.
A cell phone is not going to make you rape-proof, break-proof, abduction-proof, death-proof. It’s a reporting device. The people who answer your call are going to have to take precious minutes to figure out what kind of situation you’re in – and you’re the one who should know best; you’re already facing it. So put the phone down; it’s for reporting emergencies – not extricating you from them. Turn your mouth off, the brain on – and call after you’ve gotten yourself into a sustainable situation, not before.
But I think we all need to break the dependence on cell phones as decision-making devices and make a habit of leaving the things at home a couple times a week while we re-learn self-reliance and cognitive functioning. So my advice -- in an emergency, keep your hands free, shut up and THINK. Odds are you’ll live longer.
Florida Cracker
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Hard Truth From Orlando: Kanye, Serena, Wilson -- aren't they special?
We have an epidemic of rude. And yes, I think it goes back to lousy parenting and the bizarre sense of entitlement which has become pervasive in our society. It’s that my-kid-is-special and nobody is allowed to fail or be shut out. No one is required to conform unless the behavior violates specified legal terms. The “see me, see me, see me; I’m important” behavior is everywhere and everywhere, regular citizens are expected to put up with it while trying to continue to produce and comply with civil standards the “entitled” people are free to ignore.
A mini-cosmos of the national problem is enacted everyday in the classrooms across the country.
You could talk for days about the mandatory “inclusion” of so-called special needs children in classrooms – many of whom simply need real parents. This policy stems from the bad old days when if your child had a physical disability or a slight learning disability, they were immediately shunted off to a “special ed” class, relegated to the leftover educational resources. So now, we’ve gone totally the other way. Children of normal aptitude are expected to perform today in situations we adults file lawsuits on if we are subjected to them in our workplace.
Nowadays, it doesn’t matter if your child is a screaming lunatic with outbursts of homicidal insanity, a threat to themselves and every child around them; they are “mainstreamed” into the classrooms with regular, everyday compliant kids who are in public school to get the legislated education. So your average kid is expected to become proficient in his lessons with Mr. ADHD on his specially designed bouncy seat (yeah, there’s such a thing) next to him, thudding away and twitching and muttering to himself or Mr. or Ms. ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) challenging the teacher, disrupting the class, threatening the students around him.
The kids with problems learn that they don’t have to comply to be accepted into the group. Their inclusion is mandatory, no matter how egregious their behavior. They don’t have to earn attention by good behavior and positive achievement – they become used to having a captive audience to whatever whim passes their way. They’re “special” and they get told this every day. And they have parents who know what their “rights” are, even if they don’t have a clue what parenting is really about.
And regular kids – well, they learn that bad behavior is acceptable and mirror it accordingly, or struggle in silence until they can find another environment or give up and drop out.
We need to start practicing “exclusion” again for incivility and failure to comply. Parents of “special kids” need to foot the bill for their child’s failure to adapt or comply with social norms – their parenting failures are not the community’s responsibility to repair. I don’t see any reason to leave a child behind; I also see no reason to stop the wagon to pick one up if he chooses to jump off. Poor choices need real consequences.
Florida Cracker
A mini-cosmos of the national problem is enacted everyday in the classrooms across the country.
You could talk for days about the mandatory “inclusion” of so-called special needs children in classrooms – many of whom simply need real parents. This policy stems from the bad old days when if your child had a physical disability or a slight learning disability, they were immediately shunted off to a “special ed” class, relegated to the leftover educational resources. So now, we’ve gone totally the other way. Children of normal aptitude are expected to perform today in situations we adults file lawsuits on if we are subjected to them in our workplace.
Nowadays, it doesn’t matter if your child is a screaming lunatic with outbursts of homicidal insanity, a threat to themselves and every child around them; they are “mainstreamed” into the classrooms with regular, everyday compliant kids who are in public school to get the legislated education. So your average kid is expected to become proficient in his lessons with Mr. ADHD on his specially designed bouncy seat (yeah, there’s such a thing) next to him, thudding away and twitching and muttering to himself or Mr. or Ms. ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) challenging the teacher, disrupting the class, threatening the students around him.
The kids with problems learn that they don’t have to comply to be accepted into the group. Their inclusion is mandatory, no matter how egregious their behavior. They don’t have to earn attention by good behavior and positive achievement – they become used to having a captive audience to whatever whim passes their way. They’re “special” and they get told this every day. And they have parents who know what their “rights” are, even if they don’t have a clue what parenting is really about.
And regular kids – well, they learn that bad behavior is acceptable and mirror it accordingly, or struggle in silence until they can find another environment or give up and drop out.
We need to start practicing “exclusion” again for incivility and failure to comply. Parents of “special kids” need to foot the bill for their child’s failure to adapt or comply with social norms – their parenting failures are not the community’s responsibility to repair. I don’t see any reason to leave a child behind; I also see no reason to stop the wagon to pick one up if he chooses to jump off. Poor choices need real consequences.
Florida Cracker
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cookies.......not just for breakfast anymore.
Wired comes through again....this story was mentioned on incidents.org, an often-checked web site in my line of work....
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/08/you-deleted-your-cookies-think-again/
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/08/you-deleted-your-cookies-think-again/
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Rec: Lo-Cal Spanish Rice
This is a low-cal Spanish rice accompaniment for an entree. This dish takes a little chopping, so it's best for those days when you feel ambitious in the kitchen. It serves 4, but may be frozen in portions to microwave on other days. This is from Change One, the Reader's Digest diet.
Spanish Rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup minced frozen onion)
1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred garlic)
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (mild mushrooms, such as button)
2/3 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 cup low sodium tomato juice
1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup water)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 plum tomatoes, halved, seeded, and diced (or one 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes)
Lightly coat a deep nonstick skillet with cooking spray and saute the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic until the onion is almost soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and rice and saute until the rice turns golden, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato juice, chicken broth, salt, black pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-heat. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes.
Cover again and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes longer. Fluff with a fork to keep the rice from sticking, and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Spanish Rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup minced frozen onion)
1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred garlic)
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced (mild mushrooms, such as button)
2/3 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 cup low sodium tomato juice
1 cup low sodium chicken broth (or 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup water)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 plum tomatoes, halved, seeded, and diced (or one 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes)
Lightly coat a deep nonstick skillet with cooking spray and saute the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic until the onion is almost soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and rice and saute until the rice turns golden, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato juice, chicken broth, salt, black pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-heat. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes.
Cover again and cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes longer. Fluff with a fork to keep the rice from sticking, and remove the bay leaf before serving.
Rec: Hollandaise for Beginners
So many cookbooks assume we know a lot more than we do. They give us a recipe but leave out the details involved in the process, then we wonder why we failed. Herewith, a hopeful guide to a simple Hollandaise for the beginner.
Hollandaise is famous because it's tasty, it's fattening, and it's supposedly difficult to make. The first two points are true but the last one is not. British home cook Nigella Lawson refers to Hollandaise as "a kind of hot mayonnaise" because it's composed primarily of eggs and butter, with a little lemon juice or white vinegar, and pepper for vital flavoring. The difficulty lies in cooking it so it's neither runny nor curdled. If it's runny, it means the eggs were not cooked sufficiently. If it's curdled it means you don't have a nearly pudding-like emulsion because the butter has separated from the other ingredients.
Making it properly is simplicity in itself, but it takes practice. First, I recommend dispensing with the double boiler most recipes demand. You don't need it. Secondly, I find using lemon juice and white vinegar together gives the sauce a piquant vibrancy, without being too lemony or too sour. Since that is a matter of taste, though, you will want to experiment.
Turn an electric burner onto medium-low, or gas onto low, and drop the egg yolks* into a small saucepan** along with the lemon juice and vinegar, cayenne pepper, salt and white pepper. Immediately start whisking the eggs. It should take two or three minutes of careful attention before they start to cook. As soon as the eggs start to thicken, turn the burner down one notch, otherwise they are likely to turn into scrambled eggs. If they start to solidify instead of thicken it means the heat was too high and you will just have to start over. If they don't thicken it means the heat isn't high enough, so turn up your burner a notch.
As soon as the eggs start to thicken, begin adding the butter a little at a time, whisking continuously. If the sauce starts to thin out, it means you're adding the butter too fast; either your butter chunks are too big or you're adding them too quickly. Either way it means too much butter at once, so adjust. After about five minutes of whisking, you should have a nice pudding-like Hollandaise. This is a good time to taste it, then adjust the seasonings. I find a nice fat pinch of cayenne is perfect, along with small pinches (or a couple of shakes) of salt and pepper. It's best to use white pepper, because then you don't have black specks in your sauce. As soon as the sauce is complete, take it off the burner. If you leave it on the heat it will almost certainly overheat and curdle. It will cool rapidly off the heat and thereby maintain it's consistency. It's best used as soon as possible, however.
Leftover Hollandaise can be successfully frozen, something nice to know since it's touchy and a bit time-consuming to make. It's also economical and convenient for a small household to make up a batch, knowing there will be some left for another meal. Heat frozen Hollandaise slowly on a very low burner, whisking or stirring constantly. Alternately, it will heat up nicely in the microwave. Again, a low setting is the key. Try the defrost setting for one to two minutes. If it's still partially frozen, then stir it and try heating for an additional 30 seconds at a time on an even lower setting, followed by a quick stir each time, until it reaches the proper consistency.
This is wonderful over asparagus, broccoli or salmon.
Hollandaise is famous because it's tasty, it's fattening, and it's supposedly difficult to make. The first two points are true but the last one is not. British home cook Nigella Lawson refers to Hollandaise as "a kind of hot mayonnaise" because it's composed primarily of eggs and butter, with a little lemon juice or white vinegar, and pepper for vital flavoring. The difficulty lies in cooking it so it's neither runny nor curdled. If it's runny, it means the eggs were not cooked sufficiently. If it's curdled it means you don't have a nearly pudding-like emulsion because the butter has separated from the other ingredients.
Making it properly is simplicity in itself, but it takes practice. First, I recommend dispensing with the double boiler most recipes demand. You don't need it. Secondly, I find using lemon juice and white vinegar together gives the sauce a piquant vibrancy, without being too lemony or too sour. Since that is a matter of taste, though, you will want to experiment.
2 egg yolks
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt and white pepper
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons white vinegar
4 ounces (1 stick) butter, cut into half-inch pieces
Turn an electric burner onto medium-low, or gas onto low, and drop the egg yolks* into a small saucepan** along with the lemon juice and vinegar, cayenne pepper, salt and white pepper. Immediately start whisking the eggs. It should take two or three minutes of careful attention before they start to cook. As soon as the eggs start to thicken, turn the burner down one notch, otherwise they are likely to turn into scrambled eggs. If they start to solidify instead of thicken it means the heat was too high and you will just have to start over. If they don't thicken it means the heat isn't high enough, so turn up your burner a notch.
As soon as the eggs start to thicken, begin adding the butter a little at a time, whisking continuously. If the sauce starts to thin out, it means you're adding the butter too fast; either your butter chunks are too big or you're adding them too quickly. Either way it means too much butter at once, so adjust. After about five minutes of whisking, you should have a nice pudding-like Hollandaise. This is a good time to taste it, then adjust the seasonings. I find a nice fat pinch of cayenne is perfect, along with small pinches (or a couple of shakes) of salt and pepper. It's best to use white pepper, because then you don't have black specks in your sauce. As soon as the sauce is complete, take it off the burner. If you leave it on the heat it will almost certainly overheat and curdle. It will cool rapidly off the heat and thereby maintain it's consistency. It's best used as soon as possible, however.
Leftover Hollandaise can be successfully frozen, something nice to know since it's touchy and a bit time-consuming to make. It's also economical and convenient for a small household to make up a batch, knowing there will be some left for another meal. Heat frozen Hollandaise slowly on a very low burner, whisking or stirring constantly. Alternately, it will heat up nicely in the microwave. Again, a low setting is the key. Try the defrost setting for one to two minutes. If it's still partially frozen, then stir it and try heating for an additional 30 seconds at a time on an even lower setting, followed by a quick stir each time, until it reaches the proper consistency.
This is wonderful over asparagus, broccoli or salmon.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem." - Ronald Reagan
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Thought For Today
"You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans." - Ronald Reagan
Monday, July 20, 2009
"According to Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: "Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted more than just an American flag on the moon. The lunar module had no overboard dump valve... Armstrong and Aldrin had to leave behind everything they could to lighten the lunar module for its blast-off from the moon - including the bags."
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Bees that have honey in their mouths have stings in their tails. " - Scottish Proverb
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Better be ill spoken of by one before all than by all before one." - Scottish Proverb
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Conficker Work Group - ANY - RepairTools
Conficker Work Group - ANY - RepairTools
It looks like Conficker is waking up and stealing information. If you're still not sure if you have it or just want another check up, this is the place.
It looks like Conficker is waking up and stealing information. If you're still not sure if you have it or just want another check up, this is the place.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Barack Obama's czarlike wielding of executive power. - By Bruce Fein - Slate Magazine
Barack Obama's czarlike wielding of executive power. - By Bruce Fein - Slate Magazine
We had hoped for more from the new Pres. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
We had hoped for more from the new Pres. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
FreeCreditReport.com vs. AnnualCreditReport.com. - By Seth Stevenson - Slate Magazine
FreeCreditReport.com vs. AnnualCreditReport.com. - By Seth Stevenson - Slate Magazine
Read. This is something everyone should know about.
Read. This is something everyone should know about.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
The Five Dumbest Tariffs: As the global recession deepens, countries go to extreme lengths to prop up their ailing industries. | The Big Money
The Five Dumbest Tariffs: As the global recession deepens, countries go to extreme lengths to prop up their ailing industries. The Big Money
Government stupidity at it's finest.
Government stupidity at it's finest.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The Two-Minute Haggadah - By Michael Rubiner - Slate Magazine
The Two-Minute Haggadah - By Michael Rubiner - Slate Magazine
Funny, but it does cover MOST of the basics. Sorry Elijah.
Funny, but it does cover MOST of the basics. Sorry Elijah.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Like everyone else who makes the mistake of getting older, I begin each day with coffee and obituaries." - Bill Cosby
Monday, April 06, 2009
The Thought For Today
"A word to the wise ain't necessary -- it's the stupid ones that need the advice." - Bill Cosby
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Thought For Today
"An atheist is a man who has no invisible means of support." - Fulton J. Sheen
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Thought For Today
"The best index to a person's character is(a) how he treats people who can't do him any good, and(b) how he treats people who can't fight back." - Abigail Van Buren
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Thought For Today
"If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we'd all be millionaires." - Abigail Van Buren
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It's true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the first place." - Abigail Van Buren
Space Eulogies: Shuttle-Riding Bat Dies The Most Glorious Death Imaginable
Space Eulogies: Shuttle-Riding Bat Dies The Most Glorious Death Imaginable
Just in case you missed it, I did. Glorious though it might have been, I'ld still prefer to ride on the INSIDE.
Just in case you missed it, I did. Glorious though it might have been, I'ld still prefer to ride on the INSIDE.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Deano Sez:
Well, he would, but he's passed out drunk on the living room rug and drooling on himself. As usual. Oh no, Deano, what did you do to your neighbor's poodle? I'm afraid that it's time to change your name and move again!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Eclectic Micks: HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY FROM FATHER JACK HACKETT!
Eclectic Micks: HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY FROM FATHER JACK HACKETT!
"Eclectic Micks are a collection of Irish professional comic book artists." Enjoy.
"Eclectic Micks are a collection of Irish professional comic book artists." Enjoy.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
EPA Fugitives | Criminal Enforcement | US EPA
EPA Fugitives Criminal Enforcement US EPA
Interesting Site. Bad men, one and all. Sadly, no corporate heads, only the small fish.
Interesting Site. Bad men, one and all. Sadly, no corporate heads, only the small fish.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - John Wooden
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Thought For Today
"Atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning..." - C. S. Lewis
Friday, March 06, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Thought For Today
"My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not you'll become a philosopher." - Socrates
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Saturday, February 07, 2009
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
My computer has died for good so I don't know when I'll be back on line. I'll try and borrow one like this now and then, but...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK BY ROSY!
And since I haven't heard from her in a while, I have no idea why. Something about giant mutant crawfish with Uzis invading Shreveport. How you can let such trivial things stop you from Posting... *SIGH*
Saturday, January 10, 2009
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK BY ROSY!
Whoops, still no Posting? Too busy with all those wild parties? Poor Rosy, hangovers and the DTs are a pain. You really ought to stay away from the Everclear and Tang. What, do you think that you're working for NASA now?
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Thought For Today
"One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done." - Marie Curie
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Download Squad
Download Squad
This is the place to find out about new software as it becomes available for Windows, Mac and Linux. All sorts of handy reviews and previews.
This is the place to find out about new software as it becomes available for Windows, Mac and Linux. All sorts of handy reviews and previews.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Another Abolition Movement
I guess it seemed a good idea at the time. Must be a lack of interest since it doesn't appear the site has had any activity since 2006. I'd be supportive if it meant that I never had to work day shift again.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
EFF: DeepLinks
EFF: DeepLinks
I'm reminded of a chorus to a song by Cher: "Thieves, thieves, tramps and thieves". A bit over a year and a half old, but still worth reading.
I'm reminded of a chorus to a song by Cher: "Thieves, thieves, tramps and thieves". A bit over a year and a half old, but still worth reading.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
EFF: List of Printers Which Do or Don't Print Tracking Dots
EFF: List of Printers Which Do or Don't Print Tracking Dots
Once again we have the government peeking over our shoulders. Scary stuff.
Once again we have the government peeking over our shoulders. Scary stuff.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ThemeXP- Desktop Themes, Wallpapers, Screensavers, WinAmp Skins, and more!
ThemeXP- Desktop Themes, Wallpapers, Screensavers, WinAmp Skins, and more!
That pretty well describes the Site. Mostly for XP with a few for Vista.
That pretty well describes the Site. Mostly for XP with a few for Vista.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Join your local TAPS
Ok. I'm hooked. Ghost Hunters. So, find a local paranormal investigative group near you. I've found a few in my area and some who are taking applications. Hmmmm......I'm thinking of doing it. Let's see what they think about a Crime Scene Investigator checking for EVP.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
How To Get an Unbelievable, Amazing, Fantastic, Thrilling Deal on New Glasses
A great article from Slate magazine on buying eyeglasses online. It looks like you can save a bundle. Worth bookmarking for later.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Thought For Today
"When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite." - Winston Churchill
Monday, September 01, 2008
More Media B.S.
2 for 1 Monday. Had to post this one. More B.S. from the media. How do I know, you ask? Well, because I was the investigator in this case. AND.......I never said that she tried to make it appear as if someone had tried to break into the home. Also, Forsythe NEVER confronted her.
I just like how the media can say whatever they want, even when it is NOT true!
I just like how the media can say whatever they want, even when it is NOT true!
Consumers bite back
Not that this is anything new, but I was pissed today reading the paper, in particular an article about how companies are shrinking product size and keeping the price the same. Check out the Consumerist link above and search "shrinking product." And while you're at it, www.consumrworld.org has some good reading too.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
ROTTEN TOMATOES: Movies and Games, Reviews and Previews
ROTTEN TOMATOES: Movies and Games, Reviews and Previews
My FAVORITE movie review site with the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) a close second. Both are on my "Favorites" list. I've found so many great movies that I had never heard of. Plus it's interesting to see what they have to say about movies from your younger years. "Hey, it wasn't THAT bad!"
My FAVORITE movie review site with the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) a close second. Both are on my "Favorites" list. I've found so many great movies that I had never heard of. Plus it's interesting to see what they have to say about movies from your younger years. "Hey, it wasn't THAT bad!"
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Thought For Today
"England and America are two countries separated by a common language." - George Bernard Shaw
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Patch to a patch
Need I say more.....?
Microsoft has posted new update packages, labeled Version 2, for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Service Pack 2 and Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Service Pack 3" described in MS08-051, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft PowerPoint Could Allow Remote Code Execution (949785)
"Customers who manually installed Version 1 of this update from Microsoft Download Center need to reinstall Version 2 of this update.
Customers who have installed this update using Microsoft Update or Office Update do not need to reinstall".
Others should check with their patch management vendors.
The original patch "contained incorrect versions of the binaries. While these versions did protect against the vulnerabilities discussed in the bulletin, they lacked other important security and reliability updates".
Microsoft has posted new update packages, labeled Version 2, for Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Service Pack 2 and Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Service Pack 3" described in MS08-051, Vulnerabilities in Microsoft PowerPoint Could Allow Remote Code Execution (949785)
"Customers who manually installed Version 1 of this update from Microsoft Download Center need to reinstall Version 2 of this update.
Customers who have installed this update using Microsoft Update or Office Update do not need to reinstall".
Others should check with their patch management vendors.
The original patch "contained incorrect versions of the binaries. While these versions did protect against the vulnerabilities discussed in the bulletin, they lacked other important security and reliability updates".
Monday, August 18, 2008
B Films not yet on DVD
So, I''m channel surfing and happen upon MST 3K the movie on HBO the other day. I miss that show. Naturally, watching that I had some horrible flashbacks of B films and booze and started surfing the net for more obscure films and found this little gem. Contained therein are some forgotten classics...and on the cheap if you want one.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
EFF Releases "Switzerland" ISP Testing Tool | Electronic Frontier Foundation
EFF Releases "Switzerland" ISP Testing Tool Electronic Frontier Foundation
"Hours before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to take action against Comcast for violating the FCC's net neutrality principles, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is releasing "Switzerland," a software tool for customers to test the integrity of their Internet communications." VERY handy.
"Hours before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to take action against Comcast for violating the FCC's net neutrality principles, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is releasing "Switzerland," a software tool for customers to test the integrity of their Internet communications." VERY handy.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
If you like music and are ever in Bethlehem, PA
Well, Musikfest is in full swing and celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Musikfest is quite the amazing event and becomes larger every year. Plenty of extra jobs for the public safety people. That's why I'm at the beach right now. Far away. Far, far away.
Check out the site. I wouldn't have minded working the Jethro Tull show, but I don't have enough seniority to get the good jobs yet.
I'll be gearing up and kilt ready for Celtic Fest, but that is a blog for another day.
Check out the site. I wouldn't have minded working the Jethro Tull show, but I don't have enough seniority to get the good jobs yet.
I'll be gearing up and kilt ready for Celtic Fest, but that is a blog for another day.
Situation resolved
The suit was settled the day after the first article hit the press. Now, after reading the comments on the papers site on the original article, the paper wrote it in such a way as everyone was bitching and moaning about how Flitter was demanding so much money for doggie baths. The media never mentioned that the suit was filed federally because the city was breaking a contract by not paying for care of the dogs. Additionally, the media failed to mention that the care costs also included food costs and grooming (other than baths).
Additonally, not that the paper would, but the paper didn't feel like mentioning the the K-9 officers spend about 20 hours a month training on their own time and doing demonstrations that the do not put in for overtime or additional pay. The K-9 officers were only suing because the city was not paying them what the law required.
Additonally, not that the paper would, but the paper didn't feel like mentioning the the K-9 officers spend about 20 hours a month training on their own time and doing demonstrations that the do not put in for overtime or additional pay. The K-9 officers were only suing because the city was not paying them what the law required.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Thunderbird (Mozilla) patch
Almost didn't have a post, but Mozilla came through for me...
http://www.mozilla.org/security/known-vulnerabilities/thunderbird20.html
http://www.mozilla.org/security/known-vulnerabilities/thunderbird20.html
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Updates, always updates...
New Firefox is out!
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/3.0.1/releasenotes/
Also, Adobe Reader 9 is out, but I'm holding off on any installations en masse at this point--most of my users can barely spell PDF, much less open one without hurting themselves, so I don't see a real need for moving up from version 8 at this point. The installer on their main page is huge and full of other crap- and beta-ware as I type this...if you're feeling brave, a smaller version without all the unnecessary trimmings is available on their FTP site. Pick the file that ends with US_Std.exe
ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/9.x/9.0/enu
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/3.0.1/releasenotes/
Also, Adobe Reader 9 is out, but I'm holding off on any installations en masse at this point--most of my users can barely spell PDF, much less open one without hurting themselves, so I don't see a real need for moving up from version 8 at this point. The installer on their main page is huge and full of other crap- and beta-ware as I type this...if you're feeling brave, a smaller version without all the unnecessary trimmings is available on their FTP site. Pick the file that ends with US_Std.exe
ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/9.x/9.0/enu
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Laptops for the Wounded
Laptops for the Wounded
A group of nice people trying to do something good for our wounded Vets. Please read and help.
A group of nice people trying to do something good for our wounded Vets. Please read and help.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
OldVersion.com
OldVersion.com
Sometimes the app you're running no longer works well or you download a new app that interferes with the older ones. This Site stores a lot of older, earlier versions of various apps. From Patti.
Sometimes the app you're running no longer works well or you download a new app that interferes with the older ones. This Site stores a lot of older, earlier versions of various apps. From Patti.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Stormsector
For those of us who are lucky enough to only experience one tornado a year....now we can watch other people's...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
New Safari
For you non-IE users.....also, you may want to check out http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-030.mspx just in case.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Nigerian Fraud Email Gallery
Nigerian Fraud Email Gallery
It's exactly what it says that it is. We now bring you the winners of the 2005 Ig Nobel award for fiction. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom.
It's exactly what it says that it is. We now bring you the winners of the 2005 Ig Nobel award for fiction. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Before They Were Famous :: hardlyFamous.com
Before They Were Famous :: hardlyFamous.com
Hard to believe, but a lot of famous people had dead-end jobs just like yours before they became famous. So have a bit of a read and keep hoping that you'll be discovered. Soon.
Hard to believe, but a lot of famous people had dead-end jobs just like yours before they became famous. So have a bit of a read and keep hoping that you'll be discovered. Soon.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Upgrade to Quicktime 7.5
I thought this one was actually pretty funny...no one is encoding with Indeo codecs any more, but apparently there must be enough vintage porn out there to make this a worthwhile update...
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Rantings Of Rosy
I have NO damned idea what she's up to. Undoubtedly doing something obscene to a ______with a ______!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Security Advisory for Safari and Windows
This has been around, but I'm posting it because apparently Apple isn't planning on doing much about it....
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report
Subscribe. This is the stuff you don't hear about on CNN...
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Sushi FAQ - The Definitive Guide to Sushi and Sashimi - The Sushi and Sashimi Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page
The Sushi FAQ - The Definitive Guide to Sushi and Sashimi - The Sushi and Sashimi Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page
"If you knew sushi, like I know sushi..." Sorry, I couldn't resist. Still, a lot of good information here.
"If you knew sushi, like I know sushi..." Sorry, I couldn't resist. Still, a lot of good information here.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Open Source Alternative - Find Open Source Alternatives to commercial software
Open Source Alternative - Find Open Source Alternatives to commercial software
"Our mission is to provide easy access to high quality open source alternatives to well-known commercial products. And remember that open source software is also a freeware alternative." Very handy.
"Our mission is to provide easy access to high quality open source alternatives to well-known commercial products. And remember that open source software is also a freeware alternative." Very handy.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy: Info
Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy: Info
Best read along with the previous Posting. All that bad science from an astronomer's point of view.
Best read along with the previous Posting. All that bad science from an astronomer's point of view.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Ted Turner: Global warming could lead to cannibalism | ajc.com
Ted Turner: Global warming could lead to cannibalism ajc.com
For this Weird Friday I give you...Ted Turner. "Failure to address global warming will have us all dead or eating each other by mid-century." So, Ted, got any good recipes for us? A FUN read.
For this Weird Friday I give you...Ted Turner. "Failure to address global warming will have us all dead or eating each other by mid-century." So, Ted, got any good recipes for us? A FUN read.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities
The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities
And best of all, it's updated on a regular basis. I found number 9 VERY interesting.
And best of all, it's updated on a regular basis. I found number 9 VERY interesting.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A Disquieting Victory for Wikileaks - TIME
A Disquieting Victory for Wikileaks - TIME
"In a reversal that free speech advocates called a pivotal victory for First Amendment rights, the federal judge who shuttered the muckraking website Wikileaks last month ruled Friday that it could reclaim its Web address in the United States." Not disquieting at all. Happy dance, happy dance. Lift the rocks and expose the vermin to the light.
"In a reversal that free speech advocates called a pivotal victory for First Amendment rights, the federal judge who shuttered the muckraking website Wikileaks last month ruled Friday that it could reclaim its Web address in the United States." Not disquieting at all. Happy dance, happy dance. Lift the rocks and expose the vermin to the light.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
DNA tests call for everyone in the UK - The Scotsman
DNA tests call for everyone in the UK - The Scotsman
Well, it looks like 1984 is here, just a few years late: "Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy, who led the hunt for Sally Anne's killer, said that having every citizen's DNA on file would speed up arrests and cut down offending."
Well, it looks like 1984 is here, just a few years late: "Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy, who led the hunt for Sally Anne's killer, said that having every citizen's DNA on file would speed up arrests and cut down offending."
Monday, February 04, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wubi - The Easiest Way to Linux
Wubi - The Easiest Way to Linux
You've been hearing Linux this and Linux that for a while but have figured that it's WAY too complicated, this may be the solution. You can at least take a peek and decide if it's for you.
You've been hearing Linux this and Linux that for a while but have figured that it's WAY too complicated, this may be the solution. You can at least take a peek and decide if it's for you.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Heritage Of Scotland
Kilts
All things Scottish. They have a huge selection at pretty good prices and best of all - FREE SHIPPING! Aye, they know the way to a Scottish heart.
All things Scottish. They have a huge selection at pretty good prices and best of all - FREE SHIPPING! Aye, they know the way to a Scottish heart.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Sunday, January 06, 2008
American Civil Liberties Union : Close Guantánamo
American Civil Liberties Union : Close Guantánamo
Say what you will about the politics involved, Guantanamo is a major blot on America's reputation.
Say what you will about the politics involved, Guantanamo is a major blot on America's reputation.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Comodo™ Free Firewall Software Download
Comodo™ Free Firewall Software Download
A very nice FREE Firewall for those new computers that you just got. It's getting excellent reviews and did I mention FREE?
A very nice FREE Firewall for those new computers that you just got. It's getting excellent reviews and did I mention FREE?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Beowulf: What's the Big Deal?
The Big Deal about Beowulf is only partly in it's amazing CGI. What is also significant is the amazing script by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary. In this excellent insightful review, British writer Henry Gee explores the differences in the story between the poem and it's adaptation. Another insightful review at the Strange Horizons website is from writer Roz Kaveney, and pertains more to the movie per se.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Sandy — your personal email assistant
Sandy — your personal email assistant
Rosy thinks that MS already does a good enough job. I say: HA! It is to laugh! I like this and it's free. Give it a try and tell me what you think. Or stick with MicroSlug.
Rosy thinks that MS already does a good enough job. I say: HA! It is to laugh! I like this and it's free. Give it a try and tell me what you think. Or stick with MicroSlug.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Nifty Animated Greeting Card
Artist Jacquie Lawson has created a nifty animated greeting card that is a little bit Rorschach and a little bit tie-die. Short but clever and pretty.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Straight Dope: And they lived happily never after: Were the original versions of classic fairy tales more dark and bloodthirsty than what we know today?
The Straight Dope: And they lived happily never after: Were the original versions of classic fairy tales more dark and bloodthirsty than what we know today?
And to go with Rosy's Posting we have...
And to go with Rosy's Posting we have...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Science a GoGo Curiosity Shop - Page 1
Science a GoGo Curiosity Shop - Page 1
Scientific toys never seen before that you MUST have. My favorite is the stamp set on page 4.
Scientific toys never seen before that you MUST have. My favorite is the stamp set on page 4.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
SafePasswd - Generate Secure Passwords
SafePasswd - Generate Secure Passwords
If you have trouble thinking of new passwords, this is the place for you. Tell it how secure you want the password to be and it'll generate one for you.
If you have trouble thinking of new passwords, this is the place for you. Tell it how secure you want the password to be and it'll generate one for you.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Urban Legends Reference Pages
Urban Legends Reference Pages
Do you ever get something in your Email, some story, some picture, that seems a little too good to be true? Well, this is where you go to check it out. If the folks at Snopes say that it's BS, then it's BS. Always a good idea to check before you foward it. It cuts down on red faces.
Do you ever get something in your Email, some story, some picture, that seems a little too good to be true? Well, this is where you go to check it out. If the folks at Snopes say that it's BS, then it's BS. Always a good idea to check before you foward it. It cuts down on red faces.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Welcome to HCDI Trading .com
Welcome to HCDI Trading .com
If you or a friend are looking to upgrade your computer and don't mind refurbished, this is the place to look. Great prices and you can purchase extended warranties.
If you or a friend are looking to upgrade your computer and don't mind refurbished, this is the place to look. Great prices and you can purchase extended warranties.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Roswell Confessions: New Witness Testimony | SCIFI.COM
Roswell Confessions: New Witness Testimony SCIFI.COM
Did it or didn't it happen? Some new video interviews from people who were there. Watch and make up your own mind.
Did it or didn't it happen? Some new video interviews from people who were there. Watch and make up your own mind.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg
Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg
A very good selection with excellent prices. They also ship VERY fast!
A very good selection with excellent prices. They also ship VERY fast!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Note: RSS Feed Button
If you scroll down to the very bottom (it's a looong way down) of the Blog, you'll now find a RSS Feed Button. Now you can have the Blog delivered to you every day. Ahhh, there's nothing like the smell of fresh electrons and coffee in the morning.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
The Rantings Of Rosy
Rosy is going to take the day off so that she, like millions of others, can say her goodbyes to Harry Potter and his (surviving) friends. Enjoy, Rosy.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
CDC-Global Health Odyssey-
CDC-Global Health Odyssey-
Now you can download and print your very own Disease Trading Cards from the CDC. Enjoy them in good health, kids!
Now you can download and print your very own Disease Trading Cards from the CDC. Enjoy them in good health, kids!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
StopBadware.org
StopBadware.org
Pretty much what the name says. They want to set up a system that will warn people when they enter a Site that has known Badware.
Pretty much what the name says. They want to set up a system that will warn people when they enter a Site that has known Badware.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
PortableApps.com | Your Digital Life, Anywhere�
PortableApps.com Your Digital Life, Anywhere�
I don't need this as much as someone who often moves from desktop to laptop and back often, but...
I don't need this as much as someone who often moves from desktop to laptop and back often, but...
Sunday, July 08, 2007
The Museum of Unworkable Devices
The Museum of Unworkable Devices
Perpetual motion machines folks. Some obvious why they won't work, some not.
Perpetual motion machines folks. Some obvious why they won't work, some not.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Windows Live™ WiFi Hotspot Locator Beta
Windows Live™ WiFi Hotspot Locator Beta
It's still a Beta, but it's handy for locating WiFi hotspots when you're on vacation.
It's still a Beta, but it's handy for locating WiFi hotspots when you're on vacation.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
MajorGeeks.com - Download Freeware and Shareware Computer Utilities.
MajorGeeks.com - Download Freeware and Shareware Computer Utilities.
A HUGE collection of software. When you're looking for an app, check here first. Good download speeds too.
A HUGE collection of software. When you're looking for an app, check here first. Good download speeds too.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Browzar | Your private window on the Web
Browzar Your private window on the Web
Another toy for the seriously paranoid. Be advised that it's a Beta so it may still have a few bugs.
Another toy for the seriously paranoid. Be advised that it's a Beta so it may still have a few bugs.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Reviews and free downloads at Download.com
Reviews and free downloads at Download.com
There's that lovely word again - Freeware. Overall a pretty good selection from CNET. I did notice that SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard were missing. Both stop Spyware from being downloaded in the first place, saving you the trouble of having to clean it out.
There's that lovely word again - Freeware. Overall a pretty good selection from CNET. I did notice that SpywareBlaster and SpywareGuard were missing. Both stop Spyware from being downloaded in the first place, saving you the trouble of having to clean it out.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
* popularity dialer
* popularity dialer
Funny, but possibly useful is how I would describe this Site. I don't carry a cellphone, but for the rest of the known universe, this might come in handy.
Funny, but possibly useful is how I would describe this Site. I don't carry a cellphone, but for the rest of the known universe, this might come in handy.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
EFF: DeepLinks
EFF: DeepLinks
Just in case you've got the feeling that someone might be looking over your shoulder on the Net, this may help you feel a bit more secure.
Just in case you've got the feeling that someone might be looking over your shoulder on the Net, this may help you feel a bit more secure.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Quotations Page - Your Source for Famous Quotes
The Quotations Page - Your Source for Famous Quotes
This is a VERY handy Site. "out, out damned Blog..."
This is a VERY handy Site. "out, out damned Blog..."
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Book - Free Software for Busy People
Book - Free Software for Busy People
A tutorial on the use of open source software. It includes help to switch to Open Office or Linux among other things. Well worth reading.
A tutorial on the use of open source software. It includes help to switch to Open Office or Linux among other things. Well worth reading.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
This is Frankie's first (and hopefully not last) Posting on the Blog. Since she's not (horrors!) hooked up to the Net, she had to Post it through me. Now I'm not usually much of a veggie man, but reading this made me so hungry that I had to go and rip the throat out of a small animal and feast on it. But don't worry Frankie, I promise to try the veggies soon. Oh, and you can also saute them quickly in the microwave using butter or olive oil. Hopefully we'll be hearing from her again soon on food or anything else that interests her.
Monday, April 30, 2007
ProductWiki, unbiased product reviews and information
ProductWiki, unbiased product reviews and information
"ProductWiki is the website where people share information about consumer products. All of the content in the wiki is written and maintained by people just like you." They're trying to build a consumer version of Wikipedia. It's not huge yet but they're growing. Give it a try. Just be gentle.
"ProductWiki is the website where people share information about consumer products. All of the content in the wiki is written and maintained by people just like you." They're trying to build a consumer version of Wikipedia. It's not huge yet but they're growing. Give it a try. Just be gentle.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Rip-off Report.com - badbusinessbureau.com
Rip-off Report.com - badbusinessbureau.com
Anytime you have a question about a person or company that you plan to do business with, feel free to check them out here first. And if YOU have problems, feel free to Post here to warn others.
Anytime you have a question about a person or company that you plan to do business with, feel free to check them out here first. And if YOU have problems, feel free to Post here to warn others.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
BBC - h2g2 - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
BBC - h2g2 - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Some more fun reading on just about every subject in the universe, but you have to bring your own towel. The fish will be supplied. I suggest that you start with Handy Latin Phrases and work your way up. Non sum pisces!
Some more fun reading on just about every subject in the universe, but you have to bring your own towel. The fish will be supplied. I suggest that you start with Handy Latin Phrases and work your way up. Non sum pisces!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Free avast! 4 Home Edition - Free antivirus software - free virus protection for home PC
Free avast! 4 Home Edition - Free antivirus software - free virus protection for home PC
Most of the user reviews that I read made the point that it's very user friendly, though PC World didn't like it and it's not recommended if you're using Zone Alarm. Then again, the new Norton said that it wouldn't work with Zone Alarm, but they seem to be playing well together on my machine. And best of all, it's free, so you might want to give it a try.
Most of the user reviews that I read made the point that it's very user friendly, though PC World didn't like it and it's not recommended if you're using Zone Alarm. Then again, the new Norton said that it wouldn't work with Zone Alarm, but they seem to be playing well together on my machine. And best of all, it's free, so you might want to give it a try.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
It's turns out that Rosy actually has some fairly good reasons to be late with her Sat Postings. She asked me to Post some of her favorite X-rated Sites, but I've decided to recycle a couple of her older Posts instead. Hey, children read this Site. She should be back next Sat. If not, maybe we WILL use some of her favorite X-rated Sites. Remember, this is the woman who Posted "iPod Accessory for Desperate Housewives", though, up til then, I hadn't thought of her as "desperate".
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Neowin's Freeware Alternative List - Neowin.net
Neowin's Freeware Alternative List - Neowin.net
Freeware. Now purse your lips and say the first part of it again with me. Freeeeee. Free, free, free. Now didn't that feel great? This Site has more Feeware than I cared to count and pages of remarks by folks using the Freeware. Freeeeeeeee!
Freeware. Now purse your lips and say the first part of it again with me. Freeeeee. Free, free, free. Now didn't that feel great? This Site has more Feeware than I cared to count and pages of remarks by folks using the Freeware. Freeeeeeeee!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Notes From the Mutant Zombie Invasion
Notes From the Mutant Zombie Invasion
Nick the Cop has started his own Blog. Its funny. It's good. Read it and chuckle.
Nick the Cop has started his own Blog. Its funny. It's good. Read it and chuckle.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Page By Page Books. Read Classic Books Online, Free.
Page By Page Books. Read Classic Books Online, Free.
My favorite online book Site. I got caught up on some Wodehouse that I hadn't read before.
My favorite online book Site. I got caught up on some Wodehouse that I hadn't read before.
Internet Archive: Million Book Project
Internet Archive: Million Book Project
Another excellent source of online books, growing all the time.
Another excellent source of online books, growing all the time.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Are: Boycott the RIAA in March - Gizmodo
Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Are: Boycott the RIAA in March - Gizmodo
It pretty much speaks for itself. "Thieves, thieves, tramps and thieves."
It pretty much speaks for itself. "Thieves, thieves, tramps and thieves."
Friday, November 17, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)